 Author: Elizabeth Camden Genre: Historical Romance Series: The Women of Midtown #2 Pages: 352 Release Date: January 21, 2025 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty. Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga. As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.
 Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise This intriguing book showed what it was like to be in Berlin in the American Embassy just before WWI. Inga was a German-born girl who settled in New York. She became the secretary to the Ambassador to Berlin. Diplomatic chief of staff to Ambassador Gerard, Benedict is a very blunt, businesslike man. The diplomatic contingent is doing all it can to keep American neutral. But as war looms, Inga fears she will not be able to return to America, since she has not followed through with her citizenship status. A marriage in name only to Benedict seems the only solution. It was very interesting to note that this book was partly based on the memoirs of the real Ambassador Gerard. The author did a great job of conveying the tension between the Embassy staff and the German rulers at the time that was critical in our nation’s history. I loved the way the romance developed and how Inga struggled to feel smart enough and worthy enough to be the wife of a diplomat. And Benedict was an admirable hero who was patient, even though he was struggling with a past that was affecting his present relationship with Inga. This is another well written historical with an underlying faith thread to add to my favorites list. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.  Reviewer: Juanita Varela This book brought me back to my history books. It was so fun to see how history could have played out. Elizabeth Camden does a beautiful job depicting each character from both sides well. The main characters were so different, but they complemented each other, even when they didn’t know it. I liked that Benedict was all grumpy from the outside, but on the inside he was such a softie. I liked how it was a marriage of convenience with a slow burn trope. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a book full of history from before World War 1 with romance. This is book two. However, it can be read as a standalone. Characters from the first book make an appearance, but there are no spoilers given. Elizabeth Camden gives a sneak peek at the third book, and I cannot wait. This book is clean from any language and inappropriate content. 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. Reviewer: Linda Klager Inga Klein was born in Germany. Her family immigrated to New York. As soon as her parents and she arrived, they were taken advantage of and lost a lot of money. They did not have enough to find proper sleeping arrangements, so they spent the night in a church. They were desperate! A man and woman came into the church to light candles and spotted this foreign family. Because they spoke German, Mr. and Mrs. Gerard took them under their wing. Inga loved her parents, and she worked hard to help provide for them. After her parents passed away, she worked as a telegraph translator. Eventually, Mr. Gerard offered Inga a job to come and be his secretary while he and his wife traveled back to Germany. Mr. Gerard was the American Ambassador. Inga was very busy at her job but was very homesick and wanted to go back to New York. She made a lot of friends because of her cheerful personality. One man who worked to prevent America from going to war was very gruff. He liked to eat cold oats in the morning. He was nicknamed “Cold Oats”. Inga became indispensable in helping the team keep the peace. A problem arose when these Americans needed to leave Germany. Inga faced a tough decision. She did what was required. You can imagine the tensions these people faced every day. I did not envy the tasks they performed. I was glad to learn more about World War I and how President Woodrow Wilson did not want our American men to go to war. That was a very admirable stance that he took. History buffs will like this book very much! I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Rebecca Maney "He would never again give a woman the power to trample his heart or destroy his career." "Could her lack of citizenship be a problem?" When Inga Klein chooses to accompany James Gerard (along with his wife), America's Ambassador to Germany, she assumes that her German heritage and knowledge of the language would serve her well in her role as his personal secretary. Through a providential chance meeting years earlier, the Gerards had taken Inga under their wing, providing her with opportunity and education, prompting Inga to leave her beloved New York City in order to serve her new country overseas. When Germany plunges into war, and the United States struggles to remain neutral, Inga's status as an unmarried young woman, who never thought of pursuing American citizenship before leaving the country, now faces legitimate safety concerns. Enter . . ."cold oats." Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff to Ambassador Gerard, was a no-nonsense, everything-by-the-book sort of man. Smoothing over the ambassador's gaffs and explosive retorts, Benedict kept a tight lid on relationships in general, until the lovely, impulsive, and utterly distracting Miss Klein joined the diplomatic staff. Enough sparks fly between the two of them to ignite a bonfire, but when Inga's well-being is jeopardized, Benedict actually considers putting irritation aside long enough to trust a slowly warming corner of his otherwise cool heart for just a short period of time, right? An outstanding blend of story, character, and historical detail! Personally, I enjoyed the repartee between Benedict and Inga so much that I will most certainly re-read this book over and over again, just to sit on the sidelines! