MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

It wasn’t until after I read Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill that I found it was her debut novel. And wow, I am impressed! This story reads as someone who is well seasoned in writing books. I love that Caudill immediately hits on several genre’s with a historical background and lots of mystery and flowing through the pages. And I can’t forget the oh so sweet romance!!

Actually when I saw this cover I was so intrigued! It’s beautifully stunning and the colors are outstanding. I knew I had to read this one, even before I knew what it was about. I loved every minute it was in my hands!! The characters are masterfully created and I love how they grow so much as the story unfolds. I think Teresa is my favorite, and maybe Broderick coming in for a close second? I really like Teresa’s spunk and feisty spirit because she won’t back down from anyone. And that’s what I like. I did feel for both characters as they dug deeper and deeper into Teresa’s grandfather’s secrets. That was a tough blow.

I also love that Caudill wasn’t afraid to weave the Christian life into the lives of her characters. And it’d done in such a beautiful and subtle way. I am so intrigued about this book. And I can’t wait for the second book in this series to release. Yes! A second book, what fun! If you are interested in any of these genre’s here, you will surely love this book. I encourage you to check out Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mline alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

With obvious impeccable research and a very creative premise, author Crystal Caudill has penned an intriguing tale of suspense with her debut novel, Counterfeit Love. Carefully crafted and colorful characters are plopped down in a counterfeiting investigation in Cincinnati, Ohio in the 1880s. Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove has been working to identify the main members of a ring of counterfeiters when he finds his former fiancé, Theresa Plane, may be involved. Theresa is a strong, sometimes stubborn, heroine who is currently engaged to Edward Greystone. While trying to pay the debts her grandfather owes and save the family home, Theresa stumbles upon evidence he’s involved in the counterfeiting ring.

Action, adventure, suspense, lots of twists and turns, and a dash of romance all add to this absorbing story. A strong faith element is present and gives the tale added depth. I enjoyed the author’s historical notes in the back of the book which explained interesting facts about this particular slice of history.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications. All opinions are my own. ( )

This novel was truly fascinating! I learned so much about counterfeiting and secret service agents in the nineteenth century. There was lots of mystery in the story that made the plot interesting as I tried to figure out the ending. The characters are likeable and easy to connect with early in the story. I really enjoyed reading about their ever-changing relationship. I love the second chances romance trope! Theresa is strong and determined and I really enjoyed her character. The integration of faith in this novel is also well done and clear without being preachy. This book is a fantastic debut novel and I cannot wait to read the next one! Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )

What a fabulous engaging debut novel by Crystal Caudill! It’s hard to believe this is her first book. The characters, story, and setting completely drew me in. I enjoyed the compelling, fast-paced mystery combined with romance and spiritual insight woven deftly throughout the story. Set in the late 1800’s in Cincinnati, Ohio, this is a story of betrayal, second chance love, and counterfeiting.

Broderick Cosgrove is an undercover secret service agent trying to foil a counterfeiting ring possibly involving his childhood friend and ex-fiancé, Theresa Plane. His investigation leads him to Theresa’s grandfather Colonel Plane whose significant debts force her into an impossible situation. When Broderick broke her heart and abandoned her six years ago, Theresa tried to move on with her life. She’s become engaged to Edward Greystone, a man who offers her security. Yet, she still can’t forget Broderick. When he returns, her life is thrown into chaos. Can she trust him and will she be able to save herself and her grandfather from imminent ruin?

Theresa is headstrong, artistically talented, and skeptical. She’s lost so much and wonders if God is really listening. I appreciated her struggle with faith and her learning to trust in God again. Her relationship with Broderick is full of those love/hate moments where you know she’s still attracted to him but doesn’t want to admit it.

Broderick is passionate, self-sacrificing, and enjoys his career. He can be unforgiving and has to learn to prioritize what’s important, but I loved the way he cared for Theresa. The rock he keeps in his pocket as a reminder lent a gentle touch to his strong lawman character.

Loved the supporting characters. Broderick’s brother Nathaniel really stole my heart and I hope to see more of him. Theresa’s friend Lydia and her husband, Mrs. Hawking, and Isaacs brought added enjoyment to the story.

The romance between Theresa and Broderick definitely had those swoony moments. I loved their first kiss and the palpable underlying attraction. I only wish their backstory was given at the beginning. The reader is instantly immersed into the story and a few pages of what happened six years earlier would have been helpful. However, this didn’t detract from the story and eventually the past is revealed.

The historical aspects were well researched and interesting. I enjoyed learning about ciphers, the Secret Service, and counterfeiting. The action, twists and turns, romance, and mystery definitely kept me engaged. The inspirational spiritual messages added to the story without being preachy.

I look forward to reading more by this author! Highly recommend to Christian fiction/romance readers. I received an advanced copy from the author through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. ( )

This debut novel by Crystal Caudill has everything that I love in a book. Historical facts woven into fiction, intrigue to feed my love for mystery, romance that makes my heart happy, and a strong faith message to nourish my soul! It also has wonderful multi-dimensional characters, both primary and secondary, that seem to leap off the pages. I also loved the history that is packed into Theresa, Broderick, and Colonel Plane's story! Did you know that the Secret Service began during the Civil War, and its initial purpose was to stop the counterfeiting of money that had become so rampant?

Counterfeit Love is set in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the events that take place occur in less than a five-month period in 1843-1844. A short time to most, but Theresa Plane's life is changed forever in those five months. She discovers hurtful truths about someone she loves dearly, and she also learns that love can be deceiving. When her life is put in danger, will she be willing to accept the help of someone who once hurt her deeply? Can she learn to trust and forgive? Will she recognize that counterfeit love may be appealing, but true, abiding love is the prize?

If you're longing for a captivating story that keeps you turning the pages, this is the book for you! Counterfeit Love is a fantastic debut novel, and I can't wait to read more of this author's writing. Crystal Caudill, you've "got a fan in me!"

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publishing via I Read with Audra Blog Tours. There was no obligation for a positive review. I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts. ( )