They were perfect together—until powerful forces pulled them apart. Now fate has given them a second chance at the top of the world.
Holly Fermoy fought her way out of poverty to build a successful career in the Air Force. Stationed at a remote Arctic base in northern Greenland, she is focused on her job—and trying to forget the college romance that once lit up her world.
Quentin Chadwick, the privileged son from a powerful political dynasty, never got over the woman who vanished from his life without explanation. When he finally uncovers the truth behind her disappearance, he follows Holly to the edge of the world to make things right.
Under the midnight sun, Holly and Quentin rediscover what once drew them together—but old wounds, buried secrets, and clashing values may tear them apart again.
The Top of the World is a sweeping, heartfelt love story about second chances, resilience, and the courage to choose love against the odds.
“Be careful about where you set down those roots. Pick a place where you’re going to be loved, not just a safe place to land.”
For those of us who’ve ever chased someone else’s approval rather than standing for a cause, this 5-star book is for us!
The author highlights resilience and belonging in this second-chance romance, but it was her focus on appreciating our differences and her examination of whether our identity is shaped by survival or our personal satisfaction that made it a ‘worthy of all the stars’ read.
The setting of this novel has been in the news recently - the most remote Air Force base on the planet but you can be assured that there’s NO politics in this story! Thule (Too-Lee) is located in Pituffik, Greenland, the world’s largest island, 700 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Author Elizabeth Camden brings this inhospitable setting alive, adding to my love of her writing.
When Holly accepts a dishonorable bribe, it sends her into a tailspin and she ends up losing her boyfriend and her dreams of their future. Pivoting, she enlists in the Air Force and is stationed at Thule. Twelve years later, she has the opportunity to tell her former boyfriend the truth…will she find the courage?
This is a compelling read about the cost of our choices, the price of freedom and the courage to follow our dreams. The research is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, and Quentin and Holly’s story is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings.
I really liked Quentin and Holly's story, and I didn't realize until halfway through that Quentin was related to Alice from Meet Me in Virginia. I liked the struggle they went through to meet each other and realize they had a chance with one another.
The second book in Elizabeth Camden’s contemporary series is delightful. Rigid parents of Quentin’s who tear him away from his one true love Holly. Through a series of events and a historical story within (Camden always does this and I love it), Holly and Quentin find their way back to each other again. I highly recommend Elizabeth Camden books. You won’t be disappointed.
Talented author Elizabeth Camden has penned another fascinating and entertaining tale in her new book, The Top of the World. I quickly became invested in the characters and plot and didn’t want to put the book down.
Holly Fermoy and Quentin Chadwick fell in love in college, despite their vastly different backgrounds. When Holly abruptly leaves, Quentin is devastated. Twelve years later, he discovers the reason she left, and he sets out to confront her, even though it means traveling to the top of the world—a military base in northern Greenland. As Quentin and Holly reconnect and wonder if they can work through their feelings, they also try to solve a mystery involving Holly’s relative who disappeared years ago.
Realistic and engaging characters, a captivating plot, and a setting in Greenland combine for a fascinating and engrossing read. With plenty of action, suspense, some history, and a big dash of romance, this story is definitely a winner. I enjoyed the growth of the main characters as they worked through their problems and their relationship.
This is the second in the Far and Away series by Elizabeth Camden, but it can easily be real as a stand-alone book. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next story in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I love Elizabeth Camden’s books! They always fill me with fascination & enjoyment. The Top of the World took me on an amazing journey of discovery with an achingly lovely opposites-attract, second-chance romance set in captivating Greenland.
Quentin’s story surprised me, & I loved this slightly irresponsible, glass-half-full, nature loving, spontaneous man who never forgot the woman he’d always loved. Holly, shaped by a childhood of poverty, craves stability & security. She’s worked hard to build a career in the Air Force & despite the cold, enjoys working at the U.S. Air Base in Thule, Greenland. Quentin grew up as the privileged son of a wealthy, politically powerful family. His life has become somewhat aimless after losing Holly. Their brief, unlikely romance began in college. But, after Quentin returned from a school break, he discovered Holly had disappeared. Years later, when Quentin learns of his father’s betrayal & why she walked away, he follows her to Greenland hoping for answers & possibly another chance.
These opposites have so much to overcome, with old wounds, misunderstandings, family baggage, & secrets from the past standing in their way. Quentin is the sunshine to Holly’s seriousness, & I loved how they both grew & changed, overcoming the negative traits of their upbringing.
I loved visiting Greenland & enjoyed learning about some of its history & culture. The WWII elements woven in through Holly’s great-grandfather’s story were especially fascinating.
It’s a beautiful, unique second-chance romance I completely fell in love with. Now I can’t wait for Adam’s story. Though it’s the second book in the Far & Away series, it can be read as a standalone, but recommend reading the first book to fully appreciate the characters & history.
