Thursday, January 29, 2015

Book Review ~ "Beyond All Dreams" by Elizabeth Camden

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source; Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Book Description:  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: Anna O'Brien has her dream job. She works in the Library of Congress and is taking part in moving from the "old" library to the "new". The book is set in the late 1890's in Washington D.C. Anna is single and finds fulfillment in her life. She has regrets and hopes, but her biggest desire is to find out what happened to the ship The Culpeper. The ship her father lost his life on 15 years ago.

I liked that Anna is removed from her comfort zone when the dashing Congressman, Luke Callahan, whirls into her life. His energy and inquisitiveness pull her along in his wake. He has the right spark to help her break free from some of her inhibitions and so she can excel.

The book has a underlying mystery. Anna searches to uncover discrepancies in a report about the Culpeper. Her research is putting her in danger. There are secrets that are best left uncovered. I really enjoyed how she is determined to put the truth in the history books. Part of her drive is to find out what happened to her fathers. Her intentions are honorable, in spite of the opposition surrounding her.

The romance is a little volatile in nature. Anna and Luke are opposites in many ways. Rather than it being an insurmountable obstacle, their differences actually compliment each other. They just need to realize how good they are together and to open their minds and hearts and begin to trust.

I really enjoyed this story. There is a strong Christian theme in the book. It is a clean romance.


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