Against the Tide

Elizabeth Camden's latest novel, Against the Tide, was even better than her previous two books - and that's saying a lot because they're both excellent.

Against the Tide takes up the story of Alexander "Bane" Banebridge, who is a character from Camden's first novel The Lady of Bolton Hill. Bane is very passionate about bringing down the opium trade, but to do this he needs a translator. And Lydia Pallas is the only person in the Boston area fluent in the languages he needs. Lydia desperately needs the money Bane pays in order to have any hope in keeping her apartment. But of course, she doesn't know what she signed up for before it is too late to back out.

Camden weaves information about opium into the tale effortlessly, as well as the politics behind the trade. It is these seemingly simple accomplishments that make a story move from "good" to "great." But it is no simple task. Camden gives readers the information they need to grasp the enormity of the situation facing Bane and Lydia without beating her readers over the head with the facts. Keeping the balance is the challenge and Camden nailed it.

I can't wait to see what she comes up with in her fourth novel due out in August: Into the Whirlwind.

*I was given a free copy by Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

The Rose of Winslow Street

The Rose of Winslow Street is a phenomenal second novel by Elizabeth Camden. It is very original and has characters who might as well be real. Having just returned from being abroad, I can personally vouch that the way cultural differences are described in the novel are extremely accurate. These differences are very important to the plot and the characters' development. I also loved how Camden makes her female characters go against the 19th century's image of what a woman should be.

Libby Sawyer is a spinster still living in the house her father put years of time and labor into repairing. Michael Dobrescu is a foreigner who invades the house while Libby and her father are vacationing. Needless to say, stereotypes come into play and create for some intriguing drama as the Sawyers fight to regain their house.

I can't wait until I can read it again and look forward to Camden's third novel Against the Tide coming out in October.


*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers to give it an honest review.

The Lady of Bolton Hill

After receiving a complementary copy of The Lady of Bolton Hill, I eagerly started to read.

This is a stunning debut from Elizabeth Camden. The plot of The Lady of Bolton Hill is woven together beautifully and addresses issues of the heart which are as relevant today as they were in 1879 Baltimore.

Clara is a spunky heroin who knows what she believes. Daniel is a brooding man stuck in the past. As the two interact, sparks fly in many directions. Questions are raised about salvation and destiny, while Clara and Daniel confront themselves and others.

When is the next book coming out Elizabeth Camden?