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Empire State #2

A Daring Venture

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As a biochemist in early 1900s New York City, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against water-borne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city—but only if she can get people to believe in her work.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York Nicholas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.

While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, these two rivals will face higher stakes than they ever could have known.

340 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2018

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About the author

Elizabeth Camden

39 books3,142 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
Profile Image for Shirley Revill.
1,197 reviews287 followers
November 6, 2018
Dr Rosalind Werner biochemist studies water borne diseases. She desperately wants a safe water supply for the town to halt the spread of cholera. Rosalind lost her parents and sibling to this awful disease and her research is a cause that is very close to Rosalind's heart. In a time when women where expected to stay at home it's not always easy for Rosalind to be taken seriously. With just ninety days to convince the court and the townsfolk that she can halt the spread of cholera she certainly has a battle on her hands.

On the opposite side of the fence is Nicholas Drake. Although Nicholas wants the same outcome as Rosalind he along with the townsfolk are convinced that adding Chlorine to the water is not the right thing to do. Nicholas and the townsfolk are convinced that adding Chlorine to the water will make the water unsafe to drink.

Although Rosalind and Nicholas have their differences they become good friends but alas this does not last. Rosalind does something that Nicholas cannot forgive and the friendship ends.

This is a story about fighting for what you believe in no matter what the consequences are. Will the price that Rosalind has to pay for her actions be too high even for Rosalind.

I really enjoy historical fiction and i enjoyed every second of this audiobook. The narration was really good as was the storyline. This was the first time I have listened to an audiobook by this author and it won't be the last. Although this book is part of a series it is perfectly fine as a standalone.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,238 reviews78 followers
June 8, 2018
I'm not a fan of insta lust/love / kissing early on in books. I didn't care for this hero's temper and how nastily he lashed out and I definitely don't plan to read the next book because the heroine in that book is a character in this one who I didn't care for. Don't like her.
It's really a shame because this had the typical brilliant Camden heroine and the historic story alone was interesting by itself without the other added stuff. Disappointed.
Profile Image for Pepa.
1,045 reviews287 followers
March 6, 2021
Reseña completa:https://masromance.blogspot.com/2021/...

No lo catalogaría como novela romántica, peses a que contiene historia de amor
La novela resulta muy interesante, y me ha pasado como con el primero. Cosas como la cloración del agua, que tan dadas por hecho tenemos, no son tan lejanas y resulta muy atrapante asistir de la mano de esta autora que, en mi opinión, escribe genial, a un posible comienzo del hecho, con tan solo unos pocos acontecimientos verídicos.
me gusta mucho el estilo de Camden, y la forma que tiene de engancharte a la novela intercambiando pequeñas subtramas
También he de decir que el romance es flojo, parte de un instalove total, con lo poco que me gustan y, dejando de lado que Nick (quien aparece en la novela anterior, recomiendo leerlo antes porque así sabemos más cosas de él) es un amor ♥, la pareja queda muy fría y más pragmática que sentimental.- Creo que la novela me hubiera gustado casi lo mismo sin ella.... (casi)
Una pena que no desarrolle más esa parte de la trama porque le saldrían novelas estupendas. Eso sí, totalmente blanca y una lectura en la que la documentación y el tema de la cloración del agua es lo que realmente se disfruta
Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,164 reviews5,126 followers
September 15, 2022
About this book:

“As a biochemist in early 1900s New York, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against water-borne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city--but only if she can get people to believe in her work.
Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York Nickolas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.
While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, these two rivals will face higher stakes than they ever could have known.”



Series: Book #2 in the “Empire State” series. Review of Book #1 Here!


Spiritual Content- Thanking God & A blessing over food; A few talks about God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches & church going; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of thanking God; A mention of a Bible; A mention of a place in the Bible; A mention of godsend; A mention of a miracle; A mention of a sinner;
*Note: A couple mentions of a damning newspaper caption; A mention of hearing something damning; A mention of the devil; A mention of demons.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘fig’, a ‘heck’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘son of a gun’, two forms of ‘darn’, two forms of ‘dumb’s, five ‘stupid’s, and seventeen forms of ‘idiot’s; Some eye rolling; Being punched, attacked, & blood/bleeding (semi-detailed); Many mentions of deaths, bodies, illnesses/diseases, & the affects (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a murder (suicide) & how it happened (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of wars & deaths; Mentions of being punched, attacked, injuries, & bruises; Mentions of blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of poison & side-effects (semi-detailed); Mentions of threats; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of a break-in & intruder; Mentions of prisons/jails & arrests; Mentions of a plan to embezzle; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, social drinking, taverns, & drunks; Mentions of divorces; A few mentions of a woman poisoning people on purpose; A few mentions of pickpockets; A few mentions of tobacco; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of a plan to assassinate a president; A couple mentions of blackmail; A couple mentions of cigars & smoking; A mention of a suicide in a play; A mention of where the sun doesn’t shine.


Sexual Content- four hand kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace; Touches, Hand holding, & Nearness (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Lots of Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; a form of ‘wanton’; Mentions of a married man’s attraction & touches to Rosalind (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of reputations, scandals, & a fallen woman; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of blushes & winks; A few mentions of an affair & a child born out of it; A few mentions of inappropriate suggestions; A couple mentions of crushes; A mention of making love to someone; A mention of chaperones; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of a mother who died after child labor; A few mentions of miscarriages.

