Scan barcode
reneesmith's review
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
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.
bookishlynady's review
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
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
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.
wintermote's review
4.0
4.5 stars. Wow! This fascinating novel moved along briskly and turned into a complex double-crossing, double/triple agent tale that only a talented creative mind could’ve imagined, let alone carried out.
esmeralda's review
3.5
This was a book that falls into the category of books I almost didn’t read – what ended up grabbing me was (a) the taking on a new identity piece (what can I say? I love the drama that this trope usually triggers) and (b) the munitions factory focus, an area of WWII that I have read practically nothing about.
The characters were pretty pleasant, decent people who cared about their country and families. I can’t say that they were memorable though.
The story was engaging – with some tense life-or-death moments – and it was in no way a boring read. Breslin’s writing is solid and clear, but I didn’t find it especially remarkable, and that’s the theme here I guess: As Dawn Breaks is a solid, but somewhat unremarkable read.