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From This Moment #.5
Summer of Dreams
The daughter of a powerful army general, Evelyn White vows she will never marry a man in uniform. Which is why Clyde Baxter, a West Point cadet on the verge of graduation, presents a problem. Their attraction is instantaneous, but it threatens Evelyn's lifelong dream of going to college.
Clyde's brilliance in the new field of electrical power has him poised for a promising career in the Army's Corps of Engineers. The one thing he never anticipated was Evelyn White, a woman whose soaring ambition matches his own.
As they fall in love over the course of one magical summer, they believe dreams are enough to weather any challenge. But when they are tested by forces neither saw coming, will the fragile bonds forged during those dream-filled summer days be strong enough to survive the storm?
Clyde's brilliance in the new field of electrical power has him poised for a promising career in the Army's Corps of Engineers. The one thing he never anticipated was Evelyn White, a woman whose soaring ambition matches his own.
As they fall in love over the course of one magical summer, they believe dreams are enough to weather any challenge. But when they are tested by forces neither saw coming, will the fragile bonds forged during those dream-filled summer days be strong enough to survive the storm?
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
337 people are currently reading
1191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
February 21, 2017
I 've been longing to read another Elizabeth Camden since enjoying Against the Tide. This novella introduces a younger version of the characters featured in her full length novel, "From this Moment." I felt myself falling deep into this story. I genuinely enjoyed the three main characters, but when I hit 65% and it was the first few chapters of the novel and my dearly loved characters were in a state of despair, it soured me from giving higher stars.
June 12, 2019
..
This was an adventurous tale that focused on a turn-of-the-century trio of friends that shared a thirst for knowledge and a keen interest in innovations.
The daughter of a powerful army general, Evelyn White dreams of attending college and vows she will never marry a man in uniform. . . . which is why West Point cadet Clyde Brixton presents a problem. Clyde's brilliance in the new field of electrical power has him poised for a promising career in the Army's Corps of Engineers, but his penchant for racking up demerits threatens his chances for graduation.
Cousins - Eveline and Romulous White, become acquainted with Clyde Brixton who originally agreed to help with the project to help work off some demerits at the West Point Academy. That summer they come together to work on a special project, which turned of magnificently. They were full of vision and excitement, which created interest and provided satisfying entertainment
Evelyn and Clyde feel instant attraction toward one another as they spend their magical summer together. As their lives become more entwined, their friend Romulus's begins to come undone. When faced with helping Romulus at the expense of his own future, which one will Clyde choose? And when nothing turns out the way Evelyn planned, where will that leave her own future?
Elizabeth Camden delivers a bold view of the era and creates a life-long bond between this unusual trio. It is a clean and wholesome historical romance tale that I would recommend to anyone interested in the genre.
This was an adventurous tale that focused on a turn-of-the-century trio of friends that shared a thirst for knowledge and a keen interest in innovations.
The daughter of a powerful army general, Evelyn White dreams of attending college and vows she will never marry a man in uniform. . . . which is why West Point cadet Clyde Brixton presents a problem. Clyde's brilliance in the new field of electrical power has him poised for a promising career in the Army's Corps of Engineers, but his penchant for racking up demerits threatens his chances for graduation.
Cousins - Eveline and Romulous White, become acquainted with Clyde Brixton who originally agreed to help with the project to help work off some demerits at the West Point Academy. That summer they come together to work on a special project, which turned of magnificently. They were full of vision and excitement, which created interest and provided satisfying entertainment
Evelyn and Clyde feel instant attraction toward one another as they spend their magical summer together. As their lives become more entwined, their friend Romulus's begins to come undone. When faced with helping Romulus at the expense of his own future, which one will Clyde choose? And when nothing turns out the way Evelyn planned, where will that leave her own future?
Elizabeth Camden delivers a bold view of the era and creates a life-long bond between this unusual trio. It is a clean and wholesome historical romance tale that I would recommend to anyone interested in the genre.