-Rosalind Werner, age 28
-Nicholas “Nick” Drake, age 36
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1908 (Prologue in 1890)
341 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Set five years after “A Daring Legacy”, this sequel picks up with Lucy’s young brother’s story and female doctor, Rosalind. While I liked Rosalind, the romance was very instant, and they were kissing at page fifty-six (chapter four). That’s pretty quick in my opinion. Nick had some good moments, but he lashed out and caused problems more than I care to explain, and I ended up feeling ‘meh’ about him.
This author always adds a unique historical plot to her books and this one was no different with the topics of chlorine in water and the fights that had to happen for clean water.
This novel sets-up for the next book well, and while I’m slightly interested in it, I’m not so sure about the main girl. We’ll have to see.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this honest review.
Profile Image for Jocelyn Green.
Author 37 books1,636 followers
August 9, 2020
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Elizabeth Camden has such smart heroines, and brings to life such fascinating slices of history! I knew nothing about the introduction of chlorine into drinking water--and just reading that phrase, you might not think it would make for a riveting and page-turning novel, but with Camden at the helm, that's exactly what we get, along with a heaping dose of romance. I enjoyed A Daring Venture, even though the hero's temper was bad enough at one point that I think he should enroll in an anger management program before he's fit to be in a relationship. Anger is definitely his fatal flaw. Both the leading characters made decisions that I was uncomfortable with, but from a purely technical story perspective, that's how the conflict keeps escalating until both of them reach their black moments, then repent and reconcile. At times it was hard to watch, so to speak, until things resolved.

(The audiobook version is outstanding. The hero's New York accent and personality really shine.)

Profile Image for Rachel McMillan.
Author 26 books1,170 followers
June 26, 2018
This book is a lovely companion piece to A Dangerous Legacy and takes us back to gilded age New York.
As per always, Camden's ongoing fictional intention is the promotion of women in interesting occupations usually dominated by the men of their period.

Rosalind Warner is a doctor and biochemist in New York is at the forefront of sanitary research that will work to provide safe water to New Yorkers. Nicholas Drake ( familiar to readers of A Dangerous Legacy) is newly appointed as Commissioner of Water for New York. Nicholas is no stranger to hardwork or conditions, having spent several years familiar with helping tenement inhabiting families.

This is a romance that will easily appeal to those who love a little (un)friendly competition to add to the flint and sparks.

But what sets Camden apart is the sheer intelligence and vibrant research that ripples through each of her expertly plotted tales. The research! I mean, you read a Camden book and you feel like you're getting an honourary degree in a subject you never knew was so fascinating.

I love her intelligence, her articulate prose, her penchant for mature characters meeting over their mindful strengths and her advocacy for women choosing professions alongside their passions for eventual hearths and homes.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
January 2, 2019
A Daring Venture is the second book in the Empire State series. I haven't read the first one yet and I'm wondering if that is part of the reason I didn't love this as much as I was hoping. I enjoyed the history and how the story line was so unique...I've never read a book like this.

I did think the romance was a little to "insta-love" and I wasn't a fan of it. The writing style was great, though, and made it so easy to read.

All in all, I enjoyed A Daring Venture but it isn't my favorite of Camden's. I'm not sure if I will be continuing the series or not.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
Profile Image for Nuria Llop.
Author 15 books123 followers
November 20, 2020
Esta novela es un broche de oro a la que le precede: “Un legado peligroso”. La autora vuelve a tocar un tema original, diferente y que me ha parecido fascinante: la cloración del agua. Nunca me había parado a pensar que puedo beber agua del grifo tranquilamente gracias a unas personas que se les ocurrió desinfectarla con cloro a principios del siglo pasado, pero que les costó mucho conseguir que les permitieran hacerlo.
De nuevo, el modo en que la autora utiliza un hecho real para crear toda una ficción que engancha, que resulta coherente y te sumerge de lleno en la época sin párrafos de documentación ni notas aclaratorias a pie de página, me parece impecable. También de nuevo hay algún detalle en la protagonista que la autora pone porque le va bien y punto, pero solo son dos, en mi opinión, y quedan compensados con toda la historia que la rodea.
Y con la de amor que protagoniza. Aquí sí ocupa más páginas, a diferencia de la novela anterior. Hay un buen romance (no sexo, no hace falta) Está equilibrado con la trama del pleito y muy bien encajado en ella. Y el protagonismo también se reparte entre ella y él: Nick. Nick (que me acuerde del nombre significa que me ha encantado) es un gran personaje, te atrapa enseguida y tiene una evolución magnífica.
El plantel de secundarios es extenso, pero bien definido. Algunos ya los encontramos en la anterior entrega. ¿Es imprescindible leerla para disfrutar de esta? Imprescindible no, pero sí conveniente para poder entender ciertos odios que vemos en esta historia y que la autora tiene la picardía de no contarnos de dónde surgen para que así, te intrigue saber qué pasó con la hermana de Nick y los demás familiares.
Parece que hay una tercera entrega, ya la espero con ganas.
Recomiendo esta novela a las adictas a la novela histórica en general y a la romántica histórica en particular. Abstenerse las que no os gusten las historias con muchos personajes.
Profile Image for Rachael.
730 reviews
July 12, 2018
3.5 Stars

I didn’t particularly care for how it started. An instant attraction and kiss within such a short amount of time just doesn’t ring real for me. I didn’t really connect with any characters in this one. I also wish it had some sort of faith theme

However, I loved the story and plot. I’m a huge fan of Historical Fiction so I enjoyed the science, beginning of public water systems, and all the complications that went along with it. The fact that it was based on real characters and facts made this book interesting to me.

