Book Review: With Every Breath

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Title: With Every Breath

Author: Elizabeth Camden

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Not only thoroughly engrossing, but also richly accented with a thought-provoking message, With Every Breath was a novel well worth reading. Elizabeth Camden does seem to have a habit of making such books. She mixes romance and faith with interesting, historically-rich happenings—in this case, the medical battle against tuberculosis. I find I really, really enjoy this peek at history ... as it is portrayed in a style that leaves you intrigued.

In this story, we meet Kate Livingston, a young widow with brains, determination, and a warm, caring heart. She does have a flaw ... her abnormally-consuming fear. That presents a problem as she crosses paths with a doctor full of secrets, and starts to fall in love.

Dr. T. M. Kendall is determined to find a cure for tuberculosis, the awful disease that is claiming lives right and left. He faithfully works with his ill patients, who will all be dead within the year most likely, despite hate letters being sent his way, and one unforgettable young woman's interest.

I was captivated at once by With Every Breath. It was fascinating to walk into a tuberculosis hospital searching for a cure in the late 1800s, and see what the hopeless disease was like, how things were done. Well, it was fascinating and terrible all at once. It definitely gives you a deep appreciation for all those doctors who worked so hard to learn more about/find cures for fatal illnesses. I learned a lot. I just love when a novel does that for me!

Trevor was a wonderful character; very likeable despite his frosty demeanor. At times, his heartless quips were frustrating; but once you learned his background and past and all that, they were understandable and even relatable. Overall, a very real character ... he very much did his part to really make the story.

Kate was slightly annoying at times, but mostly very relatable as well. In fact, I found myself thinking, “Hmm, I struggle with that too.” I felt her pain, her fear, her hopelessness. It was awesome to watch her overcome some of her struggles; I feel Elizabeth Camden brought that about quite flawlessly.

Also, I felt Elizabeth Camden really made the faith element of this story bigger than in some of her other books, perhaps. As I mentioned above, a really amazing message. And the romance, it wasn't all-consuming, can't-live-without-you; but rather ... well, read this story and you'll see. It came about in a very amazing way, and I really loved it! Talk about a love story orchestrated by God. ^_^

So with two flawed but lovely characters, a study of tuberculosis, a sinister mystery, a beautiful romance, and faith woven flawlessly into the seams of this story, With Every Breath was a great historical fiction. A favorite!

I received a free copy of With Every Breath from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.