May 13, 2017
I keep trying, really I do. But I just have a hard time warming up to historical fiction set in the 1880s that casually uses words like "guy," "okay," "tummy," "downturn," "resubmit," "girlfriend," and (no, I'm not joking) "telecommunications." In dialogue and also in characters' internal monologue.
I'm also so tired of running into that ubiquitous character, the heroine who wants a man's job and education and is up against the stereotypical closed-minded father who (noisily, I may add) rails against the least hint of a woman leaving her "proper sphere." Frankly, I thought Evelyn's reservations about marrying a man in uniform would have been quite substantial enough to carry the conflict of the story, especially since the issue of her wanting to attend college sort of fades away in significance as the plot goes on.
I'm also so tired of running into that ubiquitous character, the heroine who wants a man's job and education and is up against the stereotypical closed-minded father who (noisily, I may add) rails against the least hint of a woman leaving her "proper sphere." Frankly, I thought Evelyn's reservations about marrying a man in uniform would have been quite substantial enough to carry the conflict of the story, especially since the issue of her wanting to attend college sort of fades away in significance as the plot goes on.
June 12, 2016
2.5 stars
Awwww. That was a flop. It seems that it didn't get all the TLC that a full novel gets, because the polish wasn't there.
—The plot was too large to be smooshed into a novella, resulting in things that promised to be major (him caring for his mother, etc) being dropped by the wayside with scant ceremony
—Evelyn goes from wanting to be a man to being crazy about wanting to get married and wanting to meet eligible guys in the space of two chapters
—She is so focused on doing everything only by herself that she tends to shut out others. That won't be healthy for any marriage, and you only have to read the free excerpt of the novel to see the result.
—The whole thing near the end about Romulus. Seriously? Wow...I guess I'm just not that sort of friend, but deliberately giving something up just so the other guy can have a similar thing...yowza. That hurt to read, and it seemed totally out of character for Romulus to even do (one instance of needing a larger scope for the plot.)
—The modern mindset. Once again I have encountered time travelling moderns. (It's really sad, because I never thought so much modern terminology would slip past with Camden. Oh well.)
Here's to hoping that the novel is more like usual!
16+ for maturity of discernment: this relationship is not a good basis for marriage. I hope they can make it work, but I wouldn't give it to a young teen who doesn't know that love isn't the one reason to get married. They are young and irresponsible.
Awwww. That was a flop. It seems that it didn't get all the TLC that a full novel gets, because the polish wasn't there.
—The plot was too large to be smooshed into a novella, resulting in things that promised to be major (him caring for his mother, etc) being dropped by the wayside with scant ceremony
—Evelyn goes from wanting to be a man to being crazy about wanting to get married and wanting to meet eligible guys in the space of two chapters
—She is so focused on doing everything only by herself that she tends to shut out others. That won't be healthy for any marriage, and you only have to read the free excerpt of the novel to see the result.
—The whole thing near the end about Romulus. Seriously? Wow...I guess I'm just not that sort of friend, but deliberately giving something up just so the other guy can have a similar thing...yowza. That hurt to read, and it seemed totally out of character for Romulus to even do (one instance of needing a larger scope for the plot.)
—The modern mindset. Once again I have encountered time travelling moderns. (It's really sad, because I never thought so much modern terminology would slip past with Camden. Oh well.)
Here's to hoping that the novel is more like usual!
16+ for maturity of discernment: this relationship is not a good basis for marriage. I hope they can make it work, but I wouldn't give it to a young teen who doesn't know that love isn't the one reason to get married. They are young and irresponsible.
October 18, 2016
What a cute story but it ended so abruptly. I just didn't see it coming. It ended at 65% and then there was a 3 chapter preview of the next book. I want more story and no preview. Why was 35% of the space taken up with a preview of another book. Even though this was a free novella I still feel "cheated"!
June 3, 2018
5 stars - English Ebook - I have dyslexia - review follows later
March 22, 2018
Well, that . . . fell a little short. It was interesting in parts, but I pretty much yawned through most of it. And both writing style and dialogue choices had me questioning whether it was really set in the 1880s or not. What's the point of historical fiction that doesn't sound . . . historical?
