Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

From the publishers: "As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend."

This was one of the best historical fiction books I have read in a while.  The main and supporting characters were both realistic and likeable (or non-likeable, when you were supposed to not like them.)  Lydia and Bane were both strong characters who were written with real depth.

I liked that the love story wasn't a quick throw together, and that there were real obstacles that had to be overcome.  The love story isn't clean, and for once the character's flaws are hard obstacles to deal with.  Lydia doesn't stay pretty and neat, but nor is she careless.  Bane is hard when he needs to be and really is the better of the two characters.  

Another part that was well crafted was the spiritual side.  In many Christian fiction books the characters have sudden "aha" moments where they come to know God.  The way one of the characters comes to know God is much more realistic to how it is in real life.  And I thought it was woven well through-out the story, without it being trite or preachy.  Well done Elizabeth Camden.

I read through the book quickly because I was so engaged, but now I was to go back and re-read it and enjoy it all over again.  I would definitely recommend this book to others.  

This is the first book I have read of Camden's but it will not be the last one!

I received this book free for my honest review from Bethany Publishing.