Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: No
• Length: 364 pages (Paperback)
• Publication Date: December 15, 2014

Tropes

• Opposites attract
• Forbidden romance

My Rating

Book Description

“Anna O’Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. She is thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, but her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help. 

Luke Callahan was one of the nation’s most powerful congressmen until his promising career became shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship.

Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglement with a member of Congress.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol, where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for themselves?”

— from Goodreads

My Review

A minor inconsistency in an old naval report leads map librarian Anna O’Brien and Congressman Luke Callaghan to uncover a secret that will have far-reaching consequences for them and for the nation.

I enjoyed catching a glimpse of what life was like in 1890s Washington, DC. All the historical details really brought the setting to life. 

It was very sweet to watch Anna and Luke bond over a shared love for the written word, despite being opposites. 

However, their romance seemed a bit tumultuous. And I had a hard time believing their relationship worked out in the long term. Luke also said and did some things that made it difficult for me to want him and Anna together.

Although certain characters (Lt. Rowland, Mrs. Nordquist, Eliza, Speaker Jones) intentionally came across as annoying or antagonistic, they were still treated as actual people with flaws and feelings rather than just one-dimensional villains.

Favorite Moments

🗺️ writing in his book
🗺️ “Write your book, O’Brien”
🗺️ Luke defending Anna from Lt. Rowland
🗺️ breakfast room
🗺️ wedding

Favorite Quotes

“Luke had abandoned his dream of becoming a great poet long ago, but he still hated the scent of bacon.“

Elizabeth Camden

“‘Do you know how I got elected to Congress when I was only twenty-eight years old and had no political experience?’

‘You may find this shocking, but I didn’t rush out to read your political biography the moment I made your acquaintance.’“

Elizabeth Camden

“‘Making mistakes means you’re learning, growing, pushing…that you yearn for something and aren’t afraid to chase after it. You’re being creative and contributing to this world, even if it doesn’t work out as you hoped. Go ahead and make mistakes. For once in your life, quit playing it safe and make some spectacular mistakes….Make glorious mistakes that will echo through the ages. Make mistakes that no one has ever thought of! Don’t limit yourself, no matter how outlandish. Reach out and strive for something beyond all dreams.’“

Elizabeth Camden

“‘My love of poetry was a gift from God. So is your passion for art, even though we don’t know yet what form it will take. If you don’t make it as a painter, perhaps you’ll be a great teacher. Or a museum curator. Maybe you’ll become a rich industrialist and fund a museum. Just don’t limit yourself by thinking you already know God’s purpose for you.’“

Elizabeth Camden

“‘I know most people think this obsession with order is silly. After all, everything in here is just pieces of paper with words and lines on them. They’re not even very valuable.’

‘Pieces of paper with words and lines on them have the ability to change the world’ Luke said softly. ‘They always have.’“

Elizabeth Camden

“‘We’re not so different, O’Brien. You want a cathedral for your books, while I’ll put my money on a railcar heading up to the mountains. The outside packaging looks different, but we both cherish the same thing. The incomparable magic of words written on pieces of paper.’“

Elizabeth Camden

“They were as mismatched as a diamond and a lump of coal, but regardless they were perfect together. She had never, not for a single moment, pretended to be anyone other than exactly who she was, and this stunning man still adored her.“

Elizabeth Camden

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