Rather a "meh" read for me.
Rather a "meh" read for me.
June 19, 2016
I was looking forward to this book, but it was actually rather disappointing. And, after reading this book and the preview of the next book... I'm wondering how this series will progress. It definitely has me curious enough to read the next book, at least. We'll have to see how that one goes...
December 30, 2016
YESSSSS! Another book by one one of my favorite authors.
:-D
:-D
October 29, 2016
This is the first I've read of Elizabeth Camden. I enjoy her writing style. And the story was...okay. Although there was a bit of a rushed feeling to it for me. I would have liked more depth between Evelyn and Clyde.
I did feel that the characters were...I don't know...unbelievable I guess. It seemed that what they did and what they thought of themselves was opposite in their character and personality. For instance, Evelyn is supposed to be a very poised and calm type of person, but she "bounds" down the stairs and "plops" into her chair.
I also felt there was quite a bit of repetition.
And then...I read the excerpt to From This Moment at the back of the novella and it ruined this story for me. I want to find out what happens to her cousin, but hearing that Evelyn and Clyde's relationship goes up in flames after a couple years did me in. Not sure I can bring myself to read it.
I was really wanted to love this one, but I'm hoping a full length story will be better. I've been looking forward to reading With Every Breath so much. I think I will still give it a try.
I did feel that the characters were...I don't know...unbelievable I guess. It seemed that what they did and what they thought of themselves was opposite in their character and personality. For instance, Evelyn is supposed to be a very poised and calm type of person, but she "bounds" down the stairs and "plops" into her chair.
I also felt there was quite a bit of repetition.
And then...I read the excerpt to From This Moment at the back of the novella and it ruined this story for me. I want to find out what happens to her cousin, but hearing that Evelyn and Clyde's relationship goes up in flames after a couple years did me in. Not sure I can bring myself to read it.
I was really wanted to love this one, but I'm hoping a full length story will be better. I've been looking forward to reading With Every Breath so much. I think I will still give it a try.
April 6, 2019
Underdeveloped plot and overused trope, but Camden is gifted and this novella does make me want to read From this Moment (the full-length novel about this heroine’s cousin).
Edited to add: After reading From this Moment, I’m happy to see some of the problems in Clyde’s and Evelyn’s relationship not only addressed but resolved!
Edited to add: After reading From this Moment, I’m happy to see some of the problems in Clyde’s and Evelyn’s relationship not only addressed but resolved!
August 27, 2016
Really cute story. I loved Romulus and can't wait to read more of his story in From This Moment!
July 13, 2017
*all the warm fuzzies* Review to come...eventually
March 9, 2019
I read this short book without any prior knowledge of the series it was written for, but I think it doesn't matter really. But some of my "distaste" for it could be due to not already knowing anything about the series.
It is a true precursor to From This Moment which I think I will read. For some reason I felt like the characters were in conflict with who they were supposed to be. For example, to say one is shy and then they are at a party introducing themselves to everyone and fitting right in. There were a few instances like that which made me question if I had read it correctly, but I knew I had.
That being said, I did get a decent feel for some of the characters and do want to pursue this series and see what happens that didn't give give me closure in this book.
It is a true precursor to From This Moment which I think I will read. For some reason I felt like the characters were in conflict with who they were supposed to be. For example, to say one is shy and then they are at a party introducing themselves to everyone and fitting right in. There were a few instances like that which made me question if I had read it correctly, but I knew I had.
That being said, I did get a decent feel for some of the characters and do want to pursue this series and see what happens that didn't give give me closure in this book.
July 24, 2020
This was such a cute,little novella. I can’t wait to read Romulus’ story.
July 19, 2025
I think this book has great potential and romance lovers might enjoy it! However, it wasn’t for me. The characters felt flat, the plot felt underdeveloped, and there was quite a bit of telling. This is only my opinion, so please take it with a grain of salt. Romance lovers might enjoy it!
