Books for Christian Girls: "Beyond All Dreams" by Elizabeth Camden

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About this book:

“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. 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 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.
From the gilded halls of the Capitol 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?”

Series: It is a stand-alone novel.

Spiritual Content- Scriptures are quoted; Talks about God & forgiving; ‘H’a are capital when referring to God; Going to church to pray; Luke is a Christian and wants to be a peace-maker.

*Note: mentions of different gods (Zeus, Janus & Neptune).

Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘dumb’, a ‘shoddy’, a ‘shut up’, three ‘sissy’s, eight ‘stupid’s, twelve forms of ‘idiot’; Anna used to cuss when she was mad, even though her uncle would clean her mouth out with soap, but one time he poured lye down her throat; Luke’s father was a drunk and used to have a temper (which, sadly, Luke has (but without the alcohol) and shows it. There is also flashbacks and mentions of Luke’s father. Semi-detailed); Luke’s brother and sister both drink; Mentions of prisons (semi-detailed); Mentions of smoking; Mentions of War & going to war; Mentions of executions.

Sexual Content- Not-detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss; Embraces; Nearness & Staring; A mention of a women with “a figure that would put an hourglass to shame”; Anna’s mother died in childbirth; Philip was born out of wedlock (and it’s added that Julia had an affair with a married man and that their “bodies had certainly become one”); A mention of 15 year old boys “flipping through anatomy books in the hunt for drawings of naked bodies.”; Girls at the boarding-house use “Bust Food” and the label is read “Designed…to provide the right food for starved skin and wasted tissues of the bust, Unrivaled for developing the flesh of the bosom”; When Luke describes his perfect wife he adds “and wouldn’t be afraid to dash stark naked into ocean with me.”; Mentions of a government worker lady who was let go after being seen kissing another government (male) worker; Mentions that government workers can’t flirt with other government workers; Love, falling in love, & the emotions.

-Anna O’Brien, age 29

-Luke Callahan, age 36
P.O.V. switches between them.

Set in 1897-1898
357 pages

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Pre Teens-

New Teens-

(and a half)

Early High School Teens-

(and a half)

Older High School Teens-

(and half)-ish

My personal Rating-

(and half)-ish

I’m having a really hard time rating this novel. I really enjoyed the mystery and wittyness but both Anna & Luke pasts are not easy to read (like real life, I know, but I have to point this stuff out). I’ve enjoyed other Elizabeth Camden novel—and I did enjoy this one—but I’m having a mini war inside myself, so to speak, about the rating for OHST and MPR. I knew since Anna worked in a library there would be some great quotes and I found quite a few I liked!

“So long as she had access to enough light to read, Anna could entertain herself for years.”

“Was there anything more inspiring than being able to look up and see oneself surrounded by thousands of books all the way to the ceiling three stories above?”

“You don't believe in writing in books?" "Of course not. Nor do I dog-ear the pages, crack book spines, underline passages, or otherwise mistreat government property.”

“He stayed true to his convictions, despite the overwhelming pressure to capitulate.”

“Beyond All Dreams” was witty and had some deep parts..but I’m having such a hard time with rating this novel!

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!