Toward the Dawn
by Mary Connealy
Pub DateJun 18 2024
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


Through Bethany House and Netgalley, I am reviewing Toward the Dawn:


A future filled with love dawns despite trials threatening their path forward.


Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would be so intertwined. After fleeing a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman on a wagon train, they live with the family that saved them in a hidden canyon. As the days turn into months, they each have different reasons for wanting to return to society, and a marriage of convenience might be their best option for achieving the independence they long for.



After moving into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Kat discovers that reality is very different from what she expected. A new husband becomes obsessed with his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. A mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built just as they think danger is behind them. In order to build a future filled with hope and love, they must confront the perils of their pasts together.


I give Toward the Dawn five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Sebastian Jones and Kat Wadsworth have been trapped in a hidden canyon all winter with their friends. Both are determined to get out and far away, but they both have dangerous men after them. They decide the only way to move forward is to get married. As soon as they get out of the canyon, they do just that, and find a piece of property in Wyoming. Seb resumes working on his inventions, and Kat keeps house and hunts.
Danger doesn’t stay away for long, and after Kat is attacked, they decide it’s better to confront the danger in their pasts and discover who is behind the attacks. Friends and enemies aren’t who they seem, and Kat & Seb must decide who to trust and how to move forward.
I enjoyed the surprises in plot once I actually got into the book. My biggest complaint would be that I didn’t enjoy the side story of Yvette being found and how that played out. Unless it’s key to the next book, I think it would’ve been better to just leave her parts out. Other than that I enjoyed it!

One book that will have you wanting to read to the end. Amazing character and story line that will lead the characters to rely on each other and prayers. You will not be disappointed

Toward the Dawn, the sequel to Chasing the Horizon, is about a marriage of convenience between Sebastian (Seb) Jones, a mysterious inventor, and Kat Wadsworth, a quiet strong healer, who are surrounded by villains in this non-stop adventure story filled with faith filled elements that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.

In Toward the Dawn, Connealy continues the journey of Sebastian (Seb) Jones and Kat Wadsworth, who met in Independence, Missouri under unusual circumstances, traveled in disguise with friends in a wagon train, and spent a winter snowed in in a very remote canyon. Having kept their individual pasts to themselves in Chasing the Horizon, we did not know too much about them, other than that someone wants Seb dead and Kat locked up in an asylum. Leaving the canyon, and not knowing what was going to happen, began an adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout this entertaining story of Seb and Kat.

Mary Connealy draws her readers into this world and time when women were put into insane asylums by their domineering manipulative husbands, fathers, and other male relatives to control their lives and inheritances. With her remarkable attention to detail of the era, exquisite character development, and her unique storytelling ability she brings her enthralling Christian historical western adventure fiction stories to life.

Even though there is enough backstory to read this book as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book in A Western Light series as the cliffhanger from book one continues into this story. Two messages were prevalent throughout this story, the truth will always come out, and hope and trust in God is always the best way to live.

I won this ARC as part of LibraryThing’s Early Review Program via NetGalley from publisher Bethany House. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.

Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy is the second book in A Western Light series. While it is often necessary to read the first book in a series, Toward the Dawn can be read as a stand-alone. Although it was good to catch up with some of the characters from the first book, Chasing the Horizon. Connealy has a nice writing style and kept my interest throughout the book. I was hooked from the beginning as the action starts right up and continues through the story, always keeping the reader wondering how in the world will things work out now. The characters are realistic and relatable and there's lots of edge-of-the-seat action, and of course, there is romance which is spiced up a bit with a marriage of convenience! Toward the Dawn is a captivating tale of family and faith, courage and love.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Readers who enjoy Western romance will not want to miss this series.
I read a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