June 1, 2016
I've loved every Elizabeth Camden book that I've read and this novella was no exception. I really enjoy the historical research she does and adds into her novels. This is a prequel for her novel From This Moment. It focuses on Evelyn White and Clyde Brixton with Evelyn's cousin Romulus as a great secondary character. I haven't read it yet but it looks like Romulus is the main character for From This Moment. So reading this novella you get a good background for Romulus that might help with the set up of the novel.
I really enjoyed the two MCs in this novella and watching the enthusiasm they have for life, learning and putting their hearts into tinkering and engineering. Clyde is a cadet who has had a few too many demerits added to his academic career at West Point Academy and if he wants to graduate he better work those off. He is given an offer that he can't refuse, helping General White's daughter build a fountain in a birdcage. Clyde tries to maneuver out of helping but realizes his attempts are all futile and he better buck up and do the job or lose all he's worked for the last three years.
Evelyn is a brilliant girl who feels smothered and confined. She has spent her childhood after the death of her mother being handed off to one relative after another due to the nature of her father's career as a general. She wants to attend college and soak in all she can and yet her father will not allow her to do so believing it is not a woman's place. This particular summer she is finally allowed to move into her childhood home, which she's never really lived in, due to the fact that her male cousin Romulus has leave from college to come and be a chaperone for her. They have contrived a scheme to build up the biggest and best greenhouse, yet she can't get one of her projects to work and asks her father for advice.
What happens next? Evelyn is furious that her father writes her a letter telling her to expect a cadet to come fix her mishap. Yet when she opens the door to Clyde her defenses start to come down slowly. Clyde also doesn't expect the general's daughter to be older than 5 or so. Boy was he surprised to find Evelyn opening the door.
This was a very sweet romance with a happy ending although there are twists throughout that you don't think it will work or that everyone's dreams have been for naught. A very quick read that wasn't too short and finished nicely despite not being a full length novel. Definitely one I would recommend for YA or older. A clean read with some hidden hand holding, a silly kiss and no violence.
This was a freebie I downloaded from Amazon.
Happy Reading!!!
I really enjoyed the two MCs in this novella and watching the enthusiasm they have for life, learning and putting their hearts into tinkering and engineering. Clyde is a cadet who has had a few too many demerits added to his academic career at West Point Academy and if he wants to graduate he better work those off. He is given an offer that he can't refuse, helping General White's daughter build a fountain in a birdcage. Clyde tries to maneuver out of helping but realizes his attempts are all futile and he better buck up and do the job or lose all he's worked for the last three years.
Evelyn is a brilliant girl who feels smothered and confined. She has spent her childhood after the death of her mother being handed off to one relative after another due to the nature of her father's career as a general. She wants to attend college and soak in all she can and yet her father will not allow her to do so believing it is not a woman's place. This particular summer she is finally allowed to move into her childhood home, which she's never really lived in, due to the fact that her male cousin Romulus has leave from college to come and be a chaperone for her. They have contrived a scheme to build up the biggest and best greenhouse, yet she can't get one of her projects to work and asks her father for advice.
What happens next? Evelyn is furious that her father writes her a letter telling her to expect a cadet to come fix her mishap. Yet when she opens the door to Clyde her defenses start to come down slowly. Clyde also doesn't expect the general's daughter to be older than 5 or so. Boy was he surprised to find Evelyn opening the door.
This was a very sweet romance with a happy ending although there are twists throughout that you don't think it will work or that everyone's dreams have been for naught. A very quick read that wasn't too short and finished nicely despite not being a full length novel. Definitely one I would recommend for YA or older. A clean read with some hidden hand holding, a silly kiss and no violence.
This was a freebie I downloaded from Amazon.
Happy Reading!!!
August 17, 2016
Really good!
July 11, 2018
What a good read! I liked the fact that Evelyn did not let being a woman hold her back from her dreams. At that time women were not thought to have a lot of intelligence. Evelyn had a great mind for science and engineering. Evelyn wanted to go to college, but her Father would not let her go. Evelyn's Father is a General at West Point. Evelyn wanted to build a hydraulic pump for a greenhouse. She is trying to win her Father's approval. Clyde Brixton, a cadet at West Point, needed to work off a lot of demerits he had accumulated. Clyde was assigned to assist Evelyn so that he could work off the demerits.
