First off I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth Camden's work, so many of her books are on my favourites list. So when I say I didn't really enjoy this one compared to her others, it's coming from high expectations. I was initially disappointed because I thought the premise of the series was people that work the night jobs in NY and I loved the first book. There isn't anything in particular I could point to that I didn't like, I just didn't really connect with the characters and found the story a bit flat and predictable.

[Thank you to @netgalley and to Bethany House Publishers for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]

I absolutely loved this book!

When Stars Light the Sky follows Inga Klein, a German woman living in New York City in the lead-up to World War One. When Inga becomes secretary for America’s Ambassador to Germany, she finds herself serving in Berlin.

This book was so fascinating, because I’ve never read a historical fiction before that focuses on the time leading up to America joining the war and all that American politicians were trying to do to avoid US involvement. I really appreciated the author’s careful historical research and the real historical figures that you get to know in the story alongside fictional ones.

Read this if you’re looking for:

-WWI/Gilded Age
-Marriage of Convenience
-Workplace Romance
-Rivals-to-lovers feel
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Light faith themes

This is the second book of the Women of Midtown series, but this story can be read as a stand-alone. In fact, I haven’t read the first book yet! Now that I’ve read and loved When Stars Light the Sky, I’m looking forward to going back and reading the first book, While the City Sleeps.

Highly recommend!

As World War I looms, free-spirited Inga clashes with the strict and skeptical Benedict while working at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin. But as tensions rise and diplomacy fails, a marriage of convenience might be her only way out.

This soft, sweet book pulls you in with its descriptive, romantic, and beautiful writing. I drifted off into Inga’s life, starting with her immigration to the U.S. as a ten-year-old in the prologue. At twenty-six, Inga Klein is a strong, independent woman at a time when those traits weren’t exactly celebrated. Her external and internal beauty makes it hard for people not to warm up to her. She has no desire to marry—at least not yet—because she enjoys dating and the freedom to do things she might not be able to as a married woman. Benedict Kincaid is formal, precise, and all business. He comes across as unyielding, but underneath that rigid exterior, he’s a teddy bear.

The rich storytelling and historical setting transported me to early WWI Berlin. I felt Inga’s fear as she navigated the dangers of working for the U.S. Embassy as a German-born woman. She was caught between her heritage and the only country she truly knew and loved. Meanwhile, Benedict’s determination to do his job well, even at the risk of alienating others, made him both frustrating and endearing. As you hear his thoughts and see how he slowly warms to Inga, you just want to reach out and hug him.

This book reminded me of my German-born grandfather, who immigrated to the U.S. as a young boy. During WWII, he became a decorated U.S. Army sergeant, but his German accent made navigating the world difficult. He rarely spoke about the war because of that conflict. It gave me a glimpse into what Inga might have felt, and it touched my heart.

The secondary characters in this book are all endearing, even Inga’s boss and friend, James Gerard. He seemed to rub people the wrong way—especially Benedict—but he had everyone’s best interests at heart, including Inga’s. Even though bringing a German-born immigrant to Berlin at that time wasn’t exactly the smartest decision.

This book made me nostalgic for a time I never experienced, including Inga’s wardrobe, which Benedict seemed to admire. It has everything you want in a slow-burn romance—rich history, compelling characters, and a love story that stays with you long after the final page.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A beautifully written slow-burn, historical novel. I am always a sucker for the marriage of convenience trope, especially when there is also opposites attract. I love the rich elements of history and WWI incorporated into the storyline (particularly as it is based on the real-life memoirs of James Gerard), but this may not appeal so much to some readers, as obviously politics and war feature prominently across the novel. It was easy to read without having read the first book in the series, but you'll probably want to read more from this author anyway, as she does a beautiful job.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC in return for my honest review.

Wow! What an engrossing read! I didn’t want to put it down! This is a great story of life at the embassy in Germany just before the United States became involved in World War I.

I really enjoyed Inga’s delightfully pleasant and upbeat personality. She brought sunshine to every room. Conversely, Benedict was a cloud of gloom and doom. Two more opposite personalities would be hard to find. He’s so annoyed by her and her bright cheerful attitude. She doesn’t let him get her down.

It was heartwarming to see their feelings for each other develop from enemies, to coworkers, to friends to more. There were lots of twists and turns in this story that kept me turning pages. It was my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts are my own.

