Happy Friday! We made it through another week, and it’s time for another First Line Friday, the weekly linkup hosted by Reading is My Superpower. Today I’m sharing the first line from Written on the Wind, the second book in Elizabeth Camden’s Blackstone Legacy series.

September 1900

“Natalia Blackstone always considered the third floor of her family’s bank the most fascinating five thousand square feet in the entire United States.”

Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden

The Basics

Title: Written on the Wind

Author: Elizabeth Camden

Series: The Blackstone Legacy (Book 2)

Publication Date: May 3, 2022

Genre: Historical Romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Count Dimitri Sokolov has been charged with overseeing construction of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, but during this work, he witnesses an appalling crime, the truth of which threatens the Russian monarchy. In an effort to silence him, the czar has stripped Dimitri of his title, his lands, and his freedom . . . but Dimitri has one asset the czar knows nothing about: his deep and abiding friendship with Natalia Blackstone. 

Natalia is the lead analyst for her father’s New York banking empire and manages their investment in the Trans-Siberian Railway. Her bond with Dimitri has flourished despite the miles between them, but when Dimitri goes unexpectedly missing, she sets the wheels in motion to find him. Once they join forces, they embark on a dangerous quest in which one wrong move could destroy them both.  

From the steppes of Russia to the corridors of power in Washington, Dimitri and Natalia will fight against all odds to save the railroad while exposing the truth. Can their newfound love survive the ordeal? 

My Review

Elizabeth Camden has written another fascinating story that’s impossible to put down! Written on the Wind reunites us with characters we first met in Carved in Stone, but it can be read as a stand alone. This novel brings the story of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Boxer Rebellion to life with rich historical details, compelling characters, romance, and political intrigue. Natalia and Dimitri are opposites in so many ways, but they share a determination, strong moral character, and courage that sees them through hard times they face. While I loved the historical aspects, their witty dialogue and dry humor were some of my favorite parts of the book!

If you are looking for well-researched historical fiction with characters you won’t soon forget, you can’t go wrong with Elizabeth Camden! Written on the Wind, and the entire Blackstone Legacy series, are destined for the keeper shelf.

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Reading is My Superpower to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.