Together Evelyn, Clyde and Romulus, a family friend work on this project and form a great bond. At the end of this Kindle book was a preview of the next book in this series. The next book continues with the story of Romulus. I want to read more by this great author.
Together Evelyn, Clyde and Romulus, a family friend work on this project and form a great bond. At the end of this Kindle book was a preview of the next book in this series. The next book continues with the story of Romulus. I want to read more by this great author.
November 15, 2021
{{This is a Goodreads Only Review! Meaning, this review will not be posted on 'Books for Christian Girls'. }}
About this book:
“The daughter of a powerful army general, Evelyn White vows she will never marry a man in uniform. Which is why Clyde Baxter, a West Point cadet on the verge of graduation, presents a problem. Their attraction is instantaneous, but it threatens Evelyn's lifelong dream of going to college.
Clyde's brilliance in the new field of electrical power has him poised for a promising career in the Army's Corps of Engineers. The one thing he never anticipated was Evelyn White, a woman whose soaring ambition matches his own.
As they fall in love over the course of one magical summer, they believe dreams are enough to weather any challenge. But when they are tested by forces neither saw coming, will the fragile bonds forged during those dream-filled summer days be strong enough to survive the storm?”
Series: Considered book #.5 in the “From This Moment” series.
Spiritual Content- A couple prayers; A Scripture is mentioned; A few mentions of prayers; A few mentions of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon; A couple mentions of God; A couple mentions of a Bible apocalypse; A mention of a chapel; A mention of a statue of the Madonna;
*Note: A couple mentions of Greek mythology; A mention of a fallen angel.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: four forms of ‘stupid’; Many mentions of drinking, drunks & alcohol; Mentions of boxing matches, bruises & injuries (up to semi-detailed); A mention of bleeding hands (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a not-detailed kiss and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches & Embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Mentions of kissing; Mentions of flirting, blushing & those smitten; A few mentions of fantasying about a dalliance with a man & curling up with him; A couple mentions of reputations; A couple mentions of a man’s past girlfriends; A mention of running off to live in sin;
*Note: A mention of a dress showing off the wearer’s figure; A couple mentions of a dance hall girl’s very low cut dress & her special friends; A couple mentions of hummingbirds procreating.
-Evelyn White, age 18-19
-Clyde Brixton, age 21
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1886-87
{Less than} 138 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Ahh, what a sweet little novella! Evelyn & Clyde are so cute. I look forward to reading her cousin’s, Romulus’, story in the full length book, “From This Moment”. (Which should be interesting given the taste of him we got in this short novella…we’ll see.)
View more detailed reviews like this one on:
Books for Christian Girls
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“The daughter of a powerful army general, Evelyn White vows she will never marry a man in uniform. Which is why Clyde Baxter, a West Point cadet on the verge of graduation, presents a problem. Their attraction is instantaneous, but it threatens Evelyn's lifelong dream of going to college.
Clyde's brilliance in the new field of electrical power has him poised for a promising career in the Army's Corps of Engineers. The one thing he never anticipated was Evelyn White, a woman whose soaring ambition matches his own.
As they fall in love over the course of one magical summer, they believe dreams are enough to weather any challenge. But when they are tested by forces neither saw coming, will the fragile bonds forged during those dream-filled summer days be strong enough to survive the storm?”
Series: Considered book #.5 in the “From This Moment” series.
