Against the Tide

May 19, 2013 Esmeralda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lydia Pallas grew up surrounded with instability, but she is finally content with her comforting home and rewarding job as a translator for the U. S. Navy. She meticulously organizes her surroundings so that, for the first time in her life, she feels she's in control of her life. However, her landlords are now threatening to throw her out of the only stable home she's ever had. She needs to raise several hundred dollars to buy her home by December. Seemingly fortuitously, Alexander Banebridge (B...more Lydia Pallas grew up surrounded with instability, but she is finally content with her comforting home and rewarding job as a translator for the U. S. Navy. She meticulously organizes her surroundings so that, for the first time in her life, she feels she's in control of her life. However, her landlords are now threatening to throw her out of the only stable home she's ever had. She needs to raise several hundred dollars to buy her home by December. Seemingly fortuitously, Alexander Banebridge (Bane), a friend of her boss, offers to pay her a lot of money for some free-lance translation work. Even though Lydia begins to question the odd requests of Bane, she finds herself attracted to his cleverness, charm, and sense of humor. Soon, she is swept up into a dangerous world of opium smuggling.

I have a lot of good things to say about this book. I loved the late 1800's Boston setting - it's a time which lends itself easily to romance. Although there were a few moments that I wondered if the language was historically accurate, I felt Camden did an excellent job with her research into opium trade. Despite (or possibly because of) Lydia's OCD quirks, she was very lovable. I really found myself empathizing with her pain - losing her family, the stress of raising money to buy the only home she's ever felt safe in, and her feelings for Bane. On the other hand, I inwardly groaned at her devotion to Bane and his cause. I totally understood WHY she was in love, but cringed at the foolishness of loving a man who claims he has no interest in marriage, but doesn't mind a bit of flirting. But love is foolish, often, isn't it? I was sort of torn - I empathized with her frustrations with Bane, but I also wished she would find herself a nice dedicated man. This is a similar conundrum I felt while reading Jane Eyre - I wanted her to live happily ever after with the man she loved, but I thought she was risking too much by loving him. I guess that makes it more romantic, in some ways?

The other thing that I really appreciated about this book (though my attention was only drawn to it because I'm about to lead a book discussion): the questions that Camden provided at the end of the book were really deep! I didn't realize how many sticky philosophical and spiritual questions were brought up in the story until I read the discussion questions. And they're not spiritual questions that have an obvious "right-if-you're-REALLY-a-Christian" answer, which is what a lot of end-of-book discussion questions in Christian Fiction seem to be. Personally, I don't see the world in black and white, so I love the opportunity to discuss grey. (less)

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May 04, 2013 Cindy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Set in Boston during the late 1800s this novel is about Lydia Pallas who grew up an orphaned Greek immigrant and worked her way up to being a translator for the U.S. Navy. It is there that she meets Lieutenant Alexander Banebridge, who is fighting the opium trade after a childhood of forced labor under a large opium dealer. Lydia and “Bane” develop a relationship working together against opium which was legal to sell in pharmacies and as Lydia discovers even in the soothing syrup she had taken d...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Meet Lydia Pallas. Orphaned as a young Greek immigrant child on the Boston wharves, Lydia grew up determined not to rely on anyone but herself. All grown up, Lydia, who is fluent in multiple languages, works for the Navy as a translator. When her neat and orderly (OCD) world is suddenly turned upside down, she makes a deal with mysterious Alexander Banebridge who has a driving need to shut down the opium trade.

Elizabeth Camden weaves a good, solid story pulling you in to the idiosyncrasies of he...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Jolene rated it 4 of 5 stars

For the first time in a long time, Lydia Pallas likes where she is. Her job as a translator for the U.S. Navy is secure and her cozy apartment is her haven. She enjoys the companionship of her coworkers and treats the occasional headache with a dose of Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. When Alexander Banebridge enters the picture, Lydia's orderly life is suddenly a lot messier. From his annoying habit of rearranging items on her desk to his revelation that Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup contains opi...more For the first time in a long time, Lydia Pallas likes where she is. Her job as a translator for the U.S. Navy is secure and her cozy apartment is her haven. She enjoys the companionship of her coworkers and treats the occasional headache with a dose of Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. When Alexander Banebridge enters the picture, Lydia's orderly life is suddenly a lot messier. From his annoying habit of rearranging items on her desk to his revelation that Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup contains opium, Bane brings disorder, intrigue and danger to Lydia's ways. Lydia and Bane find themselves falling for each other, but their relationship is doomed by Bane's goal of ending the opium trade and his commitment to bachelorhood. When an innocent boy is kidnapped, helping Bane will test Lydia's courage and strength, but if she survives, their love just might have a chance to flourish.

