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srmcdaniel14's review against another edition
4.0
Shine Like The Dawn was the first story I’ve read by author Carrie Turansky, but it won’t be my last. It had all the ingredients that I love—The Edwardian era, a dashing hero, and a tender romance.
Maggie was immediately endearing to me because my heart broke over the tragedy she’d suffered. Her struggle with raising her younger sister by making ends meet as a milliner while attempting to keep resentment and grief at bay tugged at my heart strings. I rallied for her to give happiness a chance again.
As Nate’s character flaw was…um…er…nothing. He was the perfect hero! Always wanting to do what’s right. Always the mannerly gentleman. His attentive dealings with Maggie and sensitivity toward her pain made me hope for a match between them. He reminds me a lot of Edward Farrars from Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.
I was surprised by the mystery weaved through the story and enamored by the gentle romance. Above all, the theme of forgiveness and unfailing love danced across the pages and into my heart.
So in conclusion, I recommend this story and this author.
Maggie was immediately endearing to me because my heart broke over the tragedy she’d suffered. Her struggle with raising her younger sister by making ends meet as a milliner while attempting to keep resentment and grief at bay tugged at my heart strings. I rallied for her to give happiness a chance again.
As Nate’s character flaw was…um…er…nothing. He was the perfect hero! Always wanting to do what’s right. Always the mannerly gentleman. His attentive dealings with Maggie and sensitivity toward her pain made me hope for a match between them. He reminds me a lot of Edward Farrars from Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.
I was surprised by the mystery weaved through the story and enamored by the gentle romance. Above all, the theme of forgiveness and unfailing love danced across the pages and into my heart.
So in conclusion, I recommend this story and this author.
mbos's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Shine Like the Dawn by Carrie Turansky sweeps readers back in time to 1903 Heatherton, England. In 1899 the Lounsbury family (Daniel, Abigail, Olivia, Maggie, and Violet) are enjoying Olivia’s birthday by taking a picnic across the lake. They are far into the lake when the boat starts taking on water. Unable to row the boat back to shore in time, they start swimming to shore. Unfortunately, only Maggie and one year old Violet make it back alive. Four years later, Maggie and Violet are living with their Grandmother Hayes above her millinery shop. Nate Harcourt is returning home to Morningside Manor after a four years absence to see his father before he passes away. Maggie and Nate used to be good friends before she lost her family. She has not forgiven him for not being there for her when they died. Nate inherits his father’s estate and Clifton Engineering Works. Nate promised his father that he would care for his stepmother, Helen and stepsister, Clare. Helen, though, does not make this task easy. Maggie received her father’s journal after his death, but just recently started reading it. She finds out that someone had reason to want him harm. Could the boat have been sabotaged? After a fire destroys the millinery, Nate invites Maggie, Violet and Grandmother Hayes to stays at Morningside Manor. This could be Maggie’s opportunity to find the evidence she needs. Nate is grateful to spend time with Maggie and, hopefully, repair their old friendship. Will Nate help Maggie with her quest?
Shine Like the Dawn is a well-written and researched novel. Carrie Turanky captured the setting and the historical period. The author brought the characters to life and gave them real personalities. We are given characters to love and a couple to dislike. The book had a good pace, but I thought it was slightly too long. Shine Like the Dawn captured and held my attention. The Christian element is light (not preachy). Maggie had closed her heart to God and let in anger and hurt instead. She does not understand how God can let good people die and suffer (something I struggle with myself). One of the main messages in the novel is to let God in to heal your heart and comfort you. I give Shine Like the Dawn 4 out of 5 stars. I appreciated the mystery element that was present in the story. It enhanced the novel. There are other issues in the story (I could not describe everything in my summary). Nate learning to run his father’s company, workers wanting to strike, Maggie struggling to forgive Nate (she only knows her side of the story, romance between Nate and Maggie, Violet injuring her leg, the rebuilding of the millinery, and Lilly’s romance with Rob are some of the other storylines. The novel has a lovely and fulfilling conclusion. Shine Like the Dawn is a good book for readers who enjoy Christian, historical books (set in the Edwardian period). This was the first book I have read by Carrie Turansky, and it is not my last.
