Thursday, February 26, 2015

Beyond All Dreams

GIVEAWAY

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
BEYOND ALL DREAMS

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:

I'm still in a tizzy of euphoria after reading Beyond All Dreams. To say I loved it would be a huge understatement. I adored it! Found it brilliantly funny and heart-stopping romantical. There's even a page-turning mystery to solve. Delicious from beginning to end.

First off, I went into a librarian's swoon over the setting -- the hallowed halls of the Library of Congress. Be still my heart! You might need to have studied library science in order to get the thrill of that but Camden captured my feelings perfectly when I got to see the library through Anna's devoted eyes. "Even after six years, there were times Anna loved to stand in the aisles, awed by the immensity of the books towering above her. It was magical and magnificent. Amazing and inspiring. (p.6) No need to explain why this librarian felt an immediate connection to this heroine. :-)

Anna might be a librarian and she might even think she is mild-mannered but there's something about Luke Callahan that sparks her temper. The dialogue between the two is hysterical. Luke is used to bending wills and getting his way but he hasn't run into anyone like Anna before. Prim. proper and exacting as she is, she won't give an inch when she feels passionately about something. It's like Luke is struck by a bolt of lightning when he first meets her and he never recovers (thankfully.) And oh, mercy, but is he a romantic! And he goes after Anna with as much bluster and tenacity as he does in politics.

And though there's plenty of humour in this engaging story, there's a sinister undercurrent that surrounds Anna's quest for historical truth. That made this a really compelling read for me. Add in a profound inspirational thread on forgiveness and this book ticks all the boxes. I can sum it up best by using Camden's own words (a little out of context.) Magical and magnificent.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Beyond All Dreams please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, 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 March 1 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

33 comments:

  1. This book sounds wonderful, Kav, and the cover is just beautiful! Sign me up for this one, please!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. I enjoyed it sooooo much. Good luck, Melanie.

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  2. I love your enthusiasm for this book, Kav! It makes me wish I had a copy in my hands right this minute!! I can't wait to read Beyond All Dreams!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. LOL -- my enthusiasm can get the better of me sometimes. But, seriously, librarian, Library of Congress, dashing hero, intriguing mystery -- what's not to be enthusiastic about?

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  3. I remember going to the Library of Congress for work when I was in Washington DC. It is a huge and beautiful library. It took about an hour for the staff to get a book that I requested b/c of the vast book collection. I've been reading great reviews of this book so thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. oops, my email: garfsgirl AT hotmail DOT com

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    2. Gasp -- you've been to the Library of Congress, Lis? I'm gobsmacked!!!!! My dream job. Sigh. Good luck.

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  4. It would be an amazing trip to visit the Library of Congress! Would love to at least visit through the pages of this book=)

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. The descriptions are so well done. I felt like I was there. Good luck, Patty.

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  5. You REALLY made me want to read this. And I don't think you have to be a librarian to love libraries. Thanks, Kav. cregnier(at)twinvalley(dot)net

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    1. Definitely not -- library lovers come in all shapes and sizes...and occupations. Good luck, Cindy.

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  6. Beautiful cover....and love your review, Kav! I've read some of her books and really enjoyed them. Count me in the draw for this one, please.
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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  7. I've got to join in for this one, I have been looking forward to this book!! Good to know you liked it so much :)

    lieniitte(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It's worth looking forward to, Lieniitte. Good luck.

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  8. I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Camden's books. She always has such beautiful covers on her books and the stories don't disappoint. I'd love to win Beyond all Dreams.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. I agree, Pam. Love this cover -- has an air of mystery to it. Good luck.

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  9. Yes!!! I want in on this one for sure. You're so convincing Kav, but so is the cover - I love it. rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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  10. How can I not want to read Beyond All Dreams after such an awesome review? It sounds so good! :)
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Merry, I guess you could tell I liked this book. Good luck.

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  11. I am sooo looking forward to reading this one! She had me at "librarian". Thanks for the review and giveaway!
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. Squeal...I know!!!!!!!! Good luck, Loraine.

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  12. Your high praise makes me want to read it, Kav. Count me in!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  13. Kav, your reviewing skills are truly amazing. You can get me into wanting to read practically any book you review! Although this one has been on my radar for a long time, as I love Elizabeth Camden´s works to pieces!!!
    No need to say more - count me in, please! :)

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. I've always wanted to visit the Library of Congress. What a great book this looks like!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. I'm determined to visit it someday as well, rubynreba. Good luck.

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  15. Love the setting and am looking forward to reading this book.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  16. Please put my name in for a chance to win Kav. Your reviews always get me. Thanks! Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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