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden was an intriguing read. I enjoyed the bantering between Bane and Lydia and appreciated Camden's creativity in her characters. Bane had a few quirky habits that made him refreshingly unique. I wouldn't consider this a suspense novel, but it did have some suspense that kept drawing me back to the story. I found the historical aspects of the story interesting. How sad that Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup not only existed and contained opium, but was marketed for teething babies. On a side note, I absolutely love the cover of this book It definitely captures the essence of the story. I recommend this book to fans of Christian historical romances.

I did not initially realize that Against the Tide revisits the Alexander Banebridge of Camden's previous novel, The Lady of Bolton Hill. I can't say if Banebridge appears in Camden's other novel, The Rose of Winslow Street, because I haven't read it. However, Against the Tide stands firmly as a single novel, complete with the necessary background information.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."(less)

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Dec 28, 2012 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars

May Contain Spoilers!!!

Bane! Bane! Bane! That was my refrain after reading The Lady of Bolton Hill. I wanted Bane's story. I'm sure he was meant to be only a secondary character but for me, he stole the show in that book.

Once a renowned and highly feared drug dealer, Bane was raised by a terrible man who takes young children as hostages in order to control their parents. No one knows that the Professor is an opiate dealer and that he taught Bane everything about the business, grooming him to ta...more

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Dec 23, 2012 E.A. West rated it 4 of 5 stars

Set in Boston in the early 1890s, Against the Tide deals with the problems of opium smuggling, the use of opium in popular cure-alls, and the difficulties facing women in need of employment. The story is told in a manner that makes it easy to relate to the characters and the challenges they face. Ms. Camden's vibrant writing draws the reader into the story and brings the characters to life. Although I loved the book and the characters, at times it felt like I was reading a contemporary story set...more

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Dec 23, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow have a found a great new author to read, her name is Elizabeth Camden. In her novel Against the Tide I found entertainment on a level that made me both happy and amazed. We meet Lydia Pallas she is a very beautiful and smart. I loved that Lydia was a strong heroine in this adventure, I love that she is strong in a time where women were not supposed to be. She grew up moving around to different places due to her father’s career of fishing and because of this living all over by nine years of a...more Wow have a found a great new author to read, her name is Elizabeth Camden. In her novel Against the Tide I found entertainment on a level that made me both happy and amazed. We meet Lydia Pallas she is a very beautiful and smart. I loved that Lydia was a strong heroine in this adventure, I love that she is strong in a time where women were not supposed to be. She grew up moving around to different places due to her father’s career of fishing and because of this living all over by nine years of age she picked up the different languages of Greek, Italian, Croatian and Turkish. She is going to an English school where she attends her first school and she does not speak English. She lived on a small boat called the The Ugly Kate and it was the Ugly Kate that would pull into Boston Harbor every day after school to pick her up until one day when no one showed up the day turned to night and then to another day and another and on it went until when with her teacher and two policeman they came to explain to her that she was to be taken to an orphanage. My heart ached for her as she did not even have an understanding of what the word orphanage meant and thanks to the fact that her mother was Turkish and her father was Greek and they married they were both disowned from both families leaving Lydia with no family at all. I must say with a start like this I could not stop reading about Lydia what would happen to this sad and clever child? She grew up took a job that brought adventure, mystery, sadness, death and in all of that some romance. We meet a US Navy Lieutenant Alexander Bainbridge (also known a Bane). The thing about Bane is the some dubbed him “The Adonis” because of is ridiculous beauty. He is a stern, secretive and so good looking. Lydia did not trust him because of how he left her boss, the Admiral Fontaine (who was normally even tempered) grim and moody. Bane was like a ghost popping in and out of the story. His job was one that was really a tough job and he would soon need Lydia. Now I do not want to give away the whole story as this is an adventure you should take on your own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. I loved the way the author Elizabeth Camden wrote so much history into the story. It made it authentic in my eyes. I have to say this is a great read for all but those that have a love for all things nautical will love this book. I did receive this book from Bethany House Publishing group for my honest opinion and I honestly loved this adventure. I give this book my best rating a five star rating all the way. I hope when you read it you will enjoy it as much as I did. (less)

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Dec 21, 2012 Jaime Wright rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have had the privilege of reading all three of Elizabeth's books at her request and I will say this: "Against The Tide" is definitely her best yet!

So, Elizabeth is indeed a historian. Really, this book is thick with historical detail about the Nineteeth Century opium trade. This is one of the things I love about Camden's novels ... the history. BUT! For those of you who hate history like I despise mathematics, do not be faint of heart! This is not a history book. It is a novel. And, I believe...more I have had the privilege of reading all three of Elizabeth's books at her request and I will say this: "Against The Tide" is definitely her best yet!