Highly recommend to clean, contemporary romance fans! I received an advanced copy from the author but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
The Top of the World by Elizabeth Camden is a story that literally takes place in Greenland and crosses the Arctic Circle. I love the idea of a uneducated book worm who loves the animals and the wildlife around her. I love the concept of the hero who happens to come from money, but he really does not want to claim that as his life. He wants to find a way to live without his parent's money. The plot has plenty of tension and action, but I wanted more from the mystery of the World War II pilot. Must be the historical mystery lover in me. It seemed important, but when the moment came, it was just shoved into the story. The romance took over the whole plot. But of course, Camden did write a contemporary romance vs. her historical stories, so I understand why it does. However, I just wanted more mystery to the story. Readers will love the way that Camden can bring delight to the frozen tundra and invite her readers to enjoy the landscape with the characters. Overall, The Top of the World by Elizabeth Camden will invite readers into the story of Greenland and a romance that went the wrong way twelve years earlier.
I received a complimentary copy of The Top of the World by Elizabeth Camden from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I was drawn into this story from the beginning, and was totally invested in Holly and Quentin's story! Holly and Quentin met at Princeton, Holly was in her first year, Quentin in junior year. Their backgrounds were vastly different, but they thought they could make things work. That is, until Quentin's father made Holly an offer she couldn't refuse. Now, twelve years later, Quentin finds out the truth of what happened, and goes to see Holly in Greenland. Though they both realize they still love each other, and Quentin thinks they could still make things work between them, Holly's sure they can't. Holly doesn't see how rigid her rules are, and even when she totally breaks one, she takes responsibility, though she still isn't sorry she did it, she's really just sorry she got caught. She decides she can't have a future with Quentin because they're so different. However, Quentin has also learned some things, and he's changing, too. He's now teaching at his local college, and has written (or is writing) his second book. When Holly finally figures out that she needs to learn to be more like Quentin, will it be too late for them, or will Quentin welcome her back??
I won a copy of this ebook from Goodreads, and wow, I'm so glad I did!!
4.5 stars I would not put it down! I loved the contemporary story with an unsolved historical mystery!
The Top of the World is book 2 in the new Far & Away series by Elizabeth Camden. They can totally be read as standalones, but each story is about a different sibling with a completely different adventure.
Buckle up! You are in for a ride from the first line: "Holly knew something was off the moment three identical black Mercedes-Benz sedans rolled into her dormitory parking lot" to the last line. You will encounter two people Holly Fermoy & Quentin Chadwick who met, and fell in love in college. They really click despite their wildly different backgrounds. Difficult choices, heartbreak and second chances permeate the story. The setting for much of the story is in northern Greenland. The area comes alive under the talented pen of author Elizabeth Camden, it is a big part of the story and I found it fascinating.
I loved it and I highly recommend this captivating tale! Looking forward to book #3!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
I could not put this novel down. From Princeton to Virginia to Greenland it covered so much ground and so much history. Reading about the birds in Virginia reminded me of Barbara Kingsolver, who I love. Reading about Maine where my cousins lived felt nostalgic. Especially the blueberry picking. Reading about their time at Princeton reminded me of family who went to Ivys. Reading about Greenland, well that was unique! My only experience with the country is flying over it on my way back from Norway once. It was desolate and white from what I recall. Holly is in the Air Force stationed on Greenland but secretly hoping she’ll find what happened to her grandfather during WW2. (Great grandfather? I forget) I won’t give any spoilers but there’s a contrast in class and status. The novel is about giving people another chance and has me thinking maybe I need to be open to dating someone different than me. Being a little less quick to judge(although Quentin did go to Princeton and was rich…I’d love if someone like him was real…)
I shouldn’t be surprised after reading all of her books, but I am always amazed at the way Elizabeth Camden writes such fascinating history and includes details about interesting topics in her novels, and this story set in the tundra of Greenland was bursting with remarkable tidbits about the landscape and life of Greenland. It was easy to root for Holly and Quentin, who, despite their unfortunate past relationship, still possess a strong connection. I love Holly’s optimistic, hardworking attitude, and she is the perfect realistic pair to the somewhat naive Quentin, who has spent his life being whisked along by his parents’ wealth. It’s fun to watch their romance unfold admits the backdrop of the coldest country on earth. Elizabeth Camden is a master at writing historical fiction, and she is quickly proving that she is just as skilled at writing contemporary romance novels too. Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Review of book received through a Goodreads giveaway.
4.5 stars. I fully admit, I probably enjoy the author’s historical romances more, but Elizabeth Camden does not disappoint in this contemporary romance, and I can’t wait to read the other two in this series. The author expertly weaves the main romance plot with sub-plots about family dynamics and a minor plot about a puzzling historical mystery.
Especially since this is a “second-chance” romance, I appreciated the way that the two protagonists spend a lot of time thinking about their relationship, and thoughtfully considering all the factors before deciding on a course of action. Although the pressures that caused them to part twelve years ago have not changed, Holly and Quentin have had maturing life experiences, and the story really focuses on how that experience has given them more skills to navigate their relationships with each other and with their families.