I always enjoy Camden’s reads. This one wasn’t as good as some, but I did enjoy the rich research and history on bringing in clean water to cities.
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,868 reviews1,436 followers
July 17, 2020
This was really interesting and was one of my favorites of Camden's stories. It helped that the hero was a decent guy who occasionally got annoyed rather than being a nasty-tempered fellow like some of the other recent ones.

The two leads have a common goal (clean drinking water) but differing aims to get there. In the quest to make sure their town gets clean water, he favors filtration and she favors chlorination, pointing out that filtration is good only until floods come and overwhelm it. It's a race to prove whose method is the right one ahead of the plans for a new reservoir to supply the town with water.
Profile Image for Diane Estrella.
342 reviews110 followers
June 5, 2018
Another winner! I've never read an Elizabeth Camden book I didn't like... just sayin'...

The overall story was good and I liked getting to know both Rosalind and Nicholas. I felt a kinship with Nick and his desire to be connected with his family and always want to see the good in everyone. The romance was realistic and shows the dangers of falling too hard, too quickly.

This book actually made me say to my husband that we need to have our well water tested to make sure it is safe to drink. The author did immense research into this topic and impressed me with the importance of being informed and taking action when needed... so, thank you. This story based on true events was amazing and incredulous, but thankfully, someone was brave enough to act and save lives.

I believe in book one of this series, Nick had wanted to save some family jewels for his future bride but this was not addressed in this story. (Sad face.) I do like how book three is set up with an introduction to the characters here, in A Daring Venture.

I received this book from the author/publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for Libby May.
Author 4 books85 followers
July 14, 2018
It was good. 100% cliche. 100% insta-love. But I actually enjoyed the story. I learned a whole bunch about water filtration and chlorination. And I loved that Rosalind wasn't like all attracted to Nick's muscles, but his grease covered hands.

If y'all want a content review let me know. Otherwise recommended for people 14 and up who don't mind cliches or instant-love.
76 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2018
This is a 4.5 rating for me.
At the heart of this story is the question when is it alright to use individuals for experimentation without their consent?
Rosalind and Drake both want the same thing for their city. Clean and safe water. But their methods are so different and clash so that the budding romance is quickly squashed before it can blossom.
Rosalind is a strong woman who fights against the odds at that time to build a career in science at a time when it was not generally accepted for women to be in that field. Her parent's bout with cholera is a motivation. She also has a scandal from Germany hanging around her neck.
Drake has to struggle with his background. Luckily, he has money on his side even if it is new money. But I love that he is a go getter with the interest of the poor at heart.
These were just two good people pitted against each other by circumstances.
While I understood Rosalind's position I did not agree with it. And even though a lot of good came from it but her action was dangerous and ethically wrong on all levels. Bad things are sometimes done with the best intentions. Was surprised to learn that the research part was loosely based on real life events.
There were a lot of twists and unexpected turns. But as always in a romance story, love always wins

Thanks to netgalley and Bethany house publishers for an e-copy in return for my honest review
Profile Image for Bibliotecaria recomienda.
371 reviews96 followers
November 12, 2020
¡Hola a todos!

Lo primero que quiero hacer es agradecer el envío del ejemplar a la Editorial Palabra, no es una editorial con la que colabore, pero a raíz de mi participación en uno de los programas de Masa crítica de Babelio comenzaron a enviarme algunos ejemplares de sus novelas de vez en cuando, cosa que agradezco mucho.

Esta vez el ejemplar que he recibido ha sido Una aventura peligrosa de Elizabeth Candem, este libro es la segunda entrega de la serie Empire State que pude empezar a disfrutar con Un legado peligroso, la historia de Lucy y Colin. En esta ocasión le va tocar el turno a Nick Drake, el hermano de Lucy y Rosalind Werner, una bioquímica cuyo objetivo es encontrar una forma de acabar con las enfermedades que se transmiten a través del agua. A pesar de que el libro pertenece a una serie se puede leer de forma independiente, pero si quieres conocer el trasfondo de la enemistad en la familia Drake te recomiendo leer Un legado peligroso.

En el prólogo nos trasladamos a 1890 donde conoceremos a Rosalind Werner, una niña que durante una epidemia de cólera tendrá que ser valiente para cuidar de su hermano y de sí misma ya que el resto de la gente que la rodea enferma o muere. Esto la marcará profundamente hasta el punto de dedicar su vida a investigar e intentar encontrar una manera que la gente no enferme por el agua que bebe. Ahora, años después, ha dedicado su vida a la bioquímica y por fin ha encontrado la manera de hacer segura el agua que se consume, pero antes tendrá que convencer al juez de que su investigación y su método son efectivos y seguros, para ello necesita poner de su lado a los asesores del ayuntamiento, en concreto a Nicholas Drake.

