Against the Tide: (A Historical Romance set in late 1800s Boston)

I was very moved in many ways. I learned things, historically referenced, and part of the story, which I was glad to know. Thank you.

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden | Book ReviewWriting historical fiction demands the one holding the pen is of a certain talent; and a lot of patience. Any historical author worth their salt takes hours to research their subject, setting or era. As a girl who appreciates an anticipatory historical novel, I respect this. Against the Tide marks Camden's third novel, and of those, two have spots on my ever-growing keeper shelf. Many fans may remember Against the Tide’s hero, Alexander Banebridge or Bane as he goes by, from Camden’s debut. ‘Tide’ is the best in its class from this year, comfortably so.Camden’s voice matures with expert dialogue, and brilliant scenes that intrigue and tease. Camden's "sense of place" is sure to impress any history buff. It's interesting and leaves a reader loathe to turn the last page.Woven into the period details is a deeper, subtle message of faith. The achievement of the message is the hero. Using the “heroes are made, not born” adage to the best advantage, Camden forms Bane, an anti-hero into a very noble, swoon-worthy man who Christ redeems; what's still interesting is to see the "bad habits" of his past follow him.Once on the cusp of pure evil (or this is my recollection), even though shadows still cling to Bane, he’s a better man. I'm not sure this character trope has ever been done this well before. The narrative thread (of faith) isn’t prominent nor overwhelming but the discerning reader will “feel” the passion and grace Bane emulates.The story's pace also works for the “big picture” of the plot. With a pleasant prose, Elizabeth anchors the story in rich period detail, and integrity of the characters. Never does she loose sight of their emotions. Even in these quiet moments, there’s excitement and still plenty of time to savor the hero and heroine's bond. Bane is not the only complex thing in the story. Lydia is also, though hers is because of innocence. As a reader, I didn’t expect all her story entails; a risk that pays off.In the elements the encompass Lydia and Bane as a couple, it surprises me how little the romance factors in. Yes, Lydia falls hard for Bane but an unusual amount of time separates them and the love story isn’t the easiest to "buy" given that time-frame. This said, I never doubt her love for him, and likewise, his for her. Weaving a beautiful story that is facilitated by its accuracy, I am undeniably impressed with Elizabeth Camden’s third novel. It’s one I'll re-visit, and it leaves me breathless for her next endeavor.With thanks to the INSPYs and publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book for purpose of reading it.

As a beautiful work of historical Christian fiction, I consider Elizabeth Camden’s “Against the Tide” a great read for all—not just for Christian readers. This book is very well written with fascinating characters and an excellent blend of mystery, suspense, romance, and redemption.The plot of “Against the Tide” is centered around an opium (a narcotic drug) addiction problem in the U.S. that had led to extreme crime and severe suffering in the late-1800s, and from what I could tell this book is historically accurate. The author really did her research. I found this story especially interesting because the U.S. is facing a very similar problem today with opium.The development of each character is very well paced. Camden keeps you guessing as the history and motives of each character are slowly unveiled with brilliant timing. Most of the characters have visible flaws, which I really appreciate because this makes them much more realistic, more human.Bane in particular is such a complex, mysterious, and intriguing character! The Bane you see in the beginning, middle, and end of this story, are all very different. This character is constantly evolving throughout this book and my opinion of him changed drastically from beginning to end, which I love. I believe he has more depth than any other character in this book.There is also a character that is so inherently evil that reading about him/her made my skin crawl, however this character has an outward appearance to most of a well-educated and highly intelligent individual with a kind disposition, which makes this person even more creepy—a definite wolf in sheep’s clothing. I won’t spoil who this character is, but I will say that he/she added a lot of shock and suspense to this story!Outside of some necessary terrors that keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat, this book is clean with no cursing or sexual situations in it, which I really respect the author for. I also admire how the author blended faith into this story without being overbearing or "preachy," making this book appealing to believers and nonbelievers.Finishing “Against the Tide” was bittersweet. I'm happy to have read this book, however I'm sad to be finished with it because I was enjoying it so much that I didn't want it to end. This was a very realistic and exciting read with an element of adventure to it.I highly recommend this book and I know I'll want to read it again in the future.

Elizabeth Camden draws you in to her beautifully characterised stories. This one, as usual, is well researched and written. Words are never wasted by her, as some authors do just to pad out their story. Her storyline is extremely strong and her words are always used to enhance and progress both the unusual storyline and the characters who are themselves full of humanity, and human frailty. Their imperfections, but stubborn determination to succeed, carry the engrossing story on.I have only one adverse comment on the Historical note that followed the end of the book referring to Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup. It says ‘No mention was made of the healthy dose of opium it contained’. Surely that should say ‘unhealthy’ not ‘healthy. I am thankful that I was born much later than when it finished being sold in England.

Against the Tide is the story of Lydia Pallas, a translator for the US Navy. Lydia is a confident, intelligent woman who has some quirks that made me laugh but are due to her painful past. Lydia just wants a life of stability and routine. She meets Bane through her employer and initially she dislikes Bane. Bane then comes to Lydia for some translator help. The journey that Lydia and Bane embark on is one of suspense and page turning drama. I honestly could not put this book down! I kept turning pages well into the night!

Enjoyed this Novel. Interesting story. Quite fascinating to read about how the children in Orphanages were treated, and the problems of opium. Loved how Lydia's acceptance of Christianity changed and enhanced her life. Enjoyed discussion questions too. Good Read. H.

A great story.

good book