Beyond the Clouds

Author: Elizabeth Camden
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Women of Midtown #3
Pages: 368
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.

As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together--until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.

Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. To his surprise, this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir--until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them--or the possibility of falling in love again?

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

I had been waiting to read this book. And after waiting a year for this, it did not disappoint. This is a second chance romance during wartime. I am always amazed at how Elizabeth Camden takes a portion of history and transforms it into a fictional story that captures my attention. I love history, and this just fascinates me more as a what if possibility. It feels like I walked into the time period. Her attention to the details is perfect.

You can not go wrong with this if you like a second chance romance during the war. Beyond the Clouds has a good message and is a story about forgiveness. Though this story was good, I am much more partial to the first book, While the City Sleeps. So if you plan on reading the others, I would strongly recommend starting with the first one. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"Why had she let safety and security matter more than Finn?"

Increasingly interested in making her personal feelings known to her employer, paralegal Delia Byrne searches for an opportunity to take their relationship to the next level when the man in question seemingly demonstrates otherwise. Embarrassed by Wesley's mixed signals, Delia experiences an awkward encounter with her first love, pilot Finn Delaney, whose exploits behind enemy lines have made him into somewhat of a national hero while he recovers from an horrific crash.

When Delia and Finn, one a pacifist and the other a staunch patriot, become tasked with rallying support for humanitarian efforts through-out war torn Belgium, Delia recognizes that she is approaching one of life's many crossroads; she can choose to embrace their sweet memories or allow Finn's impetuous decision making to ruin their future. That decision and its cost will be higher than either one of them could possibly have imagined.

The historical context and content in this narrative is absolutely fascinating. Assuming most readers know little to nothing about what happened in Belgium during the first World War, this story will illuminate both the atrocities and generosities across oceans of divide. In addition, both characters grow into the persons that God had intended them to be all along. Who knew the world needed kites?

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Beyond the Clouds by Elizabeth Camden is a well-researched look at those who worked behind the scenes to help people during WWI. The story focuses on Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney, who meet when they are young and living at an orphanage. They fall in love and have dreams, but while Finn dares to put those dreams into action, Delia is terrified to move away from her safe, comfortable life. Finn’s actions will separate them for many years, with Delia remaining angry at him for something he did when they were young.

The years pass, and they meet again. Finn as a war hero and Delia as a pacifist working behind the scenes to help those who couldn’t help themselves. While I loved learning about the relief efforts for those in Belgium, I found that Delia’s unforgiving attitude toward Finn made her an unlikable character and so their “romance” was not something I could relate to. I just didn’t feel it, and unfortunately, it made their romance unbelievable. However, the danger and Finn's story kept me reading.

I did enjoy the excellent research that covered many aspects, from the treatment of prisoners and the health conditions they suffered from, to the organizations that tried to send food to Belgium.

If you enjoy WWI fiction, you may like this book.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review.

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