Breslin

My book club has read a good many WWII-era novels and were ready for a change of time and place. As Dawn Breaks provided a change of scenery with its setting of Scotland during WWI. Most of the book takes place in Gretna and in the munitions factory that operated there during the war. I found it fascinating. Breslin captured the time and place well, and opened my eyes to the support young women provided the war effort. Their work was far from easy or safe. Breslin offered insight to the dangerous work among the materials that made up the munitions used during the war. I found myself googling Canary Girls and the munitions factory. I love when an historical novel prods me to look more closely. The story itself is full of intrigue as main characters assume different identities and personas. Espionage and treason abound. I found the book very suspenseful — it kept me turning the pages furiously. There’s a romance as well for the two main characters, Rose and Alex. I was rooting for a happily-ever-after from their first meeting. Their characters, as well as those of the bad guys, were complexly drawn. This book was deep!

I really look forward to discussing As Dawn Breaks with my book club. There’s so much to talk about — the historical details, the motivations of the characters, and the roles of women during WWI. I anticipate a great discussion of this recommended book.

Highly recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)… (mehr)

When one reads a book by Kate Breslin, one can rest assured that it will be a book that is full of historical detail, compelling characters, inspirational themes, and a sweet romance. As Dawn Breaks did not disappoint. Stories set during WWI pique my interest. There is so much I don't know about the era and reading about the munitions factories and the women, often called the Canary girls, who worked in such dangerous conditions there was so interesting. Rose is an enchanting character, courageous to take a chance on a new life, despite the danger and the sorrow of losing her family. Alex, too, is a strong character, a man bent on a mission to find a traitor, and yet, how he loves his family. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Rose and Alex change and grow throughout the story despite the secrets and sorrows they each had. Breslin is a talented author who seemingly effortlessly threads intrigue, suspense, and romance together to bring readers a captivating historical fiction story, a story of family, friends, and forgiveness in her newest release, As Dawn Breaks.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.… (mehr)

'Rose suddenly realized that she'd needed to become someone else in order to find herself.'

This is the captivating story of two people facing immense challenges during the Great War. It begins in England in March 1918, and progresses through the next few months, as heroine Rosalind Graham leaves England to assume a new identity in Scotland. It is there that she meets RAF Captain Alex Baird and his family, discovers her strengths and weaknesses, and embarks on the greatest adventure of all...beginning to believe in herself and learning to trust in others!

As Dawn Breaks is a riveting drama that is filled with deep secrets, exciting adventure, and an abundance of historical detail. Author Kate Breslin shares even more facts in her acknowledgement page, and it's apparent that she devoted a lot of time researching this story. I've read several books set during the WWI era, but I wasn't familiar with a munitions factory or the Canary girls who worked there. Canary girls, so named because of their yellowed skin and bleached hair that were the result of working with some of the acids used in making the ammunition. I also enjoyed Scotland as the setting and I loved the powerful faith message that is such a big part of the plot. Rosalind had grown up with hurts, disappointments, and unloving parents, so living with a loving, faith-filled family gave her a new insight into the importance of believing in, and trusting in, God. This is wonderful historical fiction and I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romance.

'His faith had taught him that God forgives all, yet until he could forgive himself, he'd never see the dawn break upon his soul.'

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. There was no obligation for a positive review and these are my own thoughts.… (mehr)

I love Kate Breslin’s writing style and voice. She creates lively, believable characters, wonderful settings, and delivers powerful stories with heart-changing messages.

As Dawn Breaks takes place in WWI Scotland and deals with defeat, recovery, endings, new beginnings, forgiveness, romance, and the importance of family. It focuses on Rosalind Graham (Rose) who finds work at a munitions plant. I find this period of history fascinating and I’m in awe of the women who became factory workers and delved into the war effort. Especially the ‘Canary Girls’ who dealt with dangerous chemicals that turned their skin yellow, putting their lives in danger for a bigger cause. I put myself in their place and wonder how I would’ve handled life in those days.

I connected to Rose and Alex with ease. I love how Alex felt a pull toward Rose but knew something was off. Afterall, she wasn’t who she claimed to be. I adored how Rose melded in with the Baird family. These characters have so many layers and I felt great anticipation with their dangerous investigation, and of course their slow-build romance kept me turning pages.

Having visited Scotland, I feel as if I’ve been transported there again. The amount of research Ms. Breslin did is evident. There is a wealth of historical detail that makes this story convincing and enough heart to fill every single page. As Dawn Breaks is a wonderful title, the cover is stunning, and the story is riveting. It belongs on my keeper shelf along with Breslin’s previous books.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.… (mehr)