So, Elizabeth is indeed a historian. Really, this book is thick with historical detail about the Nineteeth Century opium trade. This is one of the things I love about Camden's novels ... the history. BUT! For those of you who hate history like I despise mathematics, do not be faint of heart! This is not a history book. It is a novel. And, I believe even those who aren't huge on historicals will enjoy this one.

Here's why....

Characters: Lydia is an orphaned young woman who will have an intelligence level I will never attain. Her ability to learn languages makes her character unique in many aspects and sets her aside from the proverbial historical independant woman. I love that Elizabeth Camden has made her heroine spunky and independant while choosing a one-hundred-percent unique career with the U.S. Navy of all places. No mail order brides, seamstresses, or school teachers here folks. Nuh. Uh. And don't get me started on Bane -- the "bane" of Lydia's existence -- his over-confident charming arrogance had me at "hello" (although I believe we did see snippets of him in past Camden writings-- if my memory serves me right). He reminds me of that know-it-all type who can do anything and has no weakness - anywhere - except when it comes to Lydia.

Setting: The drug world of the 1800's. And we thought we had a meth issue! Talk about drugs. Opium to be specific. Who knew Americans tanked their infants up on drugs and orphanages used drugs to subdue orphans. Now that's a new take on discipline. I'll pass. But really, it's intriguing, suspenseful, deadly and the greatest base for a GREAT novel!

Romance: Thick. Did you ramp it up this time, Elizabeth? Cause I don't remember the romance being this gripping. And it's not like the two main characters are macking on each other. Seriously. I think it's the tension and the thick attraction in spite of the odds. I don't know, honestly. I can't wrap my head around what makes this romance so ... gripping.(less)

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Dec 17, 2012 Cindi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden should definitely be on your reading list this winter! This book follows Lydia Pallas as she lives a life wrought with joy, dissapoinment and intrigue. Lydia is loved by her family though living in a unique situation on a boat. After suffering a tragedy Lydia spend the remainder of her growing years in an orphanage and then working in the neighborhood sweat shops. Because she is well versed in many languages she receives an opportunity to work as an interpret...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Christian Fiction Addiction rated it 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Elizabeth Camden has succeeded at spinning a tale that held me spellbound, with a character who captured my heart from the first chapter. Lydia’s life unfolds with heart-breaking reality, and I found myself instantly sympathetic to her history of losing her family and being forced to live in an orphanage. I loved Lydia’s pluck and determination to make something more of her life, and found it interesting how the author wove together a reasonable explanation for Lydia’s command of man...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lydia Pallas is alone. Her parents died when she was young, and she’s had to fend for herself ever since. Her ability as a translator lands her a job with the United States Navy, a position generally held by men in 1891. Lydia is thankful; this post offers her a slightly better lifestyle than Boston’s female working class.

At the Naval office, Lydia and her co-workers see Alexander Banebridge as an enigma. He visits their supervisor, Admiral Eric Fontaine, on occasion, but no one knows why. Cloa...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Nikole Hahn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Against The Tide by Elizabeth Camden is a romance-suspense novel about the opium trade in 1876. It is a novel witty in dialogue and complex in romance.

Lydia Pallas, an orphan, is the only woman hired by the U.S. Navy for their research wing. She is brilliant, knowing several languages and well-loved by the staff. Lydia meets Alexander for the first time as he breezes into the room and into Admiral Fontaine's office. Lydia is OCD. She has to have order, but after every visit from Alexander her b...more Against The Tide by Elizabeth Camden is a romance-suspense novel about the opium trade in 1876. It is a novel witty in dialogue and complex in romance.

Lydia Pallas, an orphan, is the only woman hired by the U.S. Navy for their research wing. She is brilliant, knowing several languages and well-loved by the staff. Lydia meets Alexander for the first time as he breezes into the room and into Admiral Fontaine's office. Lydia is OCD. She has to have order, but after every visit from Alexander her bottles and picture frame are somehow rearranged. Alexander flirts with Lydia and hires her to translate documents on the side for extra money.

Lydia needs the extra money because her beloved apartment over The Laughing Dragon will be sold if Lydia doesn't come up with $600 to buy it. Lydia is fond of order. She always has the clam chowder at The Laughing Dragon. She never tries anything new.

Alexander ran away from Professor Van Braacken as a child. The Professor runs the opium trade, kidnaps small children to be held as ransom their whole lives as the parent is forced to work in the trade. Alexander is able to escape and since then has been the needle under the Professor's skin. There is also a price on his head. The Professor wants him dead and until the Professor discovers Alexander's weakness—Admiral Fontaine's children—he had been unable in the past to find a vulnerability in Alexander's defenses. Alexander never married and always moved to stay safe. Alexander didn't count on falling in love with Lydia.

