Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden Book Review

// Beyond All Dreams //

By Elizabeth Camden

{Review by Bethany}

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher

Publication Date: December 15th, 2014
Number of Pages: 368
  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

// Book Synopsis //
 

Taken from Good Reads

 

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?

 

// Bethany's Book Review //

 

I've been a big fan of Elizabeth Camden's novels for a while now, and was very excited to hear that she had a new novel coming out, titled Beyond All Dreams! I was even more excited to find out that the heroine of the story, Anna worked at the Library of Congress! As a fan of books and libraries, I knew right off the bat that I'd have something in common with this character, and would probably enjoy the book even more because of it. While my favorite Camden novels still remain The Rose of Winslow Street and With Every Breath, I still enjoyed the story and loved the setting!

One of the things that really sets apart Elizabeth Camden's novels from others, is her ability to create such realistic, likable characters and bring them to life on the paper. I love the way she takes a hero or heroine and really develops that character throughout the story. I feel like not all novels do such a good job at character development, but Camden has this aspect of writing down! Some novels seem to focus more on the setting of the story versus on the actual characters, and you can tell that Camden puts a lot of development into her stories by really expanding on the characters. It's always fun first learning about the characters, and then seeing how they mature and grow throughout the book, and Camden's novels don't disappoint in this area!

As I mentioned earlier, I just loved how this novel's heroine works at the Library of Congress! It was so interesting seeing that side of her story, as well as the plot that Camden so masterfully wove into the other characters. The story she tells in the pages of this book are so well thought-out and written, and it makes for a really pleasurable read that I'm sure all fans of libraries, or Camden's work, will be trilled with! 

 

I loved how this story had a mild amount of mystery mixed into the love story between Anna and Luke.  I feel like it definitely helped keep the story rolling, and on top of the wonderful writing ability that Camden obviously has, it makes you keep turning pages long into the night! 

Overall I was very pleased with this novel and really enjoyed the opportunity to read it! I will be adding this book to my shelf, right alongside my other Camden novels; and look forward to her future releases!

D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a complementary copy of Beyond All Dreams from the publisher for the sole purpose of this review. All thoughts expressed are completely honest and my own unbiased views. I was not paid to write this review or promote this book in any way.

Unplanned By Abby Johnson Book Review

// Unplanned //

The dramatic true story of a former Planned Parenthood leader's eye-opening journey across the life line 

By Abby Johnson

{Review Written By Bethany} 

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher

Publication Date: January 11th, 2011
Number of Pages: 267
  Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

// Book Synopsis //
 

Taken from Good Reads

 Retailers Choice Award winner, 2012 Abby Johnson quit her job in October 2009. That simple act became a national news story because Abby was the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas who, after participating in her first actual abortion procedure, walked across the road to join the Coalition for Life. "Unplanned" is a heart stopping personal drama of life-and-death encounters, a courtroom battle, and spiritual transformation that speaks hope and compassion into the political controversy that surrounds this issue. Telling Abby's story from both sides of the abortion clinic property line, this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the life versus rights debate and helping women who face crisis pregnancies.

// Bethany's Book Review //

I was able to watch the Unplanned documentary a while back, and was inspired and encouraged by Abby Johnson's story. When I realized she had written a book about her experience working at Planned Parenthood and then quitting after the Lord revealed to her that abortion is wrong; I was very eager to read it! 

Abby Johnson's story, told in this book, is such an encouraging and inspiring one. One that proved that truth will always prevail. Even though I have been pro-life and stand firm in this decision, I was blessed by hearing both "sides" of the story. Reading about Abby Johnson's story really helped me to think about this issue, and look at it in a way that I'd never looked at it before. Since Abby Johnson has been on both sides of the debate, I think that she is such an excellent tool that the Lord has been using to teach both sides.

I really enjoyed reading about Abby's story, and reading about how the Lord opened her eyes to the atrocities that went on in the building that she managed. It was so encouraging and moving just to see Abby's raw honesty in this book. I really appreciate how she put all the briers down and told her story as honestly as possible. This is one of those books that makes you think, and makes you stronger as a person. I'm so glad for the opportunity to have read it. No matter where you stand on the issue of abortion, I think that everyone should read this book.

D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a complementary copy of Unplanned for the sole purpose of this review. All thoughts expressed are completely my own, honest and unbiased. I was not paid in any way to promote this book.

Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry Book Review

// Return to Exile //

The Carthage Chronicles // Book #2

By Lynne Gentry

{Book Review by Bethany}

Publisher: Howard
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher
Publication Date: January 6th, 2015
Number of Pages: 384
  Rating: 3 out of 5 stars 

// Book Synopsis //
 

Taken from Good Reads

"A twenty-first-century doctor travels back in time to third-century Carthage to rescue her husband, but the arrival of a deadly epidemic forces her to make an impossible choice in this fast-paced second novel in The Carthage Chronicles series. 

Dr. Lisbeth Hastings salvaged two things from her accidental trip to the third century: her mother's stethoscope and her child. Making a life for her daughter Maggie back in the present is difficult, but returning to ancient Carthage is impossible. However, when Lisbeth learns her husband is slated to die a martyr's death, she must find a way around the impossible to save him. 

Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He's lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. When Ruth, an old friend, proposes he marry her to restore his position and protect his estate, the disgraced nobleman accepts. But when Cyprian's true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church. 

As Lisbeth and Cyprian reunite to battle a new epidemic and save the oppressed community of Christians, the chasm between the two of them seems too wide to bridge. But when Maggie contracts typhoid, Lisbeth must choose: stay and save the man she loves, or return home and save her daughter? 

Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, this incredibly compelling adventure of star-crossed lovers will keep you engrossed with every turn of the page."

// Bethany's Book Review //

I really enjoyed reading the first book in The Carthage Chronicles, and was eager for the release of its sequel, Return to Exile. The idea of having a 21st century doctor go back in time to ancient Carthage was one that I thought had great potential, and was very unique. However, sadly I think that I enjoyed the first book in this series, Healer of Carthage a lot more than I enjoyed Return to Exile.
 

I've always been a fan of historical fiction that involves time travel, and always jump at the chance to read these kinds of books, since there aren't many out there. However I felt like there was just something that didn't work for me with this novel. I read the first 50 or so pages and the story just didn't seem to be going anywhere. I felt like the exciting part of the story should have already started (which would the the main character finally going back to ancient Carthage). I quickly became disinterested in the story, making it very hard for me to complete the novel having given it my full attention. I was sad that this is the way I reacted to the story, as I had hopes that I'd enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the first story. While the story did pick up after a while, I felt like by the time it did, I had already lost interest.

Despite the fact that I had a hard time getting "into" the story, I did enjoy reading the parts that did got exciting, although I felt like they were few and far between. While there weren't many parts that I felt really kept my interest, I will say that the few ones that did were really unexpected and really surprised me! I enjoyed the historical details of this story, and seeing the main character and how her lives were different in both time periods. It was neat continuing her story, I just wish it would have grabbed my attention more. However I by no means want to discourage anyone from giving this novel a try! Fans of historical fiction with time travel interwoven should check out this series!

D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a free copy of Return to Exile from the publisher for the sole purpose of this review. I was not paid to write this review or promote this book, and all thoughts expressed are my own, completely honest and unbiased.