Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill ~ Book Review

About the Book 

Book: Counterfeit Faith

Author: Crystal Caudill

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age, Book 3

Release Date: May 16, 2023

Publisher: Kregel

As matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison has dedicated her life to serving the children deemed delinquents by society. She'll protect them with everything she has. So when she suspects someone is using Final Chance for criminal deeds, she's determined to investigate and put a stop to it. But villains don't like to be crossed--and they're willing to kill to get their way.

Gwendolyn knows she can't quit fighting. More than her own life is on the line if counterfeiters go free. She must find someone she can trust to help her expose the criminals and protect the children under her care.

Charming and chivalrous Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs has never been able to turn his back on a woman in trouble--and capturing counterfeiters is his job, after all. The danger he's truly worried about is his growing attraction to Gwendolyn when his heart wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife.

As both peril and interest grow, he begins to consider whether a second love may be possible--if they can live through this case. At the same time, he's put off by her faith in a God he no longer trusts. How can a future together even be possible when their beliefs are at odds?

My Thoughts 

Counterfeit Faith was the last book oof the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series and it was perfection! I was so sad to see this series end because the characters and the storyline is so well done. I have enjoyed getting to know these characters even more as they each get their own storyline and Josiah's was so good. Josiah is investigating a counterfeit ring and his sources bring him to the Final Chance House of Refuge where not only does Gwendolyn is matron of,  but his nieces and nephew have been placed in without his knowledge. So he has a double investment towards this case. 

I absolutely loved the camraderie and love between these two characters. Granted that they are not without past lives. Josiah has been married before to the love of his life, so we see him opening up his heart to someone new. Unexpected for him but he can't help falling in love with Gwendolyn. They both learn a great deal of faith throughout the story.

One of the things I really admire about Ms. Caudill is that she doesn't waver when it comes to the faith threads/elements in her stories. They are solid and make you stop and think. She does it in a way that truly flows with the storyline and doesn't feel forced which tells me that her belief in God is genuine and not something that she has to pen but naturally flows from her. 

Overall it was a great ending to the series and very bittersweet that it is over. However... I am looking forward to her next book and I hope and pray that she has many more coming! If you enjoy mystery, romance and faith filled books then I definitely recommend you read the whole series and do it in order!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.