The streets of Berlin come to life in this newest novel from Elizabeth Camden. As Germany perches on the edge of war, Inga Klein takes a position with the American Embassy in the German capital. As secretary for the ambassador, she has a front row seat of the diplomatic relationships between Kaiser Wilhelm II and the other nations trying to keep peace.

Inga has always been light and carefree, and her cheerful ways draw the ire of one Benedict Kincaid. Benedict is all business all the time. Even Inga's unflagging spirit begins to dim as war draws closer, and as a German citizen her future is uncertain. Could Benedict possibly be the key to securing her safety?

This book reminded me very much of Sarah Sundin's writing, which is a huge compliment. I liked the opposites attract storyline, though this story takes slow burn to the extreme. As you might expect, politics and talk of the war are heavy topics in this novel, which some readers may enjoy more than others. You can tell the book is very well-researched and is sure to delight true historical fans.

Overall, I would recommend this to any fans of Elizabeth Camden, Sarah Sundin, or historical novels based on real life events.

I received my copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I don’t read as much WWI fiction as I’d like, so I really enjoyed When Stars Light the Sky. Elizabeth Camden offers readers a unique perspective of the war, with Americans working in diplomacy in Germany during tumultuous and, quite honestly, frightening years. I enjoyed Inga and Benedict’s story, and the sneak peek of the next book in this series has me counting the days to its 2026 release. If you enjoy historical fiction with light themes of romance, definitely add Camden’s books to your TBR. 4/5 stars

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

This book was everything. I was instantly drawn into the story of Inga and Benedict. There's nothing like an enemies to lovers story, but add in a marriage of convenience? I'm sold, and I devoured this book. I also learned a lot about the history of WWI along the way, and I'm never going to complain about learning history through novels.

This is the second book in an interconnected series, though they can be read and enjoyed separately.

This is a Christian historical romance that takes place during World War I. Our heroine, Inga, is a German born American resident. Her Godfather, for all intents and purposes, is the US Ambassador stationed in Germany. When he has issues with his secretary having loose lips, he asks Inga to come be his secretary. Now, he has been butting heads with the Chief Diplomatic Counselor over there, Benedict, our hero for this story. This begins a slow burn romance with enemies to lovers and a marriage of convenience. We have the grumpy hero and the sunshine heroine in an opposites attract combination of tropes. This was a really good read. I read the first book in the series and maybe would not have continued if not for having an ARC of this book. I don’t feel like the two books intertwine almost at all. There is very brief mention of side characters between the two, but very inconsequential. This book is an excellent standalone. I highly recommend it. It is one of my top reads for this month.

Marriage-of-convenience plus World War 1 plus Elizabeth Camden? I could not read When Stars Light the Sky fast enough, while at the same time wanting the story to go on forever. Benedict and Inga are like oil and water at first, which means sparks fly whenever they’re together. Whether it’s the sparks of annoyance or attraction makes no difference to me because any form of fireworks between them makes for some delicious romantic tension. By the time a marriage of convenience is necessary to allow Inga to leave Germany safely, I think they were already half in love (though I equally think they would both argue otherwise). Goodness knows I was completely enamored with the two of them together, especially as straitlaced Benedict’s softer side begins to show in the wake of his growing fascination with Inga. Let’s just say that I have never loved reading an encyclopedia more. Ok, I could gush about these two for days, but there’s so much more to this novel that deserves my attention as well.

I always love the unique historical elements that Camden incorporates into her stories, and in When Stars Light the Sky we are given a front row seat to diplomatic relations in Berlin from the first stirrings of the Great War to the sinking of the Lusitania and right up to the moment that America could no longer remain neutral. I was really intrigued by the tightrope that they had to walk and the constant potential for setting off an international incident even by accident, and I became so grateful for the real men & human who navigated it as long as they did to protect America. While Benedict and Inga are sadly fictional, the story does revolve around the real US Ambassador to Germany, James Gerard and his wife Mary. Their early gaffes provided the perfect reason for Camden to bring Inga’s character from New York to Germany, which put her right smack dab in Benedict’s path … and now we’re back to me gushing over how delightful the two of them were together.

