WINNIE'S REVIEW:
With a setting in England and Scotland during 1918, Kate Breslin’s novel, As Dawn Breaks, is sure to capture the interest of historical fiction lovers. Breslin’s impeccable research and brilliant story telling make this a compelling and enjoyable read. The main characters, Rose Graham and Alex Baird are colorful, engaging, and easy to like, and the stellar cast of supporting characters add dimension and intrigue. Rose is courageous and hard-working, and when she gets a chance to escape a forced marriage with an abusive man, she’s determined to take it and make her own way in the world, even though it involves pretending to be someone else. Alex is charged with discovering who is behind the explosions at ammunition plants and stopping them before another one takes place. I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Rose and Alex and seeing it grow and change.
With plenty of history, suspense, intrigue, and a dash of romance, this story has something for everyone. The addition of lots of twists and turns will keep you guessing. Inspirational elements of faith, forgiveness of self and others, and the value of honesty and integrity are woven seamlessly into the story and give it additional depth and meaning.
“His faith had taught him God forgives all; yet until he could forgive himself, he’d never see the dawn break upon his soul.”
I would recommend this to those readers who enjoy clean and inspirational historical fiction that is well-written and absorbing. 4.5 stars
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.
KIM'S REVIEW:
As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin is an intriguing story that includes a couple of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I really liked both of the main characters and the secondary characters really added to the story.
I loved how Rose and Alex’s relationship developed throughout the story. It seemed real and believable. I also really enjoyed Rose’s relationship with Alex’s family, especially his sister!
I did feel like the story was a bit slow in a spot or two, especially in the beginning as the story was being set up. Alex and Rose did not meet until a quarter of the way through the book, but once they met, the story picked up and held my interest.
If you’re looking for an intriguing story set during WWI with characters that are likable and easy to root for, this may be the story for you!
*I purchased the audiobook and was given a complimentary copy of this story. The faith thread is light.
PAULA'S REVIEW:
Spectacular WWI intrigue.
I love peeking into the world created by Kate Breslin. Especially since this book encompasses a lot of my favorite things. It is an interesting, inspirational, historical book with likable characters and a very engaging, mysterious plot. It reminds me of old Hitchcock films The 39 Steps based on a book by Scottish author John Buchan or The Saboteur by Joseph Conrad.
Fascinating details include pilots in WWI and girls and ladies who worked in munitions plants in Scotland and England. Very informative and even scary.
This book focused on family connections showing the close and faith-filled Baird family contrasted with the distant, broken and harsh family that Rosalind came from. The lessons on friendship and trust played out well.
I especially enjoyed the switched identities and the spy aspects of the story, with its tense and exciting scenes. One favorite thing was the Scots accent of Alex and his family. It was just right and not overdone.
The whole novel fit together perfectly and made me smarter about one of my favorite times in history. One of the best reads of the year for me.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*I give this a beyond 5 stars and a strong faith thread.
BackCover Blurb:
Her daring bid for freedom could be her greatest undoing.
Amid
the Great War in 1918 England, munitions worker Rosalind Graham is
desperate to escape the arranged marriage being forced on her by her
ruthless guardian and instead follow her own course. When the Chilwell
factory explodes, killing hundreds of unidentified workers, Rose
realizes the world believes she perished in the disaster. Seizing the
chance to escape, she risks all and assumes a new identity, taking a
supervisory position in Gretna, Scotland, as Miss Tilly Lockhart.
RAF
Captain Alex Baird is returning home to Gretna on a secret mission to
uncover the saboteur suspected in the Chilwell explosion, as Gretna's
factory is likely next. Fearing for his family's safety, he's also
haunted by guilt after failing to protect his brother. Alex is surprised
to discover a young woman, Miss Lockhart, renting his boyhood room, but
the two eventually bond over their mutual affection for his
family--until Alex receives orders to surveil her.
Rose squirms
beneath Alex's scrutiny while she struggles to gain her workers'
respect. But when her deception turns to danger, she and Alex must find a
way to put their painful pasts behind them and together try to
safeguard the future.
I am really excited to read this one. It is on my TBR and calling my name.
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