MY REVIEW:

Although I had read the first two books in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, I found that The Dawn of a Dream quite easily stands alone. Returning characters are only incidental to the story and it is not necessary to know their history to understand and enjoy this book.

This tale begins with a bang and continues with one surprise after another. This is definitely not your typical historical romance novel. In fact, romance almost takes the background against the trials encountered by Luellen’s determination to earn her teaching degree no matter what. Throughout most of the book, her brother’s friend Ward is a constant and sympathetic support to Luellen as she struggles to hold her head up in society after her disgrace. It is only later that she realizes how important he really is to her but sees no way to overcome the obstacles between them. Although Luellen is the primary focus of this story, a secondary romance is sure to delight the reader.

The historical setting and details of The Dawn of a Dream added a rich backdrop to an already intriguing storyline. Characters were well thought out and dialogue was natural. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend any and all of Ann Shorey’s novels to historical fiction fans.

This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

One Woman – Fiercely Independent, A Loyal Friend, and Determined to Finish.

“Once you get your teeth in something you don’t let go, do you?” he said.  “No sir, I don’t.” She kept her voice steady. “I plan to attend classes and participate at the Model School, with your permission.”

The Dawn of a Dream (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3334-6, April 2011, $14.99) introduces readers to the third book in Author Ann Shorey’s At Home In Beldon Grove series.  Set in 1857, this story comes alive when newlywed Luellen O’Connell’s husband of just one month tells her he is leaving – and his reason leaves her completely astonished.

Determined to follow the dreams of her youth, Luellen sets out to obtain her teaching degree. But her wayward husband left something behind when he abandoned her. Can she overcome the odds and achieve her dream? Can she hide her secret, or will it crush her dreams? This is a story of one woman fighting against all odds but finding friends along the way who make the journey bearable.

Readers will journey with Luellen in this spellbinding story of a woman’s struggle to survive and make her dream come true in The Dawn of a Dream.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann Shorey is the author of The Edge of Light and The Promise of Morning. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul. Shorey lives with her husband, Richard, in Oregon.