Because of Alexander's carelessness, Lydia loses her apartment when the promised funds from translating jobs are late. She is near destitute and herself addicted to opium which in that time came in the form of legal pharmaceuticals. In spite of her addiction, she and Alexander continue to have clandestine meetings until the Admiral's child is kidnapped and Alexander must rely on Lydia to help him rescue the child from the Professor's estate.

The dialogue is witty and flirty between Alexander and Lydia. Lydia's character is well-defined as someone with an OCD nature. Their love is complicated, like a dance. Both are lovable characters and because of their complicated natures, one is immediately intrigued by their relationship. The writing and imagery is well-done. I gave this novel five stars as one I would probably read again.

*book given by publisher to review. (less)

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Nov 18, 2012 Rambling Readers rated it 4 of 5 stars

Rich in historical detail, "Against the Tide" transports readers to New England through the Navy Yards of Boston and to the wilderness of Vermont. Elizabeth Camden reintroduces readers to Alexander Banebridge and Professor Van Bracken, who were both introduced in "The Lady of Bolton Hill." “Against the Tide” is definitely a stand-alone novel, despite the connection. I remembered very little about Bane and the Professor, but that did not leave any gaps in the book.

The plot of “Against the Tide” h...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Chelsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

There is so much that I could say in my reaction to this piece of literature because that is what it is: wonderfully rich literature. I was very impressed with this author for a number of reasons. I had never read any of her work before, but alas; I am hooked now. Elizabeth Camden drew me into Lydia’s world and invited me to be a part of it. I was not particularly interested in Lydia’s career as she works with men and numbers, and I cannot stand either for too long (joking!) However, I was fasci...more There is so much that I could say in my reaction to this piece of literature because that is what it is: wonderfully rich literature. I was very impressed with this author for a number of reasons. I had never read any of her work before, but alas; I am hooked now. Elizabeth Camden drew me into Lydia’s world and invited me to be a part of it. I was not particularly interested in Lydia’s career as she works with men and numbers, and I cannot stand either for too long (joking!) However, I was fascinated with everything about the makeup of this book. The setting, the characters, and even their circumstances had me so fascinated and held me captive for the few hours it took me to finish the book.

Lydia was such a courageous and stable woman; I almost wish that I could be more like her sometimes. She was so particular and I would even go as far to say that she had a touch of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, although this was not a diagnosis in 1876. Lydia was bold and did not let her obvious gender set her apart in what was essentially a male dominated world. She worked in the Boston Navy Yard, surrounded my men all day long, but never let that intimidate or stop her from doing her job. She was just such a well-rounded character and I loved watching her struggle to provide for herself, even through small instances like providing enough food to eat or money to pay rent. She is a character that all women can admire and aspire to be more like.

The romance in this book was one of the best parts about it. It started out as a subtle occurrence and towards the beginning of the novel I was debating if there actually might be a love triangle. One relationship eventually does prevail and it takes a few twists and turns in which I was on the edge of my seat and holding onto all of my emotions for dear life. Bane especially tests Lydia’s will and makes her question her own motives at times, which I think makes for a stronger and more realistic character. I am sure that many people may classify him as the “bad boy,” but I would just call him a diamond in the rough. A very attractive diamond in the rough, from what I gather. It was quite the journey to see him irritate Lydia, and I think that him getting under her skin as much as he did helped me to fall that much more in love with his sense of humor.

Mrs. Elizabeth Camden, you have stolen my heart with this story and your knack for writing such inspirational characters. Please do continue and please allow me to follow you on your journey. I am truly honored to have read this book and I hope to read many more by you!

