Elizabeth Camden takes readers on a fascinating journey to New York and Russia in 1900 with her latest novel, Written on the Wind. This novel can easily be read as a stand alone. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the rich historical details of Gilded Age America and Russia before the fall of the Czar.

Readers will always learn interesting and unknown tidbits about history with Elizabeth Camden's novels, and this novel is no different. She has been one of my longtime favorite historical authors, and she continues to write novels with well-developed characters and riveting storylines.

Written on the Wind is recommended for fans of inspirational historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Our main characters, Natalia and Dimitri, are some of my new favorites. They were so unique for this genre! Neither followed the typical stereotypes of historical fiction heroes. Dimitri is a Russian Count, working with Natalia (living in New York) on the completion of the Trans-Siberian Railroad at the turn of the century. Their relationship begins over telegrams, but when Dimitri is forced to flee Russia, the two meet in person and sparks fly! Their relationship and banter had me smiling from ear to ear the whole time. They are both passionate about life and their work, and it shows in the way they care for each other. As always, Camden does an excellent job researching the subject and time period to give us an in-depth and realistic view of the setting. I loved learning more about little known aspects of the railroad. This is the second book in the series, and while I’m glad I had read the first book for more context, it wasn’t necessary. Camden is so good at weaving a beautiful romance with fascinating stories from history.

I am loving this series The Blackstone Legacy. I fell in love with Elizabeth Camden's writing awhile back. I am pretty sure I have read every book she has written. This series has been my favorite. She has outdone anything that she has written in the past. She has such a great voice to her stories and creates some of the most memorable characters that I will not soon forget. Count Dimitri Sokolov is a big flirt and full of charm, but yet he is very strong and has many layers to his character. I liked Natalia Blackstone in this novel better than the last. I think more of her personality was able to come through. She did not seem so one dimensional. I can't wait for the third in this series to learn more about Liam, but we have to wait until Jan 2023.
I want to thank Bethany House and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book. The opinions in this review are my own.

Oceans apart Natalia and Dimitri have fostered a unique friendship, but an atrocity that threatens the Trans-Siberian Railroad has them both putting everything on the line.

The long awaited second installment in The Blackstone Legacy did not disappoint, building on the relationships and revelations of the previous book. I loved getting to know Dimitri, his daring, charm, and flare for the dramatic, yet he is a peacemaker at heart and sees Natalia in a way that others don't. Natalia is a brilliant businesswoman, who has proven herself time and again at her father's bank only to be dismissed on account of her gender. I loved seeing her passion for projects as well as her love for her brother, and how working with Dimitri opened up new doors for her.

Liam has grown more into his role in the Blackstone family, fighting against the elites who know nothing of his previous life working on the ground. I loved his friendship with Natalia, how he always seems to know when she could use some extra support and their bond as outsiders.

Overall, this was a well written read that did not disappoint. The count was glorious and everything I could have hoped for, and his undimming support of Natalia throughout. I don't usually like books where the love interests don't meet immediately or spend long periods of time apart, but I think that in this case that it worked given the nature of their relationship at the beginning of the story and how the previous book set up this one. I loved diving into the rich history and politics of the time, as well as comparing things to how they are in the present day. A thrilling series about a powerful family, and the members who challenge the status quo to bring about change. You won't want to miss a minute of it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

From the steppes of Russia to the corridors of power in Washington we find the workings of the Trans-Siberian Railway with a New York banking empire. There we find Count Dimitri Sokolove and Natalia Blackstone working to get it finished. When Dimitri witnesses a crime and is being sent to prison on a work train, he escapes and has to find his way to America and seek the help of Natalia. Dimitri seeks to expose the crime in Washington D.C. and the story took some interesting but dangerous twists and turns.
I requested a copy through NetGalley, no review was required. My opinion and review are voluntary.

Another wonderful book by Elizabeth Camden. Knowing that Natalia and Dimitri were already acquainted (this is the second in a series) made it possible to jump straight into their story and I love that! Both faced completely different trials in this story and seeing them persevere both individually and together made for an excellent story! I am so excited for the next book in the Blackstone Legacy series!