Spiritual Content- A couple prayers; A Scripture is mentioned; A few mentions of prayers; A few mentions of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon; A couple mentions of God; A couple mentions of a Bible apocalypse; A mention of a chapel; A mention of a statue of the Madonna;
*Note: A couple mentions of Greek mythology; A mention of a fallen angel.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: four forms of ‘stupid’; Many mentions of drinking, drunks & alcohol; Mentions of boxing matches, bruises & injuries (up to semi-detailed); A mention of bleeding hands (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a not-detailed kiss and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches & Embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Mentions of kissing; Mentions of flirting, blushing & those smitten; A few mentions of fantasying about a dalliance with a man & curling up with him; A couple mentions of reputations; A couple mentions of a man’s past girlfriends; A mention of running off to live in sin;
*Note: A mention of a dress showing off the wearer’s figure; A couple mentions of a dance hall girl’s very low cut dress & her special friends; A couple mentions of hummingbirds procreating.
-Evelyn White, age 18-19
-Clyde Brixton, age 21
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1886-87
{Less than} 138 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Ahh, what a sweet little novella! Evelyn & Clyde are so cute. I look forward to reading her cousin’s, Romulus’, story in the full length book, “From This Moment”. (Which should be interesting given the taste of him we got in this short novella…we’ll see.)
View more detailed reviews like this one on:
Books for Christian Girls
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
May 27, 2016
It seems to be the fashion for free or very cheap kindle novellas to lure us into a series, and it works for me.
This one is all about three turn-of-the-century buddies having a good time using their talents to pursue their passions. Evelyn is a rich girl with a bent for engineering but no way to pursue it, since she lives in a male-dominated society with a bossy, patriarchal father. Clyde is a poor boy with a load of demerit points to work off before he can graduate from West Point Academy. Romulus is Evelyn's cousin, a good-looking and flamboyant Harvard student studying natural science. Together, they build a magnificent greenhouse with an artificial environment capable of sustaining nesting hummingbirds and a variety of delicate butterflies, fish and plants.
It's fun when modern authors, like Elizabeth Camden, get a chance to let their experience of contemporary times embellish their historical fiction. For example, Clyde's poor father crashed and burned while he was working on a project which might have turned out to be the predecessor of the kitchen fridge. There's no way the characters could have known that he might have been onto something, but we readers do. There's also a good sense that what goes around comes around. While I sensed Clyde's excitement as he talked about the fascinating technological changes which seemed to be accelerating before his eyes, I couldn't help but think of several young men his age I know personally, who get similarly excited over advances in computer technology.
One main theme is that sometimes limits just can't be pushed through, but that shouldn't stop anyone channeling their passion elsewhere. When we can't pursue our ultimate dreams, we just do what we can. Evelyn finds it impossible to push through society's expectations and her father's resistance to pursue a tertiary degree, but she can pour all her enthusiasm and knowledge into creating the dream greenhouse in her backyard. She admits that her self-taught knowledge is full of gaps, but won't let that stop her.
The trio never work from a bitter, 'Let's show them,' sort of attitude, but it's just what they do. If the world doesn't want your offerings, don't let them push you down just the same. Well, maybe there is a bit of cockiness from Romulus, who says, 'This greenhouse is mankind's war against mediocrity and acquiescence.' Even though nobody else would see or enjoy it, it was still true for them. And of course there's a strong romance thread, which many ladies will enjoy.
This book leads on to 'From the Moment', which I'll review very soon.
This one is all about three turn-of-the-century buddies having a good time using their talents to pursue their passions. Evelyn is a rich girl with a bent for engineering but no way to pursue it, since she lives in a male-dominated society with a bossy, patriarchal father. Clyde is a poor boy with a load of demerit points to work off before he can graduate from West Point Academy. Romulus is Evelyn's cousin, a good-looking and flamboyant Harvard student studying natural science. Together, they build a magnificent greenhouse with an artificial environment capable of sustaining nesting hummingbirds and a variety of delicate butterflies, fish and plants.
It's fun when modern authors, like Elizabeth Camden, get a chance to let their experience of contemporary times embellish their historical fiction. For example, Clyde's poor father crashed and burned while he was working on a project which might have turned out to be the predecessor of the kitchen fridge. There's no way the characters could have known that he might have been onto something, but we readers do. There's also a good sense that what goes around comes around. While I sensed Clyde's excitement as he talked about the fascinating technological changes which seemed to be accelerating before his eyes, I couldn't help but think of several young men his age I know personally, who get similarly excited over advances in computer technology.
