Elizabeth Camden

2013 RITA Winner for Inspirational Romance 2013 Christy Award Winner for Historical Romance 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award Winner for Inspirational Romantic Mystery/Suspense 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.

Against the Tide

Heather Wood

I feel pretty neutral about this book. It didn't wow me but it was a nice way to pass some time. 3.5 stars.

Kaylee Z

This was such a unique read for me. I was initially drawn to the cover, because I love historical fiction and sailing, but upon reading the synopsis it became a must read.

I haven’t read anything before set in Boston in the 1890s, nor have I read anything where the lead is a translator. Then there is the sub-plot of dismantling an underground opium trade… honestly, SO unique. 

Against the Tide could be marketed as a romance (or more accurately a ‘soft’ romance) but I wouldn’t even go that far. This book is more about a woman learning to rely on herself and be strong by herself. Bane was certainly an interesting character and brought more of the sub-plot into play, but I don’t really see him as a swoony romantic interest. 

My only big issue with this book was the amount of preaching. It is heavily leaning towards Christian romance in that Bane has found God and now wants everyone else to as well, especially Lydia. I understand the idea of this and feeling like this thing has saved you and you want everyone to be able to find strength in the same way, but Bane was really pressuring in my opinion and I felt very uncomfortable at times. And I’m a Catholic. 

Lydia’s character was the best part of this book though. Her story was everything I wanted it to be. Her growth was perfect, her attitude was honest and relate-able. Then adding in some undercover spy-type goodness. It really was a treat. Bane was simply the catalyst that let Lydia find her own strength though. 

I think I will look for more from this author but I will be bit more wary regarding the religious undertones which I am sure show in her other works. Camden has shown that she is a wonderful story-teller, historian and writer though with this book and I am eager to see what else she can come up with.

Against the Tide

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