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 do not 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.

I received an ARC of this book via Just Read Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

What captivating, stunning, charming, intriguing, unputdownable love story set in the American Embassy in Berlin during WWI!

This second book in the Women of Midtown Series follows Inga Klein, one of the independent women living at the Martha Washington -all female- apartment building in New York in 1914, whom we met in the previous book.

Inga arrived from Germany to America when she was ten years old, under harsh circumstances. His father, a shoemaker, had to start anew, after being robbed just at their arrival. A rich family, the Gerards, take them -especially Inga- under their wing. Sixteen years later, Inga is orphaned and works as a wireless operator at The New York City Harbor. One day, Mr. Gerard, now the American Ambassador in Germany, asks her to come with them to Berlin and work as his secretary. Inga accepts, but she has a not to easy start when she finds herself at odds and untrusted by Benedict Kinkaid, the diplomatic chief of staff at the Embassy, who apparently dislikes German born Inga. But as WWI advances, Benedict is doing his best to aid the Ambassador in keeping America out of the conflict. But he needs Ingas help, and as they are forced to work together, Benedict discovers Ingas true heart, and as the diplomatic world complicates things, they made need to flee, and the only way to save Inga is a marriage of convenience. Just the means to rescue her, a business arrangement, that will be annulled when they are once again safe in America. But will his heart understand this as he gets to know and fall deeply and unexpectedly for her.

I am always impressed as to how Ms. Camden weaves a completely different historical romance, with a very original plot, a different setting, and completely different but deeply developed and endearing characters. I loved that the book has this trope of Grumpy-Sunshine, Opposites-Attract, Forced Proximity and Fake Marriage. Some of my favorite tropes! It is so well done: Inga and Benedict (or Cold Oats as she calls him) are totally opposite, yet they complement perfectly, and the same values and mission brings them together. Inga brings sunshine, lightness and laughter to strait-laced Benedict, and Inga learns what is important in life from honorable and passionate about saving his country and people Benedict. Even if Benedict was a boor and too serious at first, I completely fell for him and the big heart behind his straight face. He was a man of integrity, loyal and also courageous. I admired how he followed his conscience. I loved how Ingas charm, and also her big heart and kindness, won him over. This is a slow-burn romance that had all the feels and it was so romantic to me! Sighs and swoons through-out the journey, but not the typical kind. The romance was deep and heartfelt, much more than a mere attraction. I loved Inga as well, her optimistic nature and lighthearted banter, her hardworking attitude, her tenacity and strength, I loved when she realizes how superficial her flirtiness is, and that it did not really fill her heart. The secondary characters were so lovable too, with their own quirks (like the Ambassador and Larry with his allergies). The plot is fast paced and very engaging, it made me want to know what was going to happen next: it had intrigue, adventure and danger that made it difficult to put it down. The ending was unique and had unexpected twists! The historical details make the story feel very realistic, so well depicted, that it is almost like traveling through time. The author must have made a huge research. I also like that it is a part of history that is less known: the role of Americas Embassy in the diplomatic relations with Germany during WWI, as well as aiding other countries affected by the war, like Britain, and the solidarity with other neutral countries, like Spain, Norway and Switzerland. There is also an inspiring message about trusting Gods guidance amidst difficult circumstances.

All in all, a fantastic historical romance that will keep you turning the pages!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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.

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.

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.