Elizabeth Camden has written another fascinating story that's impossible to put down! Written on the Wind reunites us with characters we first met in Carved in Stone, but it can be read as a stand alone. This novel brings the story of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Boxer Rebellion to life with rich historical details, compelling characters, romance, and political intrigue. Natalia and Dimitri are opposites in so many ways, but they share a determination, strong moral character, and courage that sees them through hard times they face. While I loved the historical aspects, their witty dialogue and dry humor were some of my favorite parts of the book!

If you are looking for well-researched historical fiction with characters you won't soon forget, you can't go wrong with Elizabeth Camden! Written on the Wind, and the entire Blackstone Legacy series, are destined for the keeper shelf.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is my first Elizabeth Camden novel and after reading Written on the Wind, I will definitely be reading more! As a newbie lover of the historical genre, I find that the stories I enjoy have accurate historical details, but are not mired in them. The stories I LOVE are the ones with characters I care about and that challenge me to be a better person. I LOVED this book.

While this is the second book in The Blackstone Legacy series, it was fine as a standalone. Camden did well in organically filling in details enough that if I hadn’t known it was the second book, I wouldn’t have noticed.

The Natalia and Dimitri characters were wonderful. They carried the weight of both American and Russian history elegantly, especially when they meet each other about a quarter of the way through the book
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The two get to know one another through business and personal banter. The cultures are so different, but love is the universal language that builds a friendship, then so much more.

It reminded me of the letters between my future husband and I when he was in boot camp. Our teen romance was enrichened by getting to know each other through those letters. Then when he was overseas—long before email or cell phones—those letters were our lifeline.

I will read the third book in the series, which I hope centers on Liam.

Highly recommend Written on the Wind, especially for lovers of historical genre and strong female characters.

Thanks to Bethany House for the eBook copy through #NetGalley for my honest review.

Superbly researched in Russian and American. history/politics during the early 1900s and in-depth characters made this such a compelling book to read. It was a classic Camden book that will make you think and smile. I would definitely recommend for history and Christian Fiction lovers out there.

After enjoying the first book in the Blackstone Legacy series, I have been looking forward to this story. "Written on the Wind" was a good read, I really liked Natalia and Dimitri is a brave and courageous in this story. He was a really neat character. This story kept me guessing and I enjoyed the ending. I am excited for Liam's story in the upcoming Blackstone Legacy finale.

I received this book from the publisher but also purchased my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Elizabeth Camden writes the kind of books I love to read—rich in historical detail, peopled with three dimensional characters, and plotlines that take me on fascinating journeys. This second book in The Blackstone Legacy series is no exception. I loved the hints of Natalia and Dimitri that we got in the first novel, and in this one they take the lead.

Interestingly enough, the two have never met, and they are kept apart for much of the first third or so of the novel, but the romantic tension keeps rising. I think that’s because Camden does a great job of allowing us into their thoughts, which are often on each other. Once they finally meet, sparks fly, even though Dimitri is not quite at his best.

I loved their banter, especially about literature and the cultural differences between the US and Russia, ironically appropriate in our own time, and I enjoyed learning more about another culture, at least historically. I find myself wanting to use some of their lines to each other, even though no one around me would understand the inside joke.

I could relate to Natalia’s struggle to find significance and how her desires battled within her. While many women understand the career or romance decision, there are additional layers that this character has to navigate. The conflict and stakes are kept high, and happiness seems to elude her, or at least demand a steep price. Is it possible to “have it all?” For Natalia, it doesn’t seem so.

This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend. While it is possible to read as a standalone, I would suggest starting with the first book for the maximum buildup of the relationship, plus, it’s a good story, too. I now eagerly await the next book!

I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

‘“That’s who we are. Romance and reason. Fire and ice.”‘

Spectacularly poignant and inspiring historical writing…wow, I loved it! An intriguingly, beautiful novel written about the building of the Trans-Siberian railway and American-Russian relations. The imagery and time period was so vividly expressed, I felt drawn into the story with Dimitri and Natalia. My heart strings were pulled so many times during the reading of this book, and yet there was a humor and romanticism that leapt off the pages.

