A Daring Venture

s I opened this book the story just kept getting better and better, and right to the last page I was captivated.
What a world the author gives us, and yes, we learn that there is some fact here, and what a gift of saving lives, even if most is fictional. We are shown a very different world for woman here, to be accused of a crime and feel shamed for it, today it would be laughed off, but for this talented and educated woman it was a curse.
I wanted to smack her sister in law, but I had to remind myself that she had lost a lot, but so ungrateful.
If you enjoy a great story, with a bit of sweet romance this one has it all, and you sure won’t be disappointed.

I received this book through Bethany House and their Blogger Program, and was not show more required to give a positive review. show less

4.5 Stars

The thing I love about Elizabeth Camden is how she can take a piece of history that we take for granted today and bring it to life. In A Daring Venture, it’s plumbing and water purification. Who knew those two things could make such an engaging and enjoyable read!

Nick Drake was introduced in A Dangerous Legacy as he secretly installed plumbing in buildings. Now, his time spent helping others is something reporters clamor to capture.

When Nick meets Rosalind Werner, the attraction is immediate, and he’s not shy about voicing his interest. Rosalind is a scientist, on the opposite side of a court case as Nick, yet neither of them can deny the attraction.

I love and hate Nick’s straightforward nature. This is a man who tells it show more like it is. He loves his daughter and his sister, tells Rosalind exactly how he feels (one word: spectacles), and his desire to bridge the gap between his family and his aunt. But he’s also opinionated and unbending to the point of rigidity when anyone breaks his trust (and he’s not always the best judge of who to place his trust in). The combination makes him a flawed hero, which I find refreshing.

The story takes some unexpected twists and turns which makes it that much more enjoyable! This is why Camden is at the top of my must-read-authors list.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. show less

Poised on the brink of a watershed moment for delivering clean water to the masses, “A Daring Venture” adroitly combines science with the human element. Hindsight is usually 20/20, and it is easy to look back and forget that what we now take for granted was once contentious and groundbreaking. As such, it is informative to see both sides of the controversy and to get a glimpse into the techniques, sacrifices, and struggles of each. Elizabeth Camden achieves this without overwhelming the reader with scientific detail, composing a novel that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.

My grandmother was born in 1908, and I know little about her life or the early twentieth century in America, so it was a treat to read a story set during that show more time period. Another aspect of this novel that distinguished it from other historical fiction was the occupation and background of the main character, Rosalind Werner. Her childhood brush with cholera paves the way for her professional aspirations and also makes her more sympathetic to readers, and having achieved her doctorate in biochemistry from a German university makes her completely unique in this genre. Nicholas Drake is similarly distinctive, a suitable complement and adversary. The moral and ethical considerations woven into the narrative cause Rosalind and Nick’s professional and personal lives to intersect while infusing the story with a subtle faith element. Elizabeth Camden truly pens a tour de force with “A Daring Venture”, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an intelligent, absorbing read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. show less

Dr. R. L. Werner has a meeting with Nicholas Drake to discuss her newest technology in making water safe to drink in cities. Nicholas Drake is more than ready to talk with the beautiful lady until he discovers she is the Dr. Rosalind Werner who is his opponent in court. What both don't realize is the chemistry between them is strong. Both can not deny it, but the battle of safe drinking water does come between them. Who is right? Roselind Werner, who has worked her entire life to develop a technique to ensure safe water for the public. Or Nicholas Drake, who does not want the chemical chlorine used thinking it is toxic to humans. "A Daring Venture," by Elizabeth Camden, is based loosely on the historical litigation of the efficacy of show more chlorine for disinfecting water safely. I found this historical read to have a dash of romance and subterfuge along with believable, well-developed characters. A definite must for your reading to-do-list! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. show less

Rosalind Werner is a female, doctorate level trained, biochemist in early 1900’s New Jersey. She is working diligently to convince the state to allow chlorine dilution in the water supply to reduce water-borne diseases, a system we continue to utilize today. Nick Drake is a wealthy-by-chance, newly appointed Commissioner of Water in New York who begins to fall for Rosalind despite his skepticism toward “poisoning” the people’s water supply. The ensuing story is one of historical romance.

Rosalind’s intelligence and education are continually mentioned within A Daring Venture. Nick is self-conscious someone of Rosalind’s level would be attracted or interested in a plumber, such as himself. As a well-educated woman myself, this show more continued dynamic was EXTREMELY off putting. I loved that author, Elizabeth Camden, gave us a strong female lead, but these efforts were contradicted by the male’s insecurities.

