Audiobook Review - A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden, Audiobook

A Daring Venture
By: Elizabeth Camden
Narrated by: Rachel Botchan
Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins
Release date: 06-05-18
Publisher: Recorded Books

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I purchased my copy as a download from Audible.com. 

My Ratings: Five Stars Story, Five Stars Overall *****

Narration was okay but could have been better. I gave this Three Stars. It didn't affect my enjoyment of the story so much as annoyed me. The accents were very different than in the first book in this series, which I loved.  A Dangerous Legacy was narrated by Morgan Hallett, who did a stellar job. So my caveat to the listener is to add a pair of "New Jersey over-accented filters" on your ears while you listen! 

Story and characterization was solid and very enjoyable. Elizabeth Camden is an amazing writer. This is a wonderful series set just after the turn-of-the-century. Camden portrayed biochemist Rosalind beautifully, incorporating nuances of the scientific mind. Similarly her characterization of Nick, a former plumber with a heart of gold, takes into account his blue collar roots without overdoing it. I loved, loved, loved the start of this book where Camden gives us the poignant backstory for Dr. Rosalind Werner. Definitely shed some tears there and it totally sets you up to understand her motivation.

There's a lot of tension in this story, both romantic and in the story line. Camden is a master at pacing. A master of writing. Period.

You'll find yourself looking forward to every one of your listening sessions for A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden!

~~~~
Publisher's Summary
Dr. Rosalind Werner is at the forefront of a groundbreaking new water technology - if only she can get support for her work. Nicholas, Commissioner of Water for New York, is skeptical - and surprised by his reaction to Rosalind. While they fight against their own attraction, they stand on opposite sides of a battle that will impact thousands of lives.

As a biochemist in early 1900s New York, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against waterborne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city - but only if she can get people to believe in her work.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York, Nicholas Drake, is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist. While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives.

As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, the odds stacked against these two rivals swiftly grow more insurmountable with every passing day.

~~~~~

This book is available in multiple formats. If you do a sample listen of the story on audible.com and you're not happy with the narrator, go buy an ebook or paperback copy!

Highly Recommend!!!

Question: Do you listen to more audiobooks in the summer?

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden -- Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden, Narrated by Morgan Hallett, Audible.com

A Dangerous Legacy
by Elizabeth Camden
Narrated by Morgan Hallett
Audible.com download

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Please note: This title is available in multiple formats.

Five Stars for Story, Narration, and Overall *****

Fantastic Listen!!! Dangerous, Indeed!

Some books are like a box full of wonderful artisan chocolates. This audible listen was like that. I savored each segment of listening that I did over the course of about two weeks. As I got to the end, though, I ended up binging a little, like you do when you know you're at the end and about to run out of those fantastic hand-made chocolates!

The narrator, Morgan Hallett, couldn't be more perfect for the voice of Lucy Drake, a telegraph operator in New York City. Lucy and her brother have been waging a legal battle with their uncle for a long time, and both are worn out from it. Sir Colin Beckwith, a Reuters News Agency, is in New York to find himself a wealthy heiress to bolster his impoverished estate in England. 

Lucy has a heart of gold and I immediately loved her. Colin has a a battered and tarnished silver heart of his own that Lucy helps polish and God pushes to heal. They are dealing with very dangerous people who will stop at nothing. At one point I was afraid to keep listening! But I kept on and was rewarded!

As usual, Elizabeth Camden's attention to research detail pulls you into the story and keeps you a century in the past. Her ability to put you in the setting is breath-taking. I was especially interested in the psychiatric asylum aspect. Having been a psychologist for twenty-five years, I was somewhat surprised by the very negative portrayal, but after all there is a reason. And it is true that many of the "treatments" used at the turn-of-the-century were little more than torture. However, a couple of the techniques discussed in the novel are still used today and aren't the horror they are portrayed as here, e.g., systematic desensitization, and the use of projective imagery to get at core issues. But these are used to pull the story forward.