The journey continues with Kat and Sebastian going stir-crazy in the safety of the isolated canyon with their friends, and with the convenience of trains they are able to travel from city to city, getting married, establishing a homestead, building a lab for Sebastian's inventions, and tracking down the mystery of who is after them. We have some sections from the perspective of some of the villains- Ginny's vengeful husband and Kat's greedy uncle, but are kept in suspense to discover who is after Sebastian and his inventions. I enjoyed Kat and Sebastian getting to know each other more and figuring out how to have a good marriage. I wasn't feeling much chemistry between them since they are both pragmatic and tend to state and restate their situation to each other, and there wasn't much depth to their emotions, especially romantically. The plot is definitely driven by the action and tension building from the dangerous villains seeking Kat, Sebastian, and those in the canyon. Another asylum escapee reappears and the third perspective is from those in the canyon trying to rehabilitate her. Quite a bit going on which kept the pace steady and accelerating toward an exciting finish.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The second book in 'The Western Light' series follows Sebastian and Kat as they strike out on those own. I started reading v this book and realized pretty quickly not that reading true first book (Chasing the Horizon) was going to be the best way. So, I searched around and found the first book and read it before beginning this one. Highly recommend this to all readers. While this story focuses on different leads, there was a lot of crossover that helped this book feel more complete.

Seb and Kat start off trying to build a new life when a gunman shows up and tries go kill them. Since both of them have secrets from the past, they don't know which ond of them be was after! Finding out that you can't really run from hour past, Kat and Seb set out to find out who wants them dead and fight some wrongs.

Overall, I thought the pacing and storytelling was well-done. I did find it a little odd that the 'good guys' seem to commit murder in self-defense and that is okay because it's the 'west'? I guess it wouldn't be a western without out some roughness. Lol

Kat and Sebastian were forced to leave their home from a hateful uncle and an unknown gunman. They are living with a family hidden away in a canyon. They want to leave this safe haven and return to society. They decide the best way to do that is through a marriage of convenience.

Kat is surprised that marriage is not what she expected. Her husband is involved in his inventions, not focusing on her. They realize they can never escape from their past.

Kat and Sebastian's love moves from a marriage of convenience to one of respect. It is great to see their character growth, focusing on forgiveness.

This can be read as a standalone; however, it is probably best to read the first book, Chasing the Horizon, first.

(4.5 stars rounded down)

❤️ WHAT I LOVED: How Kat and Sebastian’s marriage grows from one of convenience to one of deep admiration and respect. Not only do we see them bring down the walls they have clung to for so long so they can grow together as husband and wife, but we also see them repent, put God first, and trust in His plan for their lives amid great uncertainty and adversity. We see how they offer each other grace and forgiveness and allow love to cover all things.

🏔️ READ IF YOU LIKE: Historical Romance Fiction set during the late 1800s on the Western frontier.

💭 OVERALL THOUGHTS: As with book one (“Chasing the Horizon), “Toward the Dawn” is a story of faith, hardship, endurance, and love. It is a nicely woven story that grabs hold of you from the beginning and keeps your interest held until the very last page with its well-developed characters, playful banter, heartfelt moments, unexpected twists, and dangerous encounters.

Though this can be read as a standalone, I recommend that you read book one so that you can be familiar with all the characters and have a better understanding of Kat and Sebastian’s journey before venturing out of the canyon.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House for my eArc in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars
The second book in A Western Light series picks up a short time after book one finishes.

This novel starts slow, which mirrors the frustration of Kat and Seb experiencing a very long winter in the hidden canyon. But readers are treated to a marriage of convenience story that eventually picks up the pace and races to the final pages…only to leave readers wondering what will happen next. In book three.

We revisit many of the same characters from book one, learning what happened to our villains. There are more villains added and some surprising outcomes near the end of the story. We don’t get much page time with newer characters so it was difficult to make a connection with them.

Connealy’s signature humour doesn’t really make an appearance until halfway through the novel when the storyline really takes off.

Yes, it starts slower than other novels but Connealy, but stick with it. The fun gets started about halfway through, and that’s where this story shines.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Toward the Dawn
By Mary Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: A Western Light, Book 2
Rated: 3
Obtain: Borrow
Back of the Book: “Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience.
However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.”