«Los dos conocían el secreto para erradicar las enfermedades del suministro de agua. Conseguirlo les había costado toda una vida de estudio y esfuerzo.»


La atracción entre ellos es instantánea, un amor primera vista, una atracción que se irá incrementando en intensidad conforme vayan tratándose y conociéndose.

«Nick noto que Rosalind lo miraba con interés. Si pudiera olvidarse del juicio y dar rienda suelta a sus sentimientos... Estaba harto de estar solo. Se había enamorado de Rosalind desde el momento en que entró en Sal's Dinner.»


Pero el convencer a Nick va a ser tarea imposible ya que ambos tienen puntos de vista totalmente opuestos. Nick considera que la cloración es envenenar el agua y a quienes la consumen y no va a permitir que usen a los ciudadanos como conejillos de indias, aunque apoyará a Rosalind si esta consigue presentarle pruebas y demostrar que no hay riesgo para la salud al aplicar su método. Por su parte Rosalind intente convencerle mediante los resultados de sus experimentos que la cloración es segura y que va a salvar vidas.

Tenemos a dos personajes muy distintos:

Rosalind procede de una familia acomodada, a raíz de la muerte de sus padres y su abuelo se traslada a Alemania junto a su hermano, Gus. Ha tenido el apoyo de su familia para estudiar una carrera reservada para el feudo masculino. Rosalind es una mujer que ha tenido que luchar contra las convecciones sociales para poder estar en donde está. Sabe que su trabajo va a salvar vidas y se dedica a ello en cuerpo y alma, aunque para ello tenga que dejar de lado su corazón.

Tuvo que estudiar de forma extraoficial una carrera que no estaba abierta a las mujeres y padecer los rumores e insinuaciones por el hecho de trabajar rodeada de hombres. Un escándalo destrozó su reputación por lo que tuvo que salir de Alemania para poder seguir trabajando en sus proyectos. Poco después la siguió su hermano Gus, junto a su esposa y su pequeño bebé. Gus está estudiando para poder convalidar su título de abogacía para poder ejercer en los E.E.U.U., mientras tanto Rosalind les ofrece su casa y su protección. Ha dejado de lado su vida personal en pos de su trabajo, por lo que la llegada de Nick la hará dudar sobre dedicar toda su vida al trabajo y ceder un poco de su tiempo a favor del amor.

«Nick era un hombre sencillo, pero bajo su apariencia tosca y temperamental se escondía una persona amable y comprensiva. Y Rosalind quería contárselo. Estaba harta de guardar secretos.»


Nick sin embargo es un hombre trabajador procedente de una familia humilde, ha trabajado como fontanero desde niño y conoce el oficio del agua a la perfección. A raíz de ganar el pleito contra su familia por la válvula de agua que inventó su abuelo, la vida le ha cambiado radicalmente, ha heredado una gran fortuna subiendo socialmente en el proceso. Ahora trabaja como asesor de la comisión del agua de Nueva York, ganándose el respeto de todos por su trabajo y honradez, aunque su falta de estudios y sus orígenes humildes le han marcado haciendo que no pueda evitar sentir que los que le rodean le miran por encima del hombro, por lo que intenta demostrar una y otra vez que merece estar donde ha llegado mediante esfuerzo y trabajo.

Nick va a por todas con Rosalind desde que la conoce, desde el primer momento siente que es la mujer de su vida y no dejará que se le escape de las manos. Su esposa murió al dar a luz a su pequeña hijita Sadie. Es un hombre de fuertes sentimientos que no soporta las mentiras y tiende a reaccionar de manera impulsiva, aunque enseguida recapacita y pide disculpas.

«Quería una mujer sencilla y honesta en la que pudiera confiar, y cada día estaba más convencido de que esa mujer era Rosalind.»


Volvemos a ser testigo de las rencillas familiares de los Drake, en la que aparecerá un nuevo personaje, Ellie, la prima de Nick y Lucy y protagonista de la tercera entrega de esta serie.

El libro tiene 368 páginas divididas en veintisiete capítulos más epílogo. La narración es en tercera persona y como en la anterior el hilo narrativo es fluido y ameno. En el anterior libro vimos que la historia se centraba en el pleito que la familia Drake tiene por los derechos de la válvula de agua que inventó el abuelo de Lucy y Nick. En esta nos centraremos en los procesos de purificación del agua algo que me ha parecido muy interesante, se nota el buen trabajo de documentación que ha hecho la autora.

Al igual que la anterior entrega este libro pertenece al género literario conocido como clean-romance, es decir un romance limpio en el que no hay escenas sexuales y los protagonistas no van más allá de unos escasos besos y eso con suerte. Como ya sabréis si seguís mi blog la mayoría de mis lecturas suelen ser de género erótico o romántica y suelen tener una gran carga erótica, así que este libro se sale totalmente de lo que suelo leer, pero también debo deciros que no he echado de menos esa parte para nada, la historia se sustenta sola y no necesita nada más para atraparnos, al igual que la historia de amor de los protagonistas.

