COUNTERFEIT LOVE by Crystal Caudill, Reviewed by Paula and Winnie

PAULA'S REVIEW
It is hard to believe this is a debut novel. It is packed with information about the Secret Service in 1883. The characters are richly drawn and the story moves at a fast pace with danger at every turn of the page. The romance was complex and the villains were crafty.

I so enjoyed this story with well researched facts about the Secret Service. Agent Broderick Cosgrove is tracking a counterfeiting ring which leads him to a very interesting lady, Theresa Plane. Theresa is doing her best to cancel the debts that her grandfather accumulated. But he is keeping things from her and that puts her in danger. Broderick, in agent mode, trusts no one and tries to separate lies from the truth. There in lies the conundrum when Broderick and Theresa start to favor each other. In addition, Theresa is having a crisis of faith but she finds support in her friend, Lydia: “I know you have been struggling, but no matter what happens or what you think you’ve lost, you cannot lose God... if you have nothing left, turn to the One you do have. He is there waiting.”

Interesting, also, were references to other characters and their back story. I hope that Ms Caudill will favor us with a prequel. I am anxious to read the next book, Counterfeit Hope.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a solid faith thread.

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
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.

BackCover Blurb:

Can this undercover agent save the woman he loves--or is her heart as counterfeit as the money he's been sent to track down?

After all that Grandfather has sacrificed to raise her, Theresa Plane owes it to him to save the family name--and that means clearing their debt with creditors before she marries Edward Greystone. But when one of the creditors' threats leads her to stumble across a midnight meeting, she discovers that the money he owes isn't all Grandfather was hiding. And the secrets he kept have now trapped Theresa in a life-threatening fight for her home--and the truth.

After months of undercover work, Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove is finally about to uncover the identity of the leader of a notorious counterfeiting ring. That moment of triumph turns to horror, however, when he finds undeniable proof that his former fiancée is connected. Can he really believe the woman he loved is a willing participant? Protecting Theresa and proving her innocence may destroy his career--but that's better than failing her twice in one lifetime.

They must form a partnership, tentative though it is. But there's no question they're both still keeping secrets--and that lack of trust, along with the dangerous criminals out for their blood, threatens their hearts, their faith, and their very survival.

Combining rich history, danger, suspense, and romance, Crystal Caudill's debut novel launches this new historical series with a bang. Fans of Elizabeth Camden, Michelle Griep, and Joanna Davidson Politano will be thrilled to find another author to follow!

Kregel Publishing, March 15, 2022

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

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