Shine Like the Dawn is a well-written and researched novel. Carrie Turanky captured the setting and the historical period. The author brought the characters to life and gave them real personalities. We are given characters to love and a couple to dislike. The book had a good pace, but I thought it was slightly too long. Shine Like the Dawn captured and held my attention. The Christian element is light (not preachy). Maggie had closed her heart to God and let in anger and hurt instead. She does not understand how God can let good people die and suffer (something I struggle with myself). One of the main messages in the novel is to let God in to heal your heart and comfort you. I give Shine Like the Dawn 4 out of 5 stars. I appreciated the mystery element that was present in the story. It enhanced the novel. There are other issues in the story (I could not describe everything in my summary). Nate learning to run his father’s company, workers wanting to strike, Maggie struggling to forgive Nate (she only knows her side of the story, romance between Nate and Maggie, Violet injuring her leg, the rebuilding of the millinery, and Lilly’s romance with Rob are some of the other storylines. The novel has a lovely and fulfilling conclusion. Shine Like the Dawn is a good book for readers who enjoy Christian, historical books (set in the Edwardian period). This was the first book I have read by Carrie Turansky, and it is not my last.
english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
Shine Like the Dawn was probably by second favourite Carrie Turansky Novel (I think I enjoyed A Refuge at Highland Hall a little more). Providing a slow, placed and gentle read evocative of the time period- the opening decade of the 20th century, with hints of mystery and Romance.
It reminded of some of the classics, but also in some ways of the famous Northumberland author Catherine Cookson’s stories, but with less emotional angst. There was one scene near the end that seemed like a direct borrowing from one in Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, which was unfortunate as the book was original enough not to need that.
The characters well-drawn and even the antagonist, Nate’s stepmother changed towards the end to become more sympathetic and human. I like the idea of the Protagonists who had known each other since childhood, being thrown together again by unfortunate circumstances, and having to overcome their pride and wrongful assumptions about one another in the years that had kept them apart.
The inspirational themes were well woven into the story, with characters such as the local vicar and Maggie’s grandmothers providing much guidance and insight without seeming too preachy and out of place. Some historical details were also well-used to create conflict and drama, as well as a background for the characters.
One complaint was that whilst the often rugged and wild landscape of Northumberland came to play in the story, there was one way in which a sense of place was lacking. That was in the prominent accent and dialect spoken by those who live in the Region. This could have been represented with the working class characters using terms like 'Da' for Dad, or terms of endearment like 'pet' and 'love', which are commmon in the area.
The narrator of the audio version did a good job colouring the characters with a Northumbrian lilt, which was lacking in the text itself.
Aside from that though, the novel was an enjoyable light read. A follow up would be nice, perhaps featuring one of the supporting characters from this novel.
I requested this title from via the Blogging for Books programme. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
It reminded of some of the classics, but also in some ways of the famous Northumberland author Catherine Cookson’s stories, but with less emotional angst. There was one scene near the end that seemed like a direct borrowing from one in Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, which was unfortunate as the book was original enough not to need that.
The characters well-drawn and even the antagonist, Nate’s stepmother changed towards the end to become more sympathetic and human. I like the idea of the Protagonists who had known each other since childhood, being thrown together again by unfortunate circumstances, and having to overcome their pride and wrongful assumptions about one another in the years that had kept them apart.
The inspirational themes were well woven into the story, with characters such as the local vicar and Maggie’s grandmothers providing much guidance and insight without seeming too preachy and out of place. Some historical details were also well-used to create conflict and drama, as well as a background for the characters.
One complaint was that whilst the often rugged and wild landscape of Northumberland came to play in the story, there was one way in which a sense of place was lacking. That was in the prominent accent and dialect spoken by those who live in the Region. This could have been represented with the working class characters using terms like 'Da' for Dad, or terms of endearment like 'pet' and 'love', which are commmon in the area.
The narrator of the audio version did a good job colouring the characters with a Northumbrian lilt, which was lacking in the text itself.
Aside from that though, the novel was an enjoyable light read. A follow up would be nice, perhaps featuring one of the supporting characters from this novel.
I requested this title from via the Blogging for Books programme. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
yehoshualover's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Death
library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition
4.0
MY RATING SYSTEM
* "I can't believe this got published!"
** "Mediocre."
*** "It was still missing something."
**** "Good. It satisfied."
***** "Impeccable."
Usually I can tell whether or not I like a book by how long it takes to read. But in this case, I don't think it affected my overall opinion too much. It took me a while to get into the story, and overall it's very slow-paced, but as I got towards the middle I found it easier to sit down and read. I found that once I got used to the pace, I found it refreshing. After reading a couple of fast-paced reads it felt good to slow down and just appreciate the dialogue, and the natural progression of change in the characters.