One main theme is that sometimes limits just can't be pushed through, but that shouldn't stop anyone channeling their passion elsewhere. When we can't pursue our ultimate dreams, we just do what we can. Evelyn finds it impossible to push through society's expectations and her father's resistance to pursue a tertiary degree, but she can pour all her enthusiasm and knowledge into creating the dream greenhouse in her backyard. She admits that her self-taught knowledge is full of gaps, but won't let that stop her.
The trio never work from a bitter, 'Let's show them,' sort of attitude, but it's just what they do. If the world doesn't want your offerings, don't let them push you down just the same. Well, maybe there is a bit of cockiness from Romulus, who says, 'This greenhouse is mankind's war against mediocrity and acquiescence.' Even though nobody else would see or enjoy it, it was still true for them. And of course there's a strong romance thread, which many ladies will enjoy.
This book leads on to 'From the Moment', which I'll review very soon.
June 9, 2016
I've only ever read one book by Elizabeth Camden and have been warned multiple times by friends that if I read her stuff, to be prepared for the story to be very serious and about sad and difficult subjects. The first book I read by Camden was very much that way but this novella, I found was not written in that way at all. Summer of Dreams had such a light, fun plot line that I found myself extremely surprised and delighted.
The story follows the life of Evelyn, a the daughter of an army man. Evelyn and her father live on West Point property part of the time and then, when her father is away on active duty, she is moved from house to house living with relatives. Because of this past, Evelyn feels that she would rather not marry a man in uniform. Enter Clyde, a West Point Senior who is trying to work off demerits that he racked up in his freshman year of college. In order to work off his failures to the college over the years, he is required to help Evelyn with an engineering problem in her greenhouse or else suffer an expulsion.
I liked Evelyn and Clyde equally in this novella. I thought Evelyn's character and past history was well crafted and extremely interesting. I loved watching her intelligence grow and change with the help of Clyde and his work. I liked seeing that the two worked as a team and that they respected one another, their beliefs, and their future goals for their lives.
There was nothing sad or morbid about this novella. It was just what I was in the mood to read. Not quite a fluff book but still possessing an easygoing, relaxed story, Summer of Dreams was a great read for anyone who is looking for a satisfactory story that can be read in a couple of hours.
The story follows the life of Evelyn, a the daughter of an army man. Evelyn and her father live on West Point property part of the time and then, when her father is away on active duty, she is moved from house to house living with relatives. Because of this past, Evelyn feels that she would rather not marry a man in uniform. Enter Clyde, a West Point Senior who is trying to work off demerits that he racked up in his freshman year of college. In order to work off his failures to the college over the years, he is required to help Evelyn with an engineering problem in her greenhouse or else suffer an expulsion.
I liked Evelyn and Clyde equally in this novella. I thought Evelyn's character and past history was well crafted and extremely interesting. I loved watching her intelligence grow and change with the help of Clyde and his work. I liked seeing that the two worked as a team and that they respected one another, their beliefs, and their future goals for their lives.
There was nothing sad or morbid about this novella. It was just what I was in the mood to read. Not quite a fluff book but still possessing an easygoing, relaxed story, Summer of Dreams was a great read for anyone who is looking for a satisfactory story that can be read in a couple of hours.
June 29, 2016
This is a novella that I "purchased" for FREE from Amazon. It is a prequel to a novel that I will be reading soon, From This Moment.
This story is about a West Point Cadet, Clyde, and an independent minded young woman, Evelyn. She wants to go to school and study Engineering, but as a General's daughter that path is forbidden to her. Clyde is a brilliant engineer that has a hard time obeying all of the rules and finds himself with demerits.
To work off demerits he has to help the General's daughter with her "birdhouse". The scope of the project comes as a surprise and he finds friendship and love unexpectedly.
The story is about love, acceptance, and honor. I would have liked to see more character development, but this was a novella. I hope that I will read more of Clyde and Evelyn in the full length novel that is about Romulus. He is eccentric and I look forward to finding out more about him .
