My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Goodreads Summary
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?
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?
Travel back in time to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress in Elizabeth Camden's newest release, Beyond All Dreams. 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 their futures?
Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- One copy of Beyond All Dreams
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/17. Winner will be announced at Elizabeth's 2/17 Beyond All Dreams Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Elizabeth and historical fiction fans, as well as for the opportunity to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!
My Review
I've always enjoyed Historical Christian fiction, and Beyond All Dreams quickly became one of my favorites in that genre! I was captivated by the setting. I've never read a historical fiction book that takes place in Washington D.C., at the White House, and/or the old and new library of Congress! I really enjoyed this rich peek into the past from the perspectives of both a librarian and a congressman - two opposite viewpoints that may be closer than you would think! This book opened my eyes to a whole new Washington D.C.!
Being a book lover, I loved reading about Anna's job at the Library and true love of books and her job, too! As well as Luke's love of poetry and the written word.
The plot was very interesting and intriguing. The characters were led on a great journey to figure everything out, and what journey it was! I was so curious as to what had happened, and was just as anxious as the characters.
But, it was the character growth that truly stuck out to me, being the most significant part of the story, and therefore what truly made me fall into the book! Anna and Luke had both been through their share of really tough situations growing up. I felt their emotions and pain from being bullied and/or a father's actions, understood their weaknesses and insecurites because of it, and loved their forgiveness and true love of life through all the trial and pain. Their circumstances may have shaped who they were, but the journey they went on together was remarkably beautiful in showing who they had/could become!
I related to both characters! Anna's quiet, blend into the background, bookish lifestyle, and Luke's wish for peace. Anna's practical yet still a dreamer personality, and Luke's hope to help make the world a better place. Both of their love for books, and loyalty to friendship and family through it all. I rooted for them all the way, for they were perfect for each other! But could they overcome all of their differences?
Not only were Anna and Luke very well developed, three dimensional characters, but so were the side characters! Anna's best friend from childhood, Neville, and Luke's nephew, Philip, were inspiring too. Combined? They made this book unstoppable and utterly unforgettable!
It was so easy to feel both of their emotions whether love, faith, betrayal, trust, hurt, etc. Their feelings were so rich, well portrayed, and most important - believable!
I loved the beautifully interwoven themes of faith, forgiveness, trust, and love. So much of this book spoke to my heart, making me dog ear pages with delightful and inspiring sections that I know I will want to read over and over again. Their were scenic descriptions, and fantastically entertaining banter between Anna and Luke combined with true, serious conversation to keep readers entertained for hours! You will pick up this book, be transported into the lives of the characters, and not want to put it down!
There is so much more I want to say about this beautiful and delightful book, but you really need to just read it for yourselves! I will not spoil all of their secrets!
I can't wait to read more of Elizabeth Camden's writing!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. This in no way affected my views, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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