Dawn in My Heart

I took a chance on this book because it's not in my typical genre. Thank God I did! If you are looking for a good read with believable characters and a plausible, complex plot, then this novel is for you. Providing compelling story-telling with twists and turns and authentic dialogue, this piece also presents an historically accurate picture of Regency England. This historicity does not get in the way of a story well told. I heartily recommend this book for those who want a satisfying page turner and appreciate good writing.

I suspected that I would love this book based on the 2 negative reviews...and I was right! This is a great book. For the whole first half (at least) of the book we see two people living their lives completely without God. This book could be any other secular fiction book. But then God meets them at their lowest points. They really do hit rock bottom before turning to God. And when they do it turns their life around. This was a great Regency romance, so realistic of the period and of how much people can mess up their lives when they are pursuing the wrong things. Read it!

First of all, I would like to mention that, while this book is the 2nd published in this series, I think it really should be read 1st. You need to have it read in order to make sense of some references in "Winter is Past." Tertius Pembroke, Earl of Skylar, returns home from the Caribbean after his older brother dies heirless. He has bouts of sickness and is quite hallow in both appearance and spirit. While he was known to carouse as a youth, as a man witness to his father's philandering (proven by his illegitemate half sister) and his mother's broken heart, he has vowed that when he does marry he will be faithful and expects the same of his spouse (even though society deamed it acceptable to take lovers). The extraordinarly beautiful Lady Gillian Edwards finds herself betrothed to the old, cold, Tertius though her heart belongs to another--A young officer she has worried for while the country was at war. But as their courtship moves forward, she finds him less despicable and the two actually look like they might have a future together, afterall. Until... Well, I don't want to give it all away. Let's just say that not everyone has the benefit of a Christ-filled home. This book is a wonderful example of how He can redeem those who have not been raised knowing Him. It is also a good reminder of one of the reasons it is good to keep yourself pure for your spouse. Because even though he might make promises, even though you pledge your love, things don't always work out the way you plan. In response to another reviewers opinion of the explicitness of the wedding night-- It does not describe any details other than his shock as he pulls away from her. So do not fear-- the book is not as scandalous as you have been warned. This is a book of second chances. If you are of the "hate the sin, not the sinner" kind of mind and enjoy a good book with a realistic approach in describing God's grace and redemption, than this is a book you might enjoy.

I'm a big fan of Ms. Morren and have read all her books. I don't read Christian fiction except for her books which I feel are excellent in any genre. Dawn in My Heart was a very satisfying read- the characters were very human and believable. The fact that the characters suffered and struggled with great conflicts, both inner and with each other made the book a rich story that ended up being incredibly satisfying. Morren has become one of my favorite writers simply for the reason she delves into the depths of human existence in such a compelling way. I was sorry when this book was finished because I was enjoying it so much, but I'm glad that she's writing more books so I have more of her wonderful stories to look forward to. An excellent read- deep and satisfying- a story that truly engages the mind and heart. Aside from showing the possibilities of love between two people against many odds, Morren has written a book that questions what love is really about.

I found this book with its characters to be human and true to life. It was another book that I could hardly put down and caused me to get all of her other Christian fiction books which I have now read and found to be as engrossing. I will be recommending this book as well as her others to my circle of Christian reading friends. Mrs. Morren will quickly become a favorite of anyone who loves historical Christian fiction. Her style of writing is inspirational and sensitive with beautiful believeable love relationships and this book is no exception. I was inspired to read her books by another review such as this that found her style of writing to be exceptional.