“As Dawn Breaks” by Kate Breslin ~ Book Review

“As Dawn Breaks” by Kate Breslin

WWI Fiction

Review copy from the publishers

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

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.

My Thoughts:

A story set in Scotland? Penned by Kate Breslin? Yes please! 

I loved how much history and detail was woven into this story. It never felt like too much or too bulky – it all flowed so nicely with the story. Honestly, that is one of my favorite aspects of historical fiction – I love learning through stories, and this author is fantastic at accomplishing that.”As Dawn Breaks” is a lovely novel, filled to the brim with great characters, hidden identities, mystery, family bonds, and WWI intrigue. The writing style was beautiful (as always) and the plot so well done. I was impressed with how we as the reader were kept guessing as to who the “bad guy” was until the end.Rose and Alex had a bonny fine relationship, and I loved all the Scottish brogue throughout. ;) The characters really were all so well constructed, and each one strong in individual ways. I appreciated the fact that Rose could be strong while still being feminine. If you enjoy a good WWI novel with great characters and a fulfilling plot, don’t miss out on this one!

I received a copy from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.