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.

I truly enjoyed this sweet marriage of convenience story with an intelligent hero, strong heroine, dastardly villains, and faith filled themes. I loved seeing the character development for Kat and Seb as they face danger while also learning more about one another in their marriage of convenience. Watching them settle the frontier and then face the villains that hunt them was exciting! Back in Hidden Canyon, I loved seeing our friends from the first book in the series face trials and find joy together. The sad truth of how mental health issues were treated over 150 years ago is heartbreaking, and I am so glad we have come so far. The deep topic was handled well in this book. Toward the Dawn will delight readers who enjoy western romance with touches of danger and mystery, and the faith elements preach the truth of the Gospel!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own and I really did enjoy it!

Toward the Dawn is the second in the Western Light Series. It can be read as a standalone but reading the first in the series, Chasing the Horizon, will give the reader a better understanding of the characters. Mary Connealy is such a good story teller and brings the reader into the characters life in such a way that they quickly care about the characters. Toward the Dawn is filled with adventure and true love that does not disappoint fans of Mary Connealy or romance readers. This reader can not wait to read the next in the series!

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review.

Ever since the teaser at the end of Chasing the Horizon, I have been waiting very impatiently for Kat & Seb’s story. Both characters have kept their pasts pretty close to the vest, and it’s because we didn’t know too much about them, other than the fact that someone wants Seb dead and Kat locked up in an asylum, that my mind whirred with possibilities on how their leaving the canyon was going to play out long term. Throw in a marriage-of-convenience between them too, and my little reader heart gets all twitterpated!

I loved getting to know all the various layers to Seb and Kat’s respective backstories as well as watching their true personalities together – in close proximity with no one else to be a buffer. Seb is definitely the introvert of the pair, content to hole up in his laboratory with his inventions, though he does have a hidden backbone that surfaces (swoon!) when Kat is being threatened. Kat is the feistier one overall, and the various skills like hunting, shooting, and medical care that she’s learned through observing and helping others (including her doctor father) come in very handy in this story. Watching these two fall in love while also learning how to care for each other as a married couple is all kinds of sweet and entertaining – definitely a learning curve for two souls who are used to being isolated and responsible only for themselves individually. The added danger that finally catches up with them set my heart racing for an entirely different reason than the swoony romance did, but even in this element of suspense Connealy allows God to work in tender ways for Seb & Kat.

Bottom Line: Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy combines wit, romance, friendship, danger, and the grace of God into an entertaining adventure with a heap of engaging characters. Not only do we get to follow Seb & Kat’s marriage-of-convenience and their fight for survival against those that want to harm them, we also get to check in with the rest of the group who remained at the hidden canyon compound. (AND I’m pretty sure there is a cameo from someone related to Connealy’s Montana Marriages trilogy which delights me!) Babies and injuries and familiar guests (including one just as wary of them as they are of her) start the stirrings of first steps in ending the ongoing arc with Beth’s evil father once and for all… and I can’t wait to see how it’s all resolved!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Toward the Dawn is the second book in the Western Light series. It can be read as a standalone as background details are sprinkled throughout.

Kat and Sebastian's new life together is filled with suspense as they leave Idaho for a life together in Wyoming.
As they feared, someone is out to get them! Three possible threats are: someone seeking Sebastian for his inventions, Kat's powerful uncle still wanting her taken back the asylum or the trouble could be coming from Thaddeus Rutledge as he searches for Ginny's location.

As a follow-up to Chasing the Horizon, book one in the Western Light series, we get more time with Beth, Jake and Ginny and their lives in Hidden Canyon. I enjoyed this continuation of the story as it gave a heart warming resolution to many of those things left hanging at the end of book one.

This book is filled with well crafted characters that are likable and believable. Mary Connealy is skilled at showing us the vulnerable side of people in prolonged crisis

. We see a reoccurring theme of the characters turning to prayer and the Bible during their struggles. The storyline is engaging with many twists and turns; some expected, others a complete surprise.

