Thursday, December 6, 2012

Book Review - Against the Tide



Against the Tide                               

By Elizabeth Camden

Bethany House Publishers

Lydia Pallas is alone. Her parents died when she was young, and she’s had to fend for herself ever since. Her ability as a translator lands her a job with the United States Navy, a position generally held by men in 1891. Lydia is thankful; this post offers her a slightly better lifestyle than Boston’s female working class. 
 
At the Naval office, Lydia and her co-workers see Alexander Banebridge as an enigma. He visits their supervisor, Admiral Eric Fontaine on occasion, but no one knows why. Cloaked in mystery and importance, Banebridge floats in and out, seldom exchanging a word with the office staff. He too, is alone in the world, having been separated from his family under unusual circumstances when he was a boy.

Banebridge asks Lydia to help him with several translating projects. She agrees, as she is saving to buy her apartment. At first, Banebridge gets on her nerves. He seems too perfect - in looks, demeanor, and values. She warms to him though, despite efforts to keep her distance. 

Bane’s project eventually puts Lydia in danger, not because he wishes her harm, but because he needs someone he can trust. His philosophy demands that he keep people at arm’s length. However, many things change, much to their mutual surprise, throughout this deceptive and dangerous journey. 

Since I hadn't read any of Ms. Camden’s books before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Against the Tide offered engaging characters and one of those edge-of-your-seat plots that makes you want to keep reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am impressed by Camden’s rich story telling ability. She creates realistic and relatable characters, the kind that readers care about. I look forward to checking out Ms. Camden’s other books.

What are you reading this weekend? 

Happy reading and writing,

Karen 

Please note: I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for review purposes. No compensation was received.



16 comments :

  1. Sounds like a great book. Thx!

    I just started a Harlan Coben book. He's new to me. So far so good!

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  2. This review is awesome and the book sounds like a lot of fun, amigo! I am not familiar Elizabeth Camden. You have shown me another new author to be excited about. Yippee! #bepositive :-)

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  3. She's new to me, too! And lucky you, getting free books and 'having' to read them. :D

    Hope all's calm in your wigwam and you're still sprouting around with that lovely orange purse!

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  4. Jennifer,
    You are welcome! I've heard of Coben, but not read any of his books. Let us know how you like it. :)

    Robyn,
    Being positive, girl! :) Thanks for your kind words. I think you might like this one! :)

    Rhonda,
    I really liked this one! Hope you get a chance to read it. If you were nearby, I'd lend you my copy. Maybe on your way through to FL...:)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  5. Against the tide sounds good. Thanks for the review.

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  6. I put this one on my list, Karen. Thanks for the recommendation. Your review and thoughts mean a lot. This weekend I'm reading The Harrowing by Alexandra Sokoloff.

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  7. Rachna,
    You are welcome! Can't wait to read others by Camden as well. :)

    Joylene,
    And your kind words mean a lot to me, thanks, friend! :) Hope your hubby is feeling better. Kitty too. :)

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  8. Sounds like a wonderful book. (and I love the cover!)

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  9. Hi Karen -

    This sounds like my kind of book! I've never read any of Elizabeth Camden's books, but this one is going on my Wish List.

    I'm currently reading Kristen Heitzmann's book, "Unforgotten."

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  10. Lynda,
    I know, I love the cover too! It's very nicely done. :)

    Susan,
    I think you would really like this one. You'll have to let me know how you like that book too.

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  11. My son brought home "World War Z" at the Thanksgiving break. Even though zombies are not my monster of choice I love a good story and this was a good one. A different POV which moved along briskly and provided much food for thought about what to do in a crisis situation. I'm looking for some lighter fare to read here during the holidays. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!

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  12. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a good read.

    I'm nearing the end of The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling. Not as good as the Harry Potter series to me, but decent.

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  13. Sally,
    Sounds like it was food for thought! Glad you got to spend time with your son. :) Happy holidays to you too.

    Theresa,
    You are welcome. It really was a good read. I've heard mixed reviews of Rowling's book from lousy to great. "Decent", I'd say, sounds like somewhere in between. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  14. Sounds like a great book. This weekend I received my Christmas present from our son. I had asked for a copy of THE MESSAGE translation of the Bible. I've been reading different passages from it.

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  15. Nice review and thanks for letting us know about it. I love that cover, too!

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  16. Cecelia,
    You might like this one. I really enjoyed it. Sounds like you are enjoying your Message! :)

    Lydia,
    Thanks so much! Glad to pass along the info. :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!