Additionally, while this book reads as a standalone within the series, the plot kept rehashing an event that occurred in Germany, prior to Rosalind’s upheaval to America. This specific plot was written in a way that made it seem as if the reader should have previous knowledge of what occurred. This, as well as the Doctor Clean plot line, made for an unpleasantly confusing read.

For the full review, visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordpress.com/

*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, in exchange for an honest review. show less

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden is the second novel in An Empire State Novel series. It is June 1908 in Jersey City, New Jersey when Dr. John Lael and Dr. Rosalind Werner, a biochemist, get the verdict on a two-year court case for which they were consultants. They have ninety days to prove their case that chlorine can prevent waterborne diseases in the water supply. It is a controversial idea and people are against a toxic chemical being added to their drinking water. How can they prove chlorine will not harm people? Nicholas Drake spoke for the opposition in court and is up for the position of Commissioner of State Water Board of New York. Dr. Lael suggests they meet with Nicholas Drake and try to bring him over to their side. show more Nicholas is instantly attracted to Rosalind, but she cannot change his mind about the chlorine argument. Nicholas is hoping that after the legal case is closed, he can court Rosalind and make her his wife. Rosalind enjoys spending time with Nicholas, but she is afraid of what will happen when her secrets come to light. But when Nicholas uncovers the duplicity, he sets out to wage a war in the court of public opinion. In the midst of this turmoil, an unknown enemy has set their sights on Rosalind and intends to destroy her. Who is behind this maliciousness?

A Daring Venture may be the second novel in An Empire State Novel series, but it can be read alone. The author provides the necessary background on Nicholas Drake (his sister, Lucy was featured in A Dangerous Legacy). I thought A Daring Venture was well-written and had charming main characters. Nicholas Drake is a handsome, down to earth man who can be exasperating. Rosalind is an intelligent woman who wants to help prevent disease. She is naïve, though, in the ways of the world (men) and cannot explain science in a way that normal people can understand. The characters are realistic with good traits and flaws (like Nicholas’ impulsiveness and quick temper). I found the premise fascinating. We take for granted that we have safe drinking water, but rarely think about how it came about. It was obvious the author did her research for the book and she managed to explain the process in a way that lay people can understand. The story is based on real life events which the author explains at the end of the book. I thought that the era was captured with the descriptions of the clothing, buildings, and attitudes. I laughed at Rosalind’s fear of using the new fangled subway. The romance was not over-the-top, nor did it dominate the story. The battle over the water and the mystery of the unknown enemy are intertwined with the romance between Nicholas and Rosalind. I especially enjoyed the humorous moments and lines (added levity). I liked that the author included Lucy and Colin in the story. We get to find out what is happening in their lives. I was not thrilled with Rosalind’s sister-in-law, Ingrid. I did not like her poor attitude or how she treated Rosalind. The faith element was very light in A Daring Venture which is unusual for this author. Elizabeth Camden sets the stage for A Desperate Hope (2019) which will provide us with Eloise Drake’s story. A Daring Venture is an engaging, multi-faceted story. show less

In the early twentieth century, water-borne diseases can wipe out a community of people in a short time. Doctor Rosalind Werner is dedicated to purifying water and believes that chlorine might be the answer to preventing the diseases that took her loved ones from her. When Rosalind and her associates end up on the losing side of a lawsuit, she hopes to convince New York's Commissioner of Water, Nicholas Drake, to support her research. An unexpected attraction blossoms between Rosalind and Nicholas nearly immediately. To her dismay, Nicholas refuses to support her research and plans to fight against her chemical purification method. As Rosalind continues her research, she and Nicholas must confront their growing affections and the show more differences separating them. Read more in A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden.

I enjoyed A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden. The first chapter completely captivated my attention and from then on I eagerly returned to the story when possible. The well-written prose, a dose of mystery, and plenty of secrets created a lovely setting for the development of Rosalind and Nicholas' relationship. Their obvious adoration of each other contrasted sharply with the later tension in their relationship. This enchanting dichotomy had me pulling for them to reconcile and savoring each step in the novel's plot.

I recommend this novel to fans of inspirational, historical romances. A Daring Venture is the second novel in Elizabeth Camden's Empire State Novel Series, but worked fine as a stand-alone novel, as I have not read the first novel, A Dangerous Legacy. Also, looking forward to the third book in this series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." show less