Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill

Counterfeit Faith
by Crystal Caudill

ISBN-13: 9780825447426
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Released: May 16, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
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 Review:
Counterfeit Faith is a Christian romance with a mystery set in 1885 Pennsylvania. Though the third in a series, it worked as a standalone. Josiah's always ready to rush in to save a woman in distress. Paired with his charm, he has a reputation of a rake, yet the reality is that he still loves his long-dead wife. When his nieces and nephew end up in Final Chance, he's determined to get them out only to discover Gwendolyn needs his help because abuse is occurring on the boy's side. He has a lead that a counterfeiting con is being run out of the male side, too, so they work together to find proof.

The main characters were engaging, acted realistically, and grew as people throughout the story. Josiah tended to rush relationships while Gwendolyn felt they should take their time and get to know one another. They were a good match in personalities and shared values. Historical details about counterfeiting were woven into the story. The very real danger to Gwendolyn and anyone working to uncover the scheme kept the suspense high after a slight lull near the beginning.

Josiah questioned why a good God would allow his wife to die and felt that he couldn't be a Christian if he had any doubts. Both Gwendolyn and her uncle explained that believers have doubts, it's what you do with them that matter. Gwendolyn's Christian faith was why she valued the children even though society didn't. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.