I'm going to say this right now: if you love Pride and Prejudice, Benedict is our Mr. Darcy!

I'm getting ahead of myself though. When Stars Lights the Sky begins shortly before WWI when Inga is offered a job as the ambassador to Germany's secretary. In fact, Inga is from neighboring Bavaria, so going to Berlin is very nostalgic.

There she encounters the broody Benedict, whom she affectionately calls Cold Oats. Though her sunshine demeanor is almost impenetrable to his cool exterior.

What would she say if she knew she was in fact melting him away?

It gets more complicated when WWI begins and the US is declared as neutral and they are in an Axis country. Together, Benedict and Inga try to essentially save the world by navigating the waters and offering assistance to war prisoners.

But what will happen when it's Inga who's in trouble and Benedict is her only solution?

I really feel like this is going to be one of my top for 2025, I couldn't get enough of Inga and Benedict. I need MORE!!!

Elizabeth Camden’s When Stars Light the Sky is an absolute delight and a shining sequel in The Women of the Midtown Agency series. Following the success of While the City Sleeps, this story sweeps readers into the glittering world of Berlin’s American embassy on the brink of World War I—a setting that feels both luxurious and fraught with tension. Camden’s gift for blending meticulous historical detail with deeply human stories truly shines here.

At the heart of the story are Inga Klein and Benedict Kincaid, two opposites who clash in the best ways possible. Inga’s quick wit and fiery determination are a perfect foil to Benedict’s disciplined, buttoned-up demeanor, making their journey from sparring coworkers to a marriage of convenience irresistibly fun to watch unfold. Their relationship is a masterclass in slow-burn romance, full of chemistry, growth, and moments that will have you laughing one minute and swooning the next.

What made this story truly special was its focus on resilience and finding strength in unexpected partnerships. The marriage of convenience trope can be tricky to nail, but Camden delivers it with all the charm and emotional depth you could hope for. This book is playful, poignant, and perfectly paced—a true page-turner.

I couldn’t put it down. Camden’s writing makes history come alive, her characters feel like old friends, and her stories leave you with a satisfying sense of warmth and hope. When Stars Light the Sky is a must-read for fans of clever historical romance and vibrant, character-driven stories. If you haven’t picked up While the City Sleeps yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this enchanting series!

All the stars! A fantastic enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, marriage of convenience WWI romance all in one. Elizabeth Camden’s a favorite author who brilliantly brings history to life. When Stars Light the Sky, the fabulous second book in the Women of Midtown series, delivers all the glitz & glamour of 1900’s Germany as a beautiful young woman returns to her homeland to work for the American Ambassador to keep America out of WWI.

Inga Klein came to America as a child from a small village in Germany. A wealthy couple, the Gerards helped her family when they were in need, & treated Inga as a kind of adopted daughter. When Mr. Gerard becomes the Ambassador to Germany during the tense time leading up to WWI, he asks Inga to accompany him & his wife as his secretary. After arriving in Germany, Inga immediately gets on the bad side of the grumpy, serious diplomatic chief of staff, Benedict Kincaid. Though she thinks she’s not very smart, Inga has amazing abilities that go beyond book learning. As negations with the Kaiser become strained, Inga finds herself in need of a rescuer.

Benedict Kincaid can’t help but be drawn to the sunshiny Inga, but, a bad first marriage makes him reluctant to fall in love again. He’d much rather find enjoyment in reading his encyclopedias than fraternize with the staff. As war tensions rise, Inga finds herself in a precarious situation & needs to be married to obtain her American citizenship. Benedict’s the only eligible man who can save her, but can these two opposites survive a marriage of convenience?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I love grumpy/sunshine romances especially when it’s also enemies to lovers. Inga’s & Benedict’s romance was so delightful. I loved the sizzling romantic tension as they navigate close proximity & a fake marriage. I loved “Cold Oats,” the notes in Benedict’s encyclopedias, & visiting Inga’s German relatives. I enjoyed seeing them grow to recognize & appreciate each other’s strengths. Inga & Benedict have very different goals in life & I was on pins & needles wondering how everything would work out.

There were so many twists in this story & I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I loved the glamorous embassy setting & seeing famous guests like Claude Debussy. It was also fascinating to learn more about the lead up to America’s involvement in WWI & all the behind the scenes negotiations.

