Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden

Beyond All Dreams

by Elizabeth Camden

Christian Historical Romance
Paperback, 368 Pages
December 15th 2014 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?

Anna O’Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, 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 before his promising career was 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 entanglements with members 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 their futures?

     

My Review

I was immediately pulled into this story by its historical setting and the fact that the main character works as a map librarian. To be surrounded by all those books and architecture! I also loved that the library she works for is the Library of Congress. The descriptions of fashion, culture, and setting, as well as the dialogue was all well done. I felt immersed in the story and could picture the main character, Anna, as well as the other characters and the buildings and such in the story.

Everything really worked for me in this story through Anna's and Luke's struggles, through them trying to figure things out and getting to know each other in the meantime (their chemistry and dialogue was full of wit and sass and I loved it!), and as they find and lose their hearts. Anna was a little obsessed with finding out what really happened to her father, but I felt for her and could understand why she felt as she did. Towards the end there were some road blocks that came up between Luke and Anna that I didn't completely understand or agree with, but in the end it all worked out. 

I also loved the secondary characters, especially Anna's best friend and fellow boarder. There was also the other individuals running here and there for Congress, other Congressmen, the head of the library, Anna's aunt, and Luke's family, especially his nephew. Each of these characters added to the story in making it come alive.

Other aspects of the story were enjoyable as well. The inspirational aspect of the story was sweet and not overwhelming. I liked how fierce Luke was in his beliefs. Some phrases were overused, but it was lovely all the same. The romance was great! Sparks flew between Anna and Luke and this was my favorite part of the story besides the historical aspect.

I'd recommend Beyond All Dreams to those who enjoy inspirational historical romance. I'll definitely be reading Camden's other books.

Content: Clean
Source: From the publisher through Litfuse, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author

Elizabeth Camden is the author of six books and a RITA and Christy Award winner. A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook

Kindle Fire Giveaway

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!