Highly Recommend!!!

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden -- Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden
Narrator Angela Brazil

A Pearl of a Story!

Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

It broke Jenny Bennett's heart when Ryan suddenly left her six years ago with no explanation. Now he abruptly reappears at the Presidio Army base without explanation. Lt. Ryan Gallagher had accepted a highly classified overseas assignment at great personal cost. Bound by honor, he must never reveal where he was during those years. Will she forgive him when he can't be honest with her?

I listened to this book as a download from Audible.com. As with other stories by Elizabeth Camden this novel offers a complex intellectual plot full of historical information. With a backdrop of the early development of the cultured pearl industry and of the presence of US spies needed in Japan.

Jenny is a bitter young woman who takes a very long time to soften up in the story. She's a little hard to listen to sometimes and the narrator doesn't help her out too much. And Ryan doesn't realize love takes sacrifice and one's significant other must have priority. Will either of these two overcome their own backgrounds and foibles to be able to have a happily ever after together or not?

This is a long slow listen heavy with information. The narrator, Angela Brazil, plays the downtrodden Jenny a bit too heavy. I think she could have lightened up more. But the story was worth the listen. The novel is available in multiple formats, which is always nice. 

Audiobook Review of From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden

Another Hit From Elizabeth Camden!
Five Stars *****
By Carrie Fancett Pagels

This turn of the century historical suspense and romance is another stellar example of Elizabeth Camden's skill as a story teller who pulls you in and keeps you in the story to the end!  The dandy Romulus White is one of the owners of Scientific World. For years, he's hoped to have Stella West, the famous lithograph artist, contribute to his magazine.  His partner at the journal, his cousin, Evelyn, has been estranged from her engineer husband for years. He reappears on the scene to help with the building of Boston's new subway. 

When Stella returns from London, to investigate her sister's suspicious death, she and Romulus soon becoming entangled in a testy relationship that pits her needs against his. Danger seems to lurk everywhere.

The narrator was not the best, but she was ok. Her male voices were cringe-worthy at times. But Elizabeth's story shines and expert characterization overcomes the performance.

I have an audible.com membership and downloaded the book.

Highly Recommend!!! From This Moment is a book you will love!

Giveaway: Paperback copy of the book. Leave a comment about why you love late 18th century books!

(Revised!) Audiobooks of the Year List by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

Whispers In The Reading Room AND The Painter's Daughter, TIED for Audiobook of the Year 2015 -- Stellar stories combined with wonderful narration. I had quite the conundrum because I had listened to Julie's book in 2015 and chose it for Audiobook of 2015 BUT then I listened to Shelley's book in January, but it released in 2015 and after much prayer I decided they were both tied.  That being said, the audiobooks that I include on my list are of such HIGH quality that it truly was hard to put them in order -- so next year I might not!!!

Audiobooks of the Year

Bibliotherapy Audiobook of the Year (Includes strong bibliotherapy elements as well as a wonderful book and narration.)

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

Most Romantic Audiobook

The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor, Book #1)

by Roseanna M. White

Best Final Audiobook in a Series

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Highly Memorable Audiobook of the Year 

Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade

Contemporary Audiobook of the Year

A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach

Favorite Series on Audiobook 2015: Tracie Peterson's Bride's of Seattle (I am finishing the third book now.) All released in 2015 on audiobook.

(I accidentally left off Melanie Dickerson's and Kristi Ann Hunter's audiobooks in my original post  - these are both beautifully done audiobooks. I highly recommend and hope to post reviews of both very soon!!!)

My Backlist audiobook Series of the Year is by Jane Perrine: Tales from Butternut Creek! All wonderful!!! These released in 2012 and 2013 and are Women's Fiction with strong romantic

NOTE: I will have some books, available in audiobook, that I read rather than listened to, that are on my NEXT list, which release within the week! So if you are an author I love and weren't on here but have an audiobook, watch for those I read rather than listened to!

