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forestidylls's review against another edition
4.0
Spies, explosions, stolen identities, romance, and a backdrop of World War I makes for a great book!
english_lady03's review
4.0
This was a very enjoyable book with a more complex plot than some of the other titles I have read by this author. Deception and assumed identities, spies and sabotage, divided loyalties and traitors. This story has all of the above, and you don;t know who can be trusted half the time.
I did have a few niggles about the mistakes (the usual Americanisms and some inconsistencies in other details). Was the game that they descripbed as "football" actually what Americans call soccer, or more like American Football which we call Rugby, played with an oval-shaped ball which can be picked up.
Disclaimer: I received a electronic or other version of title title from the Publisher via Netgalley. This in no way influenced my review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I did have a few niggles about the mistakes (the usual Americanisms and some inconsistencies in other details). Was the game that they descripbed as "football" actually what Americans call soccer, or more like American Football which we call Rugby, played with an oval-shaped ball which can be picked up.
Disclaimer: I received a electronic or other version of title title from the Publisher via Netgalley. This in no way influenced my review and all opinions expressed are my own.
turquoiseavenue's review against another edition
5.0
As Dawn Breaks is one of my favorite historical fiction reads of 2021! I found this intriguing story to be inspirational, wholesome and heartwarming. Author Kate Breslin has intricately woven a story that is rich in historic details while offering romance, suspense and memorable characters that brought the Great War era alive!
I began reading this story digitally but also enjoyed the audiobook version immensely as the narrator did a wonderful job distinguishing each character with her use of British and Scottish accents.
From the very beginning, Breslin captivated me with this story. Without giving away any spoilers, I will simply say that I was pleasantly surprised to find this novel was not only a historical romance, but also held an element of mystery with it’s venture into the undercover world of MI5 and Scotland Yard.
I enjoyed learning about the ammunition factories and the brave, sacrificial young women who spent their days tirelessly working the plants in dangerous conditions. Breslin authentically displays rich historic details in her setting and characters throughout this novel.
Rose, with her desperate need for escape and great love for her friend Tilly and her young brothers, was a lovely heroine who blossomed throughout this story, growing into a character I deeply admired. Alex Baird’s character was the perfect hero, in my opinion. I loved his broody role of protector. Watching him fall for Rose created a swoon-worthy love story that delivered a beautiful, romantic thread to this story. And, the Baird family! They were such a delight and a heartwarming part of this story that truly created a meaningful glimpse into the life of a family willing to sacrifice their all for their loved ones. Even the adorable terrier Winston won me over!
In summary, I loved this story and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical romances as well as those who enjoy stories with some suspense and mystery. As Dawn Breaks is well written and highly entertaining, a novel you don’t want to miss!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
I began reading this story digitally but also enjoyed the audiobook version immensely as the narrator did a wonderful job distinguishing each character with her use of British and Scottish accents.
From the very beginning, Breslin captivated me with this story. Without giving away any spoilers, I will simply say that I was pleasantly surprised to find this novel was not only a historical romance, but also held an element of mystery with it’s venture into the undercover world of MI5 and Scotland Yard.
I enjoyed learning about the ammunition factories and the brave, sacrificial young women who spent their days tirelessly working the plants in dangerous conditions. Breslin authentically displays rich historic details in her setting and characters throughout this novel.
Rose, with her desperate need for escape and great love for her friend Tilly and her young brothers, was a lovely heroine who blossomed throughout this story, growing into a character I deeply admired. Alex Baird’s character was the perfect hero, in my opinion. I loved his broody role of protector. Watching him fall for Rose created a swoon-worthy love story that delivered a beautiful, romantic thread to this story. And, the Baird family! They were such a delight and a heartwarming part of this story that truly created a meaningful glimpse into the life of a family willing to sacrifice their all for their loved ones. Even the adorable terrier Winston won me over!
In summary, I loved this story and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical romances as well as those who enjoy stories with some suspense and mystery. As Dawn Breaks is well written and highly entertaining, a novel you don’t want to miss!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
reneesmith's review against another edition
5.0
Illness in the form of a sinus infection hit me hard when I was supposed to be reviewing & promoting author Kate Breslin's most recent novel, As Dawn Breaks. So just in time for Christmas gift giving, I'm sharing about this quality inspirational historical fiction book. As Dawn Breaks has everything I've come to expect from a Kate Breslin book: well-drawn characters fighting for right, immersive historical details, suspense, adventure, romance, and a spiritual theme that unfolds naturally to provide hope & depth in the story. Check out all of Kate Breslin's books. You won't be sorry!
adventuresofaliterarynature's review against another edition
3.0
After being blown away by this author’s debut I’ve read and enjoyed everything she’s written so I’m always excited when there is a new release! This one was a little hard for me though, unfortunately. The time period was great, I always love reading stories set during WWI and they aren’t that common so it is always fun to find one! But the plot moved really slowly which kind of bogged me down. I felt like there were long stretches of time that nothing was really happening to progress the story and there were some side plots that we could have done without in my opinion. I also wanted more from the romance, it took till a quarter of the book for them to even meet and they didn’t have a lot of one on one on page interactions. That being said I did like Rose and Alex together and was rooting for them to find their happily ever after.
I did really liked the history aspect and learning more about the women who stepped up to work in the munitions factories despite the risks involved.
