A Writer's Review of “Against the Tide" by Elizabeth Camden

{My Review}

Against the Tide is Elizabeth Camden’s third book. And the third book of hers which I absolutely adored. These three books aren’t written as a series, but they are somewhat connected. Against the Tide is actually a continuation of the story of a minor character from Camden’s first book, The Lady of Bolton Hill. 

Set a decade later in 1891, Alexander Banebridge (who goes by the name Bane) has dedicated his life to destroying the opium trade he helped fortify before coming to Christ as a seventeen-year-old. He has no home, no family, lives on the run, and has absolutely no desire to fall in love. However, he can’t resist “bothering” the meticulously organized desk of a certain exotic-looking young lady every time he comes to the offices of Boston’s Navy Yard on business.

Half Greek and half Turk, Lydia Pallas is a poor, orphaned, but very clever translator for the US Navy. And when Alexander Banebridge finally turns his attention from messing up her ink bottles to talking her into doing some translations for him on the side, her heart doesn’t hold a chance.    

This story had me captivated from the very first moment Alexander Banebridge and Lydia Pallas spoke their first words to one another. Anyone could tell they were meant to be together--that they'd both found that one person who truly understood them--but that it was seemingly hopeless. Bane is so intricately tied to his mission and can not afford to love her for fear that his enemy, Professor Van Bracken, would find out and kidnap her--using her life as way of controlling Bane’s interests.

I’m not going to say any more, because I could seriously go on all day about the amazing historical and emotional details of this book and ruin the delight any one of you might get out of taking the unexpected journey yourselves. The only thing I will add, is that I really, really, really hope that Camden someday writes a book about Admiral Eric Fontaine.   

Bethany House Publishers provided me with a paperback copy of this book to review in exchange for my honest opinion. I give Elizabeth Camden’s Against the Tide 5 Stars.

{More about Elizabeth Camden}

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. 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 in central Florida.

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 Elizabeth Camden’s Books

        

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Coming in August from Elizabeth Camden ~                Into the Whirlwind 

After her father’s death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes.

While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?
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