This story is about a West Point Cadet, Clyde, and an independent minded young woman, Evelyn. She wants to go to school and study Engineering, but as a General's daughter that path is forbidden to her. Clyde is a brilliant engineer that has a hard time obeying all of the rules and finds himself with demerits.
To work off demerits he has to help the General's daughter with her "birdhouse". The scope of the project comes as a surprise and he finds friendship and love unexpectedly.
The story is about love, acceptance, and honor. I would have liked to see more character development, but this was a novella. I hope that I will read more of Clyde and Evelyn in the full length novel that is about Romulus. He is eccentric and I look forward to finding out more about him .
May 19, 2016
When Elizabeth Camden publishes something new, I drop everything to read it.
Historical fiction Camden-style:
-- Set in America, late 1800s or turn of the century
-- Well thought out and researched
-- Facinating heros and heroines
-- Steep obstacles, high stakes, major conflicts, amazing heroism
So good!
Clyde is a cadet at West Point and is a brillant engineer. Evelyn is a general's daughter who wishes she could attend college. Clyde is sent to help Evelyn with a small engineering project. He needs to work off a punishment, but this turns into a fantastic summer. And hopefully the friendship they build will be built to last.
I loved this story. A few chapters of From This Moment, out in early June, are included and I can't wait!
Historical fiction Camden-style:
-- Set in America, late 1800s or turn of the century
-- Well thought out and researched
-- Facinating heros and heroines
-- Steep obstacles, high stakes, major conflicts, amazing heroism
So good!
Clyde is a cadet at West Point and is a brillant engineer. Evelyn is a general's daughter who wishes she could attend college. Clyde is sent to help Evelyn with a small engineering project. He needs to work off a punishment, but this turns into a fantastic summer. And hopefully the friendship they build will be built to last.
I loved this story. A few chapters of From This Moment, out in early June, are included and I can't wait!
May 25, 2016
Elizabeth has written charming characters I enjoyed meeting and a sweet story.
When Clyde chooses to support Evelyn in a family matter, neither could have expected the costly outcome for the future. Yet, there is hope and that, with joy.
I'm anticipating more of their story in Ms Camden's upcoming,
From This Moment
When Clyde chooses to support Evelyn in a family matter, neither could have expected the costly outcome for the future. Yet, there is hope and that, with joy.
I'm anticipating more of their story in Ms Camden's upcoming,
From This Moment
December 31, 2016
Am I on a mission to read all of the novellas that I haven't read all year in order to shamelessly meet my goal? Yes, yes, I am. And finding out that I have been missing out on several gems of stories! I've always passed over all of these 0.5s and 1.5 novellas of different series, thinking they weren't a big thing, but boy, was I wrong! It is amazing what these ladies can pack into 100 pages-ish. Elizabeth Camden is no exception. I rather enjoyed this fast-paced tale!
Onward to more novellas from my favorite authors! (and another by E. Camden! I feel I have cheated myself all this time.)
Onward to more novellas from my favorite authors! (and another by E. Camden! I feel I have cheated myself all this time.)
August 5, 2016
A wonderfully written novella. I loved it from the start.
May 29, 2016
more of a 3.5 for me, but cleverly told so will round up.
Romance, Clean, Christian
Romance, Clean, Christian
May 17, 2016
Beautifully written!
Another great book by Elizabeth Camden! This novella was a sweet and beautifully written tale of dreams and expectations., dreams for both females and males.
Another great book by Elizabeth Camden! This novella was a sweet and beautifully written tale of dreams and expectations., dreams for both females and males.
June 23, 2020
This was a well written and interesting historical Christian romance prequel novella to From This Moment. There were a few times where I thought that the story was a bit rushed, where difficulties were solved too quickly, and having fallen for the two protagonists, Clyde and Evelyn-- and their cousin/friend, Romulus-- I honestly just wanted more about them than I received. However, I'm glad that I read this sweet story and will happily read the full length novel about Romulus as well.
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