'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.

The amount of sleep lost while reading this unputdownable book was well worth it! I was completely blown away by Elizabeth Camden's When Stars Light the Sky, book two in The Women of Midtown series.

This fascinating story is centered on Inga Klein, a young professional, and Benedict Kincaid the chief of staff of the diplomatic team that works with the American ambassador to Germany. After moving from Germany to the U.S. with her parents, Inga has grown to call New York her home. When given the opportunity to advance her career as a secretary to the American ambassador to Germany, Inga hesitantly accepts only to return the kindness shown to her by the wealthy Gerard family (the ambassador and his wife). Her new position proves to be challenging working alongside a cantankerous chief of staff, Benedict Kincaid. As geopolitical tensions arise between neutral countries and Germany, a marriage of convenience becomes her only option to escape out of the country, but can Inga keep up this pretense with a man whom is her polar opposite to get back home to New York or will she be stuck behind enemy lines in Germany?

I have a strong interest in events surrounding WWI and enjoyed the historical references to the role of the United States before their involvement in The Great War and the hardworking diplomats working to keep the peace between the nations. Elizabeth Camden peeled back the curtain to show readers a glimpse of life (professional and personal) in the American Embassy abroad. The involvement of the Gerard family and the politics of the era made for an interesting backdrop.

The romantic storyline was what I most enjoyed. The opposites attract and marriage of convenience made this book addicting. Inga is sweet, thoughtful, and lights up any room, whereas Benedict is known as a wet blanket. The push and pull tension between the two main characters kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this book in one evening and well into the next morning but did not regret losing sleep. This book was perfectly paced and also made mention of characters from the first book. The book did well as a standalone and is a perfect novel to read for fans of WWI historical fiction or historical romance. There are tiny sprinkles of faith throughout the book as the main characters mentioned their faith in God and made references to passages in the Bible.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary, and all thoughts are my own.

Thank you Bethany House and Netgalley for this arc.

I enjoyed chatty, friendly, upbeat Inga. So many heroines in inspirational books – or maybe it’s just in the ones I’ve read – are quiet and not as flirty but Inga draws men like bees to honey and enjoys it. She’s not ready to be married at all! Inga is intelligent although her father denigrated education for her and she grabs any opportunity to learn and advance in a new profession with a future as she saw what happened to her shoemaker father in a dying one. Yay that it is a friend urging her to take this job in Berlin because it’s hard and will challenge her that gets her to finally agree.

Benedict is a taskmaster because that’s what is needed to run an embassy, especially now that things are heating up, and because it’s what he knows how to do. Raised without siblings and to travel with his widowed father, Benedict thrives in diplomatic circles. He can see upcoming issues and smooth them over, can talk to other diplomats in tense situations without raising hackles – watching Gerard stick his foot in his mouth and stomp all over niceties with a nation the US doesn’t want to go to war with, makes Benedict seethe.

So of course Benedict and Inga get tossed together a lot. Things are not smooth sailing for them as Inga has never been in a situation like this and needs to have some things explained to her. As Benedict wants the US diplomatic corps to remain neutral, he has to spell out to her what she can and can’t do when even the littlest thing could upset the diplomatic apple cart. The tension of their situation, as they represent US interests and also try to attend to those of some of the warring nations who obviously have no representatives in Berlin, is there – simmering under the surface. They even have to be wary of their fellow neutral nations as Inga discovers. It’s this incident that shows Inga that Benedict can be kind in the face of a mistake for Reasons.

Still it takes a bit more time for these two to get to know each other and for a while Inga remains “aggressively cheerful” when Benedict enters a room while he continues to sometimes nitpick her actions. The reason for the marriage of convenience is an unusual one. Inga needs an ironclad way out of Germany after the Lusitania is sunk. When war doesn’t break out, it’s due to Benedict needing to preserve his diplomatic “face” because of the way his first marriage tanked that causes them to stay together. This is definitely a slow burn romance with no insta-love. Rather it’s one with two people truly getting to know, admire, and love each other.

What brings down my grade is how wishy-washy Inga is about will they-won’t they. She does have genuine reasons why she thinks that their marriage won’t work in the long term. But then she dithers and dithers and dithers in making up her mind. Things are somewhat buoyed back up almost to A level by how things ultimately end up. It is refreshing to see how things are worked out. Can’t wait for the next one. B+

I loved this book. It covered a different perspective than any I've read before about WW1, that of being an ambassador or diplomat. I knew in general terms what they did but it was fascinating learning more about it and seeing them in action trying to prevent America's involvement in WW1. I have a bigger appreciation for the role they play in the world now.

