"Carved in Stone" by Elizabeth Camden - The Blackstone Legacy, book 1

Gwen Kellerman is an heiress to the infamous Blackstone family, whose history of scandal nearly destroyed her. She now lives a quiet life at the idyllic college founded with her family's fortune and hopes to keep the tragedies of her past safely behind her. Patrick O'Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He's proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he accepts a case to challenge the Blackstones' legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery. Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction, Patrick is the only one who can save Gwen from new danger on the horizon.

I enjoyed this introduction to the Blackstone family. I was glad that the book veered in another direction from the initial lawsuit--what happens afterward was far more interesting to me than a mere courtroom drama. I loved how it pushed both Gwen and Patrick to confront their class prejudices--a huge hurdle in their romance, particularly for Patrick (the rich aren't the only ones who can be snobs). 

One thing I trust Camden for is well-researched history, and she always delivers. This time she incorporates the formation of US Steel (altered slightly for the Blackstones), as well as the research and development of vaccines and medications for common diseases such as tetanus. Who knew that the serum to treat tetanus was created by harvesting antibodies from horse blood? 

I'm glad this is a series, as there is so much potential for future books among the supporting characters. I'm really hoping to get a story about Natalia and her Russian count--I loved their dynamic, even as small a part as it was. But I'd also love to see what Liam makes of himself, and where his relationship with old Grandfather Blackstone goes. I'm very much looking forward to the next book. 

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

The Blackstone Legacy

1. Carved in Stone

2. Written on the Wind

3. Hearts of Steel