Highest of recommendations for this amazing book! Though part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

Absolutely stunning!

Though reluctant to leave New York City behind, Inga travels to Berlin to serve as secretary to the US Ambassador. While there, she has to work closely with Benedict, the grumpy, no-nonsense Embassy Chief of Staff who is constantly annoyed by her cheery personality.

Benedict's focus is on keeping America out of war...until Inga comes to work at the embassy and becomes a constant thorn in his side. But when the two must marry in order to to save German-born Inga, he finds he is not as upset as he expected to be..

As the world teeters on the brink of war, Inga and Benedict must rely on all their diplomatic skills as well as each other as they face a future full of uncertainty.

What you'll love:
set in Germany at the beginning of WWI
dual pov
grumpy/sunshine
opposites attract
marriage of convenience
diplomatic maneuvering
forced proximity
he falls first
slow burn romance
visiting family
the encyclopedias
enemies to lovers vibes
sprinkles of faith
THE PERFECT ENDING!!!!!!!!!

plus a few more that I am leaving out so you can be surprised just like I was!

I love how this author takes unique or lesser known moments of history and uses them as backdrops as she creates fascinating stories. She is masterly at weaving historical details with fictional characters in a way that draws you and keeps you turning page after page well past your bedtime!

I have read dozens of novels set during WWI but have never stopped to consider the men and women working behind the scenes in Germany to prevent war. This story was so rich with historical details but the characters made them come alive in a very real and personal way.

I loved Benedict, with his cold oats and his stoic demeanor that masked a man burdened with the fate of his country on his shoulders. I also loved Inga - her kindness, her tenacity, her intelligence and strength. These two were such perfect complements to each other though it took them both awhile to realize it! I loved watching their sweet journey from annoyed co-workers to friends to something so much more. Throw in the tension from the marriage of convenience and oh my word, THAT ENDING that left my romance loving heart melted into a puddle of happiness.

This is the second book in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. If you have never picked up an Elizabeth Camden book, now is the time my friends. I have loved everything I have read by her and this one is going on my favorites shelf! This one deserves all the stars that light the night sky!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Inga Klein thinks she has nothing to recommend herself for a job at the American Embassy in Berlin. But her mentors, James and Mary Gerard, feel otherwise. The Gerards invite her to accompany them to Germany’s seat of power, where Inga will use her bilingualism, knack for organization, and telegraph operator skills to assist James in his post as ambassador.

Once she arrives in Germany, Inga will also use her natural talent to build unity amongst the staff. Her sunny disposition brightens everyone’s day—except Benedict Kincaid, the frosty chief of staff. Inga sets out to prove her worth and value and soon has Mr. Gerard’s office working smoothly.

If only European politics could be put to rights so quickly. Kaiser Wilhelm and the rest of the nation seem pugnaciously bent on war, and keeping America out of the melee will require all the diplomatic finesse in the world.

Benedict Kincaid can’t believe Ambassador Gerard hired a flighty, underprepared, and entirely too frivolous native German to act as his private secretary in the tense political climate. He grudgingly comes to appreciate Inga’s organizational skills and efficiency. Although beautiful, Inga has more substance than Benedict’s first wife. A wife whose actions almost ruined his chance to one day fulfill his dream of becoming an ambassador.

When the threat of war puts Inga’s ability to leave the country at risk, Benedict offers to marry her—on the condition they annul the marriage as soon as everyone escapes to New York City.

As the war drags on and America averts joining the fray, Inga and Benedict discover their mutual disdain has turned to respect. Together, they work to improve the lives of prisoners of war, issue passports for American citizens, and support the ambassador. Can the unlikely couple ever hope for a real future?

What I Loved About this Book

Camden’s attention to historical detail makes this book a delight for history buffs. Romance fans will enjoy the sweet enemies-to-lovers trope as the two opposites prove great relationships are born of friendship and respect. Intrigue and espionage keep the plot moving as the protagonists journey towards self-discovery and true love.