Una historia de amor y suspense que te atrapará entre sus páginas, espero que la editorial siga apostando por la autora y esta serie para saber cómo serán las historias del resto de personajes, pues he disfrutado mucho de esta historia que te atrapa desde su comienzo.


Reseña en: https://bibliotecariarecomienda.blogs...
Profile Image for Lisa M..
1,017 reviews41 followers
August 20, 2018
I loved reading book 2 in this series! Reading and learning about the beginning of treating water with chlorine in the US to help prevent cholera was fascinating! As was the subplot relating to the male lead. I was happy to read this continuation of the first book and look forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for E.F. Buckles.
Author 2 books62 followers
September 2, 2022
This is the third book by Camden that I've read, and the second book in this series that I've read. In both of the previous two books, "Against the Tide" and "A Dangerous Legacy" I adored the historical aspects, but was generally unhappy with the handling of the romance. This was not the least because both books, despite being published 5 years apart, featured the characters thinking they couldn't be together, but flirting and making out anyway, with the attitude that "it's wrong, but it feels so right." And I absolutely despise that attitude and feel that it's unwise and not something that should be promoted as okay, much less in Christian books.

When I picked up "A Daring Venture" I did so wanting and knowing I'd get a solid historical, but also knowing from those past experiences that I'd probably have to overlook a romance that annoyed me. That seemed to be the case at first, when our hero and heroine ended up kissing a mere four chapters in, after knowing each other for a very brief time. (And then Rosalind was upset that a reporter snapped a picture of it, and I'm like, "WELL, WHO'S FAULT WAS THAT?" *ahem*) However, this book surprised me by actually having consequences for this impulsive and fast-moving relationship when the two realize they don't actually know each other well enough to fully trust each other, and that causes a rift between them. So, I had less issue with the romance by the end than I did with either of the previous two books that I've read by Camden, even if I thought is was going to annoy me at first. The only other thing that bothered me a bit was Nick's temper. I think Camden may have simply been aiming to make him a temperamental New Yorker, and he never got abusive, or I wouldn't rate the book this high. It's just one of those things that could see as potentially being a red flag, or, at minimum, problematic long term if this were a real-life situation, and would urge young women to be extra cautious and discerning in that area in real life.

The one other area that I could critique is the faith content, which I felt was a bit light.

But for the historical stuff, I really enjoyed learning about how water got sanitized in the past and how it was made more effective with the use of chlorine. It... sounds boring when stated like that, but it was very interesting in the book! XD Great conflict and drama going on as our hero and heroine strove for a similar goal but with very different opinions on how to get there.

So, ultimately, I did like this book. It's not my favorite historical fiction book ever, but it is my favorite Camden book that I've read so far. I suspect future books will still be hit or miss for me as far as the romance goes, but I'll still enjoy learning all the history.

Content Advisory:
Lindsey fro the Blog "Books for Christian Girls" has already written a thorough content review for this book, so I'll link to that here. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for Galena Sanz.
Author 0 books122 followers
September 23, 2020
4.5.
Una vez más la autora nos regala otra historia con un trasfondo interesantísimo y del que he aprendido mucho, pero que además se presenta de forma totalmente amena e interesante. Nunca me había parado a pensar lo que el cloro había cambiado nuestra vida y lo que nos protegía de un montón de enfermedades que se transmiten por el agua. Además, en esta ocasión he disfrutado más de la lectura que con el libro anterior porque la historia incluye muchas sorpresas hacia el final de la lectura que casi no le dan un respiro al lector, haciendo que saltemos de una emoción a otra.


El libro comienza con prólogo que me ha encantado y que me ha hecho sumergirme en la historia con muchas ganas. Vemos la experiencia que ha llevado a la protagonista a estar tan involucrada en su deseo de proporcionar agua potable y segura a la población y tan solo son unas páginas, pero esas páginas le proporcionan un trasfondo muy bueno al personaje protagonista. Además, contienen unas imágenes impactantes que creo que hacen que el lector esté alerta y capte la dureza del momento.

Hoy en día estamos muy acostumbrados a abrir el grifo y tener agua (aunque no así en todo el mundo, por desgracia) y yo por lo menos, que vivo en un país donde encontrar agua potable es fácil no le había dado nunca importancia al cloro. Ahora sé que en países de Latinoamérica lo usan a menudo de forma particular y es que como nos enseña esta historia, basada en hechos reales, el cloro cambió mucho la vida de las personas.

Nick es fontanero y quiere formar parte de la Comisión del Agua. Está en contra de utilizar el cloro porque no lo entiende y Rosalind cree que tanto ella como su compañero, el doctor Leal, no son capaces de transmitir, con su jerga científica, la importancia del cloro y el gran descubrimiento que supone. Cuando conoce a Nick se siente inmediatamente atraídos y sí, yo diría que hay un insta-love bastante claro.