“But if he did, the massacre he witnessed would be lost to history, a tragedy written on the wind, soon to fade away. He needed to capture its memory and carry it to the world.”

This book really kept me guessing as to what would happen with the intrigue around the main characters. One of the things I reading was the differences in culture that was portrayed between Dimitri and Natalia. Their friendship that bloomed into a heartwarming romance, kept me constantly guessing if, and how they could be together. There is so much realism, especially regarding how women were treated during that time. The fear of the Russian Czar also had me worrying about Dimitri’s safety.

“It wasn’t fair, but society had never been fair toward women who tried to slip into a man’s world.”

I learned so much about so many things in this book. I highly recommend Written On The Wind to anyone who wants a deeper read type that brings out all the feels. The setting is rich, the characters are engaging, and the writing is spectacular. High praise to Elizabeth Camden for writing about this area I’ve rarely seen in romantic fiction.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and have been given honestly.

What a unique, beautiful, heart-tugging, inspirational historical romance!
Set in 1900, between New York and other important American cities, and the majestic Russia, this book is so rich in historical detail that I could feel myself transported to these clashing and so different countries more than a century ago!
Natalia Blackstone is a beautiful heiress -and a spinster-, and the only woman working as lead analyst for her father’s New York banking empire. She has scaled to her position by her own merits and effort, even if some men think she’s where she is because of her father. She’s in charge of the Russian transactions, and right now their main project is their investment in the Trans-Siberian Railway. She has been exchanging telegrams with Count Dimitri Sokolov, who supervises this construction, and through this correspondence a genuine friendship has ensued. Witty banter, book preferences, music, their daily occurrences are shared via telegram, and now, even if they’ve never met, they feel as close as the best of friends. But things change abruptly when Count Sokolov is accused of treason and cowardice and eluding his civil duty and is exiled to a penal colony in Russia to work in the iron mines of the Czar.
But truth is, Dimitri has witnessed a massacre, and he disobeyed orders by refusing to fire on the Chinese civilians and trying to help them escape from their deathly fate, which in the end was unavoidable. But once, in the camp, he tries to escape, his only goal to reach Natalia in America, who is the only person who has the connections through the Blackstone Bank to help him get the attention of the Czar to do something about the massacre. After a painful very long journey in which he barely survives, he finally reaches his dear friend. Natalia is even more stunning than he imagined. But he needs Natalia as an ally to help him in his mission to make justice. Will she be capable of putting her high position, and maybe even her honor, for a worthy cause?
I think this has become my favorite book from author Elizabeth Camden. I was truly captivated by the plot, the setting and the characters!
The plot is so interesting, particularly because the main events are completely historical. The Trans-Siberian Railway was constructed in that era and still exists, and still is the longest Railway in the world at 5,772 miles! The Boxer Rebellion and the Massacre of thousands of Chinese villagers along the Amur River actually happened. Many unknown heroes have escaped prison or concentration camps to freedom outside of Russia in similar ways as Dimitri did, so everything felt so real!
The characters were completely and utterly endearing. Their personalities were strong, but very genuine and unique that I couldn’t help falling in love with them! Natalia was strong willed and determined, and she didn`t care a whit what society though of her. Dimitri was so charming! With his poetry and exquisite culture, he honored his title, yet there was a sweetness and vulnerability to him that clashed with his stubbornness and unyielding determination. The way he tumbled Natalia’s walls every time he wanted to have his way was admirable. I would’ve thought him arrogant if not because he was so convinced of his cause to defend the innocent ethnic Chinese and every human life, who were prone to be stamped on and abused by the military any day. Their friendship was a sight to behold! The way Natalia nurtured him to health, and the way Dimitri couldn’t hide his love for Natalia was so touching. Their witty dialogues were funny, yet endearing too. I just loved their relationship and ached with them for the obstacles to their happily ever after.
All in all, an epic historical novel not to be missed, with an inspiring message about trusting God in the most impossible circumstances, and to let him have control in a quest that is bigger than ourselves. A must read! I can’t wait for the next book with Liam’s story!
This can be read as a standalone but I definitely recommend to read the series in order to get more of the characters and the Blackstone Family background.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Superb research was done on this book and it was incredibly well-written, it just wasn’t the right story for me.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