I loved this fantastically written WWl historical romance. I loved how Inga becomes a part of the American embassy in Germany during WWl. I loved seeing how Inga helps Benedict become a bit more friendly with his colleagues at the embassy. I enjoyed learning a bit more about how America was able to avoid joining WWl quite as early as many other countries. I loved the romance and the suspense in this story. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Elizabeth Camden is a must-read author for me, and it took only two paragraphs for this novel to sweep me in and capture my attention. I was blown away by the amazing detail the author put into the history, the tense political tensions between America and Germany, and the events leading up to and during World War I. I felt like I learned so much about this war that I did not know before, and it was all so incredibly fascinating to me! I also loved Inga’s character, and her and Benedict’s relationship. They are the perfect example of opposites attract and I appreciated that their relationship developed from sparing to mutual respect, with a realistic timeline. I think this might be one of the more romantic novels I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed it very much! The setting was fascinating as well, and I particularly liked that we got to see how Americans in Germany fared during World War I. I learned much about the roles of ambassadors in foreign countries. I seriously cannot recommend this book enough. I loved it so much! One of my favorite reads!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I absolutely adored this book! Camden does a great job of combining historical events with a wonderful romance to create a fantastic story.

Based on real events in the years prior to the U.S. entering World War I, the story was a riveting page turner. It was fascinating to learn more about the international diplomatic relationships between countries and how they affected history.

The character development was excellent. I loved Inga and Benedict! Their marriage of convenience, opposites attract relationship, and verbal sparring and witty banter, was an absolute delight. There’s a great cast of secondary characters that added a lot of interest to the story.

The author’s meticulous historical research and attention to details was obvious, and her writing is very engaging. This gem of a story reminded me why I love historical romance fiction. Highly recommended!

I received a copy from Bethany House Fiction and Austenprose PR via NetGalley, but a positive review wasn’t required. All opinions expressed are my own.

'There were only two possible outcomes. Something magnificent was about to happen, or she was embarking on a mortifying and painful mistake.'

I've only read one book by this author and was super excited to see this book announced and eagerly picked it up!

THIS BOOK WAS FASCINATING! I was quickly immersed into this story and with the characters. Inga starts off the story as the worlds biggest flirt, but also grounded and a hard worker. I found her background very interesting and her journey to America tugged at my heart strings. I loved the Gerards and their kindness and the amazing set-up it led to.

The setting of being in an American Embassy set in German at the cusp of war was full of intrigue and I was here for every little description. I could feel the tense political games through wins and losses. I love how Inga contributed and what a strong character she was. Benedict, or Cold Oats IYKYK, was such a fun character. The perfect grump to Inga's sunshine. I loved his role and thought he was written SO WELL!

This opposites attract, marriage of convenience...among other tropes that I don't want to share and spoil anything was absolute hilarity and heart warming-all at the same time!

If you like historical fiction, romance, marriage of convenience, opposites attract with a grumpy/sunshine duo I think you would absolutely love this book!

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

Content/Trigger: mentions of death of loved ones, mentions of war and prisoners in war camps (one man is noted as being nude and the FMC quickly looks away), political intrigue, marriage of convenience trope where the main characters start mentioning multiple times how attracted they are to the other character-physically: kisses only.

A grumpy/sunshine marriage of convenience set mostly in Germany at the beginning of WWI. Inga, a German immigrant who has lived in America for most of her life, travels from NY to Berlin to be an assistant to the US Ambassador. Benedict is the grumpy Chief of Staff who keeps everything running as smoothly as possible when the new Ambassador missteps. It’s a fascinating glimpse of the wartime diplomatic roles as Benedict and the Ambassador try to keep the US out of the Great War. It’s combined with a slow burn romance that starts as a marriage of convenience because Inga does not have US citizenship papers. I expected more drama solely because of all the action in the first book, but I really enjoyed this story. It’s book two, but is a complete standalone story that merely visits a few characters from the first book.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

What a fascinating story! Elizabeth Camden never fails to impress, and this latest release of hers just might be my favorite one yet!

It was really interesting to read about Germany right before and at the beginning of World War I. It was especially interesting getting a peek at it from the viewpoint of American diplomats and the ambassador working at the embassy in Berlin. It was a delicate balance to try to remain neutral during that time, and it was interesting to see how that neutrality was maintained.

I always learn something new when I read an Elizabeth Camden book. I had never wondered what it would’ve been like to work as a diplomat, let alone to be one in a country where war has just broken out, but this book has sparked an interest in me that makes me want to learn more. I love when a fictional book can do that.