***Thank you to the author for my wonderful SIGNED copy of this book in exchange for my absolutely honest review***
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Oct 19, 2012 Lisa Johnson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: Against the Tide
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Pages: 362
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany House
Elizabeth Camden has written a very creative story with an interesting premise and plot. Against the Tide is a story about fighting against the opium trade that was so pervasive in the city of Boston in the late 1800s as Boston was one of the biggest ports where ships unloaded all sorts of cargo. It is also the story of a romance between two people, one who will do anything to have a life together and on...more Title: Against the Tide
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Pages: 362
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany House
Elizabeth Camden has written a very creative story with an interesting premise and plot. Against the Tide is a story about fighting against the opium trade that was so pervasive in the city of Boston in the late 1800s as Boston was one of the biggest ports where ships unloaded all sorts of cargo. It is also the story of a romance between two people, one who will do anything to have a life together and one who will do anything to keep the other safe, which means a life apart.
Alex Banebridge is very handsome and charming. He also is pressuring certain politicians and those who support them to pass legislation making the import and sale of opium illegal even in pharmacies where it was sold under a different guise as a cure for headaches, rowdy kids, toothaches or whatever else might hurt. Orphanages and parents were given their children opium unknowingly, and it was legal! When Alex was six years old, he was kidnapped from this mother’s arms and never saw her again. He was kidnapped by the evil Professor, who used the kidnapped victim as leverage to get the family to do whatever he wanted. Alex was not the first or the last boy this happened to. The Professor was the largest dealer in opium on the east coast. Alex lived with him for 11 years and the Professor raised him as his own son, showing him the opium trade, how to cultivate alliances and how to manipulate people. Alex was able to escape the Professor when he became a Christian. Now he has dedicated his life to outlawing opium to make up for the time he spent spreading and encouraging the use of opium. He served with Lydia’s boss in the Navy and needs her skill translating shipping documents that will help him find where the opium is coming into the country. He lives his life without any personal possessions or a home, and he is always on the move, traveling all over to accomplish his mission. He has vowed not to marry or have any close friends because if the Professor finds out, he will take that person and be able to control Alex. He falls in love with Lydia, but he will not marry her. He must leave her life so as to not put her in danger from the Professor. Will they meet again?
Lydia Pallas is a young woman of Greek and Turkish parents who works for the Navy as a translator. She knows six different languages, and she loves her job. She grew up very poor and lived on a fishing boat with her parents. They never had a home, except on the boat and were constantly on the move. She feels she had a happy childhood until her family came to America. After school one day when she was nine years old, she goes to meet her father at the dock, but he never shows up. Her family is believed to be lost at sea and she is sent to an orphanage. She has no possessions, except the clothes on her back and must be on guard against thieves in the orphanage. As part of the nighttime routine there, each child is given “medicine” to help him/her sleep. Of course, this is Mrs. Winslow’s Syrup, aka opium. Now that she is older and has left the orphanage, Lydia longs for security and order. She still has her little blue bottle of “headache medicine” that is the same Mrs. Winslow’s Syrup. She meets Alex and begins doing translations for him. He gradually tells her his mission, so they team up to bring the guilty parties to justice. While working together, Lydia falls in love with Alex. However, Alex will pursue no relationship with her to keep her safe. Lydia has all the signs of an opium addict and doesn’t even know it, but Alex does. The Professor kidnaps another boy and Alex needs Lydia to infiltrate the Professor’s house and come to the rescue. Lydia desperately searches for security, and Alex leads her to God. Alex won’t marry a drug addict, which Lydia finally realizes that is what she has become. Will they be able to be together? Can Lydia’s newfound faith sustain her through her trials?
This is just a wonderful story. The pages turned quickly and provided much enjoyment. This is one you will like from cover to cover.
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
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Oct 17, 2012 April Erwin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Camden has done it again, she swept me up in intrigue, romance, and a passion for justice that is uniquely hers. Against the Tide may follow the romance and struggle between Lydia and Bane, but it also takes a look at a grittier part of life - addiction. Bane's fight to stop the Professor, his evil former boss, is just the beginning. Bane is determined to spend his life bringing down the opium dealer and make up for his past in the Professor's service. But opium is a sinister drug not...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Chris Jager rated it 4 of 5 stars

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden is her third book in as many years. She kind of surprised most readers with her romantic suspense historical stories. I personally wasn’t really expecting to like her books, but like them I do.

In her other two books you get hints of both Christian Bane and “the Professor.” This is the book where their stories come to light along with who they are and why their stories are important to us. The story is set in Boston in the 1890’s during the height of the Opium...more

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Feb 14, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

I simply loved Against the Tide! I would say it is in my top three books that I have loved this year! It was so powerfully written and left me on the edge of my seat (I turned off the Superbowl just so I could finish reading this book if that tells you anything!)! I'm so glad that Elizabeth decided to bring Bane back and further his story while bringing in Miss Lydia!

One of the things I liked I best about Against the Tide is that the story did not go as I had planned. I didn't think Lydia and Ba...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Camden is another new to me author. I was recently privileged to read her newest release, Against the Tide. This book was very intriguing combing mystery, murder, kidnapping and a daring rescue. Lydia Pallas has not had an easy life. She has been on her own since she was 9 years old. After surviving the orphanage, she landed a great job with the Navy Yard because of her grasp of other languages. She is an orderly girl who doesn't appreciate it when things are not kept in their place. I...more

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Feb 13, 2013 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting novel that explores how resilient people can be and how much one is willing to do for a cause.

Lydia Pallas’ family came to the United States from Greece and she was excited to attend school. However, her Greek father, Turkish mother and younger brother never came back from a day of fishing on the leaky Ugly Kate, leaving her alone in Boston as a young girl who barely knew English. Fifteen years later, she has carved out a secure and predictable life for herself working as...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Sally rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: proverbial-reads-review, bethany-house-free-for-review, christian-fiction, historical-fiction, romance

Bane is back! When I reviewed The Lady of Bolton Hill I indicated I was far more interested in a secondary character by the name of Alexander Banebridge. I wanted to know more about him. What was his story? How had he become involved with Professor Van Bracken’s opium empire despite his young age? Now we have the answers to those questions in Elizabeth Camden’s newest release.

