THE KEYS TO GRAMERCY PARK by Candice Sue Patterson, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

DOORS TO THE PAST SERIES

"With the unfolding of history, we can learn about ourselves. . . This journey taught me many things . . . sometimes the answers we seek aren't the ones we thought we would find, and that everyone is faced (at least once in their lives) with a difficult choice - to gain no matter the cost, or be willing to sacrifice for the good of humankind. Let us strive to never be counterfeit in our actions, our service, our love."

Counterfeit . . . exactly what Andrea Andrews had found behind the walls of her historical Manhattan apartment . . . post-Civil War counterfeit bills. As an investigative journalist for the Smithsonian magazine, of course Andrea wanted to determine their origin and the mind-set behind their placement. Who . . . and why? Those answers would take her on a journey that would eventually crisscross the legacy of one of the most influential families in the city, whose wealth and prestige held keys to Gramercy Park . . . along with Beau Davidson-Quincy . . . who was slowly unlocking the gate surrounding her heart.

Franklin Davidson was a rather tragic figure, a man who had overcome a harsh beginning in life only to come home from the Civil War with an artificial appendage, but doggedly determined, to make a better life for his adoring wife and growing family. Fortune smiled upon Franklin when he was able to secure a job with the newly formed Secret Service, a government agency tasked with investigating the rampant printing and circulation of counterfeit currency. It appeared that "secret" should have also been Franklin's middle name, for he went to his grave with pockets full of them, or so he thought.

A mesmerizing story, the kind you can't put down, nor would you even want to. The two timelines bear intentional stylistic differences, creating varying atmospheric experiences that match, rather than distract from the dual plots. Barring mild "wish that had been a little more defined" moments, finishing this book feels more like a curtain being drawn back, rather than falling closed at the conclusion of a performance. And the romance? . . . pitch perfect, entertaining, most definitely "worth it all".

*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars 

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
Secrets Sealed Within a Wall Come to Light in Lower Manhattan

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Investigative historical journalist Andrea Andrews is tired of waiting tables to make ends meet. If she could find and write the next breakout story, she could secure a promotion with Smithsonian Magazine as their writer-at-large. But not much happens in lower Manhattan out of the ordinary until she discovers post-Civil War counterfeit bills hidden in the wall of her historic district apartment.

Politics have always been Beau Davidson-Quincy’s passion, despite his family’s real estate empire. His clean image and single status make him a target in the media as he prepares to build his campaign for New York governor. He has nothing to hide until a cute waitress unravels a mystery that could destroy his family’s reputation.

Two centuries earlier, wounded Civil War veteran Franklin Davidson lost everything—his house, his wife, his standing in society. In his darkest moment, he’s awarded a position with the newly formed Secret Service to combat the spread of counterfeit U.S. currency. His life and new home in Gramercy Park are the envy of his peers, but nothing is as it seems. Secrets are meant to be kept, and Franklin will take his to his grave. 

Barbour Publishing, May 1, 2023

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

Buy THE KEYS TO GRAMERCY PARK at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House