Carrie Turansky has become a favorite of mine over the last couple of years and I certainly enjoyed this addition to her growing list of novels. The characters underwent changes throughout the story, and the sweet romance plots wrapped up nicely at the end.
Overall, I don't have much to say about the book, however there is one question I have that I think is important to ask. Why is it called Shine Like the Dawn? It's a beautiful title, but after reading the novel, I'm still not sure what the significance of it is. Usually, as I read a book, I will go back to the title, and even the book cover blurb, and I will start to see how they correlate with the actual story. This helps me to make connections in my brain about the story. But even after reading the book, I'm still having a hard time seeing what connects Shine Like the Dawn to the story. If anyone has any ideas on this subject, I'd love to hear them.
In the end, I'm pretty neutral about this book. I definitely preferred some of Carrie's others, but there are no outstanding flaws in the writing, which leads me to believe that someone else might enjoy this as much as, if not more than, the Edwardian Brides series.
* "I can't believe this got published!"
** "Mediocre."
*** "It was still missing something."
**** "Good. It satisfied."
***** "Impeccable."
Usually I can tell whether or not I like a book by how long it takes to read. But in this case, I don't think it affected my overall opinion too much. It took me a while to get into the story, and overall it's very slow-paced, but as I got towards the middle I found it easier to sit down and read. I found that once I got used to the pace, I found it refreshing. After reading a couple of fast-paced reads it felt good to slow down and just appreciate the dialogue, and the natural progression of change in the characters.
Carrie Turansky has become a favorite of mine over the last couple of years and I certainly enjoyed this addition to her growing list of novels. The characters underwent changes throughout the story, and the sweet romance plots wrapped up nicely at the end.
Overall, I don't have much to say about the book, however there is one question I have that I think is important to ask. Why is it called Shine Like the Dawn? It's a beautiful title, but after reading the novel, I'm still not sure what the significance of it is. Usually, as I read a book, I will go back to the title, and even the book cover blurb, and I will start to see how they correlate with the actual story. This helps me to make connections in my brain about the story. But even after reading the book, I'm still having a hard time seeing what connects Shine Like the Dawn to the story. If anyone has any ideas on this subject, I'd love to hear them.
In the end, I'm pretty neutral about this book. I definitely preferred some of Carrie's others, but there are no outstanding flaws in the writing, which leads me to believe that someone else might enjoy this as much as, if not more than, the Edwardian Brides series.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the audiobook version of this latest Carrie Turansky novel. The narrator really brought each character to life. The setting, mystery, and romance were really good. I sometimes got upset with Maggie and her stubbornness, but liked her character as the story went on.
jazzyjan94's review against another edition
4.0
This review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com/2017/02/24/blog-tour-and-giveaway-shine-like-the-dawn/
This is the first book I have read by the author, Carrie Turansky, and I loved it! I love anything to do with the Victorian and Edwardian time periods and this book was great!
First, the plot was fantastic. It was both about redemption and forgiveness, however there was also intrigue and tension throughout the novel that had to be resolved. I loved how it dealt with the growth of industrialism during this time period. There were even certain elements that reminded me of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South while dealing with this topic. I also liked the mystery that was solved throughout the novel and how it eventually was solved.
I loved the characters in the this novel, except Helen Harcourt because she is just awful the majority of the novel. Maggie was a great character and I enjoyed seeing her wrestle with her doubts about the existence of God after the death of her parents. I also enjoyed getting to know Nate and one fact I enjoyed is that he fought in the Boer War - this is a war that doesn't get mentioned a lot in novels, but having grown up in South Africa and learning about this war it was great to see someone reference it in a novel! :) I also liked that Nate was caring and did what he had to do in order to do what was right. I also liked the other side characters in this novel and how there were several other story lines that were threaded together throughout the novel.
I also appreciated how the novel included references to God without being preachy or even not dealing with Him at all. I thought it was tasteful and definitely showed why this book is considered Christian historical fiction.
I am giving this book 4/5 Stars because I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to reading more works by Carrie Turansky in the future.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and CelebrateLit in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first book I have read by the author, Carrie Turansky, and I loved it! I love anything to do with the Victorian and Edwardian time periods and this book was great!
