(The Women of Midtown):
(A WWI Marriage of Convenience Clean Historical Romance Novel)
REBECCA'S REVIEW
"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 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 to pursue 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 flew 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 and Reviews. 4.5 stars
PAULA'S REVIEW:
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 Gerards, 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 Gerards. 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 to add to my favorites list.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and a NetGalley copy through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and an underlying faith thread.
WINNIE'S REVIEW
Talented author Elizabeth Camden’s book, When Stars Light the Sky, is a perfect example of why I love historical romance fiction. It combines fascinating historical events with a delicious romance to create a fantastic story. Camden does this to perfection, and I absolutely adored this book. Based on true events and a real U.S. Ambassador to Germany in the years prior to the U.S. entering World War I, the story is riveting and kept me turning pages. I was very interested in learning more about the intricacies of international diplomatic relationships between countries and how they affected history.
The main characters are realistically-flawed, engaging, and delightful. I adored Inga and Benedict and their opposites attract relationship. Their verbal sparring and witty banter kept me amused and cheering for them. A stellar cast of supporting characters added interest and intrigue.
If you enjoy opposites attract, marriage of convenience, and enemies-to-more stories along with some outstanding history lessons, be sure to read this book. I love Camden’s careful historical research and attention to details. Her writing is colorful and compelling and leaves me wanting more. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.
BackCover Blurb:
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.
Bethany House Publishing, January, 2025
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