Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden is a book that should be on your '2015 To Be Read' list. It's full of humor, intelligent wit, politics, romance, and a story that will keep you turning from page to page. This is a read that will surprise you from beginning to end. Don't miss out on this, because Camden wrote something that pulls out all the stops for her readers.

Summary 

Sweeping and Romantic Historical Drama from an Award-Winning Author
 
Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. She is thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, but her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help. 

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen until his promising career became shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. 

Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglement with a member of Congress. 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 themselves?

My Thoughts 


I have read a few of Camden's novels, but this is by far my favorite one. From beginning to end I was astonished by how much I was engrossed in this novel.  Camden has created character's that are as loving as they are flawed.  The back stories of these characters are extremely unique.  Anna and Luke are both character's that have high walls they need to break down and people they need to forgive from their past. I did not expect to enjoy this novel as I did when I picked it up.  I was worried it might be a tad bit too overwhelming with all of the detail, but everything was only intensified in the best way possible. 

Camden wrote a beautiful novel that I became obsessed with.  It was like reading an episode of a crime show.  Anna is trying to find out the truth to her father's disappearance and it's through the help of a man who is her total opposite who could help find the answers she needs.  From page to page I was gripping the novel.  I literally had no idea of what was going to happen at the end of this novel.  There was even a point in the novel where I had chills because of the tension. These are the type of novels that bring enjoyment and exhilaration to one when reading.

Anna and Luke are amazing. They're probably my favorite duo of the year so far.  They balanced each other out so well.  Luke was high maintenance and Anna was always ready to serve him a comment that could kick him off his high pedestal. There was humor in their relationship and an acknowledgement of their talents. They really were the best match, and I was impressed by how much I enjoyed them working together.  I loved reading their moments, it is sure to bring a giggle out every now and then.

This novel is in no way boring but exciting! It's a 2015 must read, so don't miss out! 

Check out a preview! 

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves  
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.   

About the Author 

She is a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night she can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. She loves writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, she has found that writing is the best way for her to share her faith and a sense of resilience with others.


Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, and Goodreads
Link to purchase her book: Amazon and B&N 
 
In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid   


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:

• 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.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!

Book Review #22: Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell

Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell is a story rooted in faith, family, romance and botany. It's a light read that will give an enjoyable experience to the reader. The heroine is as witty as witty gets. A good read for the new year. 

Summary 

Victorian-Era England Comes Alive in This Witty Romance

For years Charlotte Withersby has worked as an assistant to her father, an eminent English botanist. As she approaches the old age of twenty-four, her father pushes her out into society, swayed by an uncle who believes God's only two roles for women are marriage and motherhood. When one of the Withersbys' colonial correspondents, Edward Trimble, returns to England, he's drafted as the new assistant so Charlotte is free to marry. This suits Edward's plans quite well, since the last thing he wants to do is reunite with the family he is ashamed to call his own.

Though Edward proves himself vexingly capable on the job, Charlotte won't surrender the job without a fight, and schemes with her best friend to regain her position. Perhaps if a proposal seems imminent, Charlotte's father will see his error and ask her to return. Charlotte tries to make headway in her town's social life, but reveals herself to be unaware of all the intricacies of polite society. Though Edward pitches in, tutoring her in society's expectations, she just seems to make things worse. And the more she comes to know of her father's assistant, the more trouble she has imagining life without him. Caught in a trap of her own making and seeing the hopelessness of her prospects, will Charlotte get to keep her work or will she have to cede her heart? 

My Thoughts  

This was a good book.  It had a premise that included  botany, and this is the first book I have read that has to deal with this type of study.  I was intrigued by how in depth the author was going to go into when it came to this and how it would connect the character's in her book. 

This is a classic story of a heroine who is witty, likeable, and forced to do something she has no interest in at the moment: marriage.  Charlotte was a character that wasn't hard to like. She was strong, independent, but I felt solely found her identity in her father's work.  I was rooting for her throughout the story to speak up for herself and do what she wanted and find her identity in the work that she did.  On her journey to being presented to society it's clear Charlotte knows nothing about how to do that.  She is not well informed about dress protocol or when it's appropriate to speak one's mind.  These were the moments where the relationship between her and Edward are very entertaining to read.  The very man that she hates for taking her job is helping her being presented to society in order to find a husband.   I was laughing and smiling through this book it was a good entertaining read. The wittiness is perfect for this era and for the story.   Edward is a guy that I find always interesting to read.  A young man who is hiding something and  is always bewildered by Charlotte's ideas. 

Concerning the component of botany in the story it was very detailed. I didn't feel it was lacking in anything or not well researched. Mitchell is clearly a talented writer who doesn't skim or hold back from her readers.  It's in depth gives even the reader a chance to learn something new.

This is a good read for the new year.  The cover is gorgeous and the story will bring a smile to your face.  If you like to laugh out loud maybe keep this as a home read and not a public one. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

About the Author  

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.                                                                                           

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads
Link to purchase her book: Amazon, B&N 

Thanks for stopping by reiders, happy reading! 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid