First things first - this novel has a gorgeous visuals on the front page! Truly, I am not joking, I am in awe at the beauty and the character setting the picture gives out. Charming!

As for the story - this is a cozy Christian story about forgiveness and growth. Certainly it has its amount of sweetness and wisdom - yet unfortunately it also has my personal triggers: cliches and moralization (the story is set in telling a moral story, not a literary story per se). Also I would like the story better if it was not set in the British environment, as the authoress is an American writer (being an European, I see the details that are wrong for the times and setting - like Maggie being best friends with the maidservant or just calling the heroine "Maggie" and not "Miss Lounsbury").
Having said all of that - the authoress can offer a story. While my previous comments apply, the sweet story has still engaged me and I have quite enjoyed this novel till the last pages.

This book was received as an ARC from WaterBrook & Multnomah - Multnomah in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Christian Fiction/Amish books are so popular with our community that I have been on the bandwagon for a while. I particularly like them because they remind me a lot of Hallmark movies. Shine Like the Dawn focused on Margaret who took over her grandma's millinery shop in England and when she hears that wealthy inventor William Harcourt dies, her old childhood friend Nathaniel returns to her small town in England and past memories start to haunt her wishing she could gain back the love and trust she once had for him. Nate and Margaret start spending more time with one another and end up falling for eachother (just like a Hallmark Movie). This book though was very inspiring and heartwarming.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

A sweet historical story set in England in the early 1900s. Maggie tragically loses her parents and sister in a boating accident. Four years later Maggie and her younger sister is living with their grandmother barely making a living when a childhood friend comes back to town. Will Maggie learn to trust Nate again after he failed her at her most vulnerable time? Will together they find out the truth about the boating accident?
Highly recommended!

This books is set in the Edwardian era, with a little romance and just a dash of mystery and suspense. This story is filled with heartache, new beginnings, questioning God and learning to trust again.

Well written, nice plot, but I didn't like Maggie very much. Made it hard to like the story overall.

A good, solid, enjoyable historical fiction! I definitely enjoyed Maggie and Nate's story and had trouble putting it down. The Edwardian setting particularly sparkles.

I didn't like Maggie's sneaking around to try to gather her evidence. I get that she's feeling some unforgiveness toward the Harcourts, and that Mrs. Harcourt has been outright hostile, but I still didn't think how she obtained the journals was quite believable. Also, her strong-willed attitude bothered me several times. Her redeeming trait, though, is her great love for her family and friends.

Nate seems to want to think the best of everyone, and at first he struck me as being pretty much a simple happy-go-lucky guy who rather bounces through life. But he is actually a man of deep thoughts, and his keen sense of justice pretty quickly comes into playas things begin happening in the town.

Overall, a very enjoyable read and one I will be happy to recommend.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free review copy. Favorable opinion not required.

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. 🙂

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Ever since Maggie's parents and sister died in a horrible boating accident, Maggie's life has been hard. She and her baby sister lost their home and had to move in with their grandma. And Maggie's best friend, Nate, seemingly deserted her in her time of need. Now, years later, he's back in town just as her little family faces another hard situation. Will he come through for her this time ... if she can forgive him enough to let him back into her life?

Shine Like the Dawn was a lovely historical romance. I loved Carrie Turansky's other novels and was excited to read this one. It did not disappoint. The romance was sweet and the ongoing mystery was intriguing.

Maggie had a lot of hardship, bitterness, and grief to overcome before she could be fully ready to have a real relationship with Nate. And Nate had many problems to struggle through also, including communication problems, bitterness toward his parents, !and his inheritance (including workers going on strike). The characters faced many difficult things in this novel, but they struggled through them to overcome them beautifully.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to Carrie Turansky's upcoming releases. I recommend it to fans of sweet historical romance.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is truly a story about second chances. Very well written.

The book started off well, but slowed down so much in the middle that I felt like I was plodding through. There was too much angst, lack of trust and half-truths to really enjoy the story more. The end was pretty well done, but it almost felt too rushed. I would have liked more romance instead of all the mistrust and doubt. Not a bad story, but not as good as it could have been.

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 common 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.

This slice of life from Edwardian England offers insights into both the wealthy and the villagers as they face everyday and unexpected trials as well as joys and hope for the future. Suspense and tension stalk the story, though, along with family concerns. I enjoyed the experience as I shadowed the young, orphaned hat maker, Margaret Lounsbury, and her former friend, Nate Harcourt, the heir of Morningside Manor. Could their relationship be repaired, and can they uncover the truth about the painful past that changed her life? Both face losses and many challenges. The characters seemed very realistic and the plot authentic. The setting is a place I would love to visit personally—you can visualize it with all the detailed descriptions. I think this may be the first book by Carrie Turansky that I have read, but I will certainly look for others.