It’s been ten years since Bane became a Christian and fled from the Professor. Consumed with guilt for what he did in the...more Bane is back! When I reviewed The Lady of Bolton Hill I indicated I was far more interested in a secondary character by the name of Alexander Banebridge. I wanted to know more about him. What was his story? How had he become involved with Professor Van Bracken’s opium empire despite his young age? Now we have the answers to those questions in Elizabeth Camden’s newest release.

It’s been ten years since Bane became a Christian and fled from the Professor. Consumed with guilt for what he did in the past, his mission in life is to put a stop to the opium trade however he can. This means encouraging like-minded individuals to run for political office and sniffing out which vessels are smuggling the drug into Boston. His faith is solid, but his actions aren’t always legal or ethical. And, despite his best intentions, he now finds himself getting too close to an innocent translator in desperate need of money.

The circumstances in which Lydia grew up have created the woman she is today. She has little faith, longs only for security, and takes Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup for her headaches. What she doesn’t know is that this concoction contains the very opium that Bane hates. When Bane confronts her over it, she refuses to entertain the possibility that she has an addiction. For him, however, she makes an effort to stop using the drug and the result isn’t pretty.

Both Bane and Lydia have their imperfections. Bane’s actions aren’t always on the up and up. He also uses Lydia in his quest for revenge. Lydia is determined to have the man she wants, her actions making her seem wanton given the era. Each is intrigued enough by the other that they cannot stay away.

This isn’t a pretty romance novel. There are events that might make one pause as the reality of them sinks in. The Professor goes to extreme lengths to keep his opium networks open. The description of the drug withdrawal is detailed. Overall, however, this is a book that I had a hard time putting down. I finished it within 12 hours, despite having a busy weekend with other things to do. For me, that’s the mark of a great read.

Thank you to Bethany House for my free copy of Against the Tide, which I received in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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Dec 11, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lydia has always been alone. Orphaned as a young girl, she worked hard to make a quiet life for herself as a translator for the U.S. Navy. When Alexander Banebridge requests her help translating documents in his efforts to stop the opium trade that he once helped run, she finds her organized life suddenly thrown into a tailspin as she goes undercover to help Bane stop the man responsible for most of the opium trade on the East Coast.

Although they fell in love a little suddenly, I loved the chara...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, received-for-review, amazing-covers

Age Appropriate For: Ages 15+ for drug use and intense moments.

I have to admit, I requested this book simply because of the breathtaking cover. I was pleased to find that the story inside was as wonderful as the cover. The story gripped me from the beginning and kept me turning the pages until the end.

After reading a disappointing book with typical romance, this was just what I needed to read. The romance was not typical. Instead of denying their feelings for each other, they admit it. That alon...more Age Appropriate For: Ages 15+ for drug use and intense moments.

I have to admit, I requested this book simply because of the breathtaking cover. I was pleased to find that the story inside was as wonderful as the cover. The story gripped me from the beginning and kept me turning the pages until the end.

After reading a disappointing book with typical romance, this was just what I needed to read. The romance was not typical. Instead of denying their feelings for each other, they admit it. That alone was a refreshing change. The only thing about the romance that I didn’t like is that the two of them decide at one point that even though they know they can’t be serious about each other, they will indulge in a flirtation. However, even that has a redeeming quality to as they soon realize that that is impossible. Also Bane is a Christian and Lydia is not when they start their romance. It didn’t bother me much, but I wish she had become a believer before Bane became serious about her.

Lydia was a character that I could instantly fall in love with. She had a hard early life, but she worked hard to overcome it. She is a wonderful mix of sweet and strong. In fact, all the characters in this book were amazing and well done. They are all complex, all make mistakes, but in the end, the good guys do what is right. I also really enjoyed the complex character of Bane.

I didn’t know how I would feel about reading of efforts to end the opium trade, but I was fascinated. Elizabeth Camden brought history to life in this story without making it too disgusting to read. She managed to show how opium hurt many people of the time without going into so much detail that it made you want to put down the book.
I think this book would be a great book for parents and teens to read together and discuss everything from how much drugs can cost you, to why casual romance is problematic (and can even be dangerous), and many other topics.

I highly recommend this book for those who love historical fiction, unique characters, thought-provoking stories, or just a great, page turning read.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
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Nov 10, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Camden in her new book, “Against the Tide” published by Bethany House brings us into the lives of Lydia Pallas and Alexander Banebridge.

