Loved learning about the history of the Trans-Siberian railway. Readers will enjoy the back story of Natalia and Dimitri's relationship more fully by reading Carved in Stone first. Even though I enjoyed the rich history of both Russia and the US during this time period, I found Dimitri irritating at times. It was sad to see Natalia, an amazing businesswoman not given credit for her efforts in the business world but true for the times. Enjoyed the author's note and all the research given to tell this story. Looking forward to book three and hoping the hateful Poppy gets her due. Recommended!

Author Elizabeth Camden is known for her political history novels. Somehow Written on the Wind tops any others she has written! Camden does her research and it shows in the story line. You’ll learn about Russian penal colonies and women in the banking business when that just wasn’t done. Talk about smashing the glass ceiling.

The characters are well developed and you can read about their personal growth as the story progresses. Natalia is strong and determined, yet feminine in a non-feminine world. Dimitri is seen by most readers as a hero among heroes. He does what he must to escape Russia and return to Natalia. Personally, I didn’t care for him. I’m not sure I can even pinpoint why but that’s just my opinion. Most people adored him.

If you’re looking for a story that breaks barriers and takes you on a historical journey, then I recommend Written on the Wind.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Written on The Wind has become my favorite historical romantic novel by Elizabeth Camden. These are for me the strongest characters she has created yet. Perhaps because Natalia and Dimitri (Count Sokolov) had known each other at first only through business, and long detailed telegrams between two countries. Yet even through telegrams they discovered much about each other, even customs in New York and Russia were compared at length. She discovered what books he liked, and that he was a bit of a hypochondriac. Dimitri wrote in a telegram," Why do Americans shake hands instead of bowing like the rest of the civilized world? It is unsanitary, Natalia. One day I shall learn of your death by a pestilence contracted by your obsessive handshaking."
Clearly, they came to understand much more about each other through telegrams than many people who have decided on friendship based on such ordinary things as appearance. He communicated how to brew tea properly, and raved about the merits of classical music. It was 1900 and Dimitri was the Russian manager working on negotiations for the Trans-Siberian Railway. Elizabeth had a career at her father's bank in New York, and though few women were working in banking in 1900, Natalia held an important position with the finances of the Trans-Siberian Railway. They both had business that allowed them easy access to telegrams. When they finally met in person, he did not look like she had expected a count would appear. Many historical events happened to affect the story. I am usually not a fan of romantic historical novels, but she rang a bell with me on this story with her fascinating portrayal of her lead characters. Well done Elizabeth Camden.
Thanks to Net Galley for an advance copy of this memorable novel. Written on The Wind will be released May 3, 2022.

Elizabeth Camden is and excellent researcher and excels at weaving fact into her fictional stories. I had never heard of the Trans Siberian Railway or the tragedy surrounding its creation. With Elizabeth Camden, I often learn something new in addition to reading a well thought out story.

Written on the Wind is the second book in the Blackstone Legacy series. Once again, the reader is given a glimpse into the world of New York high society and the cut-throat world of banking and business. This time, a woman's precarious role in business is featured. How brave those women pioneers must have been to fight for a place in a male-dominated world!

From the reviews I have read so far, I seem to be in the minority with my opinions. I thought the story itself was interesting, but slightly lacking in emotion. The portion denoting Dimitri's escape was very well written and descriptive and full of emotion (I felt this was the best part of the entire novel), but after that I didn't feel connected to the main characters at all. In fact, when Dimitri reaches America he really bothered me and my opinion about him completely changed. I thought he was arrogant, self-centered and demanding to the point of being rude. I kind of wished the book had gone in the direction of "classic Russian literature" like I thought it might....and I usually prefer my stories to all end up wrapped up in neat, pretty bow. I think a "messy" ending would have added a lot of value to the story. But then again, many readers have glowed about Dimitri, so maybe he just rubbed me the wrong way.

If you enjoyed Gwen and Patrick from book one, they do make some brief appearances in this novel, but they are not integral to the plot. Written on the Wind is Natalia and Dimitri's story. Oliver, Poppy and Liam Blackstone are secondary characters. I believe the next book will have Liam as the central character as he continues to fight for the rights of the common worker.

Even though this book slightly missed the mark for me, I have read all of Elizabeth Camden's books and will be looking forward to the next one in the Blackstone Legacy series.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book two from Elizabeth Camden's The Blackstone Legacy series, Written on the Wind, was a good read. Four stars.

Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden continues her Blackstone Legacy with an interesting tale full of love, mystery, challenge, and international conflicts. I have read several of Ms. Camden's works and I have enjoyed her unique writing which weaves deep historic context and complex plots with such relatable and deep characters. I was intrigued by the brief introduction of the characters of Count Dimitri Sokolov and Natalia Blackstone in the first of the Blackstone Legacy series. I was thrilled to discover more about the characters and backgrounds of Dimitri and Natalia in this book. Written on the Wind is tale of survival in the face of harsh and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The determination, courage, and unflagging strength of character displayed by both Dimitri and Natalia in this book was inspiring and stunning to the reader.
The storyline was focused on the collision between advocacy for victims of horrible crimes and the political and societal corruption protecting the aggressors. Written on the Wind holds much intrigue, complexity, and humor, along with intercultural romance and family pressures. I enjoyed the focus of this book on the battle between truth and caving to societal pressures. It is so easy to cave to the pressures of friends, family, and society at large instead of standing up for what is true and what is the right thing to do. I appreciated the clear portrayal of good and evil in Written on the Wind. Ms. Camden has exceeded my expectations yet again with this excellent and utterly captivating historical fiction novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and gladly give it a high recommendation.
The Trans-Siberian Railway is a massive and almost legendary construction feat. However, Count Dimitri Sokolov is now steadfastly determined to halt its progress after witnessing a horrible slaughter of innocent lives by the government determined to complete this project. After refusing to be complicit in the deadly travesty, Dimitri is punished by losing his title, lands, and freedom. Dimitri makes a daring escape with the sole purpose of tracking down his only remaining friend and supporter--Natalia Blackstone. Natalia is not the typical young woman of the twentieth century, but she loves her position as lead analyst for her father's banking empire in New York. When Natalia receives a surprising message from Dimitri and his normal means of contact are missing she is determined to track him down. What ensures is a massive international journey for Dimitri and Natalia to discover how best to fight for truth without destroying both the Blackstone business and international relations. The results of this fight could cost lives and utterly destroy both the Sokolov and Blackstone families. Can Dimitri and Natalia blend their talents and intellect to find a solution for their conflicts? Will they be able to stop the railroad or obtain justice for the victims? What can be done to repair the damage? Can Natalia and Dimitri's friendship sustain the extreme challenges thrown at them? What will happen to them? Read Written in the Wind to find out for yourself! Happy readings!
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden introduces readers to the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia in the later stages of the building. While the story does not actually focus on the building of the railway, it does involve the people who were active in a horrible situation that occurred because of the building of this massive structure. If readers are familiar with the first novel in the Blackstone Legacy, Carved in Stone, then the readers would be familiar with the name of Natalia, the heroine. This time around, it is her story that readers are allowed to follow. The romance between Natalia and Dimitri is what starts the story through telegrams from Russia to New York City. There are moments of survival through the Russian wilderness through the early winter. There are moments of high society in New York City. There are moments of life on a farm in Russia. Plenty of scenery to capture a readers’ attention. The plot tickled my interest, giving readers an interesting plot centered around the Blackstone Family. Overall, Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden is an interesting peek into the world of the banking system and Russian politics. A delightful novel.

I received a complimentary copy Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

THE BEST BOOK HANGOVER I'VE HAD IN YEARS!!! I always enjoy Camden's unique characters and stunning historical details, but WRITTEN ON THE WIND takes both to dazzling new dimensions. From his first brief introduction in CARVED IN STONE, I was immediately intrigued by the charismatic Count Dimitri Sokolov, but after reading his full story here, I can honestly say he is the most surprising, most hilarious, most captivating fictional hero I have met in a long, long time. I loved every page of his journey to meet Natalia, who is herself a woman of strength, passion, and wisdom, and a character to not only admire but aspire to. Their sparks electrified every page. I am already looking forward to re-reading this one—my new favorite Elizabeth Camden novel!

Fantastic historical fiction! Author Elizabeth Camden hit it out of the park with Written on the Wind. Her talented pen puts you right in the story, whether you are suffering on a long journey across Russia with Count Dimitri Sokolov after he was wrongly accused and escaped a penal colony, or whether you are in New York with Natalia Blackstone at her family's bank, loving her job as a trusted anyalst (rare for a woman in the guilded age), you will love this story! Elizabeth Camden is a master of historical fiction.

"My dearest Natalia" and Dimitri got to know one another through telegrams. They became friends and enjoyed teasing one another. He was her Russian point of contact for information on the progress of the Trans-Siberian Railway that her bank was heavily financing. "It was no secret that Natalia worked at the bank, but society would have a heart attack if they knew exactly how much power a twenty-eight year old woman had in managing the bank's largest investment in Russia." "It was a privilege to be a part of something that was going to change the world."

"Dimitri found a sad irony in riding to a penal colony on the same railroad he helped build." "Free. He had never appreciated that concept until it was taken away from him."
"Dearest God above, you know what I saw. You know that it can happen again if someone does not put a stop to it. Let me be that man. Let me escape and find my way to freedom. In your name I pray. He crossed himself, drew a deep breath, and leapt into the darkness." Dear Lord, please let me live long enough to reach Natalia Blackstone."

I think Dimitri is one of the best fictional heroes I've read about in a long time. He is principled, willing to truly suffer for what is right, and I loved his over-the-top charming, and effusive language skills. "When Natalie saw the world through Count Sokolov's eyes, everything became more vivid. Sunsets were not the end of the day, they were blazing fires of a dying sun as it reclined in exhaustion. The chocolates she sent him for Christmas weren't a simple gift, but quite possibly the finest culinary creation since God himself sent manna to the Hebrews wandering in the desert."

This intriguing, captivating, and page-turning story takes the reader across Russia to San Francisco to New York, to Washington DC, and back to NY and Russia. Fans of historical fiction and romance are sure to love Written on the Wind. You can read it as a stand-alone, or part of a bigger story in the Blackstone Legacy series.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. I highly recommend Written on the Wind!

Wow! What a fantastic and enthralling story. Elizabeth Camden has done it again!

Count Dimitri Sokolov witnesses a devastating and deadly incident while overseeing the building of the Trans-Siberian Railway. He is stripped of his title, lands and freedom in order to silence him. Sent to a penal colony, he escapes and makes his way across the wilds of Russia to America, to find his friend and colleague Natalia Blackstone. Certain that she can stop the Railroad from being built to attract the attention of the Czar and the devastating atrocity.

The story is brilliantly set in Russia, New York and DC. The two heroes are masterfully portrayed in strength of will, passion and deep friendship. As always Camden does an amazing job of research in history, intertwined with fiction. You don't need to be a history lover to love this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Publisher and NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.