Monday, December 3, 2012

Against the Tide

GIVEAWAY

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
AGAINST THE TIDE

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.

My Review:

What a gut-wrenching story! My tummy is still in a twist after my marathon read! Compelling doesn't begin to describe Camden's work. She has a knack for creating very real characters -- flaws and all -- that are easy for a reader to fall in love with. When Lydia hurt, I hurt. When Lydia cried, I cried. I felt like I was underneath her skin and could understand every nuance and reaction in every scene. That emotional pull made even more of an impact because as a reader, I could also see into the heart and mind of the hero, Bane. And what a complex character he is too! A self-made man, much too hard on himself with a grim determination to right the wrongs in his past. He is driven. But then so is Lydia in a different way -- both striving to escape their pasts for different reasons which makes for an interesting parallel.

Camden tackles historical detail with unerring precision. I was riveted by historical facts I wasn't  aware of. Yet another way that women and children were victimized in the 19th century. Appalled, doesn't begin to describe my reactions at times. The author tells an important story that could easily translate into issues and concerns we face in the 21st century.

There are wonderful lighthearted moments as well. Lydia's snappy comebacks and the way she holds her own with Bane always brought a smile to my lips. And his subtle teasing to ruffle her feathers are so much fun. There is a dynamic connection between the two that Camden builds into an unforgettable romance.

A stunning read for historical lovers everywhere.


Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Against the Tide, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 9 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

30 comments:

  1. I really like Elizabeth Camden's writing style! Thanks for the giveaway. :)

    Rosie
    spyg93(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  2. Fabulous review, Kav - and I wholeheartedly agree! I was practically sobbing towards the end of the book... Such a powerful read!

    No need to enter me, as I already have a copy of this wonderful book. :)

    ~Amber

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  3. I've heard such good things about this one. Please enter me. rmjagears AT gmail DOT com

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  4. I do too, Rosie and she keeps getting better and better. Good luck!

    Glad to see it affected another reader the same way, Amber. Powerful read is right.

    Melissa, you heard right. Good luck!

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  5. My grand daughter is planning to be a translator. I would love to win this book for her.
    godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I've already read and reviewed this book! And I COMPLETELY agree with you Kav "What a gut-wrenching story!" I really liked it, and I thought it is SO MUCH MORE than the back cover leads you to! Really good book!

    Don't enter me Kav, I just wanted to share :)

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  7. I really enjoyed The Lady of Bolton Hill and look forward to this one. It sounds SO emotional. Thank you for the chance to read it.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  8. I would love to win of course but based on your review I will be looking for this book in my Library.
    montanamade(a)gmail(dot)com

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  9. Amada -- you're so right about the backcover blurb not revealing the depth and substance of the read. Glad you loved it too.

    Na -- Camden knows how to deliver a good read, doesn't she? Good luck!

    You'll want to read it for sure, Jasmine. Good luck!

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  10. I love historical fiction, a way to enjoy history at the same time that you get a get story! Also love emotional reads, like tearjerkers at the movies! Would love to win this one. Thank you for having this giveaway.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  11. I don't think I've ever read any of Elizabeth's books, but the cover is great and if you call it a 'stunning read', sounds like I need to check it out!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. I've never read any of Elizabeth's books, but I would like to!! The cover looks so intriguing!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  13. Good luck Carol, Patty and Marissa! It's a great read!

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  14. It's been a while since I read a historical romance. This one sounds like a winner! Great review!
    may_dayzee (AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  15. Well said, Kav! I read the book already so this is not entry. I was just curious to see what you thought of it and what a well-written, accurate review! Couldn't agree more.

    All the best to everyone else entering.

    :-)

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  16. I had to come over and read your review of this one. It's quite possibly my favorite book of the year. Please do not enter me, I already have a copy, and trust me it's on my keeper shelf.

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  17. I loved Elizabeth's book, The Rose of Winslow Street, so I'm really looking forward to reading Against the Tide. It would be wonderful to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  18. Oh wow sounds like a very inspirational book.....love to win a copy of Elizabeth Camden's new book 'Against The Tide'.......I have shared on facebook and twitter too.....babyruthmac16ATyahooDOTcom

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  19. Oh Kay, this is the perfect one to pick up and to break your historical romance drought! Good luck!

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Ganise and Michelle, even though you've already read the book. It does tend to make an impact on readers, doesn't it?

    You'll love this one too, Pam. Good luck!

    And yes, inspirational is another good descriptor. Good luck, eyeballlucy!

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  20. Thanks for the great giveaway. I love the title and cover.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  21. Your welcome rubynreba. Good luck!

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  22. I'd love to be entered for Against the Tide, your review drew me right in! Thanks for a chance, Kav.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  23. I would love to win this book. It would be a wonderful addition to the Church Library.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest.
    von1janet at gmail dot com

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  24. Good luck Merry and Library Lady!

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  25. This sounds really exciting! thank you for the contest!

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

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  26. I haven't read any of Elizabeth's books but I would like to win this one.

    deamundy(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. The story sounds fabulous! Thanks for sharing your review!

    Jes
    jswaks at gmail dot com

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  28. This book looks good, and I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity!

    gwen(dot)gage(at)gmail(dot)com

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