I always look forward to Elizabeth Camden's books, and this one didn't disappoint. It is the second in the Blackstone Legacy series. I enjoyed Dimitri and Natalia's interactions by telegram in the first book and really enjoyed reading their story in this book. What an adventure through Russia and America. As always with this author, the book is chock full of history, woven into a beautiful story.These are two very different people on opposite sides of the world, and I loved reading the story of their eventual meeting and all that followed. Can't wait for the third book

Elizabeth Camden is one of my favorite authors, and her latest offering, Written on the Wind, is a shining example of why. A smart, strong heroine, a dashing and complex hero, a lesser known historical event brought to life with painstaking detail, and beautiful prose are all hallmarks of Camden’s books and are very present in this story.

Natalia was a fun heroine to read about. She’s very intelligent and bold, but she’s also tender-hearted. Her love of music and literature are endearing, and while Dimitri will steal the show at times, Natalia will very much carve out her own place in the hearts of readers. Count Dimitri Sokolov, with his unending charm and generosity, will have readers swooning as they read of his quest for justice and his devotion to his “Dearest Natalia.” Theirs is a sweeping romance spanning thousands of miles, strengthened by their quirky telegrams and mutual respect for one another.

I must confess that the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railroad was something I knew nothing about prior to reading this book. It was so interesting to learn about the peril and upheaval it caused. Combine this with sparkling details of Gilded Age America and early 20th Century Russia and you have a magnificent setting for an epic romance.

Written on the Wind has everything inspirational historical romance readers are looking for. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

If you read before you go to sleep, plan on going to bed earlier. This is hard to put down. I fell in love with Dimitri and Natalia right away. Both are easy to picture and identify with. At first, they meet and begin to know one another by telegraph while building the trans-Siberian railway. He is in Russia directing the construction, she is in New York at her father's bank overseeing the project. Until the Russians massacred people along the border with China, people who were entitled to be there by Charter. When Dimitri witnesses it and refuses to participate in killing innocent people, he is stripped of his land and title and sent to a Siberian prison. His and Natalia's relationship is a bit complicated, but you can't help but invest your heart in their relationship and admire them both. Excellent read.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#WrittenontheWind #NetGalley #BethanyHousePublishers #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #fivestarbooks #ChristianHistorical

This was a wonderful conclusion to The Blackstone Legacy series by Elizabeth Camden. Colonel Dimitri Sokolov is in charge of the Russian military personnel guarding the building of the Trans Siberian Railway one of the longest railway stretches ever attempted. Natalia Blackstone is the banker in charge of the distribution of funds for the railway, and the only female banker in her father's bank. But will events intervene that cause each of them to fall from grace with the people above them and will it drive them to seek one another to find another course for their life?

Elizabeth Camden's historical fiction is always superb not only bringing a story to life with excellent historical research but also taking lesser known history like the Boxers Rebellion to life as well. The two main characters, Dimitri and Natalia both had strong moral beliefs and stood up for their beliefs no matter how hard the trials. From the Russian Czar Nicholas to the powers in Washington DC both will fight to not only save the railroad but also to expose the truth of events that took place on the Russian-Chinese border. From the Russian Czar Nicholas to the powers in Washington DC, Dimitry and Natalia fought to see right done and atrocities stopped.

Another excellent series from Elizabeth Camden.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

First book I've read by Elizabeth Camden. This book is about an American woman and a Russian man working together to right a wrong that has occurred in Russia. Their friendship is absolutely wonderful. Obviously this turns into more than friendship as they work together. I love how they tease each other and support one another. And the things Dimitri says to her about his feelings for her just hits you right in the sweet spot of your heart.
This book started out a little slow for me but got really good about a quarter in. Great writing style! This seemed like I was reading an old movie from the 50s or 60s, so classic and beautiful. I loved it. I could visualize every scene beautifully. Definitely recommend.



Spoilers


There are parts of this book that may be too graphic for some. Dimitri cuts open the skin on the back of his head to hide a diamond underneath. He has to get it back out later which is a little intense. Some mentions of death and people dying that might be too much for some as well.