Those who like adventure in the old west with intrigue, romance, strong ties of community with a journey to live closer to God will find this book checks all the boxes.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

Kat and Seb are tired of being holed up in hidden canyon, so they plan to leave as soon as possible, get married, and start homesteading. At first, things seem to be going well even though Kat finds Seb's inventor life to be lonely for her. But when a hired gunman appears trying to get Seb's inventions, the two set off back east to find out who put a price on them.

The first part of the book dragged. There was a bit too much description of travel, homesteading, etc. The last third of the book was actually interesting with gunmen, wicked uncles, and dangerous friends. I'm torn about continuing the series since I struggled to continue at the beginning.

I have been a fan of the novels of Mary Connealy for a number of years and each one seems to be better than the last if that is even possible. Toward the Dawn was no exception. Book two in the Western Light series, this marriage of convenience tale has more twists and turns than a mountain road and I adored every minute reading it.

Toward the Dawn features Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones who have had enough of living in isolation in the secluded, hidden valley where they have been snowed in all winter with their traveling companions. Much as they care about the others, Kat and Seb have places to go and things to do. They decide that marriage might be the sensible thing to do and together they leave the valley as soon as the snow pack melts enough to allow them to do so.

In typical Connealy fashion, the pair settle down to a peaceful life together but soon find that trouble has found them again. Will they be able to escape the dangerous men on their trail and will their marriage become more than just a convenience? What fun would it be if I told you? Grab a copy for yourself and join the adventure. Be sure to pick up volume one too if you haven’t read it. I don’t think you will be sorry if you do.

If you love …

📖 Marriage of convenience
📖 Mystery and danger
📖 Old West with a strong heroine and inventor hero
📖 History of women’s rights
📖 A wonderful romantic spark of chemistry and friction

… Then you’ll enjoy this book. I did!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

This is an exciting book from Mary Connealy. Action, adventure, romance, faith, and fights are all found in this book.

Sebastian and Kat plan a future of convenience, only to find that trouble has followed them. Do they fight or go back into hiding?

Find out in this second installment of the Western Light series. I cannot wait to read the third book!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy is a gripping adventure mixed with a tender love story and strong Christian themes. The book follows the journey of Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones as they navigate the dangers of 19th-century America, all the while leaning on God.

What I loved about this book is how it naturally incorporates faith into the story. Kat and Sebastian’s reliance on God during their struggles is both inspiring and relatable. Their journey isn't just about escaping danger but also about growing closer to each other and to God. The way they extend mercy and grace to others beautifully reflects Christ’s teachings.

Kat and Sebastian’s marriage of convenience turns into a true partnership, showing what love and sacrifice really mean. Their witty conversations and growing bond add a sweet, distinctive touch to the intense storyline.

Mary Connealy's writing is engaging with unexpected twists and heartfelt moments. The blend of action and reflection makes this book hard to put down. Even though this is the second book in the series, Connealy provides quick recaps, making it easy for new readers to dive in.

The Christian faith content is genuine and woven seamlessly into the story, making Toward the Dawn a refreshing read. Kat and Sebastian’s challenges and triumphs reflect the Christian journey, emphasizing trust in God’s plan, even when the path is tough.

Toward the Dawn is a fantastic blend of romance, adventure, and faith. It's a story of hope, perseverance, and God’s guiding hand in our darkest moments. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a strong Christian foundation.

I received a digital ARC of Toward the Dawn from Just Read Publicity Tours LLC, the author, publisher, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

I absolutely loved this book! It starts right where the first book left off, so it's important to read them in order. Revisiting all the characters from the previous book was such a delight. The marriage of convenience plot and the thrilling elements had me hooked from the start. Getting to delve deeper into Kat and Seb's characters was a real treat, especially because they're so private. Their chemistry and witty conversations were simply delightful. While there's plenty of action, the story is still grounded in themes of friendship, hope, and love. If you're a fan of western stories with suspense, mystery, and a marriage of convenience, I highly recommend giving this series a try!

