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.

Are you a morning or night person? I am definitely not a morning person, although I don’t stay up as late as used to when I was younger.

Inga Klein immigrated to the United States from Germany as a child. James and Mary Gerard help the Klein family after they were scammed out of their money right off the boat. After Inga has grown up, James Gerard offers her a job as a secretary to him as he serves as America’s newest Ambassador to Germany. Inga immediately clashes with Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff. He is a rule follower and doesn’t think having a German born secretary is good for America. As America hurtles towards WWI, will Inga and Benedict be able to do what is best for the country and their own hearts?

My thoughts on the novel:
• Elizabeth Camden has become one of my favorite authors. The novel she published las year, While the City Sleeps, was one of my top ten books of the year. This novel, When Stars Light up the Sky is destined to be one of my favorite books of this year.

• This is the second book in the Women of Midtown series, but it is a complete standalone novel. Characters from the first novel make a brief appearance. Inga lives in the Martha Washington building at the start and end of the novel. This historic building that housed professional women in the early twentieth century was interesting.

• I found the timeline to be fascinating. I didn’t know anything about real life diplomat James Gerard or the diplomacy with Germany leading up to WWI. I was intrigued by the story and also enjoyed the author’s note at the end of the novel.

• Inga and Benedict’s relationship was intriguing. It reminded me of Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice with Inga’s cheerfulness and wit, and Benedict’s grumpy wet blanket personality. It also was perfect for the times they lived in with extra considerations due to the fact that Inga was a German born woman who had grown up in America but had not applied for citizenship.

• One of my favorite scenes was when Claude Debussy played Clair de lune at an embassy party and was interrupted by the rain. It would have been thrilling to be at such a party.

• Another favorite moment was when Inga talked with another resident of the Martha Washington that was nurse in the Civil War. Talking about both of their experiences was cathodic for them both, and fascinating to me.

• This novel had opposite attract, grumpy vs sunshine, enemies to lovers, and marriage of convenience tropes.

• It was a clean read.

Overall, When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden was a richly layered historical fiction novel set at the brink of WWI with an unforgettable romance between two very opposite personalities. I couldn’t put this book down and I highly recommend it!

Book Source: Review copy from Bethany House as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

There is something so special about picking up a book by Elizabeth Camden and the magical way she brings history to life in her books. Even if you think you know the background, she shines light on events and people in a way that makes it feel like you lived there and experienced it too. When Stars Light the Sky definitely left me feeling this way. I have studied WWI history for many years and yet, with this book, I gained a whole new perspective as Camden brought WWI to life in a reality I had never seen before. I loved experiencing what it may have been like for those working with the American Ambassador during the onset of WWI in Germany through the pages of this book. The way Benedict and Inga clash and yet share the same goal was so neat. I loved their opposites attract romance, but I also loved the dynamic of Inga's heritage and Benedict's previous marriage and how that played into everything. The dual POV was really enlightening and added so much to the story. I had never considered this role (Ambassador and staff) and its impact so greatly. I learned and loved the whole time I was reading. This book was fantastic and I can't wait to read more from this author.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden transported me back to Germany at the start of World War I. This well-written novel held lots of historical details and provided a unique perspective of that time. The serious subject matter anchored the plot, but the story was not overly dark due to the characters being mostly safe as workers at the US Embassy. I appreciated how the novel brought this difficult period to life without drowning me in sadness.

Although I enjoyed the setting, plot events, and historical details, the romance elevated When Stars Light the Sky to a five star read for me. Camden deftly weaved together at least three romantic tropes (grumpy/sunshine personalities, enemies-to-lovers, and marriage of convenience). These elements provided rich soil for character growth and for the romantic tension between Inga and Benedict. Their initial difficulties made the development and fruition of their relationship especially satisfying. Plus, I adored the ending.

When Stars Light the Sky lands as book two in the Women of Midtown series by Elizabeth Camden, but the novel works well as a standalone. Characters from book one feature briefly, but the setting and atmosphere of the two stories are very different. There is a light faith element that will appeal to Christian readers. Five stars for this all-around lovely novel!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

I thought this particular novel had a great enemies to lovers plot. It was a great historical romance, with a plot that just kept leading me to continue reading.

