When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden ~ a book review

 

This story begins in New York City in 1898. Inga and her immigrant family from Bavaria, have been robbed and swindled hours after leaving Ellis Island. They take refuge inside a church where they are befriended by a very well-to-do couple.

The story then jumps ahead to 1914. Her parents have died and Inga has been working as a wireless operator. The couple, the Gerard’s, that had helped her family in the church have taken her under their wings. Mr. Gerard has become the ambassador to Germany. He employs her as his secretary and they move to Germany. Mr. Gerard is not liked by his staff and especially Benedict Kincaid, his chief diplomatic counselor.  Inga’s Bavarian ancestry gives her an understanding of the culture that the Gerard’s have found challenging. Benedict doesn’t trust her and doesn’t want her involved. While the Gerard’s are living in Germany, war is declared. It is discovered that Inga has never attained her American citizenship and there is a very real possibility that she will not be allowed to leave Germany.  In order to get around that, she and Benedict enter into a marriage of convenience. As the wife of an American citizen, she is able to obtain passage out of the country. During the dangerous escape out of Germany, they begin to recognize they have feelings for each other. However, Benedict has his heart set on becoming an ambassador but Inga has no interest in leaving America again. Will they acknowledge their feelings for each other? Will they be able to have a life together?

This book is based on the real life memoirs of Mr. Gerard and deals with international diplomacy, pre WW1 tensions, and politics.

Elizabeth Camden’s books are always entertaining but while this one is a clean romance, it  includes references to intimacies that some may find too intense. The element of faith is not overly prevelant.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty.

Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.”

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about Elizabeth Camden and her books 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary ARC** of this book from the Bethany House and Baker Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

**A word about ARC books.   Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing. My reviews may include some things that vary from the final published book.

 

From this Moment by Elizabeth Camden - a book review

I have read some of this author’s books before and liked them, this was no exception.  While it is listed as an historical Christian romance, I would say it is more of a clean historical romance with a smattering of Christian faith.  That being said, it is a very enjoyable book.  It has a very strong mystery theme throughout. 

This is from the back cover:

“Stella West's artistic talent made her the toast of London, but when her beloved sister dies under mysterious circumstances she abandons everything and heads for Boston. With single-minded determination she fights to pierce the ring of secrecy surrounding her sister's death. Upon meeting Romulus White, a publisher with connections into every important power circle in the city, she quickly realizes he could be a valuable ally in navigating Boston society.

Romulus has been pursuing Stella for years to create art for his magazine. Her luminous illustrations are the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry, and he will stop at nothing to get her on board.

Sparks fly the instant they join forces, but Romulus is unsettled by the unwelcome attraction he feels toward Stella, fearing she might be the one woman who could disrupt his hard-won independence. He may have finally met his match in Stella, but is helping her solve the mystery of her sister's death worth the risk to his publishing empire?”

With the witty dialog that Elizabeth Camden is known for, and the thread of mystery, this is a story worth having in your collection.  It is a story of love, mystery, corruption, danger, greed, rediscovered and new love.  It also deals with the topic of mental illness, not often written about in historical romance.

You can read an excerpt HERE

Learn more about the author HERE

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. 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.”