GIVEAWAY: Audiobook certificate for a book OR winner's choice of format.  Answer these questions: How many of these books were on your favorites list and which format do you prefer your books in - audiobook, Kindle, or paperback?  (Watch for my upcoming Kindle/paperback list of favorite books of the year, coming soon!)

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden - Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

Stellar Listen!

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

Sophie van Riijn is an unpaid volunteer, contributing data to the new national Weather Bureau. The problem is she's utilizing private property on a high area in her town by the Hudson River. And that is not okay! Especially when the owners return.  Also, she's been baking goodies which are sold to tourists who come to visit gorgeous Dierenpark (whose owners have been absent for decades), on the hilltop by the river/

Architect Quentin Vandermark believes he's destined to die soon from a recurring bone infection in her leg. He wants his anxious son to be protected and surrounds him with body guards. He's returned with his grandfather to Dierenpark destroy the fabulous property, which Mr. Vandermark believes is cursed.

Sophie's beautiful spirit and hope in Christ draw atheist Quentin toward the Lord. But of course, he will have to make his own choice for Christ.  Although initially at odds with one another, Sophie reaches Quentin and helps him see he may have a future.  When devastating secrets are revealed, will Sophie see Dierenpark destroyed, her haven, her place of beauty? 

This was an excellent listen and I highly recommend this book, which will be on my Best of 2015 Audiobooks! Elizabeth Camden's talent shines throughout this novel.

Author Bio

Elizabeth Camden is the author of seven books and a RITA and Christy Award winner. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida. Visit her website at www.elizabethcamden.com.

Carrie's Favorite Christian Fiction Reads for 2014

At the Edge of a Dark Forest
OWG Bibliotherapy Book of the Year

Surprised by Love, by Julie Lessman

While Love Stirs

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

The books are listed in no particular order but I do have a favorite novel for 2014 and that story is by Caryl McAdoo and the reason is because she's one of the few authors whose "voice" seems so very similar to my own and I really enjoyed the story and characters in Vow Unbroken. All of these novels, however, are STELLAR!!! Several, too, were strong contenders for bibliotherapy book of the year! Elizabeth Camden's and Elizabeth Byler Younts's, in particular! I haven't yet reviewed Elizabeth's on the OWG blog but hope to remedy that omission soon.


 
There were SO many WONDERFUL novellas and short stories out in 2014 and I reviewed quite a few. I didn't feel I could do them justice by pulling out individual stories but I may come back later and do a recap of my fave collections for 2014 because I loved a whole bunch of them, especially the Christmas ones! I have included one novella because it is my Bibliotherapy Book of the Year - Connie Almony's Beauty and the Beast story about PTSD and addiction as well as recovery and rehab for a wounded vet. Beautifully done and a DEBUT book!!!

I'll also be announcing the Angels' Heart winner for 2014. Last year that honor went to Julie Lessman, which disqualifies her for the next five years.  We have three nominees right now from the OWG bloggers and will be deciding soon.

Why no audiobook category? In 2014 I had surgery on my heel. I had a torn Achilles tendon and other issues that had to be repaired. I listened to some audiobooks but I also ended up reading a great many with my eyes instead of listening. Love my Kindle!!!  One audiobook I suggest you avoid is the one for Tamera Alexander's LOVELY novel A Beauty so Rare because the narrator is so poor she ruins the beautiful story. Wonderful book so just read it on your Kindle or ereader and set the font size to large. I have several audiobooks I haven't reviewed on the blog yet that I may add to the post for the novella collections. In general, though, I felt it wasn't a great year for audiobooks for Christian historical romance, which is what I primarily read (because that's what I also write.) But there were some very good ones and I'll get to those in a later post!

Question: What were some of YOUR faves for 2014?