Esto fue un poco decepcionante y aunque Nick no es un personaje que haya llegado a gustarme no me importa leer una historia con personajes que no me caen bien. Los protagonistas de esta historia son razonables y no cae en el cliché de poner a un hombre muy cerrado de mente. Cada uno tiene sus razones y las defiende, se guía por ellas y guardan sentido. Nunca se ha experimentado con cloro, hasta el momento se veía como un veneno, no se sabe los efectos que pueda tener a largo plazo y experimentar con la gente podría ser muy peligroso. Es fácil que nos posicionemos del lado de Rosalind porque ya sabemos que tiene razón pero él es práctico.


Aunque el insta-love no me gustó al menos sí disfruté de esta relación entre dos personas competentes y razonables pero que están separados por sus creencias y aunque tratan de mantener una amistad pese a ello surgirán cosas que harán que sea difícil. En este momento del libro creo que ambos toman decisiones fuertes pero en mi caso creo que Rosalind es mejor que Nick y lo que me cuesta un poco entender es que ella deje pasar algunas cuestiones.

Aunque Nick trata de ser racional hay varias decisiones que toma con las que no estoy nada de acuerdo y es un personaje con el que me ha costado un poco empatizar, en otro orden de cosas su personalidad es bastante típica y la arrogancia que desprende ha sido la puntilla para que yo crea que esta relación no es la mejor para la protagonista.


Camden se caracteriza por escribir historias con rigor histórico, eso lo he disfrutado mucho y en esta además tenemos un final lleno de sorpresas encadenadas que no nos dejan un respiro. Me sorprendí varias veces y admito que lo disfruté porque el sentimiento en general de la historia es que no es la típica novela de romance.
La edición es de tapa blanda con solapas y tiene una portada muy bonita, además está bien cuidado el interior y está en consonancia con el primer libro de la serie. Creo que habrá por lo menos una tercera entrega centrada en una prima de la que no se sabe mucho y estará cerca de un conflicto peliagudo que se plantea en este libro: la necesidad de expropiar un pueblo entero para que pase por esa zona una presa de agua. Imaginaos la dificultad de decirle algo así a esas personas que llevan toda la vida viviendo allí, pero al mismo tiempo la presa es necesaria para el suministro de agua a la ciudad… Este tipo de detalles son los que, para mí, marcan la diferencia y son el sello de la autora.

Si os gustan las novelas históricas bien documentadas, con casos concretos y no meros esbozos, y también que tengan romance, estos son vuestros libros. Por mi parte no puedo dejar de recomendarlos porque han sido un grato descubrimiento y los he disfrutado un montón. Ojalá se publicasen más historias así porque en el mercado predominan romances con tintes eróticos y estructuras o clichés muy similares entre unos libros y otros pero algunas editoriales están apostando por historias más originales y más cuidadas, y eso hay que valorarlo. Si queréis leer algo diferente pero que merece la pena, os recomiendo estos libros.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,197 reviews
June 9, 2018
Dr. Rosalind Werner is a biochemist, with a passion for improving the welfare of communities so that they will not have to fear the diseases brought on by unclean drinking water. Rosalind fled scandal in Germany, and is fighting to prove herself in the experimental chlorination of public water. One of their fiercest opponents is Nick Drake, the plumber turned wealthy businessman.



Nick is just as passionate about the welfare of the community, but is skeptical of putting chemicals into public drinking water, with unknown long-term effects. He has fought to earn his place among the wealthy, but his knowledge of the inner workings of the water systems prove valuable assets as he fights to improve the lives of the poor.



Nick and Rosalind fight their attraction to each other, while fighting for clean water on opposing sides, does their love have a chance?



Who would have guessed that a novel about water purification would be this riveting? Elizabeth Camden has done it again, written a completely engrossing novel that I couldn't put down, well researched and full of historical details that enriched this romantic and suspenseful read. Probably one of my favorites by Ms. Camden so far, I picked this book up on my day off and couldn't put it down. I read it through in one day!



Rosalind is brilliant, a strong woman, clever, and well educated, she has a passion for preventing water-borne illnesses that took her parents and nearly took her brother, Gus. She fled from a scandal in Germany, does her best to avoid all appearances of impropriety while working in a field dominated by men.



Nick is back in the long awaited sequel to A Dangerous Legacy, where we are first introduced to the feud between the Drake families. Time has passed, and he has grown into his position of privilege, and is determined to use his wealth to improve the lives of others. He is widowed, and the father of a daughter, Sadie. As a newly monied man he finds it hard to be accepted in the higher reaches of society where much of the moving and shaking is done. He is an intelligent man who learned by experience, as he didn't have the opportunities for a higher education like the men that are now his peers. He is a man who burns hot, because he deeply cares, and wants to make a difference, though far too often it land him in trouble.



This is a fantastic read from beginning to end it was engaging, well-paced, with strong passionate protagonists that gripped my heart, and their flaws only made me love them more. There is conspiracy and intrigue, with high stakes legal cases, alongside romance, family drama, and hints of healing rifts. I liked how Rosalind and Nick, though often dealt a raw hand, still chose to be optimists and think well of others. A thrilling climax, and well done characters. An absolutely thrilling read, that I highly recommend!



P.S. I'm hoping that Eloise's story is in the making, as she is an intriguing young woman who definitely has a story to tell!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."
Profile Image for Maite Gil.
942 reviews31 followers
September 30, 2020
4,5 estrellas

La novela transcurre en Nueva Jersey en 1908, una época en la que pocas mujeres tenían un título universitario. Para ellas era muy difícil ser respetadas por su trabajo, y eran fáciles víctimas de rumores malintencionados. 