Oh, I so enjoyed this sweet romance. Young love is torn apart by poor choices and misguided intentions but finds renewal in maturity. Quentin was an oddity in a family of overachievers who measured success by wealth and status. In Holly he found a woman who, not only understood but, shared his passions. This story was all about second chances and forgiveness. In addition to the angst of a love rekindled, the story also explored a historical mystery, and added the unusual, yet beautiful setting of Greenland. Definitely recommend.
I received this book complimentary as a member of the authors launch team. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
Holly and Quentin both love nature and meet at Princeton while both are seeking the whippoorwill singing in the night. Quentin is from a wealthy family where his parents have political influence. Holly was raised in isolation, without formal schooling, electricity or indoor plumbing. Quentin's snobby father interferes to separate the young couple leaving Holly feeling like she's sold her soul to the devil and Quentin baffled, emotionally wrecked and in a downward spiral. Twelve years later Quentin finds out what his father did and in anger goes to confront Holly, now a tech sergeant in the Air Force in Greenland. You'll be on the side of Holly and Quentin and wish for some real change in Quentin's self-centered, controlling father in future books on the Chadwick family
Top of the World is another masterpiece by award‑winning author Elizabeth Camden. In all her books, whether contemporary or historical romance, her heroines are intelligent and have fascinating, outside‑the‑box professions, and Holly Fermoy is no different. The hero, Quentin Chadwick, is a fun character who still has a lot to learn about life but has a huge heart—especially for nature.
Camden’s well‑researched plots make for fun and informative reads. With this book, I learned so much about Greenland and the Arctic, life in the military, different animal species, and even a few World War II tidbits. She describes her story world in rich detail, with prose that really brings the book’s varied settings to life.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance story. The setting in Greenland was so unique. The historical mystery was interesting. There were weaknesses in the characters at the start that were issues between them, but I appreciated how they were addressed and the characters grew as the story went on. The book had some light faith content and was a clean romance.
I saw the next story will be about the brother Adam. He has not been likable so far in this series, and I look forward to the next book changing my mind.
Ever since I read the preview for this book in Meet Me in Virginia, I've been excitedly awaiting the story between Quentin and Holly. With a romance that has been over twelve years in the making, Elizabeth Camden delivers an action-packed adventure in Greenland filled with a family mystery and an opportunity to right past wrongs. I love that Quentin and Holly are both flawed but willing to grow from their mistakes. Neither aspire to perfection, making them even more relatable. In discovering what it means to fit into the molds that others have created for them, both have to grapple with issues of identity, trust, and loyalty while loving difficult family members.
It's a glimpse behind the scenes for the Chadwick family when appearances and accomplishments—all of which have little meaning for Quentin—clash with Holly's upbringing and status. Amid external schemes and manipulation, their story is about two hearts who are kindred spirits finding themselves in the bleakest of military postings with the elements of nature on full display. Their tender stewardship of God's creation is inspirational and understandable, and I appreciate that this is a facet of Christianity that we get to see. Readers who enjoy riveting history and fleshed out characters who care about the created world will find that this book offers much to explore at The Top of the World.
Holly and Quentin's story. Virginia to Greenland the setting. (Greenland in the news in recent times.) Parents who had interfered in a couple's life with money and power and good intentions. Circumstances that come again and again by good intentions. Thoughtful story and relevant to all of us in what God is doing in our lives to help us be more like Jesus.
I was curious about Quentin's story and I have to say that while it was a little quieter, it wasn't boring. Both the MCs were very likable and I could relate to the heroine a lot. The historical aspect of this story was also very interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this one- engaging storytelling, clean content, and a realistic HEA made this a solid installment to the series.
I loved this wonderful contemporary romance. I enjoyed the descriptions of Greenland and could imagine the bone cold feeling that Quentin must have felt. I really enjoyed how Holly and Quentin had to grow up before they could really be together. I loved the emotions this story made me feel. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.
This is a beautiful book! I love romance and second chances. Such a well written love story with many emotions that keep you so focused you don’t want to put it down! I highly recommend this book 📕
What a great story! I love all of Elizabeth Camden’s historical novels and was curious to read a present day story. They are just as good as the historic ones :)
Great story!! Greenland is such a different setting than most romance novels, and I loved it! The characters were just different enough from the typical highly successful yet beautiful and misunderstood protagonists that they felt real and human. I absolutely loved this story, as well. I can’t wait for the next one!
Holly and Quentin fell in love at Princeton. Though they were from vastly different backgrounds, they connected over their love of nature and their ability to understand each other. All was well until Quentin's wealthy, powerful parents interfered. The story resumes twelve years later when Quentin discovers the real reason Holly left. He feels the betrayal all over again and he decides to fly to Greenland where Holly is stationed with the Air Force. He's angry but his love hasn't diminished. There is so much to work through and a bit of a mystery to solve about Holly's ancestor. The setting at the Air Force base in Greenland was an interesting one. Though I've read many books, this is the first with a Greenland setting. I enjoyed reading The Top of the World. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.