I liked Inga right from the start. Her sense of joy was contagious! I loved how she could find something good in almost every situation. I also really liked Benedict. He was serious and a grump, but there was something so endearing and lovable about him. They couldn’t have been more different, and while they didn’t always get along, they made a great team.

If you’re a fan of romantic historical fiction, grab a copy of this book. You’ll love it! I can’t recommend it highly enough!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

It was very interesting to read about how the US ambassador and is staff handled things in Germany before WWI broke out. Inga's family came to the US when she was just a girl and the Gerard family generously helped them start their new lives in the big city of New York. Now years later, Inga has worked hard to get a career as a night time wire operator and helping to keep the office organized. When Ambassador Gerard asks her to accompany him back to Germany, she can hardly say no yet she is afraid to leave this country she has made home. She is given quite the cold shoulder when she gets to Berlin and Benedict Kincaid, the one she has to work closely with makes it very clear his thoughts on her being there. Doing all she can, she tries to prove herself over and over again but when the German's torpedo the Lusitania, tensions between the US and Germany are at an all time high and they must put everything aside to try and keep the peace between the two countries, while getting as many American's back home as they can. Inga herself is in fear of whether she will be allowed back home, as she has not yet become an official US citizen, so when there is only one option to keep her safe she must make a decision even if it goes against everything she wanted for herself. I just loved Inga's character and this storyline and I really learned a lot from this novel. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Austenprose for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

A sweet, slow burn romance set at a time when war seemed inevitable this story charmed me. Inga was determined to make a life in the United States after her parents moved from Germany. A chance encounter on their first day in the United States provided a connection to Mr. and Mrs. Gerard, a powerful couple, and an opportunity that changed her life. As Inga navigates life at the American Embassy in Germany she charms everyone except for Benedict. Benedict is serious and focused on becoming an ambassador and has no time for anything but his job. Inga still is a citizen of Germany and it is dangerous for her to be in Germany. There is a solution, a marriage of convenience, but will Benedict agree? Inga slowly thaws him as war becomes a certainty but. can they find a way to make temporary permanent? The characters were interesting and I quickly became invested in their lives. Inga was strong and resilient and very relatable as she struggled with big decisions. I loved that Benedict read and annotated encyclopedias. The setting of Germany at the beginning of World War I and how the characters navigated the political climate and life at the embassy was fascinating. I highly recommend this book for readers of historical fiction or historical romance.

Talented author Elizabeth Camden’s book, When Stars Light the Sky, is a perfect example of why I love historical romance fiction. It combines fascinating historical events with a delicious romance to create a fantastic story. Camden does this to perfection, and I absolutely adored this book. Based on true events and a real U.S. Ambassador to Germany in the years prior to the U.S. entering World War I, the story is riveting and kept me turning pages. I was very interested in learning more about the intricacies of international diplomatic relationships between countries and how they affected history.

The main characters are realistically-flawed, engaging, and delightful. I adored Inga and Benedict and their opposites attract relationship. Their verbal sparring and witty banter kept me amused and cheering for them. A stellar cast of supporting characters added interest and intrigue.

If you enjoy opposites attract, marriage of convenience, and enemies-to-more stories along with some outstanding history lessons, be sure to read this book. I love Camden’s careful historical research and attention to details. Her writing is colorful and compelling and leaves me wanting more. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

This intriguing book showed what it was like to be in Berlin in the American Embassy just before WWI.
Inga was a German-born girl who settled in New York. She became the secretary to the Ambassador to Berlin. Diplomatic chief of staff to Ambassador Gerards, Benedict, is a very blunt, businesslike man. The diplomatic contingent is doing all it can to keep American neutral. But as war looms, Inga fears she will not be able to return to America, since she has not followed through with her citizenship status. A marriage in name only to Benedict seems the only solution.
It was very interesting to note that this book was partly based on the memoirs of the real Ambassador Gerards. The author did a great job of conveying the tension between the Embassy staff and the German rulers at the time that was critical in our nation’s history.
I loved the way the romance developed and how Inga struggled to feel smart enough and worthy enough to be the wife of a diplomat. And Benedict was an admirable hero who was patient even though he was struggling with a past that was affecting his present relationship with Inga.
This is another well written historical to add to my favorites list.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and a NetGalley copy through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

Elizabeth Camden never fails to wow me. She has the ability to incorporate mundane, everyday careers (dentist, police officer, spice manufacturer, translator, botanist, lawyer, etc) into fascinating and captivating stories based on little known historical facts and events. This story was slightly different because the main characters had somewhat glamourous careers in US Embassy in WWI Germany. But the author's eye for detail and her ability to completely engage the reader remained true. I learned so much about US-Germany relations during this time period and loved having a backstage view of the political dealings.