Bottom Line: Fans of opposites attract, enemies to more, forced proximity, and marriage of convenience romances rejoice! When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden sweeps readers up in a swoony love story set against a contrasting backdrop of glamour and gravitas. As America creeps ever closer to entering the first World War, compelling characters like Benedict and Inga take us into the heart of an American embassy and the tireless efforts to maintain diplomacy for as long as possible. I enjoyed getting a different, more personal, perspective on these international relationships and pivotal events than I was taught in my history textbooks, and I once again found things that I want to research more on my own. Most of all, though, I stayed completely besotted with the fan-worthy romantic tension between Benedict and Inga and I’m shallow enough to freely admit it. Elizabeth Camden always writes such exquisite stories, and When Stars Light the Sky is no exception!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Another story that Elizabeth Camden has knocked out of the park. I've learned not to be surprised that she writes her historical fiction in this way. I don't know if this was was extra special to me or what because of the correlation of the world today, but this one was definitely one that I could not put down until I finished it. We need more Gerard's in the world. We also need the Inga's who are patient with others and the Benedict who come to be lovable because of , well he's Benedict. Their love story grows into an opposites attract romance. It was also fun catching up with Katherine and Jonathan from her previous book, While the City Sleeps, of the Women of Midtown series. As always I can't wait for the next book in this series.

This was a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Bethany House. Thank you for allowing me to read this book and give my honest opinion.

When the Stars Light the Sky

I absolutely love it when a story will transport you to another time and place. This one food just that. Early 1900s at the start of WWI in Germany.

It was so interesting to see the diplomacy and ambassadors and all the geopolitical relationships between countries. The amount of research that Elizabeth Camden had to of done to write this one… I’m super impressed.

I do have to say that the MMC Benedict is so irresistible. The marriage of convenience between the two MCs was tension filled, like electrifying. This enemies to , grumpy sunshine romance was hard to put down. The way Igna and Benedict were at one another in a push and pull relationship. I just ate it up.

Elizabeth Camden is one of my go to authors for great historical fiction. Her stories are always entertaining and interesting and I usually learn about historical events etc. “When Stars Light the Sky” was a fun read. I liked the character development and the story being mostly set in Germany in the days leading up to World War 1 made for a compelling story. A bit of a “look behind the curtain” for diplomatic events at the American embassy is definitely a storyline I haven’t read before and it was a fun read for me as stories around the World Wars always intrigue me. Can’t wait to see what Elizabeth weaves for book 3!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Elizabeth Camden has brought us a fresh and eye-opening take on the start of World War 1 from inside Germany. I really love a book with a new perspective like this one has.

The plot is thick and expertly researched. It has marriage of convenience (my personal favourite trope), danger, adventure, redemption, a clever heroine, wit, and a hero we can cheer for. He was crusty at first, but he made up for it in spades. That Benedict. Full of surprises.

While the faith thread wasn’t loud, it was there, and naturally woven. The wit was great, but I suggest having tissues close by.

When Stars Light the Sky was so hard to put down, but I didn’t want it to end either. I’m sure I’ll read this one again in the future.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This story begins in New York City in 1898. Inga and her immigrant family from Bavaria, have been robbed and swindled hours after leaving Ellis Island. They take refuge inside a church where they are befriended by a very well-to-do couple.
The story then jumps ahead to 1914. Her parents have died and Inga has been working as a wireless operator. The couple, the Gerard’s, that had helped her family in the church have taken her under their wings. Mr. Gerard has become the ambassador to Germany. He employs her as his secretary and they move to Germany. Mr. Gerard is not liked by his staff and especially Benedict Kincaid, his chief diplomatic counselor. Inga’s Bavarian ancestry gives her an understanding of the culture that the Gerard’s have found challenging. Benedict doesn’t trust her and doesn’t want her involved. While the Gerard’s are living in Germany, war is declared. It is discovered that Inga has never attained her American citizenship and there is a very real possibility that she will not be allowed to leave Germany. In order to get around that, she and Benedict enter into a marriage of convenience. As the wife of an American citizen, she is able to obtain passage out of the country. During the dangerous escape out of Germany, they begin to recognize they have feelings for each other. However, Benedict has his heart set on becoming an ambassador but Inga has no interest in leaving America again. Will they acknowledge their feelings for each other? Will they be able to have a life together?
This book is based on the real life memoirs of Mr. Gerard and deals with international diplomacy, pre WW1 tensions, and politics.
Elizabeth Camden’s books are always entertaining and while this one is a clean romance, it includes references to intimacies that some may find too intense. The element of faith is not overly prevalent.
I received a complimentary of this book from the Bethany House and Baker Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is a fascinating account of the American embassy in Berlin prior to the outbreak of World War I.