A little sexualized with telling her not to touch him (placed hands on his face) unless she wants him to press her against the wall and kiss her

Rich with historical color and vibrant characters, Elizabeth Camden’s latest novel draws you into the electrifying world of early 20th century New York City and leaves you wishing you could stay there forever. Dimitri’s adorable eccentricities and Natalia’s brilliance will have you falling head over heels for this unconventional couple as they fight to stay together amidst the unique challenges of two opposing worlds.

Characters:

I must say, the opening chapter did not give me the best impression of this story, and I went in wondering if it would be another dry read with the cliché female protagonist fighting for her place in a man’s world. But once Dimitri came onto the scene and the author began to explore Natalia’s personality more, I was fully invested.

There aren’t many male protagonists I’m absolutely smitten with, but Dimitri was one of them. I think a large part of that was because although he was every inch the aristocrat, he didn’t possess the trademark arrogance that seems to show up in almost every wealthy character.

He was a paradox in many ways—wealthy, yet generous. Dramatic and a bit spoiled, yet courageous. Gentle and caring with those he loved, yet impossibly stubborn when it came down to his convictions. All his eccentric habits and sweeping, dramatic way of talking were simply charming and had me chuckling so many times. And as a lover of art myself, I felt a special bond with him because of his deep appreciation for classical music and the glories of Russian literature.

Natalia, while less striking overall, was still thoroughly fascinating and relatable. It was highly insightful to get a glimpse into what it would be like for a woman working on Wall Street in early 1900 when women had much fewer rights. I thought Camden did an admirable job realistically portraying the unique challenges she would have faced as a woman while not allowing it to domineer the rest of the story.

Their romance was adorable, and I appreciated that Camden included it within the context of their previous friendship so that it didn’t feel too rushed. Natalia was exactly what Dimitri needed—someone who wouldn’t coddle him too much and knew how to bring him back down to planet earth again. I loved how his lofty idealism and her matter-of-fact down-to-earth-ness complemented each other perfectly.

Note: There are some mild kissing scenes and a few scenes where they hold each other intimately, but those scenes are brief and never graphically described.

Plot:

While the opening chapter was slow, once we shifted to Dimitri’s perspective and his escape across Russia, the pace really picked up and kept me turning pages all the way through.
There were so many tones and colors to the story, from the desperation and bleak wilderness of the Russian tundra, to the lavish opulence and political intrigue of aristocratic American society. Particularly fascinating was the contrast between the culture of the old world of Russia and the new world of America. You might think they wouldn’t be all that different, and yet Camden skillfully highlighted the major cultural divides between these two worlds. Her historical detail was impeccable and made each page sparkle with realism.

My very favorite part of Written on the Wind, besides the characters, was the strong musical influence. It’s obvious the author did her research and has a thorough understanding and appreciation of classical music through the way both Dimitri and Natalia talked so competently about it, and that made my music-loving self very happy. It added a certain richness that made an already great story even better.

While I thought the plot was well-executed throughout most of the story and I enjoyed the ending, I was disappointed that Natalia never got the chance to visit Dimitri’s homeland, especially his beloved family estate Mirosa. I hope to see more of these two in coming books!

Themes:

Camden addresses a challenging theme you don’t see very often in fiction these days—that of doing what is right even when it means losing everything. I admire that Camden isn’t afraid to tackle hard questions about when and how we should and should not compromise in our quest for justice through the difficult choices Dimitri faced. In the end, I thought Camden did a fine job exploring what it means to fight for true justice and stand with our convictions even when society tells us not to—all in a realistic and meaningful way.

I really appreciated how Camden handled Dimitri’s faith. It felt real, honest, sincere. I loved how it colored every action, every part of his life, and spurred him onward to accomplish some of his greatest acts. His faith was such an integral part of his life that he didn’t even question whether he should sacrifice all to do what was right. That’s the kind of courage I want to emulate.

Layered, complex, and memorable, Written on the Wind is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human nature and what makes life truly worth living and fighting for. You’ll quickly find yourself immersed in this riveting world of steam engines, soirees, and political intrigue as Dimitri and Natalia fight for justice. With plenty of food for thought, it’s a story you’ll be savoring long after you put it down.