Against the Tide~ by Elizabeth Camden

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Against the Tide Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012) by Elizabeth Camden

 My Review: Against the Tide is a romantic adventure that tells the story of Lydia Pallas.  Lydia grew up with a childhood that was not blessed with advantages or wealth, but nevertheless when she is offered a position as a translator for the U S Navy she can finally have a life that provides her with the security and stability she craves.  Enter Alexander Banebrige.  Alexander is a mysterious man whose live is consumed with the quest to end the opium trade.  Lydia and Bane’s (Alexander) paths cross when he needs a translator’s services and through this they are both drawn into a dangerous mission that requires Lydia to take a huge risk.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.  It was very engaging from the first page and I really appreciated the development of the main characters Lydia and Bane.  They were complex people with struggles and imperfections and their story was really touching.  In addition to the romance part of the story it also has elements of mystery and suspense.  This book is a great historical romantic adventure read (if that is a genre) that you will definitely enjoy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Elizabeth:

I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

I married relatively late in life, which turned out to be an odd kind of blessing. I had gotten very good at leading a solo life, and although I was not particularly content being alone, I had become reconciled to it. Most importantly, it taught me never to take my husband for granted. I give daily thanks for the blessing of being able to share a life with my favorite person on the planet.

As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Love and Lives are Threatened in Camden's Latest Offering

As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Against the Tide, go HERE.