From This Moment

Talented and determined illustrator Stella West suddenly leaves her glittering London life and career when she learns of her beloved sister's death in Boston.  Convinced of foul play, Stella quickly makes enemies in Boston's elite circles with her brash attitude and seemingly baseless accusations.  That is, until she finds an ally in Romulus White.  

Successful magazine owner, ladies' man, and pillar of Boston society, Romulus offers to help Stella with her quest in an attempt to convince her to join the staff of his beloved Scientific World.  Both Stella and Romulus feel an immediate attraction and camaraderie, but each also has priorities that seem to prevent any sort of relationship.  When Stella's questions put her in physical danger and begin to threaten Romulus's business, will their troubles draw them together, or push them apart forever?  

In From This Moment, Elizabeth Camden takes her readers on a page-turning adventure through 1890s Boston.  Rich in historical details from the worlds of publishing and engineering, Camden's latest work is truly a delight.  

As usual, her characters are complex, believable, and unique.  Along with gifted story-telling, Camden always manages to create multi-layered characters who act in real and unpredictable ways.  She expertly tackles issues of faith, forgiveness, and self-examination naturally, and without overt preaching.  

While Stella and Romulus are both well-developed, this reader still isn't sure if they are also likable. Romulus-- with his fashion obsession, ridiculous name, inability to commit, and pomposity-- is often difficult to accept as a romantic lead.  Similarly, Stella's arrogance and lack of tact are less than endearing.  The continuing story of Clyde and Evelyn Brixton from Camden's novella Summer of Dreams, however, is much more compelling, and beautifully concluded.  While perhaps not the best of Camden's work thus far, From This Moment is definitely worth the time.  

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.