Beyond All Dreams

The depiction of the political scene in Washington during early turn of the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of a female librarian working at the library of congress, was a nice change from a story about a wealthy belle living in a mansion in the south. I have read and enjoyed dozens of those stories too!, but Elizabeths Camden’s incorporation of unfamiliar U.S. naval history was refreshing. The characters’ passions to seek truth and live out their beliefs at all costs posed risks and provided food for thought even for today. The book had twists and turns till the end. Worth reading to see how Anna and Luke’s dreams played out.

This was my first time reading this author and I was pleasantly surprised. Normally with books like these I feel like the love story takes center stage and everything else is background scenery. However this was refreshingly different. The author really made the time period and the characters personal struggles really come alive. I felt more sucked into that than the love story, which wasn't really that interesting. I felt like their chemistry, feelings, and relationship could've been written better or with better depth, but I feel like there was so many other interesting things going on in the book that maybe there wasn't time. Overall, would recommend and liked it enough to try more books by this author (as well as check out a book about the Spanish War now). Well done!

I’m ashamed to admit that, despite the fact that I’ve read and loved all of Camden’s novels, this is the first time I’m writing a review. Maybe I’m just feeling a little inspired by her latest heroine. It’s time to speak up and make my voice heard.Just like with her previous novels, I read this one in less than a day. And, then, I reread through my favorite passages the next day. Honestly, her plots are that engaging, her characters are that relatable, and her settings are that memorable.This, her latest novel, took me back to one of my favorite cities and made me fall in love with it all over again. I also like that Camden uses historical events as major plot elements. I appreciate books that inspire me to do a little of my own research just to learn more about a topic or event as I did with tuberculosis, opium addiction, the Chicago fire, and now the Spanish American War.The chemistry between her heroines and heroes never fails to put a smile on my face or make me sigh. She writes dialogue that reminds me of watching scenes between Hepburn and Tracy, or Hepburn and Grant, or, goodness, pretty much Hepburn and anybody.I particularly liked the two lead characters in this novel. Their imperfections make me hurt over their setbacks, cringe over their missteps, and root for their redemption. Good romances rely on characters that make you love them despite their imperfections. And, I’m not talking about the common “imperfections” like being too kind, too beautiful, having too many freckles, being too brave, too forgiving, or just too doggone perfect. Camden’s understanding of this difference is what sets her writing apart and make her characters memorable.Finally, Camden’s ability to emphasize the beauty and necessity of God’s love over all other forms is what makes me her biggest fan. Granted, she achieves that to greater success in some stories (“Tide” and “Dreams”) over others (“Whirlwind”). But, I never feel she loses sight of the fact that the love between a man and woman isn’t what guarantees her characters’ “happily ever after.”Thank you, Ms. Camden, for continuing to write great stories.Note: I’ve purchased this and all of Camden’s other novels using my own money, and, admittedly, some of my son’s Amazon gift card balance.

A moment ago I finished reading 'Beyond All Dreams'. I am still smiling from the joy I feel in my heart and grateful I decided to buy this book. Whatever words I can muster about the depth's of Elizabeth Camden's talent as a writer will never seem enough.I had never read any of her works but the cover of the book and short description of its plot called out to me, and I took a chance. It led me on an immensely engaging and interesting journey. Historical novels are aplenty but this one is above and beyond most romances I have read. As a bonus, it is a 'clean' love story, which is important to me and very rare to find with such level of quality.Luke and Anna's relationship develops in a realistic way and their personalities are well defined. Theirs is a tale of how two people can meet and be intrigued about each other, feeling that first flush of physical attraction but putting it in the back burner in favor of their interest in how the other one's mind works; of their demeanor. I do not want to give away spoilers. Let's just say our protagonists are presented to us without the usual clichés.Kudos to Ms. Camden for taking the time to do her research and stick to historically accurate descriptions of the time period. I also appreciate how she presented us with a number of well-developed secondary characters whose actions are crucial to the plot.To each his or her own, but I'd rather spend my time delighting in a love story based on attraction + common sense, one that presents its protagonists with all their virtues and faults, rather than read about a superficial 'everyone is hot and has mind-blowing sex soon and frequently' novel where every man is a gorgeous dashing hero and the ladies are either feisty maidens who must be dominated or beautiful airheads. Please!Do yourself a favor: buy this novel and read it. Whether you are a realist, a romantic, or both - as long as you believe in love, you'll be glad you took the time to meet these characters. I'm sure that, like me, you'll get ready to delve into another one of her novels as soon as possible.

Although fictionalised, the lives of 53 real men are at the heart of this story and the real ship that they sailed in. I hope that they are not forgotten in American History and what happened to them must have affected 53 families with loss that was felt in a similar way to that which the heroine felt.I was captured by the detail of the housing of the library of Congress and of the work of librarians there. The description of the working of the House of Representatives and its committees at that time was a good insight into the period.A good story, well told.

I have never been disappointed with one of Camden's books. This one especially has a very unique story line that intrigues the reader all the way through. It can be difficult to write an interesting story that includes politics and map libraries, but Camden does it with flying colors. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, and a little bit of mystery and romance.

I'm not into historical fiction, I'm not into chick lit and I'm not into romance fiction. But I have to say I enjoyed this well-written story.

Very nice

I liked everything about the book.