Review of Elizabeth Camden's "With Every Breath" - Will Make Best of 2014 List

With Every Breath By Elizabeth Camden

Bethany House (July, 2014)

Was Holding My Breath Till the End!
By Carrie Fancett Pagels
Kate Livingston and Trevor McDonough are two super competitive people who are meant to be together. High school rivals, his performance on a contest costs Kate a scholarship that she believes would have made her dreams come true. Wealthy Trevor could have afforded to have gone to school without any assistance which only intensifies Kate's dislike of the brooding teenager.  Fast forward about a decade. Widowed Kate is working in a boring clerical position when a medical researcher offers her the chance to engage in meaningful work.

What a surprise to find that her new employer will be Trevor, who is now using another name. He's still a prickly pear and Kate doesn't put up with a lot of his nonsense. He respects her. Their romance is the glue that holds this book together.

Kate's family owns a lovely rooming house for upper scale Washington D.C. tenants, including senators and their families. Wonderful cast of characters added a richness to the plot.

The secondary characters and subplots are all masterfully presented.  Wonderful story about the difficulties in treating tuberculosis in the 19th century. Very sad stuff but handled beautifully. I've grown up reading about t.b. and what it can do to you as it was a scourge even a few decades before I was born.

Highly recommend. Oh, and I loved the dog who adopted Trevor! I think he helped him more than the doctor helped the pet.

This book will make "best of" lists for 2014 I feel sure, including mine which it will definitely be on.  The pacing and the plot are seamless. And wonderful job of HEA ending that makes you want to read her next book. I'd love to read more about the characters in this story and wish it was part of a series.

I received my copy through NetGalley but this book is worth paying full price for. When you are done reading you will sigh in satisfaction over the excellent read!

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of this book or any of Elizabeth's novels this week, winner's choice.  Leave a comment.

Love One Another by Elizabeth Camden

Author Elizabeth Camden

Above all, love one another.

Thanks for asking me back, Carrie. I always love the insight I get from your author interviews. Instead of talking about handling a major crisis, I want to celebrate one of the simplest of biblical verses, and one that has brought me great comfort over the past year.

1 Peter 4:8  Above all, love one another deeply.

If I were the type of person to get a tattoo, this is the phrase I would use! It is beautiful in its simplicity, yet so powerful and all-encompassing in its message.

I have two step-daughters who are recent college graduates. I am afraid they have drunk deeply from the well of victim-mentality and the tendency to demonize those from the opposite side of their political viewpoint. This is a sadly common phenomenon on college campuses (I know, I’m a college professor in my day job!) I think this attitude is terribly destructive, and I’ve been urging them to try to extend compassion not only to people they agree with, or deem “worthy” of compassion, but to everyone.  Yes, that includes the jerk who whistles rude catcalls as they walk past a construction site. We don’t know what his story is, what weakness, insecurities, boredom, or poor parenting he came from. Jesus’s command to love one another includes that construction worker.

This phrase was with me as I wrote With Every Breath, which features a number of secondary characters who suffer from tuberculosis, a once fatal and highly contagious disease. In the 19^th century it was common to blame TB victims for their plight, as they were often the poor, the prostitutes, and the people living in inner city slums. Yes, the command extends to them as well.

It is difficult to watch the news these days that is filled with so much political turmoil, racial incidents that spiral out of control, wife abuse, etc. Above all, love one another deeply!  This does not mean you must approve of the actions, but anger and demonizing the opposition has not been working to well in solving the incidents I am referring to. Step back, take a breath, and try to understand the other side. They may be wrong. In many cases, they certainly are…but it is hard to truly solve these problems without trying to understand our fellow man. (I hear my step-daughters angrily objecting to that turn of phrase. Fellow man! How sexist! Yes….but I’m a writer and the poetry of language means something to me…. I ask my beautiful, talented, but angry young daughters to understand my need for poetic license.) 

Above all, love one another!  This is the first phrase I think of when I’ve run into frustrations over the past year, be it from a snide insurance adjuster, problems at work, or a student angry at a grade I’ve assigned. Above all, love one another.

Honestly…one of these day, if I ever get that tattoo…..

Mini Bio: Elizabeth Camden is a professor and research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novel Against the Tide won the coveted RITA and Christy Award. She has also written four nonfiction history books for the academic market. It was her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.

