Against The Tide by Elizabeth Camden

Hello Folks,

Against the Tide is gripping, and moving. This is the story of an AMAZING orphaned girl. Lydia grew up on a boat, and over time got to work in the Navy ship yard. Her job is to be a language translator. Lydia is very gifted with langues, speaks several of them fluidly. She has a dry quirky sense of humor, but she has not really dated anyone. Entering into her life is a man named Bane. Bane has her same sense of humor, but he is closed off for the most part. He can't deny his attraction to Lydia and her plight, but at the same time he has vowed to never marry. He can't, because his mission in life has become to shut down the opium trade. The longer Lydia is around Bane, the more her eyes are opened and her struggles for freedom and for her and Bane to have a life deepen. How far will the Professor that once ruled Bane's life go to hurt or harm him, even by using those he cares about?

That only scratches the surface of this book. This could sort of be a *spoiler* so stop reading here and skip if you need to! I was deeply moved at Lydia's struggles with Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. Frankly, the way opium was used in that, and in other things has a super strong parallel to those who are today addicted to prescription medications. Strong, intelligent people who are unwittingly addicted to medication, and watching them suffer is simply heart-rending. I think this would be a good book for anyone who has a friend or loved one who has been, or is addicted to a medication, as well as a wonderful story of some very brave people, and a well written peak into how opium was used in the Eighteen and Nineteen hundreds.

Carol

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Against the Tide

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from Elizabeth:

I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

I married relatively late in life, which turned out to be an odd kind of blessing. I had gotten very good at leading a solo life, and although I was not particularly content being alone, I had become reconciled to it.  Most importantly, it taught me never to take my husband for granted. I give daily thanks for the blessing of being able to share a life with my favorite person on the planet.

As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Love and Lives are Threatened in Camden's Latest Offering

As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Against the Tide, go HERE.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764210238