From the back cover: After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

Lydia’s talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge,...more Elizabeth Camden in her new book, “Against the Tide” published by Bethany House brings us into the lives of Lydia Pallas and Alexander Banebridge.

From the back cover: After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

Lydia’s talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man in need of a translator. Driven by a campaign to end the opium trade, Bane is coolly analytical and relentless in his quest. He cannot afford to fall for Lydia and must fight the bittersweet love growing between them.

When Bane’s enemies gain the upper hand, he is forced to turn to Lydia for help. Determined to prove her worth, Lydia soon discovers that carrying out Bane’s mission will test her wits and her courage to the very limits.

When forces conspire against them from without and within, can their love survive?

Talk about a history lesson, I had no idea there was such a heavy opium drug trade in Boston in the 1800′s. Alexander Banebridge is a product of the drug trade and, due to his background, he is dead set about bringing it to destruction. However, pitted against him, is The Professor who has a past with Banebridge that threatens his future. Into this highly combustible mix comes Lydia Pallas who has skills and information that Alex needs. The opium affects all three of the main characters lives as well as many innocents in Boston and beyond. “Against The Tide” is a thriller as, slowly but surely, The Professor tightens his net over Alex, drawing in Lydia at the same time. Ms. Camden has given us an exciting story filled with espionage, drama and suspense. On top of all this there is a romance. Ms. Camden is an amazing writer and she has given us a work that will have us thinking long after we have finished reading the book. Well done.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”(less)

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May 22, 2013 Loraine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, intrigue, library-challenge, romance

Lydia grew up as an orphan amid lots of uncertainty. She finally has a stable job, settled life, and is quite happy. But Alexander Banebridge turns her life upside down when he asks her to do some translating because of her knowledge of several foreign languages. She soon finds herself wrapped up in Bane's world of intrigue, mystery, and danger but also an introduction to a Christian faith that may fill the hole that is part of her life.

Camden's characters were interesting and well developed. I...more

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May 03, 2013 Paula-O rated it 4 of 5 stars

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

I picked up this book because of its beautiful cover and when reading I found a story that is full of suspense,romance and adventures.
The character Lydia Pallas tugs at your heartstrings when you see her lose her parents at a young age and grow up in an orphanage. Her young life was spent on a boat and she yearned to go to school though she didn't know the english language.
something happened after she was dropped at school and she never saw her family again.
A...more Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

I picked up this book because of its beautiful cover and when reading I found a story that is full of suspense,romance and adventures.
The character Lydia Pallas tugs at your heartstrings when you see her lose her parents at a young age and grow up in an orphanage. Her young life was spent on a boat and she yearned to go to school though she didn't know the english language.
something happened after she was dropped at school and she never saw her family again.
Alexander Banebridge was taken from his parents at a young age and he spent many years a prisoner of a dangerous criminal who kept young boys away from their parents to make them help him in his criminal path. Alexander learned how to make the man care for him so he would be able to have a life beyond the mansion he was held prisoner in. He became the son the professor never had and was taught "all his skills"....
In his teens "Bane" crossed paths with the fontaines and was able to break away from the clutches of the "Professor and his evil deeds with opium" he vowed to never marry and to rid the world of the opium that he had helped bring to the USA. I fell in love with this quite determined young man who gave up any thoughts of a personal life to help mankind because he wanted to right a wrong that he had been apart of. I yearned for he and Lydia to have a relationship as they both had been through rough times, having their early youth determined for them.
another character is Admiral Fontaine that Lydia met and worked for when he learned that she knew many languages and would be a valued translator for him at the navy yards. The admiral was a widower with two small children and a strict employer yet a fair one who had helped Lydia when she needed it, knowing she was a strong young honest woman.
Lydia lived frugally near the Boston Harbor and loved the sounds there reminding her of her early years living on the boat.
Against the Tide was not my usual type of read but I fell in love with the characters and now am anxious to read the next book that will tell the story of the "Admiral" new author for me but she wove a wonderful story that I spent many hours enjoying, come read her if you have not yet....(less)

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Nov 28, 2012 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! It follows the main character of Lydia, an orphan who finally finds herself settled in a job she loves as a translator with the Navy. While there she comes in contact with Bane, and takes some extra translating work from him in order to save money to buy her apartment which she's come to love. Eventually of course, the playful verbal sparring between the two leads to love and adventure! While Bane loves Lydia, he's sworn off marriage due to a vow to destroy the man wh...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Adrienne rated it 2 of 5 stars