Benedict and Inga were opposites - he a sorrow-embattled, stickler for rules and decorum and she a bright bubble of joy and enthusiasm, driven by compassion. He was the upper class, highly educated intellectual who craved knowledge and she was the lower class who used grit, heart, and determination to make something of herself. Despite their differences and constant bickering, they worked so well together and their disdain turned into respectful friendship then to love. Their romance was sweet and tender. I love marriage of convenience trope and the author did a fantastic job bringing them together in a realistic manner.

If you enjoy historical romance, this book is a must-read. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Author Elizabeth Camden introduces readers to Inga Klein and shows us how adapting and evolving is just as valuable in 1914 America as it is in our present day. Inga embraced the possibilities and opportunities for growth and ended up reinventing herself and building up resilience, two things she needed to survive as her country teetered on the brink of war.

Camden reminds us of the push and pull of divided loyalties as well as the importance of bridling fear of failure. Her compelling and fascinating opposites attract and marriage of convenience story is steeped in emotion and true to its historical setting.

I loved the moment the connection between Claude Debussy playing ‘Clair de lune’ and the book’s title manifested itself, and appreciated the opportunity to do further investigation on the Ruhleben prisoner exchange and the history of The Martha Washington building.

My two takeaways:
1) “The best opportunities in life are usually the scariest.” - shared by Midge Lightner, an elderly nurse in The Martha Washington Building.
2) The importance of reaching out to those in need.

This Gilded Age romance set in Europe on the brink of war and featuring two lonely souls who must embrace uncertainty and do what it takes to keep afloat during multiple crises is one you’ll want on your reading list ASAP.

I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

#BookReview : WHEN STARS LIGHT THE SKY by Elizabeth Camden

Set before WWI, this book got me hooked from the start. James W. Gerard was the US Ambassador to Germany from 1913–1917. He had a vital role in delaying the US involvement in the war. Though the story was based on Ambassador Gerard’s memoir, the main characters were Benedict and Inga. Benedict was the chief diplomatic counselor, and Inga was Ambassador Gerard's secretary. Inga resided in the Martha Washington, an all-female apartment building, before relocating to Germany for her new position.

I enjoyed how the story highlighted the role of women during that era. I also appreciated learning about the immense work involved in running an embassy, especially during the critical period of World War I. No wonder Benedict was so serious about his job and adept at navigating diplomacy with other countries. I liked the 'grumpy-sunshine' trope. Their marriage of convenience was necessary but ultimately sweet. I found Benedict's entries about Inga in the encyclopedia utterly adorable.

Inga was incredibly hardworking but unfortunately lacked confidence in her abilities. I wish she had been more decisive too, but the intense pressure in Germany and the complexities of her love life understandably caused her confusion. Their adventures together were both fun and heartwarming. I truly admired how Benedict treated Inga in private, constantly encouraging her and lifting her spirits.

This was a truly emotional rollercoaster, both in terms of the political landscape and the personal lives of Benedict and Inga.

Rating: 5 ⭐
Series: The Women of Midtown series, Book 2
Pub date: Jan 21 2025

Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book wowed me just as much as the first book in the series. I love reading about the heroic women in New York City during the the early 20th century. When Stars Light the Sky tells the story of Inga, a German immigrant who finds herself working in the US Embassey in Germany at the beginning of WWI. The romance was stellar, and the adventure in surviving World War I and the paperwork and efforts of the US embassey was well described.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

When Stars Light the Sky sucked me in from the very first chapter and I’m pretty sure I fell for Benedict before Inga did. I loved the way the two main characters were complete opposites but throughout their story arc you could see the way their personalities balanced each other out. I also loved the inclusion of the “marriage of convenience” trope, especially set during this historical time period. I learned a lot about diplomacy and international relations during WW1.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a substantive historical fiction novel with a healthy dose of romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an electronic copy. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions are my own.