First, the plot was fantastic. It was both about redemption and forgiveness, however there was also intrigue and tension throughout the novel that had to be resolved. I loved how it dealt with the growth of industrialism during this time period. There were even certain elements that reminded me of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South while dealing with this topic. I also liked the mystery that was solved throughout the novel and how it eventually was solved.
I loved the characters in the this novel, except Helen Harcourt because she is just awful the majority of the novel. Maggie was a great character and I enjoyed seeing her wrestle with her doubts about the existence of God after the death of her parents. I also enjoyed getting to know Nate and one fact I enjoyed is that he fought in the Boer War - this is a war that doesn't get mentioned a lot in novels, but having grown up in South Africa and learning about this war it was great to see someone reference it in a novel! :) I also liked that Nate was caring and did what he had to do in order to do what was right. I also liked the other side characters in this novel and how there were several other story lines that were threaded together throughout the novel.
I also appreciated how the novel included references to God without being preachy or even not dealing with Him at all. I thought it was tasteful and definitely showed why this book is considered Christian historical fiction.
I am giving this book 4/5 Stars because I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to reading more works by Carrie Turansky in the future.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and CelebrateLit in exchange for my honest review.
adventuresofaliterarynature's review against another edition
3.0
Overall not a bad read but not my favorite. It started off okay but I found myself having to force myself to finish. The heroine got on my nerves a bit.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
5.0
This is my favorite Carrie Turansky book yet! (And I’ve enjoyed all her novels) In Shine Like the Dawn, Turansky has quite simply outdone herself with the characters, the setting, and the theme.
I love Maggie as a heroine, in part because of her spirit and personality and in part because she’s not from the wealthy privileged class. She has more strength than she realizes and more faith than she thinks she does. She’s also had to face more loss than anyone should ever have to, especially one so young. Yet despite these tragedies, she remains friendly to everyone – whether wealthy or servant – and keeps a tender heart.
As I’ve mentioned there is a lot of loss that the characters must deal with. But faith and romance are both woven naturally and sweetly through the pain. In fact, Maggie and Nate are my favorite romantic pairing of all of Carrie Turansky’s novels, their childhood friendship simmering into something more is truly delightful and made me smile more than once. Additional romantic subplots in the background of this novel are also quite sweet and add dimension to the supporting characters.
The theme of trusting God with what hurts – with what we don’t understand – is so tenderly conveyed through Maggie’s quest to find out the truth behind her parents’ death. Her grandmother’s wisdom, Nate’s affection, and the Reverend’s insight all work together to form a thread that seamlessly supports the rest of the story with gentle but profound and important truth.
Bottom Line: Shine Like the Dawn is Carrie Turansky’s best novel to date. With a vividly drawn setting, lovable characters, and even a little mystery and historical tension, you will certainly find it difficult to put down once you’ve started reading! The tender message of trusting God with even the most painful parts of our past is sweet and sincere, never preachy, and the romance will steal your breath. It’s a stand alone novel but I for one wouldn’t mind returning to Heatherton for a visit or two, should the author feel so inclined...
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
I love Maggie as a heroine, in part because of her spirit and personality and in part because she’s not from the wealthy privileged class. She has more strength than she realizes and more faith than she thinks she does. She’s also had to face more loss than anyone should ever have to, especially one so young. Yet despite these tragedies, she remains friendly to everyone – whether wealthy or servant – and keeps a tender heart.
As I’ve mentioned there is a lot of loss that the characters must deal with. But faith and romance are both woven naturally and sweetly through the pain. In fact, Maggie and Nate are my favorite romantic pairing of all of Carrie Turansky’s novels, their childhood friendship simmering into something more is truly delightful and made me smile more than once. Additional romantic subplots in the background of this novel are also quite sweet and add dimension to the supporting characters.
The theme of trusting God with what hurts – with what we don’t understand – is so tenderly conveyed through Maggie’s quest to find out the truth behind her parents’ death. Her grandmother’s wisdom, Nate’s affection, and the Reverend’s insight all work together to form a thread that seamlessly supports the rest of the story with gentle but profound and important truth.
Bottom Line: Shine Like the Dawn is Carrie Turansky’s best novel to date. With a vividly drawn setting, lovable characters, and even a little mystery and historical tension, you will certainly find it difficult to put down once you’ve started reading! The tender message of trusting God with even the most painful parts of our past is sweet and sincere, never preachy, and the romance will steal your breath. It’s a stand alone novel but I for one wouldn’t mind returning to Heatherton for a visit or two, should the author feel so inclined...
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower