Historical Fiction Book Reveiw: As Dawn Breaks

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About the Book

Title: As Dawn Breaks

Author: Kate Breslin

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Publication Date: November 2, 2021

Click here to purchase a copy of this book. 

Publisher's Book Description

“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.”

 

My Review

As Dawn Breaks, by Kate Breslin, is a stunning novel! Well-researched and beautifully written, it is a moving novel that is worthy of attention. With its Scottish setting, the peril and intrigue of WWI, and its utterly captivating characters, this book offers a reading experience that is unforgettable.


From the first page to the last, I was truly impressed by Ms. Breslin’s detailed and expressive writing. Her thoughtful descriptions of the manners, customs, and culture of early twentieth century Scotland make this novel especially fascinating and engaging. The dangerous mystery within this story and the unique role that munitionettes played in WWI are a some of my favorite elements of the overall plot. I also appreciated how this book cleverly incorporates the meaningful thematic combinations of guilt and forgiveness, lies and truth, heartache and hope, and loss and restoration. The gentle romance in this novel is also touching. Ms. Breslin’s skills as a storyteller ensure that the description of a simple barefoot waltz is a literary moment that is sweet and memorable.


With an emphasis on the importance of friends and family, the characters in this novel are genuinely authentic and relatable. I found myself eagerly turning the pages to learn more about them and their fears, their motivations, and their faith. How uplifting it is to find examples of emotional healing woven into the words and sentences of a fictional story! What a treasure it is to have novels like as Dawn Breaks that overflow with affirming examples of humble endurance, perseverance, and redemption! With its thoroughly satisfying blend of history, romance, faith, and mystery, As Dawn Breaks is an entertaining, inspirational novel that I recommend wholeheartedly. 


*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

 

About the Author: Kate Breslin

“Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing's 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her debut novel, For Such A Time, was shortlisted for both the Christy and RITA awards and received the American Christian Fiction Writer's 2015 Carol Award for Debut Novel. Kate's fourth novel, Far Side of the Sea, released March, 2019. When she's not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington's beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas.” Biography from Kate Breslin’s author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to visit Kate Breslin's website.

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