Kara G. reviewed on 8/17/2013 + 82 more book reviews

This was my first time reading Elizabeth Camden and even though I wasnt sure what to expect, I felt like this was a book I had to read. It only took 50 pages for me to become hooked and it was easy for me to fall in love with the story. Mollie is not your typical business owner. She has taken over her fathers watch making company which employees the veterans he served with during the Civil War. Mollie has an excellent mind for business and keeping the figures organized, but one day Zack Kazmarek insists on meeting with her and gives her a proposition that stuns her. She has one week to make a decision with the company resting on her shoulders and not knowing if Zacks deal is realistic or shady, she takes her time making the decision. Just as Mollie figures out the exact reasons for Zacks conditions on his proposal, a fire attacks the city of Chicago.

Mollie immediately springs to action navigating her way through the city to save the merchandise from her company as people flee in chaos to escape the fast spreading destruction. It becomes difficult to see and to breath, there is pandemonium everywhere and as Mollie rushes to make sure all is safely in order, time is running out for her to escape. This is without a doubt one of the most vivid scenes Ive ever read in a book and I felt like I was there with Mollie and Zack trying to get to safety and by some miracle able to think clearly from one move to the next. I was amazed that Mollie never panics or loses focus and she puts her own safety last as shes helping others. Camden describes this part of the story with such accuracy on how people reacted and the horror of the fire taking over, I wouldve thought she had been there! I cried not just with the immense devastation that falls on Chicago, but also the unity that comes afterwards and the hope strangers from around the country bring in. Thats exactly what happens after a disasterfor a moment everyone forgets their differences and pulls together to help a community in need.

One of my favorite parts was when the person comes out into the darkness shouting for the people of Chicago NOT to lose hope even in this catastrophe (it even gave me hope reading this): Ive got nothing left, the strange man yelled into the wind. I have lost everything but my wife and my two hands and my hope, he shouted. God gives every one of us hope, brothers. Tonight we sleep, tomorrow we rebuild. This is Chicago! Do you hear me, brothers? This is Chicago!
We are a city of broad shoulders and strong backs. We are alive, and God is good. Mark my wordsin one year this city will be bigger and stronger than before. Dont despair!
Our city will rise again! he shouted. Out of tragedy we will build something great. Dont despair, Chicago. Dont despair!

Even with his temperament and arrogance, Zack instantly becomes a hero for me as he risks his life to help Mollie go through the fire. It wouldve been nice if he couldve stated his feelings for her before disaster strikes, but sometimes it works out best this way. The fire is only the beginning of how Zack comes to Mollies aid. Even though I didnt agree with some of his business tactics, I immediately recognized his constant sacrifices for her. Of the two men vying for Mollies affections, Zack is the one who really understands her.

My favorite characters in this story are the minor ones. Frank is Mollies second father and a constant support of advice she can lean on. His impact on the story is felt throughout. Then theres Dr. Buchanan who Mollie meets after the fire. He becomes part of Zacks family and a good friend to Mollie. Lastly is Anka. She moves with her family to Chicago after the fire and doesnt speak any English. She provides some of the comic relief with her language barrier and even though she has the smallest part of the plot, she enhances the story greatly.

Even though there is a slight love triangle in the story, its a minor point in the plot. I dont enjoy love triangles so that was the only reason I was hesitant about reading this book. It wasnt a problem. This book vividly recounts the impact the fire has on everyone, how the people get their businesses back, how the nation unites to help Chicago, and how Mollie and Zack are impacted both professionally and personally. Im also not very big on historical fiction, but this author brilliantly takes a real life event and puts it into a perspective that will grab the readers attention from the very start! Everything about this story is touching, accurate, and realistic. I highly recommend this book; it had me turning pages late into the night to see that all was set to rights.

I want to thank Bethany House Publishers for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

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