Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?
I really, really enjoyed this book. I approached the story with a smidgen of timidity because I didn’t enjoy the last book I read by Elizabeth Camden, With Every Breath, as much as I loooved Into the Whirlwind.
Beyond All Dreams exceeded my expectations and then some. Anna O’Brien is incredible. She’s shy yet gutsy (especially with Luke). She knows what she wants, but she isn’t afraid to stand up for what just may cost her everything. I greatly enjoyed relating to her and learning from her.
It was the same with Luke Callahan. As a powerful Representative for the state of Maine, honestly, I expected to find him intimidating. And he is brash, but he knows what he believes in: peace. He’s determined to see America not plunge into another war, but what happens when a secret Anna leads him to discover could be the impetus for exactly that, another war?
And can we just gush about that cover for a second? That staircase!
Elizabeth Camden tells the story masterfully. There’s a reason she’s one of my favorite authors. She weaves in the history but doesn’t forget to make the romance believable–and conflicted. I loved that I learned more about this not-often-covered chapter of American history–so much so that I had a half-hour discussion about it with a friend after church one day.
And yet I was never bored with facts, because everything was compellingly told from the perspective of a woman who just wants to know what happened to her father–and the man determined to help her, despite the cost.
The theme of changing dreams spoke to me, too. An excellent book I highly recommend for history buffs, romantics, and those who want an inspiring read all rolled into one.
About the Author
Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. 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 near Orlando, Florida.
Read my reviews of Elizabeth’s other books: With Every Breath // Into the Whirlwind
Disclosure: Litfuse and Bethany House sent me this book to review. This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Enter the Giveaway
Shirley Strait says
This is a wonderful post. I really enjoyed it.
Rachelle says
Thank you, Shirley. I’m glad! I hope you enjoy Elizabeth’s book!