As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin, A Historical Fiction Romance from the Great War Era
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links. You can view my affiliate disclaimer here.
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Heart-warming, intriguing and absolutely delightful… My favorite historical fiction novel of 2021!
As Dawn Breaks takes readers on a riveting journey into the world of the “Glycerin Girls”, brave young women working in the munition factories of England and Scotland during the Great War. Kate Breslin has created an incredible story that is rich in historic detail while delivering memorable characters and a suspenseful read full of family, romance and courage!
Continue reading for my full review…
Her daring bid for freedom could be her greatest undoing.
Amid the Great War in 1918 England, munitions worker Rosalind Graham is desperate to escape the arranged marriage being forced on her by her ruthless guardian and instead follow her own course. When the Chilwell factory explodes, killing hundreds of unidentified workers, Rose realizes the world believes she perished in the disaster. Seizing the chance to escape, she risks all and assumes a new identity, taking a supervisory position in Gretna, Scotland, as Miss Tilly Lockhart.
RAF Captain Alex Baird is returning home to Gretna on a secret mission to uncover the saboteur suspected in the Chilwell explosion, as Gretna's factory is likely next. Fearing for his family's safety, he's also haunted by guilt after failing to protect his brother. Alex is surprised to discover a young woman, Miss Lockhart, renting his boyhood room, but the two eventually bond over their mutual affection for his family--until Alex receives orders to surveil her.
Rose squirms beneath Alex's scrutiny while she struggles to gain her workers' respect. But when her deception turns to danger, she and Alex must find a way to put their painful pasts behind them and together try to safeguard the future.
"With her trademark attention to historical detail, Kate Breslin sweeps readers to a Great War home front full of intrigue, suspense, danger, and courage."--JOCELYN GREEN, Christy Award-winning author of Shadows of the White City
★★★★★ | As Dawn Breaks is one of my favorite historical fiction reads of 2021! I found this intriguing story to be inspirational, wholesome and heartwarming. Author Kate Breslin has intricately woven a story that is rich in historic details while offering romance, suspense and memorable characters that brought the Great War era alive!
I began reading this story on my e-reader and was delighted to find it available as an audio book as well. The audio book version was especially fantastic as the narrator did a wonderful job distinguishing each character with her use of British and Scottish accents.
Related Post: Yours Is the Night by Amanda Dykes | A Historical Fiction Novel That is Deeply Emotional and Mesmerizing
From the very beginning, Breslin captivated me with this story. Without giving away any spoilers, I will simply say that I was pleasantly surprised to find this novel was not only a historical romance, but also held an element of mystery with it’s venture into the undercover world of MI5 and Scotland Yard.
I enjoyed learning about the ammunition factories and the brave, sacrificial young women who spent their days tirelessly working the plants in dangerous conditions. Breslin authentically displays rich historic details in her setting and characters throughout this novel.
Rose, with her desperate need for escape and great love for her friend Tilly and her young brothers, was a lovely heroine who blossomed throughout this story, growing into a character I deeply admired. Alex Baird’s character was the perfect hero, in my opinion. I loved his broody role of protector. Watching him fall for Rose created a swoon-worthy love story that delivered a beautiful, romantic thread to this story. And, the Baird family! They were such a delight and a heartwarming part of this story that truly created a meaningful glimpse into the life of a family willing to sacrifice their all for their loved ones. Even the adorable terrier Winston won me over!
In summary, I loved this story and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical romances as well as those who enjoy stories with some suspense and mystery. As Dawn Breaks is well written and highly entertaining, a novel you don’t want to miss!
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