To Love and Cherish "Bridal Veil Island"

 Escape to a Beautiful, Historic Island Resort

                            Bridal Veil Island, Georgia
                                             1898   


Melinda Colson has been waiting months for Evan, the assistant gamekeeper at the Bridal Veil Island resort, to propose. Without an offer of marriage, she must return to Cleveland with the family she works for as a lady's maid.

Evan isn't afraid of hard work, and he hopes to be promoted soon. He wants to marry Melinda--but not until he's sure he can support her and a family.

Letters strengthen their romance until a devastating storm strikes the island. With no word from Evan, Melinda knows she must journey back to Bridal Veil in search of her beloved.

But the hurricane isn't the last calamity to shake up Bridal Veil. Melinda finds a new job on the island, but still no offer of marriage comes her way. Has she given her heart to the wrong person? Will she ever find a man to love and cherish?

As I began reading this story, I could imagine myself in this beautiful resort off the Georgia coast.  Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller have mastered their talents with helping me escape to another time and another place.  I was a bit frustrated with the story as far as Evan was concerned.  Instead of expressing his thoughts about his future and his feelings for Melinda, he kept them to himself.  Meanwhile, Melinda, with her "take charge" attitude, made up her mind to marry Evan, yet she gets the impression he doesn't have the same feelings for her.  I would recommend this book as light romance but with interesting historical aspects.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review program.  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

Against The Tide, by Elizabeth Camden

After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy. 

Lydia's talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man in need of a translator. Driven by a campaign to end the opium trade, Bane is coolly analytical and relentless in his quest. He cannot afford to fall for Lydia and must fight the bittersweet love growing between them.

When Bane's enemies gain the upper hand, he is forced to turn to Lydia for help. Determined to prove her worth, Lydia soon discovers that carrying out Bane's mission will test her wits and her courage to the very limits.

This was my first book to read by author, Elizabeth Camden, and I was hooked right away as the heroine, Lydia Pallas, was left an orphan.  Against The Tide is set with a historical setting, the Office of Naval Intelligence, where Lydia uses her skills and knowledge of several languages to assist with translating.

The story interjects humor as Lydia, who prefers order, is challenged by those characters who enjoy teasing her.  Lydia always keeps her desk in particular order, eats the same foods, and her predictictable nature makes it a challenge when she is asked to help Alexander Banebridge stop the opium trade.

There is a dark side to the story with a very evil Professor and his control of so many lives.  The mystery and continuing relationship between Lydia and Alexander give the story action plus excitement.  I would definitely recommend this book.   The writing and imagery are well-done.  I would read more of Elizabeth Camden's novels as I found her dialogue and the plots keep my interest.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review program.  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