When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden

In 1914, emigrant Inga Klein's life in New York City is disrupted when her benefactor James Gerard, the new American Ambassador, asks her to travel to Germany with him as his secretary. She has so much to be grateful for to Mr. and Mrs. Gerard she decides to leave her beloved NYC to travel to Berlin. She meets Benedict Kincaid, the much disliked and unfriendly chief of staff in the American embassy. But when things become difficult for Inga, as she has no passport, she must marry Benedict in a marriage of convenience to return to America.

Elizabeth Camden is such a gifted writer. She uncovers some of the most fascinating details. I have learned something in every book she has written. The facts are always so fascinating when you come to the end of her books. 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 received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is an interesting side to WW1 Germany that I was unfamiliar with. It is even better that so much of this is based on a real person.

I enjoyed watching Inga and Benedict grow and evolve in the situations they were in. The portrayal of the negotiations was interesting, and really, very sad. The war camps interesting in the things that were allowed compared to WW2. The hunger of the German people was sobering, and then to think leaders did it all again a few years later.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and the historical knowledge it gave, the side romance was fun too.

WHEN STARS LIGHT THE SKY is the second novel in the Women of Midtown series by ELIZABETH CAMDEN, but it can easily stand alone.
The story starts in 1898 with Inga Klein and her parents sheltering in a church in New York City after emigrating from their home in Bavaria. They are found hiding there by Mr and Mrs Gerard who take Inga under their wing, treating her like some kind of godchild…..
In 1914 Inga’s happy life in New York is disrupted when her benefactor, James Gerard, who is the new American ambassador in Germany, asks her to come to Berlin as his secretary……
Inga is a friendly optimiist who enjoys life, chatty and a bit of a flirt. She is compassionate and cares deeply for others. Her sunny disposition is directly opposite to that of chief of staff Benedict Kincaid, who is surly and unfriendly. and who is diligently studying the Encycopedia Brittanica in his spare time, making Inga feel very uneducated……
When things get difficult for Americans in Germany, the only option for Inga, who has no passport, is to enter into a marriage of convenience with Benedict……
I really enjoy the way the author has added fictional characters to historical, giving depth to the story, as well as showing us how the horrific citcumstances of WW1 affect the various characters. I found the author’s character analysis outstannding.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling your read.
I enjoyed tge book for the exciting and inspiratioal story, the inforgettable characters, and the subtle Christian message. I cannot recommend When Stars Light the Sky highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

My review will be posted to Amazon on release day. I will post it to Instagram on February 3, 2025, my assigned day on the tour with Austen Prose


I loved the first book in this series and have eagerly awaited this one. It does not disappoint!

Reading this story brought me a bit of nostalgia for my own marriage. My husband and I worked together long before we started dating and he often referred to me as Miss (Maiden Name), something Benedict does with Inga. This brought a smile to my face every single time.

I loved watching Inga and Benedict’s relationship change and grow amidst the backdrop of WWI. Brought to help Ambassador Gerard, Inga slowly finds a unique relationship with everyone and helps things in a way only an Elizabeth Camden character can.

I loved every bit of this story, the history, the tense moments, the struggle between counties as America tried hard not to enter WWI. I had forgotten some in the history related to our entry into WWI and it was interesting to fall down the rabbit hole as I googled when I wasn’t reading.

This book brought tears to my eyes on the absolute best way close to the end. This doesn’t often happen and I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t read it. Suffice it to say, it was an unexpected reaction on my part and solidified my love of this story.

Thank you to Bethany House via Austen Prose for the copy of this book. All views are my own.