Inga is hired by the American Ambassador to be his personal secretary in Berlin. Having emigrated from Germany to America as a young child, and becoming the daughter the Ambassador never had, she’s a logical choice. Her speaking skills are excellent, as well as her secretarial abilities.
Benedict is the diplomatic Chief of Staff for the Ambassador in Berlin. He is all about keeping the peace, and smoothing the way for the temperamental ambassador.

Inga’s character is flirty and selfish. Leaving a string of hearts behind in America, she pursues another embassy worker, which proves foolish. She ignores advice and speaks out of turn, creating a ripple effect through the embassy’s efforts. Her redeeming quality is that she infuses difficult situations with humour, helping others cope.

Benedict is an admirable character, self-sacrificing in the name of diplomacy and international peace. His wounds are deep and he tries hard to overcome them. He accomplishes much while working under pressure and for a difficult boss.

It’s a marriage of convenience story that was more of a benefit to Inga than Benedict. His goal was noble in extending this offer, but…well, I won’t spoil the rest.

I loved reading this part of history, understanding the events leading up to WW1 and how America stayed out of the war for so long. As well as learning about real people who worked hard to keep the nation a neutral country.

I received a copy of the novel from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

When Stars Light the Sky is the second book in a series. I did not read the first book and had no problems reading this book as a stand alone novel.

The story was interesting. I learned a lot about the time period and about diplomatic relations during the years heading into World War I. The perspective of ambassadors within Germany at this juncture was one I had never considered. I also learned a lot about world travel in those days, including the fact that passports were rare. So, on this level I found the book fascinating.

The characters were also interesting and I enjoyed learning about their lives and how they related. The thing about Elizabeth Camden is that she narrates a story. The events are narrated, the feelings are narrated and the interactions are narrated. Sometimes it feels a bit more like a biography than a novel. (There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! It’s just her style). That said, I never felt like I could step into the life of any of the characters. I was watching them from the outside. I think that’s why the word interesting seems to be my most concise description of the book. I observed the story rather than lived it. It was a good story and it was definitely worth the read.

I a big fan of the right book for the right person at the right time. Not everything has universal appeal. If you are an emotional reader who wants to lose yourself in the book, this might not be the right novel for you. If you are fascinated by history and interested in the details of the time seen through the eyes of the characters then this book is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

The latest release from Elizabeth Camden is a heartrending tale set in the turbulent years preceding America’s entry into World War I as German immigrant Inga Klein finds herself invited to the position of secretary to the American ambassador in Berlin. Her first formidable foe? Chief diplomatic counselor Benedict Kincaid. Her task? Smooth relations between her benefactor and Benedict. With a great sense of humor, an awareness of others’ needs, and more intellect than she credits herself, Inga finds a way to turn Benedict’s world on its ears. But it is the sticky situation of citizenship that knocks them both for a loop. Convincing the kaiser’s people to allow Inga to evacuate with the American contingent takes a lot of acting that has the potential to set Inga and Benedict on an irreversible course. With the demise of political relations and removal of the American representatives from Germany comes consequences of a political and personal sort they must unravel delicately.

In the second book of her Women of Midtown series, Elizabeth Camden sweeps us across the ocean and back on a tide of simmering tensions. We are carried along as nations choose sides, negotiating and hobnobbing to solidify relations personally and politically, pulled deep into the machinations of man when faced with war. Camden’s descriptions allow the reader to sit back and be fully immersed in life with Inga, Ambassador Gerard, Benedict, and the rest of the American contingent in Berlin. It is an achingly beautiful take on opposites attract theme for which I heartily recommend a box of tissues.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

This story, in a unique way tells the story with history of how a marriage of convenience would be realistic. Taking place over years time, it builds the relationship slowly to the point that you see the opinions of Germans, Americans and others during the beginning of the war time. I highly recommend!

This was a compelling story unlike any war story I've read.
Based on the the memoirs of real life Ambassador James W. Gerald, the story was rich in historical details. It showed the little known lifestyles and viewpoints of an ambassador and people who work in an embassy.
Set in Berlin on the brink of WWI, the story held me mesmerized .

Inga and Benedict were absolute opposites, grumpy and sunshine but were forced into a marriage of convenience.
This was certainly a fascinating and intriguing tale. And the ending was superb.

A favorite quote. "What a wonderful world it would be if nobody knew what war can do to a soul."

I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book.. The opinions are entirely my own.