Written on the Wind (Hardcover)

Ms. Camden always manages to take privileged, socially prominent characters and give them substance, warmth and faith. This time the story is about Natalia Blackstone who oversees the construction project for the Trans Siberian Railway as she forges her way in the finance department of the bank her father owns. There is so much history conveyed here. The author deftly weaves her story among real events, I still learn new things. I was curious about the Boxer Rebellion from a different perspective because my grandfather and his brother were missionaries to China and spent time as prisoners of war in Japan during this time. My favorite character was Dimitri. A noble man who is loyal to his country, but won't cover up an injustice, he is a mix of gentility and teasing little boy. He can be charming but when faced with adversity, he is resilient and incredibly strong willed. An unlikely match for the notable Natalie Blackstone, who is equally strong willed as she is establishing a foothold for women in the banking world. They find common ground as they fight for a worthy cause. “It takes two kinds of people to make businesses thrive. It takes dreamers and doers like you, and sensible people behind the scenes to make the dreams happen. That's who we are. Romance and Reason. Fire and Ice.” This is a sweeping saga that evokes many emotions. A worthy second book in The Blackstone Legacy. I cannot wait for the next book. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Elizabeth Camden stole our breaths away again in this second installment of The Blackstone Legacy: Written on the Wind. This time readers get to know Natalia Blackstone and how a woman can hold an important position in what had always been a man's world of banking. Her telegraph relationship with Russian Count Sokolov made me curious in book one, where I had imagined him as an older man. Now in book two, I realized he is much younger than I thought, plus we get to learn his story and see his side of the world. His perilous adventures were gripping as he traveled to meet Natalia in person. As a child of missionaries, I loved the cultural interactions as Count Sokolov arrives in the U.S. and works to regain his status. Along the edges of Natalia and Count Sokolov's story, we are learning more about Liam, obviously building up to the upcoming third book. While all of the characters in Camden's Blackstone Legacy are unique and have depth, Liam caught my interest from the beginning. I'm truly looking forward to his story in the next of the series! *I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.