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 have 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.*

Wowza, what a debut! I've been looking forward to reading Counterfeit Love and I wasn't disappointed. Caudill has written a spell-binding historical mystery filled with plenty of conflict, danger, and intrigue that made it an impossible to put down.

As a lover of all things history, I was thrilled with the historical accuracy of this novel. The author brought the neighborhoods and people of 1880s Cincinnati to life with vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue. The story was impeccably researched and filled with rich historical details about law enforcement, counterfeiting, and the Secret Service during the Gilded Age.

Although I purchased a paper copy, when I saw the audiobook narrator was Stephanie Cozart, one of my favorites, I decided to listen to the book as well. As I expected the narrator did a fabulous job setting the mood of the story and bringing the characters to life.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong faith elements and a villain you won't see coming, then I highly recommend Countefeit Love!

An awesome debut novel that I very much enjoyed!

There was something going on at every twist and turn to make it exciting and hard to put down!

I finished this one in a day.

My favorite thing about this book of course was the inspirational messages. They are definitely uplifting.

The writing was fantastic and the characters were well rounded out.

These I loved getting to know.

There's definitely not so savorable characters. However; in my opinion it's what makes a great story.

This new to me author sure left me feeling full and satisfied!

In my opinion I believe this author has potential and already I look forward to seeing her next story!

Well done!

5 stars.

My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own

When I get to be part of a debut author's launch team it holds a special place in my heart. Counterfeit Love is the debut novel by Crystal Caudill. If you are a fan of Christian Historical Fiction with mystery and undercover agents - then this is the next book to be added to your TBR file. Counterfeit Love is the first book in the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age Series. The book drew me in within the first few pages.

Theresa has been left with debt from her family. She needs to clear it before she marries. However, as she is working on sorting it out she uncovers deep family secrets. Enter former fianc Broderick. He has been working on trying to uncover who is behind a counterfeit ring that he has been chasing. He finds out that his former fianc may be involved.

Theresa and Broderick have been apart for several years. Trying to figure out why they broke off their engagement was a fun journey. They are a good match and the romance was a perfect topping to the whole story.

This story was so full of rich historical facts. I loved reading about early secret service. The author did a wonderful job with her research. Her characters are well developed and the story line very unique and intriguing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Read with Audra for allowing me to read a copy of this book. I cannot wait until the next one. This debut novel was a home run.

Very well done. Kept my attention and has me waiting for the second in series. Love the history, the suspense and the romance.