Rosalind Werner tiene veintiocho años y estudió bioquímica en Alemania. Lleva tres años trabajando en un estudio sobre los efectos del cloro como medio para eliminar las bacterias del agua potable. Para ella es muy importante lograr eliminar las enfermedades que se transmiten a través del agua. 

Nicholas Drake tiene treinta y seis años y es millonario, aunque no haya sido siempre así. En la actualidad tiene dinero, poder e influencia pero intenta que su falta de estudios no impida su sueño de conseguir agua limpia para todos los ciudadanos. Intenta cambiar las cosas desde su puesto de asesor de la comisión estatal de agua.

El tema que trata la novela es muy interesante.  La autora mezcla realidad con ficción para hablarnos de los inicios de la coloración del agua potable en las ciudades. Me daba algo de miedo que el tema se me hiciese pesado, pero ha sido todo lo contrario.

Rosalind y Nick son estupendos y están muy  bien caracterizados. Tienen sus aciertos y equivocaciones, pero ambos tienen buen corazón.

La trama romántica me ha gustado. Parte de una atracción casi instantánea pero a la vez es pausada y no exenta de inconvenientes. Me parece bastante consecuente con la época.  No incluye sexo y tampoco se echa de menos. 

La parte científica es muy amena y está bien explicada. Varios giros en la trama contribuyen también a hacer más adictiva la novela.

Me encanta la forma de narrar de la escritora, consigue meterte en la novela sin que te des cuenta. Utiliza un vocabulario sencillo pero no simple.

Me he leído el libro en apenas un par de días. Estaba totalmente atrapada por las aventuras de Nick y Rosalind. Es un romance histórico entretenido, ameno, interesante y adictivo, con tramas familiares y un misterio por resolver.

Es parte de una serie pero se puede leer de manera independiente sin que nos perdamos nada. Nick sale en el libro anterior pero la autora nos explica todo lo necesario.  La historia de Rosalind y Nick queda debidamente cerrada.

A pesar de que en esta novela se desvelan cosas ocurridas en la anterior, me he quedado con ganas de leerla y espero poder hacerlo en un futuro. Espero que publiquen pronto el siguiente libro.

Es el primer libro que leo de esta editorial y me ha sorprendido lo cuidada que está la edición, al igual que la traducción a la que no se le pueden sacar pegas.

La novela ha sido toda una sorpresa. Le seguiré la pista a la autora. 
Profile Image for Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction).
481 reviews440 followers
August 11, 2018
History has always intrigued me. Maybe because I have an inquisitive mind?. I want to know how things were built, why they were built, when they were built, who built them.
I was THAT student in school who would have a notebook of random facts about random things. My family actually calls me "Ms. Google" because of my crazy little brain cells. 🤷

We're water-a-holics in my house, so to learn a bit about the history of clean drinking water was SO COOL to me.
There were a few times when the science went a little over my head. (I'm a history nerd, not a science geek remember) I got the general idea though.

This time period was rough for women who wanted to do anything other than get married and have babies. Our leading lady was not one of those girls. She wanted to change the world...and she had a good reason why. She lost her family because of tainted drinking water. If that doesn't make you want to change to the world I don't know what will.
My only problem with her...she had NO backbone!!! For such a smart, strong, courageous woman she was a stinkin' doormat. I wanted to crawl into the book and stand up for her.

Nicholas was quite an interesting character to say the least. He was progressive in his ideas of women being in "men's positions", but he also had moments where he didn't think they should. It was like a endless internal war. He also had QUITE the temper...like SUPER short fuse. He was never violent and he cooled down quickly, but he was ready to blow up at any time. At the end of the day he was a sweet guy though, very thoughtful and kind.

The romance in this book was INSTANT. He saw her in a diner and was smitten *snaps* like that. There isn't much else to say on it...it was instant and that was that. They did stand behind each other even though they had opposing opinions. (well they almost always stood behind each other)

Camden caught me few times with some surprises thrown into the pages. It was fun to keep up with.
There were also a few scenes that introduce you to the cast of book 3. So that one should be...fun.

I enjoyed the writing style, and the history of this book. I was longing for a snapback scene between Rosalind and her sister-in-law, but sadly never got it.
Overall I rated this book a 3.5/5 stars.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive rating**All opinions are my own*
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,662 reviews1,227 followers
April 3, 2020
Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden
Time Frame: 1890 childhood, 1908 adult
Location: Prologue in Connecticut but mostly Jersey City, NJ
Main Characters:
Dr. Rosalind Werner: Doctor of biochemistry
Nick Drake: Commissioner of New York City’s water board
Margaret Drake: Aunt by marriage to Drake, someone who hated him
Ellie Drake: Drake’s cousin he hasn’t seen since childhood
Gus and Ingrid: Rosalind’s brother and sister-in-law
Lucy and Colin: Nick’s sister and brother-in-law

I’m going to be honest here and just say I will have to rate this as a secular book. Ms. Camden has veered away from her previous Christian historical fiction genre into simply historical fiction. There wasn’t much about this that could be considered Christian. No mention of Christ, and only superficial mentions of God. Was it clean? Meh, pretty much – except for drinking and references to foul language used by the male lead, plus dishonesty. One kissing scene in a back alley from the two main characters (who had only known each other a matter of days and was out of character for a primly brought up female lead), but the rest is what I could call “clean”.

