A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Completely disconnected from her family, friends and impulsive youth, Cecily Faire takes a respectable position as a lady's maid at Willowgrove Hall and is suddenly thrust back into contact with the man who knows the secrets and shame of her youth. Desperate to avoid the truth and retain her position, she closes herself off from relationships with those around her – including Nathaniel Stanton, the handsome and capable steward of Willowgrove Hall, who bears his own set of secrets. While she struggles to maintain outward control, fighting to contain her heart is even more difficult. Will Cecily and Nathaniel be able to trust each other with the secrets of their past and, more importantly, will they trust the God who can bring them together? Read more in A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd.

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall is the third book in Sarah E. Ladd's Whispers on the Moors series. I've not read the other two and this one was fine as a stand-alone book. I appreciated the theme of how speaking the truth opens up possibilities for healing and relationship. The plot was solid and well-paced. Writing style was adequate, neither amazing nor disappointing. However, while the novel was entertaining for a few days, I don't see myself revisiting it again in the future as there was really nothing to elevate it above any other book of its style.

While A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd is not my favorite book, many readers will like it. I think it is best suited for readers who enjoy clean, nineteenth-century romances that are entertaining, but not amazing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden

About the book:
Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, 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 before his promising career was 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 entanglements with members 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 their futures?

My Review:

Beyond All Dreams is my favorite novel by Elizabeth Camden. The original plot, combined with romance, historical mystery, and poetry references created an enjoyable story that I intend to read again in the future. The book lover in me appreciated the setting of the Library of Congress, perhaps more than others would. However, other aspects kept me reading. I could identify with Anna's respect and affection for books and details. Luke Callahan's character was a powerful force in the story and the romance between Luke and Anna was complicated, but sweet. The mystery of the USS Culpeper was unpredictable and remained a mystery to me as long as it was to Anna. Overall, reading Beyond All Dreams was a wonderful experience. I recommend it to fans of inspirational fiction who are interested in a tale of mystery and romance with just the right amount of depth.

About the author:

Elizabeth Camden is the author of six books and a RITA and Christy Award winner. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida.

Other Things:

You can read an excerpt from Beyond All Dreams on the publisher's website.

 

Visit the Blog Tour page to read more reviews.

Find Elizabeth online: website, Facebook
 

View Elizabeth Camden's pinterest board showcasing the places and inspirations for Beyond All Dreams.

 

Lastly, don't forget about the giveaway! More details here.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."