Alex’s family was another high point, they had such a close bond and I loved watching their interactions!
All in all while this book didn’t quite hit the spot for me I can definitely see points that would make others love it and if this book sounds good to you don’t let my opinion be the only one you take into consideration!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I did really liked the history aspect and learning more about the women who stepped up to work in the munitions factories despite the risks involved.
Alex’s family was another high point, they had such a close bond and I loved watching their interactions!
All in all while this book didn’t quite hit the spot for me I can definitely see points that would make others love it and if this book sounds good to you don’t let my opinion be the only one you take into consideration!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
kriste's review against another edition
4.0
found tis to be a mystery that I didn't solve till near the end....
bookishlynady's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
Kate Breslin is definitely a favorite author! She has such a talent for writing suspenseful, romantic, inspirational stories that immediately pull the reader in and this book is no exception. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. Her meaningful well written characters are unforgettable. She also weaves an inspirational message of reinvention, forgiveness, home, and family that is both natural and touching. The historical aspects of this story are so interesting, meticulously researched, and add a special touch to this amazing story. I loved learning about the “Canary girls” and the difficult dangerous job they had.
As Dawn Breaks transports the reader to WWI Scotland. Rose Graham has the dangerous job of working in the Chilwell munitions factory. When a tragic explosion occurs killing her best friend, it offers her a way out of an unwanted arranged marriage and the chance to start over with a new identity. She flees to Gretna, Scotland and begins working in their munitions factory under her new assumed name of Tilly Lockhart. There she meets Hannah Baird, a young girl who takes to her instantly and offers her home to Rose.
After his brother’s horrific death, RF Capt. Alex Baird agrees to travel to his family home and take up a secret assignment in the munitions factory to find the saboteur and prevent another bombing. Arriving at his family home late in the evening, he finds the lovely Rose asleep in his room. He’s at once annoyed and intrigued by this intruder. As he gets to know Rose and shares some of his deepest secrets, he can’t help falling for her. However, time is running out and the threat of another bombing looms. Could Rose be hiding something that will put his family and the whole factory in danger?
I loved Rose and Alex! The romance and chemistry between the two was amazing. It was easy to sympathize with Rose. She’s kind, thoughtful, and is just beginning to find herself again. Not only is she hiding a secret that if exposed will put her and her brothers in danger, but her initial treatment at the factory by the other girls is rough. The suspense of if and when Rose’s secret might be revealed kept me on edge and turning the pages.
Alex is definitely a swoon worthy character and I loved his Scottish brogue! Though he is a little gruff at first, it’s endearing how much he cares for his family and Rose, and would do anything to protect them. His fun teasing manner definitely puts him as a top contender for romantic heroes. I also loved the Baird family. They immediately envelop Rose into their loving caring family and give her the sense of home that she has been missing for years.
With plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, romance, wonderful themes of redemption and forgiveness, home and family, and an ending that will have your heart pounding, this book is definitely one you don’t want to miss! I received an advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given. I was not required to provide a positive review.
As Dawn Breaks transports the reader to WWI Scotland. Rose Graham has the dangerous job of working in the Chilwell munitions factory. When a tragic explosion occurs killing her best friend, it offers her a way out of an unwanted arranged marriage and the chance to start over with a new identity. She flees to Gretna, Scotland and begins working in their munitions factory under her new assumed name of Tilly Lockhart. There she meets Hannah Baird, a young girl who takes to her instantly and offers her home to Rose.
After his brother’s horrific death, RF Capt. Alex Baird agrees to travel to his family home and take up a secret assignment in the munitions factory to find the saboteur and prevent another bombing. Arriving at his family home late in the evening, he finds the lovely Rose asleep in his room. He’s at once annoyed and intrigued by this intruder. As he gets to know Rose and shares some of his deepest secrets, he can’t help falling for her. However, time is running out and the threat of another bombing looms. Could Rose be hiding something that will put his family and the whole factory in danger?
I loved Rose and Alex! The romance and chemistry between the two was amazing. It was easy to sympathize with Rose. She’s kind, thoughtful, and is just beginning to find herself again. Not only is she hiding a secret that if exposed will put her and her brothers in danger, but her initial treatment at the factory by the other girls is rough. The suspense of if and when Rose’s secret might be revealed kept me on edge and turning the pages.
Alex is definitely a swoon worthy character and I loved his Scottish brogue! Though he is a little gruff at first, it’s endearing how much he cares for his family and Rose, and would do anything to protect them. His fun teasing manner definitely puts him as a top contender for romantic heroes. I also loved the Baird family. They immediately envelop Rose into their loving caring family and give her the sense of home that she has been missing for years.
With plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, romance, wonderful themes of redemption and forgiveness, home and family, and an ending that will have your heart pounding, this book is definitely one you don’t want to miss! I received an advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given. I was not required to provide a positive review.
staceylovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
Kate Breslin's newest release does not disappoint! As Dawn Breaks is wonderful! I read the whole thing in one day because I couldn't stop. This book is gripping from the very beginning and explodes into action and intrigue almost immediately. Full of fascinating history bits and suspense, with engaging characters (I was so happy to see Marcus Weatherford again!!) and a lovely romance, As Dawn Breaks is a fabulous addition to my home library.