So, that being said, as a secular historical fiction book, it was very good! Some may think it was slow, but I didn’t particularly think so. As usual, Ms. Camden did an amazing amount of research and brought in the history of New York City at the turn of the century remarkably. Never would I have considered a book focusing on a water district or water purification an interesting topic, but it flowed nicely with storyline of the main characters. Although there was a lot of water research detail, it wasn’t so detailed that it bogged the book down.

Characters were well introduced and we got to know them fairly well. I wasn’t fond of Nick’s brash nature half of the time, but that was his personality and Ms. Camden portrayed him well. A surprising villain came into the picture which added much depth to the book. Loved it.

Quick read, good book. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,234 reviews490 followers
July 18, 2018
As 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 required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Kristie Self.
Author 9 books66 followers
August 18, 2022
This one is 4.5 stars for me. I really enjoyed the story. The premise for the books in this series is fascinating to me. It deals with the different circumstances surrounding the availability of clean, safe water. I never gave that subject much thought until reading these books, but the author does an amazing job of combining historical elements with intriguing, compelling characters.

I loved Rosalind and my heart broke for her on more than one occasion. Nick, on the other hand, frustrated me several different times, particularly when it came to his short temper. He did redeem himself in the end and their happy ending was very satisfactory. I'm now very interested in Eloise Drake and can't wait to read her story next!
Profile Image for Sarah.
639 reviews56 followers
August 11, 2018
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 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.
Profile Image for Sarah Monzon.
Author 27 books768 followers
November 19, 2019
I know I’m in for a historical treat when I pick up a Camden book and A Daring Venture is no exception. In fact I picked this book up because of the biochemist occupation of the heroine. We need more science and smarts!! Hehe. Nick reminded me a lot of my husband, actually. Very passionate and easily riled because of that but also quick to offer heart-felt apologies. An enjoyable and easy read.
Profile Image for Lucinda.
Author 22 books1,302 followers
October 9, 2018
I loved the first one but this was even better! And the theme. It's one thing I love about EC's books: each one features an historic case that had a true bearing in the world.

Loved Nick and Rosalind!
Profile Image for Fina Andres garcia.
1,118 reviews49 followers
October 11, 2020
Una historia muy interesante y entretenida.
Aunque es la segunda entrega de una serie de libros, no es necesario haber leído la primera parte para leer esta, son protagonistas y tramas distintas, aunque si hay conexión con los personajes.
Transcurre a principios del siglo XX y tenemos a una protagonista muy poco usual, es una científica, muy comprometida con su trabajo y sus investigaciones, las que antepone a su vida personal.
Nick es un hombre rico pero hecho a si mismo, era fontanero y de familia humilde, ahora lucha por hacerse un hueco en la alta sociedad de Nueva York. Se nota la conexión entre ellos nada más conocerse, pero no todo va a ser un camino fácil, hay mentiras y secretos, ambos están en posiciones enfrentadas y son algo cabezotas para dar su brazo a torcer.
Todo el tema de las investigaciones y como combatir las enfermedades transmitidas a través del agua esta muy bien documentado y explicado, pero para nada se hace pesado como esta contado.
Me gusta mucho como esta redactado, los dialogos y el sentido del humor de los personajes.
La trama de intriga también esta muy bien, hay alguien haciendo maldades a la familia Drake y a Rosalind y es todo un desafió salir bien de todo.
En definitiva es una historia muy original, con una bonita historia de amor, con personajes ficticios y otros reales, con unas investigaciones y construcciones que sucedieron en esas épocas y que esta muy bien relatado.
Lo recomiendo.

Profile Image for Michelle.
1,036 reviews62 followers
July 15, 2018
I really enjoy Camden's books so I have been eager to get my hands on this new story! I really enjoy how her books get creative in their settings and careers of main characters. This series really dives into out of the box careers and I LOVE it! There is a lot of science/chemistry in this book (my least favorite subject) and yet I thought Camden did a splendid job in explaining things. I loved the setting, I loved the history and I liked how she tied this book to the first one. The two main characters are difficult for me to love. I like them but the romance side I didn't like. While I don't think this is Camden's best book, I still couldn't put it down and I am excited to read the next one!


Four stars.



"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own."



Profile Image for Kim.
833 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 stars. Elizabeth Camden can even make water treatment interesting. I was worried that this read would have “second book syndrome” when the second book in a series doesn’t measure up to the first, but not so in this case. I completely enjoyed this book and getting to know Nick Drake better. Rosalind, a scientist in a male dominated field in 1908 was a wonderful and complex character. The romance was sweet and believable. Nick delivers a swoon-worthy speech to Rosalind that was just perfect. My only tiny complaint is that some of the legal issues were resolved too quickly, not the main legal battle but some of the other ones that arise toward the end. I’m eager to dive into book three.
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