Another fun read from one of my go to authors. This series overall has a intruging premise and one I definitely can’t wait to see how it ends in book three later this year. I enjoyed getting Kat’s and Sebastian’s story and it definitely had its exciting moments. Book 3 can’t come soon enough!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review and all thoughts are my own.

I read the first book in this series, Chasing the Horizon, and thoroughly enjoyed it, remaining on the edge of my proverbial seat as I followed the journey of the characters across the US. I was very excited to continue the story in Toward the Dawn...but something about this one just fell flat for me. The first several chapters were very tedious and drawn out, only following Seb and Kat in their newly married life. After several chapters, it began ping-ponging back and forth between Seb / Kat, Beth and those still in the canyon, and then Beth's evil father. If it had been doing that from the beginning of the book, it would have felt natural...but the abrupt shift from only one story line to multiples was a little jarring.

The story DID eventually pick up about halfway through the book and became much more enjoyable to read, and I still look forward to reading the next book as the storyline is definitely unique with the whole "Wild West" meets "Chicago Mafia" vibe.

Life in a protected canyon can get old when you have things to do and places to go. For Sebastian, our resident inventor, and Kat, escaped after being wrongly locked in an asylum, with spring came the time to leave. Believing that finding an out of the way homestead would keep them safe, they start a new life.

Somehow the past never seems to go away and it begins to catch up with them. Those who wished them ill have not changed their minds and the story takes many interesting turns. Will they finally learn to trust that the Lord has only their best in mind?

An early copy of A Western Light #2 was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

Wow! 😮 I couldn’t put this book down!! Towards the Dawn picks up where the first book Chasing the Horizon leaves off. This book tells Seb Jones,
the mysterious inventor, and quiet Kat, the nurse story. What a story it is!!! After being trapped in a hidden canyon in Idaho all winter both Seb and Kat are ready to take their chances on coming out of hiding and moving on with their lives. The leave and finally decide to settle down in Cheyenne, Wyoming claiming a homestead where Seb can continue to work on his inventions and Kat can be his wife. They have only been married and own their homestead for two weeks when Kat is attacked and almost kidnapped. They knew that their past could catch up to them but they never dreamed this fast or from whom for the only one who knew their true identities were the church and Seb’s attorneys and best friend! So with that the true adventure begins as they head to Independence, Kansas to confront the attorneys.
Kat is also running from her uncle who had her committed to a mental asylum after her husband death to keep her from her inheritance of the family company. She had escaped the asylum with the wife of Thaddeus Rutledge. Mr. Rutledge is a greedy evil man who committed his wife to the asylum to try and gain her and their daughter’s inheritance and money and he is vigilant seeking to get his hands on Kat to learn their whereabouts.
Everything ends up catching up with them in Kansas will they gain their freedom or will they lose everything?
You will have to read this page turner and find out!!
I highly recommend this book and series looking for to the final conclusion!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Bethany Publishing House, however I was not required to leave a review and the review and opinion of this book is completely my own personal one.

Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy is the second book in the A Western Light series, and it takes the reader on a non-stop adventure.

In book two, which has enough backstory to read as a stand-alone, Sebastian and Kat embark on their journey as husband and wife. Both fear for their lives outside Hidden Canyon. Sebastian has someone after him and his inventions, and Kat is afraid her uncle Patrick will throw her back into the insane asylum. Naturally, they are wary of Thaddeus Rutledge, who seeks to uncover Ginny's location. This story has so much going on that it is hard to catch your breath.

And that is my one complaint: Too much is happening in this book. Everything felt rushed, leaving me unable to take a moment to truly get to know Sebastian and Kat. I did appreciate the faith element in this book. The strong emphasis on faith in God and trusting in Him rather than fame or money was perfect for the setting.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley.