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bookswritingandmore's review
4.0
Livy Campbell takes a position as a teacher far from from her home and family. Thankfully, she finds a friend in Friedrick Wagner, the school maintenance man. In spite of protests from board members, Livy can't help but have a relationship with the kind and dedicated family man. With both their livelihoods at stake, they must decide whether love and country are worth the risk to their hearts and their families.
Each page of Hope at Dawn is fraught with tension and romance. There is certainly more than one hold-your-breath, moment for both Livy and Friedrick. Everything wrapped up nicely in spite of the bumps in the road, but things were left open for a few of the characters.
This storyline was unique,well told and the characters were very interesting. I loved so many aspects of this book. I can't wait to read the sequel of this novel. A great war story of courage,love and making your own place in the world.
Each page of Hope at Dawn is fraught with tension and romance. There is certainly more than one hold-your-breath, moment for both Livy and Friedrick. Everything wrapped up nicely in spite of the bumps in the road, but things were left open for a few of the characters.
This storyline was unique,well told and the characters were very interesting. I loved so many aspects of this book. I can't wait to read the sequel of this novel. A great war story of courage,love and making your own place in the world.
dl2000's review
5.0
Thank you goodreads firstreads for the chance to win this book. I loved it! This is not only a sweet clean romance novel with well developed and believable characters (characters that are not perfect, but come with flaws like the rest of us), but a sad but interesting lesson in our country's history. Having roots in Germany myself - I was very surprised to read about the foreign language law in effect back then - I had never heard about this before. I loved the way the author portrayed the struggle of both Livy and Friedrich to be loyal to their country while being loyal to their families and to themselves as well. Very thought provoking book handled beautifully! I look forward to reading more from Stacy Henrie.
momwithareadingproblem's review
5.0
Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie is book one of the Of Love and War series and tells the story of Friedrick and Livy. With her two older brothers fighting in WWI, Livy Campbell wants a way to help her family. It comes in the form of a teaching position, but what Livy was unaware of is that she will be teaching German American children. With the war raging against Germany, Livy finds her values tested. Friedrick Wagner wants to fight for his home country America, but his German-American father dying, Friedrick is needed at home. Taking a farm deferment, he stays to take care of his father, two half-siblings, and step mother. But with his heritage in question and newcomer Livy, he finds that the war is closer to home than he realized.
I love these characters! Both are very relatable in their struggles and their values. Livy is the eldest daughter of her family and with her two older brothers fighting, she feels it is her duty to help her family in anyway she can. She struggles with what is right and wrong when teaching her German-American pupils. Her values come into question by not just herself but by those in the community. First from the German-Americans and second from the rest of the community who believes she's a German sympathizer. Friedrick struggles with his want to fight in the war and his need to take care of his family. With the prejudice against his family and friends rising, he struggles with anger and resentment against those that were his neighbors.
The relationship that builds between Friedrick and Livy is sweet and full of love and trials. When Livy's beau stands her up at the dance hall on her birthday, a handsome stranger who turns out to be Friedrick asks her to dance. During the dance, Livy opens up to him and he tells her of the teaching position. Both are smitten immediately, but when Livy learns of his German heritage and with the prejudice Friedrick already faces with his neighbors, both become hesitant towards each other. I hurt for them during their struggles to be friends and eventually more. Prejudice, pride, and more affect them, but it's this Bible verse that is the overall theme of the book:
and this one:
Overall, I loved this book and devoured it in a few days. The sweet relationship between Livy and Friedrick, the struggles against pride and prejudice, and the acceptance of God's plan for both of them make this story unforgettable. If you enjoy historical fiction, Christian or inspirational literature, and a little romance, I highly recommend you check out this book. A little note: there are a couple of scenes of violence related to the prejudice against the German-American community of this book, however it is a clean read and although it is listed as a part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love these characters! Both are very relatable in their struggles and their values. Livy is the eldest daughter of her family and with her two older brothers fighting, she feels it is her duty to help her family in anyway she can. She struggles with what is right and wrong when teaching her German-American pupils. Her values come into question by not just herself but by those in the community. First from the German-Americans and second from the rest of the community who believes she's a German sympathizer. Friedrick struggles with his want to fight in the war and his need to take care of his family. With the prejudice against his family and friends rising, he struggles with anger and resentment against those that were his neighbors.
