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"Beyond All Dreams" by Elizabeth Camden
Feb. 5th, 2015 01:32 pm
Is there such a thing as a book lover who doesn't like libraries? I think not! Elizabeth Camden has set her latest novel within the halls of the Library of Congress, one of the most famous libraries in the world. Set in 1897, when the Library moved out of the Capitol Building and into a home of its own, Camden has brought us a story rich with history and intrigue.
Anna O'Brien is one of the few female librarians employed at the Library of Congress, and while her life may look boring from the outside, she's proud of the position she has attained. Gifted with a passion for knowledge and exactness by her cartographer father, Anna is also determined to set the naval record straight about what happened when her father's ship went down. She has a little evidence and a lot of gut feeling that the official Navy report is faulty, but she isn't prepared for the amount of grief the military sends her way when she questions them.
Congressman Luke Callahan escaped a tumultuous upbringing to earn a berth in Washington, DC, and while he struggles with a quick temper, he's known for a charm that usually gets him exactly what he wants. When he meets Anna and finds in her someone who will stand up to him and see through his facade, he sees her true value and quickly falls in love with her. Anna isn't interested in a serious relationship because she knows marriage would require her to resign from her job, and she has too much to prove to explore her own feelings.
When Luke joins Anna's quest to find out what happened to her father's ship, he finds out information that must be kept from Anna at all costs. As world events hurtle towards the Spanish-American War, Luke makes a stand for peaceful negotiations which may cost him everything. Meanwhile Anna feels more lost and confused as she fights to find out what happened to her father and also come to terms with where her own life choices are taking her.
One thing that I really enjoyed about this novel was the characterization of Luke and Anna. The author really explored the issues of both of their pasts and how it influenced the adults they became. This added a nice depth and nuance to the story. The historical aspect was also extremely well done and I could hardly wait to finish the book so I could read the author's note at the end and find out how much of the story was based on actual events. That, in my mind, is the mark of excellent historical fiction.
This was my favorite of the three Elizabeth Camden novels that I have read. I'd like to thank LitFuse Publicity for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
Anna O'Brien is one of the few female librarians employed at the Library of Congress, and while her life may look boring from the outside, she's proud of the position she has attained. Gifted with a passion for knowledge and exactness by her cartographer father, Anna is also determined to set the naval record straight about what happened when her father's ship went down. She has a little evidence and a lot of gut feeling that the official Navy report is faulty, but she isn't prepared for the amount of grief the military sends her way when she questions them.
Congressman Luke Callahan escaped a tumultuous upbringing to earn a berth in Washington, DC, and while he struggles with a quick temper, he's known for a charm that usually gets him exactly what he wants. When he meets Anna and finds in her someone who will stand up to him and see through his facade, he sees her true value and quickly falls in love with her. Anna isn't interested in a serious relationship because she knows marriage would require her to resign from her job, and she has too much to prove to explore her own feelings.
When Luke joins Anna's quest to find out what happened to her father's ship, he finds out information that must be kept from Anna at all costs. As world events hurtle towards the Spanish-American War, Luke makes a stand for peaceful negotiations which may cost him everything. Meanwhile Anna feels more lost and confused as she fights to find out what happened to her father and also come to terms with where her own life choices are taking her.
One thing that I really enjoyed about this novel was the characterization of Luke and Anna. The author really explored the issues of both of their pasts and how it influenced the adults they became. This added a nice depth and nuance to the story. The historical aspect was also extremely well done and I could hardly wait to finish the book so I could read the author's note at the end and find out how much of the story was based on actual events. That, in my mind, is the mark of excellent historical fiction.
This was my favorite of the three Elizabeth Camden novels that I have read. I'd like to thank LitFuse Publicity for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
* * * * *
Travel back in time to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress in Elizabeth Camden's newest release, Beyond All Dreams. From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?
Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/17. Winner will be announced at Elizabeth's 2/17 Beyond All Dreams Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Elizabeth and historical fiction fans, as well as for the opportunity to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- One copy of Beyond All Dreams
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/17. Winner will be announced at Elizabeth's 2/17 Beyond All Dreams Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Elizabeth and historical fiction fans, as well as for the opportunity to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
