Book Summary (Amazon): As a biochemist in early 1900s New York, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against waterborne 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, the odds stacked against these two rivals swiftly grow more insurmountable with every passing day.
My thoughts...Water. We drink it every day, but how did we go from drinking water from a natural outdoor water source to the water that runs into every household? This historical novel, while having some fictional aspects, tells the story of the evolution of water treatment as we know it today. This is typical Elizabeth Camden style: creating a fictional story around momentous occasions in history. This story is the second book in a series, but can be read stand alone.
I found the subject matter interesting, as there was a gap in my own knowledge about how disease was connected to water sources and how we have basically eliminated some of the diseases that were a major problem in the past. There was a good amount of tension between Rosalind and Nick, as they both believed strongly in their own personal opinions about treating water for disease. There was also a side story related to Nick's family that was part of the first novel in the series, but you get enough information in this novel to be able to follow along. While there were a few nice moments of romantic tension, I did feel that it stalled out in the middle of the story. There was a very heated moment in the beginning of the novel then it kind of got lost in midst of the controversy of water. I personally would've liked to see a few more sparks fly, even in the midst of the main characters' conflict. I also had a personal dilemma while reading the novel. Is is a good thing that we ingest chemicals in our water? Is it worth saving us from terrible waterborne diseases or are we causing unknown health issues in the process? Maybe this is what the author intended, but I'm not exactly sure. I do know that it's a good thing when a novel can entertain but also leave you with food for thought.
Personal takeaway: Look at all points of view before you draw conclusions. Weigh the facts and trust God with His direction.
**I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley in order to share my honest thoughts, which I did.**
I found the subject matter interesting, as there was a gap in my own knowledge about how disease was connected to water sources and how we have basically eliminated some of the diseases that were a major problem in the past. There was a good amount of tension between Rosalind and Nick, as they both believed strongly in their own personal opinions about treating water for disease. There was also a side story related to Nick's family that was part of the first novel in the series, but you get enough information in this novel to be able to follow along. While there were a few nice moments of romantic tension, I did feel that it stalled out in the middle of the story. There was a very heated moment in the beginning of the novel then it kind of got lost in midst of the controversy of water. I personally would've liked to see a few more sparks fly, even in the midst of the main characters' conflict. I also had a personal dilemma while reading the novel. Is is a good thing that we ingest chemicals in our water? Is it worth saving us from terrible waterborne diseases or are we causing unknown health issues in the process? Maybe this is what the author intended, but I'm not exactly sure. I do know that it's a good thing when a novel can entertain but also leave you with food for thought.
Personal takeaway: Look at all points of view before you draw conclusions. Weigh the facts and trust God with His direction.
**I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley in order to share my honest thoughts, which I did.**
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