I enjoyed Inga and Benedict's interactions. Inga is light and laughter while Benedict is all austerity and seriousness. She's not afraid to tease him and he gives back. It was a lot of fun seeing them come to appreciate each other.

This is a book that makes you want to read just a little longer. lt was hard putting it down. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I loved this story! Not only was it interesting to learn about World War 1 from the perspective of those at the American Embassy in Germany, the story of opposites-attract was done fantastically. Inga, the main characters, grew so much in this story. It was neat to see her fun and vivaciousness never go away, even with the threat of war. Even with her optimistic personality, I could empathize with her turmoil as she kept putting off a life-altering decision. The ending was wonderful, unexpected, and it was nice to see characters from the first book in the series make an appearance.

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

This epic story is a historical masterpiece. Though fiction, the author has taken a snapshot of the time right before WWI giving the reader an in-depth look at the behind the scenes events that led to war.

I loved Inga, a German born immigrant who works as a wireless operator in New York City, spending her free days with friends from the Martha Washington and flirting with the handsome young men who are drawn to her exuberant smile. She really begins to shine when she goes to Berlin as secretary to the ambassador.

Benedict is a character written in a way that made me want to peel back the layers and get to know the real man. First as a stiff diplomat with rigid rules and expectations, and then as a man of deep compassion, honor, and desire for peace. He believes that Inga has no place at the embassy due to her German heritage, yet he is drawn to her optimism and innate intelligence.

The side characters were written in a way that transported me right through the doors of Astor House into the camaraderie and idiosyncrasies of each individual. I loved the different personalities that somehow blended into a close knit group.

As they worked together I was carried away by the atmosphere and the balance necessary to walk the thin line between strength and diplomacy. I learned things about this time in history I didn’t know before, and was reminded of the resiliency God gives to us in times of great troubles.

I highly recommend this book given to me courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest opinion.

I loved this story by master storyteller Elizabeth Camden! I spent all day reading and loved every minute of this excellent, captivating story!

Inga Klein enjoys her job, dating, and living with girlfriends at the Martha Washington, and loves her life in New York. She came to America as a child with her parents from Germany. Her life changes drastically when Ambassador James Gerards asks her to accompany him and his wife, Mrs Mary Gerards to the American Embassy in Berlin to act as his secretary. He needs someone he can trust to help him, and she excels at typing, shorthand, how to use a wireless, and she knows German.

I loved the inside look at American Embassy life in Berlin just before WWI and how hard Benedict Kincaid, chief diplomatic counselor, and Ambassador Gerards worked to help President Wilson keep the USA out of the war.

Benedict Kincaid is considered a strict, straight-laced, wet blanket, but very good at his job. He is reading through the entire set of the Encyclopedia Britannica for fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the sparring between Inga and Benedict. "She remained aggressively cheerful whenever he entered a room, which seemed to irritate him because Benedict couldn't help being a wet blanket."

"When Stars Light the Sky" is an absolutely sweet romance, opposites attract, marriage of convenience, interesting, bittersweet, historical tale that kept me turning pages. I highly recommend it for lovers of historical fiction and historical romance.

The author writes "When Stars Light the Sky is one of the most powerful and charming love stories I’ve ever written." I wholeheartedly agree!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

A terrific read full of interesting history, unique characters, and a heart-tugging romance.
The story begins in 1914, just as the tensions rise between nations, and the American Embassy staff in Germany is caught in the middle, working hard to hold back the tides of war.

This well-written, perfectly paced story held my interest from beginning to end. It showed how precarious relations between heads of nations can be, and how important the role diplomats play in peace keeping. The author includes real people and events leading into WWI, and some of the reasons for America's involvement.

Loved how Inga and Benedict bantered back and forth, starting with some animosity on his part, to mutual respect, to a slow burn romance. Their friendship to something more was believable given the circumstances, and well done. Absolutely loved the ending! Romance fans will enjoy this one.
Highly recommend to fans of historical reads with romance. Probably better for young adults and up.
5 stars

(An ebook was provided via NetGalley and LibraryThing. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Just finished this amazing book! I simply couldn’t put it down.
So much going on in this story that kept me turning the pages.
Lots of wonderful characters and the plot oh my.
I loved Inga. I loved how she never let life get her down. I think she’s a woman before her time.
Benedict lol he’s a hard one to get to know but once you do wow!
I enjoyed their banter and light hearted fun in a dark world that’s about to get darker for them.
I ended up learning a lot about the first war from this story.
It is based on a real person and I thought the author did a great job in bringing him to life.
His wife seemed like a sweet lady and i definitely enjoyed in getting to know her.
5 stars from me for a fantastic journey about finding some light even in the hardest of times.
I highly recommend this wonderful author for her amazing research into the past and for bringing it to life.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.