She regularly posts about the joys of the book world at http://elizabethcamden.com/blog

Her books are available at all online stores, as well as Christian bookstores and most brick and mortar major bookstores.

Website: www.elizabethcamden.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ElizabethCamden

 Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of Elizabeth's latest release or choice of any of her books to one commenter this week. Come back and check the upper right hand corner of the blog to see if you have won (allow up to ten days.)

Top 10 Spring Break Reading Picks 2012

Our TOP PICK from new releases (since October): Julie Klassen's The Maid of Fairbourne Manor  (January, 2012)

Our favorites, in no particular order:

Song of  My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer (February, 2012)

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson  (November, 2011)

Brandilyn Collins – Gone to Ground (March, 2012)

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden (January, 2012)

Ann H. Gabhart – Words Spoken True (February, 2012)

Novellas:

Laurie Alice Eakes, Pamela Griffin, Gina Welborn, and Jennifer Hudson Taylor - Highland Crossings (February, 2012)

Audio release:

Vannetta Chapman's Falling to Pieces, A Quilt Shop Mystery (October, 2011)


Our two top picks If you haven't read yet, from before October:

 Julie Lessman's series, most recent book - A Heart Revealed (September, 2011) 

Laura Frantz's The Colonel's Lady (August, 2011), or her previous books (Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little)

FIRST GIVEAWAY:  We are giving away a copy of The Colonel's Lady, paperback, to a lucky reader today!  
What are your favorites from October, 2011, till now?  What about from June, 2011 till now?


Second and Third GIVEAWAYS by Tired Old Mommy: By Saturday we will have ALSO given away a copy of a book by Julie Klassman (OOPS!!! I mean Julie Klassen) and one by Julie Lessman.  I am so glad these two are forgiving (and like a laugh!)  Sorry, Julie!

Overcoming Loneliness for Christians

By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Doesn't the woman on the cover of The Lady of Bolton Hill look like she is lonely and seeking someone to take her to the next stage of her life?  Elizabeth discussed her feelings of loneliness in her interview on Monday.  I found a great link to an article about Christian singles overcoming loneliness.


As a single, we might ask. "What if I never marry?"  You can be lonely in a marriage, too.


Where you are for the season - sometimes just accepting that you are where God has put you and finding what happiness you can in the situation can make the difference between despair and peace. We only are given so many days for our journey.  Sometimes we are alone as far as a mate being alongside us but we are never without God's presence. For the Christian, whether married, single, widowed, divorced, regardless - making God the focus of your life gives the basis for your everyday living.  Getting into the Word, spending time in prayer, and participating in the church and reaching out to others, may even be easier to do as a single person. 


One of the things that happens with singles in churches, however, is that they are either swept to the side or are pitied.  I experienced this sensation after I was married and had a child but was living in Atlanta for a short time without my family.  I was never so aware of how we in the church overlook people without a spouse or family present with them in the church body.  Some of that is self-centeredness or pew-warming (people there as though church is a social event).  However, much may be people simply consumed with managing their own little families and not having much energy left after a long week.  And with today's busy families and many women working full-time outside of the home, there are precious little emotional resources left to extend to others.


In a good marriage there is the sensation of being able to sink into the other's strength and draw on that to get through the tough times. As a single, one has to draw on friends and families for that support.  And there is no denying that it is different than what an excellent relationship with a spouse gives.  On the other hand, rushing into a marriage that God has not sanctioned for you will only worsen your situation. Having not married either of my first two fiances, I am grateful I was spared from the heartache of divorces that surely would have resulted had I married either of them. A bad marriage is worse than singleness.  But that is a topic for another day's post! 


DRAWING: The winner for this week's book, one of Elizabeth Camden's novels, will be announced this afternoon.  The Rose of Winslow Street and Lady of Bolton Hill can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, and other booksellers. 

Leave a comment for a chance to win either book. Drawing is today.