I adore the hats that were all the rage in past eras. How fun it would be to create and let your artistic flair flow in designing hats. "In Shine Like the Dawn" you'll met Maggie who through unexpected and heart wrenching circumstances finds herself working in her grandmother's millinery shop. Maggie feels betrayed by an old friend and struggles to provide for her grandmother, little sister and herself. You will find yourself thrust in the depths of heartache as you begin this book but will find peace, trust and love in the ending. Some reasons I liked this book are hard times and pain come to everyone in different forms, people can let it make them bitter towards God or better in trusting God. This unfolds in the pages of this surprising, twist filled, suspenseful book.
Blessings,

Karen Hadley
Rating: 5*
I have received a copy of this book as a gift, my opinions are my own.

After losing her mother, father, and older sister in a tragic accident, Maggie Lounsbury is determined to survive. Maggie works in her grandmother's shop, making hats and caring for her younger sister, Violet.

Before the accident she and her family were very close with Nathaniel Harcourt, who spent more time with their family that with his own. But after the tragedy he disappeared from their life. When Violet get's hit by a car, Nathaniel is there at the right time to help them out, but his re-entry into their life, brings up memories from the past and stirs up conflicts from the past.

When the shop burns down, Nate offers to let them stay at Harcourt Manor, she hesitantly accepts for her sister's sake, but will they be able to reconcile and re-establish their friendship?

Maggie is resilient, and through everything she has done her best to carry on and raise her younger sister, Violet. Maggie is spunky and clever, she struggles with the grief of her loss that still weighs her down. Her grandmother is kind, and has much sage advice to offer, always pointing Maggie to Christ and forgiveness.

Nate hasn't been keeping his distance of his own accord, in fact he has been looking for Maggie and her sister to make amends for his absence and what his family did her family so long ago. But his Step-mother has gone to lengths to keep them apart, sending him on a goose chase to the wrong places. Nate is also an inventor, and heir tot his father's legacy, he wants to live up to his father's name, but rise above the legacy that he left behind, he works to treat people fairly. He takes his responsibilities seriously, and works hard to balance the load. He connects quickly with Violet, works to get to know his half-sister better.

There is actually quite alot going on in this book with the mystery of Maggie's parents, and of the mysterious man who seems to linger in the shadows. There are so many well written characters, and quite alot going on in all of their lives, especially for Nate. I really liked Maggie's journey of faith through this book and how she comes to terms with the tragedy that took a part of her family, her grandmother is a wonderful lady. It was a fast paced read and very hard to put down! I think I finished it in about two days. Definitely recommend this fantastic read, it has a little of everything, and makes for a 100% enjoyable read!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Shine like the dawn is a powerful story of faith, trust repentance and forgiveness. This story takes place at the turn of the twentieth century where you have Maggie and Nathaniel who were good friends but went separate ways or shall I say she left and he looked for her and could not find her. Years later, as the hand of PROVIDENCE would have it, they both end up back in town (isn't GOD so very good?). He is so very happy to see her but guess what folks, she isn't that much pleased to see him - why you may ask - well let me tell you - now you know I can't ruin the story for you - or at least I wont - you have to read the story - it is an incredible story - and so worth your time - and I am being so honest from my heart telling you this y'all - than in all of this there is a mystery going on. There was an accident - or was it? hmmm - There is industrial unrest, people have lost hope and they need JESUS, luckily our characters have HIM, but they need to rely, trust in HIM ( AMEN?). So, will they work it out, find out who did what? get past her hang ups? Trust JESUS not herself? Maggie you see, didn't see money she just saw people and she treated everyone the same - just like JESUS - in that day and time was very unheard of - so she was a very special person. This is one special book - it pulls on your emotions and your brain cells - it really gets you thinking. Do not pass on this one - it is too good.

Maggie and her family are on an outing to celebrate her older sister's birthday when the boat sprang a leak. When it became apparent that they were not going to be able to get back to shore, Maggie's father told her to swim to shore with her baby sister, Violet, who was only two years old. Maggie's mother and older sister were not able to swim, but Maggie saved herself and Violet. Four years later, Maggie and Violet are living with their grandmother making hats in her millinery shop when Violet is involved in an accident when she is hit by a motor car and breaks her leg. Even with Violet's accident, there is nothing Maggie wants more than to find out what happened when her family drowned. A face from Maggie's past shows up to help. Nate Harcourt has come home because his father is ill and Nate needs to take over his father's responsibilities.

Carrie Turansky writes incredible novels with intriguing plot lines that make her novels hard to put down. In Shine Like the Dawn, Carrie has not only given us a novel with an interesting plot, but she's also given us a peek into the daily life of England near the turn of the twentieth century. She's also shown us the very real human foibles we all have, but entertained us while doing so. The romance in this novel is not over the top, but more understated--almost taking a back seat to the characters and plot lines. Her plots move seamlessly through several character points of view and bring a cohesive story to the reader.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and the clues to solve a serious mystery.

My thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

Starting with an accident that didn't make sense, and really frustrated me, Maggie finds herself and her youngest sister the sole survivors. Without anywhere else to live, they live with their Grandmother in a millenary shop. (That is a hat shop for those who aren't use to that term.) Maggie and her Grandmother make hats for the wealthy ladies who are having their daughters out on season, to find husbands. It's a living, although it's often a tight one. Customers can be very fickle and compation stiff. They are getting by, but that is about all.

Before the accident, Nate was the guy of Maggie's dreams. Then he vanished. Now he is back, and Maggie is dealing with a flood of emotions. Nate's father did some things that seem to be very underhanded to Maggie and her anger is overflowing. Nate is just hurt, and confused, because some puzzle pieces are missing. All he did was come home, a war hero, but he is home to deal with his father's impending death.

Why will Maggie not forgive him and what happened that he doesn't know about? Why is Maggie's family dead? It doesn't add up, and she was there, for the most part. Their deaths, and the death of her middle sister, is against all logic, but don't give up! Keep reading. The road to solving what happened to Maggie's family is going to draw her and Nate together, and closer to God, or tear them apart even more than they were before.

I enjoyed the nice selection of both the upper and "lower" classes in this book. I was rooting for Nate, and felt badly for Maggie. Her emotions, though incorrect, were easy to understand under her circumstances. Trust, faith, forgiveness, allowing God to work in ways you don't get at first, romance, grief, healing, all these topics and then some are in this one book. I enjoyed it. It's a good read for escaping to another story set in a time that is no longer our own, and yet still reaches into emotions and complicates that are present day.

Shine Like the Dawn does mange to shine, and I would recommend it as a good clean read for anyone who likes period stories, or appreciates descriptive settings, and good mystery plots.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review was left of my own free volition.

Shine Like the Dawn was my first book by Carrie Turansky, and thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. It is the story of two childhood friends, Nate and Maggie, whose friendship ends due to a mysterious tragic event. Can either of them forgive each other and move on? Set in Edwardian England, subplots include worker's strikes, upstairs and downstairs romance between a servant and the family's daughter, blackmail, and the role of the automobile. All of. these stories were intricately woven together to create a book that you cannot put down. For people craving a Downton Abbey like book, this is it.

I enjoyed this book set in the early days of the Edwardian era. The tragedy in the prologue grabs your attention right away and sets the stage for a wonderful story about childhood friends whose lives were irrevocably changed by this event. When it appears that God and Nate have abandoned her in her time of greatest need, Maggie grows up struggling to believe. She's been strong for her sister, Violet, but when Nate comes back to town, can she let her guard down and learn to love and trust him again? I liked the childhood connection Nate and Maggie have, which lays the foundation for their reconciliation and new love. And the twists and turns of the mystery surrounding her parents death and the discontent and tension among the factory workers lends an exciting edge to the story. Don't miss out - grab your copy today! :)

*Thanks to CelebrateLit for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

Northumberland - 1899

Daniel Lounsbury is teaching his daughter, Maggie, how to row a boat. They are on a lovely lake created by Daniel who is the lead landscape architect for Sir William Harcourt of Morningside Manor. Maggie’s mother Abigail, older sister Olivia, and younger sister Violet are all with them as they are heading to have a picnic to celebrate Olivia’s birthday. When a leak in the boat and a sudden storm occurs, Maggie’s father insists that she swim to shore taking Violet with her. As her mother and older sister cannot swim, her father chooses to stay with them and they disappear into the water.

1903

Maggie is now working with her grandmother Hayes in her millinery shop learning to make hats. She has to work hard to make enough money to support her grandmother, her now six-year-old sister, Violet, and herself. Had her parents lived, she would be preparing for a season in London.

Nathaniel (Nate) Harcourt has arrived in Heatherton to return to his home, Morningside Manor, as his father is very ill. He has been gone for four years serving in his naval commission. He hopes to try and become closer to his stepmother and half sister, Clara.

Just as Nate arrives in town, a speeding motorcar hits Violet and breaks her leg. Nate helps get medical care for her. He is very happy to see Maggie again. However, Maggie is angry at how his family turned theirs backs on her and Violet when her family drowned.

Nate sits with his ill father as the man tells him he must be sure that Maggie and Violet are treated well and to pay them money that he had owed their father. Nate is angry to find that his father had held back the funds for so long knowing how much Maggie and Violet needed the money. When Maggie finds out about the owed money, her anger prompts her to refuse to take the money.

A fire in town burns down the millinery shop and some other stores. With no place to live, Nate insists that Maggie and her family come stay at Morningside Manor. His stepmother is furious as she looks upon them as servants.

Maggie reads a journal left by her father that uncovers some unsavory actions made by Mrs. Harcourt and who had even threatened her father if he should tell her husband what he knows. This happened just before he drowned. Could this tragedy have been more than an accident? Maggie is determined to get to the bottom of this.

This is yet another good novel by Carrie Turansky with a mystery added. I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to more from her.

Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.