The relationship that builds between Friedrick and Livy is sweet and full of love and trials. When Livy's beau stands her up at the dance hall on her birthday, a handsome stranger who turns out to be Friedrick asks her to dance. During the dance, Livy opens up to him and he tells her of the teaching position. Both are smitten immediately, but when Livy learns of his German heritage and with the prejudice Friedrick already faces with his neighbors, both become hesitant towards each other. I hurt for them during their struggles to be friends and eventually more. Prejudice, pride, and more affect them, but it's this Bible verse that is the overall theme of the book:
and this one:
Overall, I loved this book and devoured it in a few days. The sweet relationship between Livy and Friedrick, the struggles against pride and prejudice, and the acceptance of God's plan for both of them make this story unforgettable. If you enjoy historical fiction, Christian or inspirational literature, and a little romance, I highly recommend you check out this book. A little note: there are a couple of scenes of violence related to the prejudice against the German-American community of this book, however it is a clean read and although it is listed as a part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
melissasbookshelf's review
4.0
Admittedly, I've never thought much about how German Americans were treated here in America during WWI. This book brought that history to life and shared just how difficult it was for those who had German heritage. From being forced to buy war bonds, to being thrown in jail just for speaking German, many innocent Americans were subjected to ignorant prejudice during that time. I enjoyed reading about this prospective from Livy who falls in love with a German American even though she has brothers fighting in the war and Frederick who faces constant bigotry because of his need to defer going to war to take care of his family's farm while his German father is ill. Ms. Henrie has written a remarkable love story of two people who must overcome prejudice and bigotry to be together. It was hard to put down and I enjoyed the complexities of all the characters in the story. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
ghumpherys's review
4.0
This story deals with the prejudices against German-American citizens during WWI. It was a sweet story of "forbidden" love and I liked how both characters had to overcome some of their previous biases and ideas.
bookclaire4eva's review
3.0
An American woman and a German-American man face the harsh realities of prejudice and fear in rural Iowa in the midst of the first World War.
I don't typically read Christian or inspirational fiction, so I doubt I would have read Hope at Dawn had I realized it qualified as an inspirational romance. I'm a Christian, but I still don't want to read Jesus Jesus Jesus in my fiction.
Hope at Dawn is pretty subtle in its inspirational message, which is why I kept reading (plus I hate to leave a NetGalley book unfinished). There's actually no mention of Jesus, just God (let's save the Trinity discussion for later), which works well as far as the flow of a story and not alienating non-Christians.
OK, now on to the story.
I really liked Livy and Friedrich. They're super down to earth, hard-working, and willing to admit mistakes and change their thinking. But I didn't get a sense of chemistry between them. They often refer to their relationship (until the very end of the story) as a "friendship." Talk about killing the mood. And it did feel like just a friendship. Even the kissing lacked passion (even as much as is allowed in an inspirational romance). The romance (or lack thereof) is not what kept me reading.
The other aspects of the story, that of the extreme prejudice and discrimination against people of German descent, as well as anyone showing any support or friendship, is eerily similar to many other periods of American history in the past hundred years: Japanese people on the West Coast during the second World War, anti-Communist fervor in the middle part of the century, and the Civil Rights Movement, to name just three. Henrie does not shy away from showing how terrible and nasty people can be when they're afraid.
If you're looking for a great love story, Hope at Dawn isn't it. If you're looking for a good story...
Take It
P.S. Hope at Dawn is the first in a series, but based on the excerpt of the second installment included in my copy, I will not be reading the rest of the series.
I don't typically read Christian or inspirational fiction, so I doubt I would have read Hope at Dawn had I realized it qualified as an inspirational romance. I'm a Christian, but I still don't want to read Jesus Jesus Jesus in my fiction.
Hope at Dawn is pretty subtle in its inspirational message, which is why I kept reading (plus I hate to leave a NetGalley book unfinished). There's actually no mention of Jesus, just God (let's save the Trinity discussion for later), which works well as far as the flow of a story and not alienating non-Christians.
OK, now on to the story.
I really liked Livy and Friedrich. They're super down to earth, hard-working, and willing to admit mistakes and change their thinking. But I didn't get a sense of chemistry between them. They often refer to their relationship (until the very end of the story) as a "friendship." Talk about killing the mood. And it did feel like just a friendship. Even the kissing lacked passion (even as much as is allowed in an inspirational romance). The romance (or lack thereof) is not what kept me reading.
The other aspects of the story, that of the extreme prejudice and discrimination against people of German descent, as well as anyone showing any support or friendship, is eerily similar to many other periods of American history in the past hundred years: Japanese people on the West Coast during the second World War, anti-Communist fervor in the middle part of the century, and the Civil Rights Movement, to name just three. Henrie does not shy away from showing how terrible and nasty people can be when they're afraid.
If you're looking for a great love story, Hope at Dawn isn't it. If you're looking for a good story...
Take It
P.S. Hope at Dawn is the first in a series, but based on the excerpt of the second installment included in my copy, I will not be reading the rest of the series.
blackngoldgirlsbookspot's review
4.0
Some days just call for a sweet, simple romance -- Stacy Henrie's Hope at Dawn is that kind of read. Of Love and War promises to be a must-read series if the books that follow are half as good as the first. With series' like Downton Abbey bringing more interest to the World War I and the difficult years that followed, it's nice to be getting more books set during that time from authors across the romance genre. Henrie's Hope at Dawn is a "sweet" romance with Christian themes woven throughout that focuses not on the warfront, but what life was like for German Americans living in the US.
Livy Campbell takes a position as a teacher far from from her home and family. Thankfully, she finds a friend in Friedrick Wagner, the school maintenance man. In spite of protests from board members, Livy can't help but have a relationship with the kind and dedicated family man. With both their livelihoods at stake, they must decide whether love and country are worth the risk to their hearts and their families.
Each page of Hope at Dawn is fraught with tension and romance. There is certainly more than one hold-your-breath, moment for both Livy and Friedrick. Everything wrapped up nicely in spite of the bumps in the road, but things were left open for a few of the characters. I love Maria and want her to have her own little bit of happiness! Tie up those loose ends where she is concerned in this series, Ms. Henrie! Pretty please. ;-) Other than that, Hope at Dawn is gentle, sweet, and just what I needed to read in order to unwind this past weekend. A winner!
*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
Livy Campbell takes a position as a teacher far from from her home and family. Thankfully, she finds a friend in Friedrick Wagner, the school maintenance man. In spite of protests from board members, Livy can't help but have a relationship with the kind and dedicated family man. With both their livelihoods at stake, they must decide whether love and country are worth the risk to their hearts and their families.
Each page of Hope at Dawn is fraught with tension and romance. There is certainly more than one hold-your-breath, moment for both Livy and Friedrick. Everything wrapped up nicely in spite of the bumps in the road, but things were left open for a few of the characters. I love Maria and want her to have her own little bit of happiness! Tie up those loose ends where she is concerned in this series, Ms. Henrie! Pretty please. ;-) Other than that, Hope at Dawn is gentle, sweet, and just what I needed to read in order to unwind this past weekend. A winner!
*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
lutheranjulia's review
3.0
Christian romance is not usually my genre, but I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley and who doesn't love a free book? I was instantly pulled into Livy's story. Worried about her brothers fighting in France during World War 1, she is mourning the loss of her college experience and dreams, as well as the change in her presumed fiancé who has returned from the front.
In a series of coincidences (or events arranged by God?), she meets Frederich and goes to teach in a nearby town. She will be teaching in a one-room school house which serves mostly German-American children, daughters and sons of immigrants or first-generation Americans. In taking the position and meeting the families, Livy has to confront her own feelings about the community and its inhabitants, as well as their prejudices about her.
The struggle to prove their allegiance was constant for German-Americans during both World Wars. Many families went bankrupt purchasing war bonds to demonstrate their loyalty (sometimes due to local pressures). In the first WW, German-American men who had military deferments for legitimate reasons were seriously questioned. This book shows the struggles this community faced and how many people were affected by the prejudices and hurts that cut both ways.
It is worth noting that we have not moved much beyond this kind of suspicion and community distrust. So many of our Arab and/or Muslim- American neighbors have experienced this kind of struggle in recent years and some still do. This gentle novel with its emotional ups and downs packs some serious lessons for what it means to be community and neighbor.
In a series of coincidences (or events arranged by God?), she meets Frederich and goes to teach in a nearby town. She will be teaching in a one-room school house which serves mostly German-American children, daughters and sons of immigrants or first-generation Americans. In taking the position and meeting the families, Livy has to confront her own feelings about the community and its inhabitants, as well as their prejudices about her.
The struggle to prove their allegiance was constant for German-Americans during both World Wars. Many families went bankrupt purchasing war bonds to demonstrate their loyalty (sometimes due to local pressures). In the first WW, German-American men who had military deferments for legitimate reasons were seriously questioned. This book shows the struggles this community faced and how many people were affected by the prejudices and hurts that cut both ways.
It is worth noting that we have not moved much beyond this kind of suspicion and community distrust. So many of our Arab and/or Muslim- American neighbors have experienced this kind of struggle in recent years and some still do. This gentle novel with its emotional ups and downs packs some serious lessons for what it means to be community and neighbor.
jbenando's review
5.0
“My love is fully and completely yours.”