Lydia Pallas has a stable life working as a translator for the U.S. Navy, but her aptitude for language takes her on journeys she never expected when Alexander “Bane” Banebridge, a powerful man working to end the opium trade in the United States, asks her to do some translating work for him. Not only does the work pull her into more dangerous tasks than she is used to, but she also quickly falls in love with Bane, even though he has vowed never to marry as it would put his wife in too dangerous...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Yiya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lydia was born in Europe, to a Greek father and a Turkish mom; the family’s “home” was a boat that constantly traveled to different places around the Mediterranean, in order to look for jobs and make a living. This extraordinary experience allowed the brilliant, little Lydia to learn several languages. At one point, the family comes to Boston, and when Lydia grows up, her linguistic ability allows her to get a prestigious job as a Translator for the Navy and a rudimentary, yet comfortable life w...more Lydia was born in Europe, to a Greek father and a Turkish mom; the family’s “home” was a boat that constantly traveled to different places around the Mediterranean, in order to look for jobs and make a living. This extraordinary experience allowed the brilliant, little Lydia to learn several languages. At one point, the family comes to Boston, and when Lydia grows up, her linguistic ability allows her to get a prestigious job as a Translator for the Navy and a rudimentary, yet comfortable life when most women had very limited labor opportunities.

Although she has all the essentials, the building where Lydia lives is sold and, in order to keep her apartment, she has to come up with a lot of money in a pretty short time. Her boss, Admiral LaFontaine, knows about her predicament recommends Lydia to Bane, who has done some special jobs for the Admiral and is now in need of some translations for an investigation he is doing. Little by little, they start feeling for each other, but Bane’s past has a powerful restraint on him; he won’t allow himself to get involved with anyone, afraid of exposing them to danger.

When Bane asks Lydia to go beyond her limits, he will jeopardize everything Lydia has fought for and even stay absent when she desperately requires his assistance. However, Lydia sympathizes with his cause, and finds in herself a strength she didn’t know she had when her services are needed once more by Bane, whose investigation takes a turn for the worse, involving the Admiral’s family, and making Bane’s worst fears an awful truth.

Bane’s investigation and past has to do with the opium trade in Boston. While I won’t give details spoiling the story, I must say that Mrs. Camden takes time to end the story with an example of how an awful addiction to narcotics will affect lives at so many levels. In this note, I really appreciate the fact that the author ends the story with the same intensity present in the rest of the book; the conclusion is not rushed, and even leaves room open for further possibilities.

It took me a little to realize this was the continuation of “The Lady of Bolton Hill.” Because of this, the story became more enjoyable and gripping for me. Although “Against the Tide” can be followed as a story of its own, Bane’s character has a sort of double personality; he is sweet and cares for others, but the experiences he went through when he was younger and how he got away from it (included in the first book), make him cocky, belligerent and even rude sometimes. This rougher side of him is a result of his coping with the past, feeling responsible for his mistakes and wanting to make things right; he gets so focused on this goal that he forgets his present actions also affect the people around him. If someone reading “Against the Tide” has not read “The Lady of Bolton Hill,” this dichotomy might be confusing and his character might be taken as an unpleasant person.

Another fact that I enjoyed about this book is that Mrs. Camden is continuously reminding the reader that God is always present in our lives, whether it doesn’t seem like it, or we aren’t aware of it. Some of the characters she portrays are constantly learning about faith and growing in their relationship with Christ. For instance, someone (I won’t mention the character because I don’t want to give a lot of information about the story) mentions: “I learned that salvation is possible, even for a nasty sinner like me. I learned I had the freedom to make a choice about what sort of person I wanted to be. (page 98).” Even though this is a fictional story, it is refreshing to remember that God is a transformer of lives, as long as we allow Him to.

Something common to Elizabeth Camden’s books is that, at the end, she includes questions that invite the reader to ponder about the character, decisions, morals, habits and other situations described in the book. Even if these were not included, the story is so deep that it will be easy to be used in study groups, or even self-study. Moreover, the language is clean, and although there is a deep attraction between the main characters, the author does not use excessive descriptions that distract from the plot and focus on feelings.

Also, this is the second book by Elizabeth Camden that I’ve read. It is always a delight to read her. Her books are outstanding in that they are historically descriptive in a very realistic way. I would assume that most authors do their homework and research the context within which they are setting the story; Elizabeth Camden does it in such a way that History becomes alive and it actually taps something in the readers, making them wanting to know more about the period or situation described in the book. Few books awake that curiosity in me; Against the Tide is a highly recommendable book.

I can’t wait to read Mrs. Camden’s next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. In no way has this influenced my opinion on the book or on the author.
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Dec 19, 2012 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This historical fiction novel takes place in a time period I know very little about which is the end of the nineteenth century when countries shared their ship blueprints openly. The real conflict is the beginnings of the opium trade and the ugliness therein. It would be a few years after this time period that the innocuous Mrs. Winslow's syrup for babies would be attributed to the national addiction to opium. At this point in time, however, it was kept mostly to the pharmaceutical companies and...more

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