Impressions: This is the second installation to the, A Western Light series. Although the romance and suspense were expected after the first novel, I enjoyed following Kat and Seb's journey. The hunt for who was stalking them was eventful and engaging. The development of Kat and Seb’s characters was just ok though. I didn’t find them as interesting in this book as I did in the last despite the suspense the author tried to build. I appreciated this clean romance and the genuine faith of the characters, however. I enjoyed this book as part of this series and look forward to book 3, Into the Sunset.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

This is the second story in A Western Light Series. I recommend reading the first book in the series, Chasing the Horizon, before reading this book.

Kat and Sebastian can't wait to get out of the canyon where they were snowbound for months on end. For it to be proper for them to travel together they got married at the first town they came to. Sebastian is running from someone who wants him dead and Kat is running from her uncle who wants her back in the insane asylum so he can control her money. This is a typical Mary Connealy book which I highly recommend.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

"Kat, just go away. I'm busy losing my mind" (location 71). After being snowed in all winter, Kat and Seb are determined to get away. But there are issues that must be dealt with when a man and woman travel alone together. I liked both Kat and Seb but didn't find myself relating to them much. However, I am enjoying this series. It's interesting learning about the insanity laws and how little it took to get a woman committed. I'm glad those days are behind us! This book also gives a peek into the life of an inventor and the surprising possibility of danger as others try to steal your work.

It was fun seeing the characters from the prior book and I look forward to seeing how it all wraps up for Ginny & Beth in the next book. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, for this book.

What can I say that hasn't already been said? It is just a fantastic read. The characters, story, setting. Just everything works together to create a fantastic read.

Please read this one. You will not be disappointed.

Highly recommend.

TOWARD THE DAWN is the second novel in the A Western Light series by MARY CONNEALY but it can easily stand alone. The story is exciting, the characters unforgettable, and the Chrustian message of hope and trust in God is strong.
In 1870, after a long winter inside the Hidden Canyon where they have been living with friends from the wagon train who are hiding from Ginny’s husband and Beth’s father, Thaddeus Rutledge, Sebastion Jones and Kat Wadsworth, who is hiding from her uncle Patrick who had her committed to an insane asylum, decide to take a chance on the outseide world. They get married and settle in Cheyenne Wyoming where their marriage of convenience soon turns into a love match. There is one problem, however, Seb’s obsession with his inventions! His inventions also lead to another kind of trouble!……..
Meanwhile there is a lot going on in the Hidden Canyon with twin babies, danger, a highly disturbed woman, and decisions for the future being made……
I really enjoyed Toward the Dawn and am looking forward to reading the next novel in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

2.5 Stars

TOWARD THE DAWN is a story about two people who marry for convenience. They find that love develops as they learn to appreciate and rely on each other as they build a new life, and as that life is threatened. Readers will appreciate the likable characters, threads of faith, and some light romance as the danger intensifies to a climatic conclusion.

This story had all the parts of a good tale, but I felt like they were a bit disconnected. It was kind of like the author was going from one plot point to the next without too much emotional investment. Something happened and then something else happened and this was how the characters felt or what they thought without any humor (which this author is usually known for) and without much depth. Everyone felt somewhat one dimensional, the main characters and the villains. I also wasn't completely on board with the secondary story. I think I just didn't buy into it and it came off feeling pretty forced. It also was a story that you could easily skim and not miss a whole lot except in a few places. For me, I wanted a lot more depth and emotional connection. It was still a nice story and that was pretty much it.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall likable, very light story. I would have liked to relate better to the characters or felt more emotionally connected, but I do plan on reading the next book to find out how things settle for this group of characters.

Content: Some violence, references to abuse, murder (nothing overly descriptive).
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

In this sequel, we pick up where book 1 left off--for the most part. It is after the winter has set in--so I'd say about 3-4 months after book 1 ended. We now get to learn about Kat and Seb. What IS Seb's top secret invention anyways? And just what kind of history does Kat actually have?

Seb was definitely a unique sort of bird. Not your everyday lead male character. I still really like Kat and I enjoyed learning more of her past. There was an unusual chemistry between them that I'm still not 100% sure I think worked.

The ending was unexpected, and yes, sweet Ginny's story will continue to move forward into the third book. I enjoyed meeting some of the first book's characters again and hope they show up in book 3 as well. I think I preferred book 1 to this one...but hopefully book 3 will tie up all the loose ends!

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are 100% my own, and I always give fair reviews.

What's better than a blossoming relationship that's flavored with some witty banter and a good dose of chemistry? How about a shoot-em-up adventure, a marriage of convenience, and memorable characters, both good and bad? If you're a fan of Western historical romance.... this book's for you! Toward the Dawn is set in Wyoming, during 1870 and it continues a story that began in the first book of the "A Western Light" series. Eugenia Rutledge and her daughter Beth are still hiding from the very evil Thaddeus Rutledge, but this book has another damsel in distress. Kat Woodridge's husband has died, and his uncle is trying to put her away, so she's running from him and an unknown person who's after her also. She needs protection but is a marriage of convenience the answer to Kat's problems?

Author Mary Connealy is known for Western stories that are often fun and romantic, but this book shares a poignant reminder of women's struggles over the years. It has women who were forced to live in insane asylums simply because they weren't wanted by the men in their lives. Can you imagine being perfectly sane and unable to prove it? The action never stops, and the danger is always present, but Toward the Dawn is also a heartwarming story of friendship, commitment, and hope. I loved the sweet romance that developed between Kat and Sebastian Jones and the faith journeys that made their story even more relevant. I'm looking forward to the next book that will be available in the Fall!

I received a copy of this book from the author, publisher, and NetGalley . There was no obligation for a positive review.

Kat and Sebastian both have reasons to hide, but after a whole long winter stuck in a hidden canyon, they're both ready to face the perils of the outside regardless - and what better way than to do so together through a marriage of convenience? But their hopes for a normal life don't last long, when they are attacked at their new homestead. And their hopes of a happy married life don't seem to be faring much better, due to Sebastian's absorption in his inventing work, to the exclusion of all else. Will they be able to work out who is out to get them and put their pasts to rest before it's too late for one or both of them? And even if they survive the attacks, will they be able to achieve the happily ever after they hoped for?

I've read and enjoyed books by this author in the past, but haven't read any recently. That means that I haven't read the first book in a series - and maybe my feelings about this book might have been different if I had? As it was, while it wasn't a bad book, my overall feeling was 'I wanted to love it'. I found the pacing a bit odd, with a mix of deeper scenes (some feeling relatively trivial) and sections skimming (often quite briefly) over the top of their lives, through days, weeks or months. Unfortunately, that reduced my connection to the characters. The jumping back and forth between the hidden canyon and 'outside' caught me off guard at first, but I got used to it - though I suspect that just focusing on 'outside' would have worked better for the book, if not for the series. Overall, it wasn't a bad book but I really didn't love it - maybe there was just too much going on for the length of the book? Readers of the first book may do better because they already know the characters, but my feeling was that it was just okay.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I really enjoyed this story! First, I must mention this is book 2 in the series and I recommend reading book 1 before reading this one, otherwise you may be very confused. Now, this story continues with the same characters from book 1 but with more of a focus on Sebastian and Kat. They agree to a marriage of convenience without really knowing much about one another. They soon find out though. Sebastian is an inventor and someone is clearly after him to steal his work. Kat is also worried that her uncle is after her to try and put her back in the insane asylum. We also get to see a family for our main characters from book one. And the cliffhanger from book 1 continues into this story, so we see what happens next. Trying not to give spoilers here. Overall, I enjoyed this story, it’s has great Christian content and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.