Let me just say, I am learning to love these historical romances lately. This book is no exception. I’ll admit, I only wanted to read it because of the cover, It’s just gorgeous. And I assumed it was about a war, from the title, because I never read the blurb…again. This was also another book that is really hard to write about. I want to tell you the entire story, or just type out, “Read it.” But alas, I must do my best.
This book takes place toward the end of WWII and shows what the German-Americans had to deal with. The prejudices and silly laws were only a small part of what really went on in this story. But some of these things I never heard about. For instance, I learned that there was a law that you couldn’t speak German in public. Seriously?!?! These poor people couldn’t even talk to each other, in a language that was easier for them. Unreal.
But let me get back to the story…Livy left college early to come home and help on her family’s farm, while her older brothers went off to fight in the war. But needing to help out more, she found a job as a teacher, far from home, but was willing to move anywhere if it meant helping her parents. What she never expected was teaching German-American children and trying to stay neutral, during these very difficult times.
Friedrick, was home on a deferment, since his father was dying. So he was in charge of his house. He would do anything to prove his loyalty to his country, America. But some in the towns want them out. And they will do anything to make them leave. For instance, buy war bonds, or face jail time.
Friedrick starting help out at the school and found himself smitten with Livy. But knowing that they can’t ever be together, he tries to stay away. He keeps his friendship secret, so she can’t get into trouble, like the last teacher. But unfortunately, trouble seems to find them anyways.
“Standing for the truth will always come at a price, Friedrick, whether it is being bold and sure or silent and strong. Neither one is easy.”
This was a roller coaster of emotions. One moment, I was feeling so happy that they were possibly going to together, then the next minute something horrible happens. I was on the verge of my seat, half the time. I was just fascinated with all the historical information throughout this book. But mostly, I loved the sweetness and slow buildup of their relationship. I would call this a christian historical romance. There was a lot of praying and Bible reading, which I found refreshing. And there was definitely enough heartache to keep my tears flowing also. A complete ride.
What these two people had to endure, in the name of true patriotism and true love, was was just wild. But they would do it over and over, if it meant they could be together.
Knowing that this book is #1 in a series, makes me so very happy. I can’t wait to read the next book, Hope Rising, in December.
Let me just say, I am learning to love these historical romances lately. This book is no exception. I’ll admit, I only wanted to read it because of the cover, It’s just gorgeous. And I assumed it was about a war, from the title, because I never read the blurb…again. This was also another book that is really hard to write about. I want to tell you the entire story, or just type out, “Read it.” But alas, I must do my best.
This book takes place toward the end of WWII and shows what the German-Americans had to deal with. The prejudices and silly laws were only a small part of what really went on in this story. But some of these things I never heard about. For instance, I learned that there was a law that you couldn’t speak German in public. Seriously?!?! These poor people couldn’t even talk to each other, in a language that was easier for them. Unreal.
But let me get back to the story…Livy left college early to come home and help on her family’s farm, while her older brothers went off to fight in the war. But needing to help out more, she found a job as a teacher, far from home, but was willing to move anywhere if it meant helping her parents. What she never expected was teaching German-American children and trying to stay neutral, during these very difficult times.
Friedrick, was home on a deferment, since his father was dying. So he was in charge of his house. He would do anything to prove his loyalty to his country, America. But some in the towns want them out. And they will do anything to make them leave. For instance, buy war bonds, or face jail time.
Friedrick starting help out at the school and found himself smitten with Livy. But knowing that they can’t ever be together, he tries to stay away. He keeps his friendship secret, so she can’t get into trouble, like the last teacher. But unfortunately, trouble seems to find them anyways.
“Standing for the truth will always come at a price, Friedrick, whether it is being bold and sure or silent and strong. Neither one is easy.”
This was a roller coaster of emotions. One moment, I was feeling so happy that they were possibly going to together, then the next minute something horrible happens. I was on the verge of my seat, half the time. I was just fascinated with all the historical information throughout this book. But mostly, I loved the sweetness and slow buildup of their relationship. I would call this a christian historical romance. There was a lot of praying and Bible reading, which I found refreshing. And there was definitely enough heartache to keep my tears flowing also. A complete ride.
What these two people had to endure, in the name of true patriotism and true love, was was just wild. But they would do it over and over, if it meant they could be together.
Knowing that this book is #1 in a series, makes me so very happy. I can’t wait to read the next book, Hope Rising, in December.
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