I thoroughly enjoyed the setting. Books about WWI are few and far between (or maybe I haven’t dived into this historical period enough). I loved the chance to read from an ambassador’s pov. It shed light and understanding about what they do, especially during such difficult times.

The romance plot was fantastic. I know that Inga and Benedict would end up together, but didn’t know how. It was fun to be a fly on the wall as they slowly realized their feelings for each other.

My one issue? The ending. I appreciated it for how really it was but at the same time, I almost hoped for a different path. The book itself was still great though. An absolutely gripping novel. It may have also led me to a new author - one whose back list I’ll need to read through!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @authorelizabethcamden @bethanyhousefiction and @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

What a treasure of history! When Stars Light the Sky will be enjoyed by those who like historical fiction. It was a wealth of knowledge and yet entertaining. Romance was included but not a heavy part of the book. The primary focus was on diplomatic relations to keep America out of war.

The romance was between two people who couldn’t have been any more different. One was a cheerful optimist and the other a serious no nonsense Benedict. . They married to help German citizen Inga to be able to leave in case of war. And as time passed, they gradually grew to love and respect each other. At any point in the novel, my preference of one character over the other would waiver. Elizabeth Camden did a great job of building the characters of each and giving room to share the reasons behind some of each of their annoying behaviors.
The twists and turns in this book were amazing. Sometimes tension was high and the reader is transported back to the timeframe prior to WWI. I kept getting drawn back into the book. Elizabeth Camden’s skill of replaying moments in history are wonderful. It is obvious a lot of research was completed.
I purchased a copy of this book after also receiving a copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own. This was the second in the series. However, it read very well as a stand-alone.

Elizabeth Camden always finds a way to combine romance and history in a fascinating way! Inga and Benedict’s opposites-attract love story on the verge of WWI was hard to put down! Though it is part of a series, it could easily be read as a stand-alone. But if you do that, I guarantee you’ll want to read others by Elizabeth Camden!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This story featured an enemies to lovers slow burn in WWI-era Berlin; I enjoyed reading this historical fiction that focused on diplomatic relations during this time.

THOUGHTS 💭
🇩🇪 Inga is sweet, quick-witted, and a positive presence. Benedict is grumpy, ambitious, and a stickler for rules and policy.
🇺🇸 This story immerses you in the world of WWI-era Berlin; you feel the crackle of uncertainty and fear as the U.S. embassy attempts to maintain peace, yet prepares for war.
🇩🇪 I enjoyed seeing events through both Inga and Benedict’s eyes; inexperienced and naive vs. experienced and jaded. It lent an interesting lens through which the reader could view events.
🇺🇸 This book featured the slowest of slow burns and had no spice. I found that the book itself felt a bit slow at times, as the U.S. was on the brink of war for so long and the “calm before the storm” felt dragged out.
🇩🇪 The description of the book pulled me in (I’m a sucker for anything related to German history!), but had I known this was labeled a “Christian fiction,” I likely would have passed on this book.

Thank you so much to Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House Publishers, and Austenprose PR for the ARC of this book!

Absolutely phenomenal.
Elizabeth’s books are always full of rich, historical detail and the most swoony of slow burn romances - with strong and intelligent FMCs and MMCs. This was no different. The scene setting as World War I is about to emerge is incredible.
Inga’s light-hearted and uplifting personality is a challenge and yet a complement to Benedict’s serious and “stick-to-business” attitude. Yet, the way their hearts are slowly woven together is so tender, and yet so heady. A couple of favorite things: the enyclopedias, the visit to family, and that final scene. *swoons*

I was particularly anticipating this second book in the Women of Midtown series and it was wonderful. Having met Inga briefly in the first book, I was ready to hear her story. Her marriage of convenience was filled with romantic tension and humor which I especially enjoyed. The historical details of working at the American embassy in Germany as WWI began to unfold contributed to the depth of this tale. The complex characters had me on their side as their world was turned upside down by war. The story line kept me turning pages past my bedtime which speaks volumes about how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Now I begin to wait for book 3 knowing that I’ll probably lose sleep again and I can’t wait! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

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.