When Stars Light the Sky

 

***1/2

PG

{UM}

Could Recommend

I love Elizabeth Camden's books!

She is so good at historical fiction.  This one was well done, with an engaging story and likable characters.  There were a few {Uncomfortable Moments}...some dealing with whether or not a marriage of convenience would be consummated or not.  And I'm going to be picky but the ending seemed a little rushed and convenient.  I found myself thumbing through the few remaining pages thinking, "how is this going to be resolved in time?"  Anyway, those couple of things aside, I really liked the book and would be happy to recommend it :)

While the City Sleeps

 ****

PG

{UM}

Easily Recommend

I was so excited to read another Elizabeth Camden!

It didn't disappoint!

 She is always so good with her intriguing historical backgrounds for her plots.

I sped right through the story and had only one complaint of a couple of {Uncomfortable Moments}.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am excited to see it looks like it will be a series :)

Hearts of Steal

 

****

PG

{UM}

Easily Recommend

What is it about Elizabeth Camden?

She is such an amazing writer and I fly through her books!

I also love the turn of the century time period that she usually writes about.

Great plot and characters!

The only thing I feel like I need to mention are some {Uncomfortable Moments} revolving around a past indiscretion of a very minor character.

I can and will very easily recommend this book!

Written on the Wind

 

****1/2

PG

Easily Recommend

I loved this book!

It might have just been the mood I was in but reading about a perilous trek across Siberia was super exciting!

Elizabeth Camden is one of my faves and this one did not disappoint!!!

I think I remember enjoying the first one in this series but this one was exceptional!

Camden is extremely good with her research and historical plots.  She is a master of putting her characters in impossible situations and having everything work out in the end.

These characters are so likable and unique.

There was nothing that I had issue with except a couple of hints at past unfaithfulness among minor characters...not really even enough to mention.

I have already recommended this to a good friend and my daughter (she's halfway through :).

Carved In Stone

 

***

PG

{BSt) {UM} {L}

Maybe Recommend

I really love Elizabeth Camden's writing.

  She always tells a fascinating story that weaves in with real historical events.  This new novel was no exception.  However, a lot of her stories lately include characters with {Back Stories}.  In this book, one of the main characters has a minor backstory that does not play much into things but a minor character has a major backstory that does come into play.

There were one or two {Uncomfortable Moments} and a couple of times where the Lord's name was used in vain {Language}.  Overall, it was an interesting and fun story that kept me reading.

I might be able to recommend this to those who are not bothered by the type of things mentioned above but I am not be able to give it a squeaky clean review.

The Prince of Spies

 

***

PG

{BSt} a bit {TMP}

Could Probably Recommend

I have enjoyed this series and was eager to read about the younger brother.

It was pretty good...probably not all that I was hoping though.

The {Back Story} really bothered me.  The main character's father has been in multiple affairs and it is a big part of the story.  He doesn't really ever have to pay for his sins either which bothered me even more.  Then there was the focus on the love story...I usually like Elizabeth Camden's books because there is so much history and interest beyond the love story.  I guess that was true here as well but I also felt the emphasis on the forbidden love and obsession.  There was a bit more description in the kissing scenes than I appreciate as well {Too Much Passion}.  

The plot was intriguing as always but there was enough about this one that annoyed me that I am not eager to recommend it although I probably could.

Against the Tide

 

**** 1/2

PG

{UM}

Whole Heartedly Recommend

This is the sequel to Lady of Bolton Hill and in my opinion it is even better!

I love this book!

It has adventure, tension, a tender love story and intrigue!

Elizabeth Camden truly knows how to tell a good story.

There are only a couple of slightly {Uncomfortable Moments} that I noticed but super clean and recommend friendly.

It has been years since I first read it and reading it a second time did not disappoint...such a fantastic book!

The Lady of Bolton Hill

 

****

PG

little bit {TMP} {SM}

Easily Recommend

I actually reread a book!

It is a rare thing :)

This was one of my earliest historical fictions that I read when I really started getting into my motherhood reading phase :)  This was also before I started book blogging so now I have the opportunity to actually write a review.

I love Elizabeth Camden!  She always has depth in her stories which I really appreciate.

In this one there is just a little bit {Too Much Passion} for me and her {Subject Matter} can get kind of heavy.  Also, the second time through I felt like character transformation was a little bit unrealistic but I still love the book :)

I can feel good about recommending this book...and there's a sequel :)

A Gilded Lady

***1/2

PG

{UM} {L}

Easily Recommend

I love Elizabeth Camden's writing but sometimes recently her books have contained unsavory elements.  This one, I am pleased to say was quite clean.  There were just a couple of {Uncomfortable Moments} and one instance of God's name being taken in vain {Language}.

I was fascinated by the look into the White House and the events surrounding Pres. McKinley's assassination.  That is one of the reasons I enjoy her books...they always include interesting historical events.

I will happily recommend this second installment in the Hope and Glory series by Elizabeth Camden!

The Spice King

****

PG

{UM}

Easily and Heartily Recommend

I loved this book!

I always enjoy the history Elizabeth Camden puts into her stories.  It makes them super interesting and believable.  There were so many elements that I loved in this book; from the banter between the main characters, the descriptions of the orchids and spices, the emotional trauma to the vulnerability and openness of the leading man.

The plot was very exciting to me and I actually ended up describing it to my husband which I rarely do because I know he's not usually interested...he seemed to tolerate this one easily enough though :)

There were just a few {Uncomfortable Moments} but no other objections at all!

I am super excited that this is going to be a series and can't wait for the next installment!

A Desperate Hope

***

PG (13?)

{BSt} {SM}

Probably Not Recommend

The {Back Story} involving immorality plays a huge part throughout the whole book.  There are other instances of immoral conduct mentioned and referred to quite plainly as well {Subject Matter}.

Aside from these major issues (for me) there was a good mystery going on and the pace of the book picked up considerably towards the end.

It was an interesting plot with historical basis (as all of hers have...and I appreciate that) but because of what I mentioned above I would have a hard time recommending this book :(

A Daring Venture

****

PG

{UM} {BSt}

Probably-Easily Recommend

With some {BSt} and a bit of gossip and accusations of immorality (which are not true), I can't give this a squeaky clean rating but it was pretty close.  The back story is concerning a secondary character and is not a main part of the plot so I wasn't as bothered by it.

The story itself was great!

I loved the characters and the intriguing storyline.  As always with Elizabeth Camden, fascinating history is weaved in with the fiction making for a delightful read!

This is the second in a series though so be sure to read A Dangerous Legacy, first!