I had the privilege of getting a sneak peek at Elizabeth Camden‘s new book, Beyond a Dream. I was really excited to read it, since I know Ms. Camden is an accomplished and well-loved author.

This is a well-researched historical fiction book about a young lady, Anna O’Brien, who has been through a horribly difficult life, yet can still look at things with a positive outlook. She’s been hurt, physically and emotionally, and she is very shy, but she has a very strong personality.

Anna is one of the few female librarians in the Library of Congress, and she loves her job, where she can stay surrounded by books and maps, and away from most people. She especially doesn’t like being around men, other than her best friend, who is an interesting character.

On the one day that she is pushed to do something against her nature (speak in front of a roomful of men), she happens to meet and intrigue a young Congressman, Luke Callahan. It seems from the first meeting that they are oil and water. He’s all good looks and loud noise, while she feels small and insignificant.

I thought it was a good story. However, at times, it was a little slow for me. It wasn’t one of those that I couldn’t put down. In fact, I had to go back to it again several times.

I also noticed quite a few grammar and punctuation mistakes throughout it, which were disappointing, since I know Ms. Camden is such a great author.

I would recommend this book as an adventurous, light read, but don’t expect a lot.

Beyond All Dreams is one of those hidden gems that's been sitting on my TBR shelf for years and I just finally picked up and started reading…and I loved the story!

The main character, Anna, was such a unique woman. I felt terrible for her when I learned how she suffered the damage that caused her voice change, but I thought she was a strong person to be able to forgive.

Luke was a good hero and I thought he grew a lot in the book. I liked how he was different than Anna, but seemingly the perfect match.

All in all, Beyond All Dreams was an amazing read. I loved the time setting and all the history in the story. Definitely recommend!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Thanks for providing a review copy, I was not able to read this one. So I will not be leaving a review on social media at this time.

Another exquisitely researched novel by Elizabeth Camden covering a lesser known time period of the late 1890s. I adore librarianship and politics so this was a match made in heaven for me. It's still one of my favorite Elizabeth Camden novels that I recommend to others! Luke and Anna have great chemistry and Camden shines with detailed settings and fully realized characters she is known for.