Written on the Wind

Blackstone Legacy, Book 2

By: Elizabeth Camden

Narrated by: Pilar Witherspoon

Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Natalia Blackstone is a rarity in Gilded Age America. As a trusted analyst for her father's bank, she is helping finance the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway. From her office in New York City, Natalia relies on a charming Russian aristocrat to oversee the construction of the railroad on the other side of the world.

But while overseeing the work, Count Dimitri Sokolov witnesses the deadly result of the Russian Monarchy's will to see the railway built. To silence him, the state has stripped Dimitri of his title, his lands, and his freedom...but Dimitri has a key asset the czar knows nothing about: his deep and abiding friendship with Natalia Blackstone.

From the steppes of Russia to the corridors of power in Washington, Natalia and Dimitri will fight against all odds to save the railroad and share the truth of what happened, but how can their newfound love survive the ordeal?

©2022 Dorothy Mays (P)2022 Recorded Books

A Must Read Series

Written on the Wind is book 2 in this wonderful series. The storyline, character development and narration are all excellent. It was hard to put this book down. I'm looking forward to Liam's story. Written on the Wind could easily be read as a stand alone, but it's best to start with book 1.

Wonderful story

This was a great story. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The authors latest books seem a bit anticlimactic, but they’re still very good and keep my attention. This narrator did a good job though she is not my overall favorite. Overall I loved it and would listen again.

Thrilling historical fiction!

Absolutely loved this second book in the Blackstone Legacy series! Elizabeth Camden has a way of writing such endearing, authentic characters. I adored Dimitri and Natalia. This story takes the reader on an exciting journey through the wilds of Siberia to the glamour and political intrigue of Gilded Age New York City and Washington, D.C. I was immediately pulled in and enjoyed the romance, faith, and history the author deftly weaves into the story.

Count Dimitri Sokolov has been overseeing the building of the Trans-Siberian railway for several years. He’s developed an enjoyable friendship through telegrams with Natalia Blackstone, the American banker’s daughter who manages the investment in the railway. Sokolov witnesses a terrible massacre the truth of which threatens the Russian monarchy. To keep him quiet, he’s stripped of his title and sent to Siberia. His only hope is to escape and try to reach Natalia in New York.

Natalia Blackstone enjoys her position as the lead analyst for her father’s banking empire. The wealthy heiress is anything but typical. She loves her work and looks forward to the flirty, descriptive telegrams from Dimitri. After not hearing from him for months, she becomes worried. When they finally reconnect, the two work together to expose the truth and try to restore Dimitri’s lands and title. There are significant forces working against them to prevent the truth from coming out. Both their reputations and futures are at risk in this delicate political dance.

I loved this story! Pieces of the Russian culture are beautifully portrayed through Dimitri and other characters. The romance between Natalia and Dimitri is explosive. They’re both passionate people and that underlying chemistry heats up especially when their wills collide. There are so many facets to this story and I loved the messages of perseverance, faith, and doing what’s right when faced with insurmountable odds. There were times when I didn’t know if this story would have a happily ever after American ending or a tragic Russian ending. I also enjoyed the various cameos of real people who appeared in the story including Mark Twain.

I not only have the ebook version, but also the audiobook version. The audiobook is fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. My only criticism was that the narrator didn’t employ a noticeable Russian accent. While I liked the way she voiced Dimitri, it would have been fun to have a touch more of his accent.

If you haven’t read an Elizabeth Camden novel before, I highly recommend this book and series! I can’t wait for Liam’s story! While it is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. Those familiar with Carved in Stone will enjoy seeing Gwen and Patrick again as well as Liam.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

I enjoyed this glimpse into a piece of Russian history.

I enjoyed this fiction story set in America during the early 1900’s. It included some Russian history related to the building of the trans Siberian railroad. Interesting live story. 2nd in trilogy. I like it.

Simply Phenomenal

An absolutely captivating story that had me interested from the first words to the very end. Elizabeth Camden is an incredible author and I had high expectations for this book and I wasn’t disappointed. The narrator did an excellent job as she has done with all the other books by Elizabeth Camden

Romantic

I enjoyed the story very much. I think my biggest disappointment was the narration. When there was a Russian character in the story, I expected to hear a Russian accent. Very disappointing. When our main character has a Russian accent, don’t you think we should hear a Russian accent? I think that was my biggest disappointment in the whole book. The story was beautiful. But when you listen to a book you expect to hear, the correct accents from the characters. Like we did with our characters from Ireland, we heard the Irish lilt, Otherwise, I enjoyed this book.

A Thrilling Story!

The second book of this series was just as intriguing as the first! So far, this is my favorite series of Camdens. I love all of the characters and layered stories involved

these 2 strong characters, Dimitri and Natalia, so forceful, determined!!

sometimes the narration was too slow, though it matches the story.
sad that it took D and N so long to give in to one another. so much to undure, glad it Does end happily,

Delightful and touching

I thoroughly enjoyed this second volume in the “Blackstone” series as much as I did the first. New to Elizabeth Camden books, I am wondering what took me so long to read one. Ms. Camden is an intelligent, elegant and powerful writer whose books stir the imagination and open history for a fresh experience. I have loved Pilar Witherspoon for some time, and find her the perfect choice to narrate Elizabeth Camden novels as well. I can’t think of a single shortcoming for either of the first books in this series, and am looking forward to beginning the next step in the Blackstone journey. Thank you Ms, Camden for a lovely way to spend hours of enjoyment. Please continue to produce such blessings as you are able.

Wonderful book for Elizabeth Camden

This was the best book in the Blackstone series! Excellent main characters & the introduction of so much history, Russian & American was superb! And the narrator did a wonderful job! I loved it!