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Anna Bottoms This epic story is a historical masterpiece. Though fiction, the author has taken a snapshot of the time right before WWI, giving the reader an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes events that led to the war. I loved Inga, a German-born immigrant who works as a wireless operator in New York City, spending her free days with friends from the Martha Washington and flirting with the handsome young men who are drawn to her exuberant smile. She really begins to shine when she goes to Berlin as secretary to the ambassador. Benedict is a character written in a way that made me want to peel back the layers and get to know the real man, first as a stiff diplomat with rigid rules and expectations, and then as a man of deep compassion, honor, and desire for peace. He believes Inga has no place at the embassy due to her German heritage, yet he is drawn to her optimism and innate intelligence. The side characters were written in a way that transported me right through the doors of Astor House into the camaraderie and idiosyncrasies of each individual. I loved the different personalities that somehow blended into a close-knit group. As they worked together, I was carried away by the atmosphere and the balance necessary to walk the thin line between strength and diplomacy. I learned things about this time in history I didn’t know before, and was reminded of the resiliency God gives to us in times of great troubles. I highly recommend this book given to me courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. This is my honest opinion. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden is an absorbing historical romance novel that immerses readers in the early days of WWI from Germany. Inga Klein is beautiful, perpetually cheerful and a bit of a flirt. She often refers to herself as stupid, something Benedict Kindcaid, a rather dour, yet handsome chief of staff in the American Embassy, would disagree with. While both characters immediately butt heads, it is their commitment to their jobs that makes their relationship intriguing as the author weaves a tale of intrigue, romance and danger. The author has done her research of the era and immerses the reader so well that it reads like a movie. In fact, I would pay to see this should it ever go to the screen. It’s that good! The supporting cast is filled with a wide range of interesting characters. From Larry, a hypochondriac, to Mr. Gerard, the Ambassador to Berlin, who mostly is good-natured, but also a hot-head. It is his tendency to say whatever he wants (aka not be diplomatic) that makes Benedict’s job harder than it should be. Inga, for her part, is an accomplished secretary with valuable skills. Unfortunately, her knowledge of how the various embassies work during war creates a crisis or two. And even more dire is her German heritage. While she grew up in America, she never took her citizenship test and while tensions increase in Germany, her life is in danger of never being allowed to leave. Or worse, being labelled a spy. When Stars Light the Sky is a character driven marriage of convenience story that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the morning. Fans of Sarah Sundin will appreciate the historic detail and research this author offers. I highly recommend it! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review. Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson
Elizabeth Camden has excelled once again as a skilful historical fiction writer! Elizabeth Camden writes like she is in the era she is writing about. Her meticulous research, translated into her books, is worthy of praise. Reading Elizabeth Camden’s book is like entering a time machine and going back in time. Her latest novel, When Stars Light the Sky, will transport readers into the year 1914 during World War I, specifically the cities of New York City and Berlin. Inga Klein is a young German immigrant in New York City who is asked a favour by her benefactors. Unable to say no to her benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Gerard, Inga leaves her beloved city behind and sails to Berlin, Germany. Her new position as the secretary to her benefactor brings her into contact with the inhabitants of Alton house and all the staff of the United States of America’s embassy in Germany. Benedict Kincaid is a straight-laced, somewhat overbearing employee of the embassy who finds Inga's presence disconcerting. The relationship between Inga and Benedict begins with bickering and slowly morphs into something beautiful as the story unfolds. I loved the characters in this novel, from Mrs. Barnes, the cook, to the hypochondriac Larry. I also loved the historical content of this novel. There were aspects of Inga’s character that I liked and aspects that I struggled with. Elizabeth Camden has done an excellent job of shedding light on World War I from the perspective of the relations between the USA and Germany. Fans and prospective fans of Elizabeth Camden’s works, grab and read this latest novel of this acclaimed writer! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Leave a Reply. |
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