Book Review: Shine Like Dawn by Carrie Turansky

"A storm had come..." (5)

Title: Shine Like the Dawn
Author: Carrie Turanskey

Publisher:  Waterbrook & Multnomah

Release Date:  February 21, 2017

Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction 

Separated by an inconceivable tragedy, can faith and love reunite childhood friends and light the way to a bright future? 

In a quiet corner of northern Edwardian England, Margaret Lounsbury diligently works in her grandmother’s millinery shop, making hats and caring for her young sister. Several years earlier, a terrible event reshaped their family, shattering an idyllic life and their future prospects. Maggie is resilient and will do what she must to protect her sister Violet. Still, the loss of her parents weighs heavily on her heart and she wonders if what happened that day on the lake…might not have been an accident. When wealthy inventor and industrialist William Harcourt dies, his son Nathaniel returns from his time in the Royal Navy and inherits his father’s vast estate, Morningside Manor. He also assumes partial control of his father’s engineering company and the duty of repaying an old debt to the Lounsbury family. But years of separation between Nate and Maggie have taken a toll, and Maggie struggles to trust her old friend. Can Maggie let go of the resentment that keeps her from forgiving Nate—and reconciling with God? Will the search for the truth about her parents’ death draw the two friends closer or leave them both with broken hearts?

I was looking forward to Carrie Turansky's Shine Like the Dawn the moment I saw the cover, which first graced my eyes at last year's ACFW, right after the inaugural Christian Fiction Readers Retreat in Nashville, Tennessee. It was beautiful, and the intensity of the cover model's eyes, along with her beautiful outfit (and hat!) had intrigued me then. When I had the opportunity to read it, that prologue caused a little dread in my mind and heart. O, don't worry, dread wasn't for the book, but for our main character, Maggie! Truly, "a storm had come" in the literal and emotional sense for our heroine! 

Shine Like the Dawn was a difficult read because of the difficult emotions readers will feel - for Maggie, for Nate and even for the workers. With a devastating start and the burden that our Maggie carried with her, it was hard not to be her cheerleader, especially when the dear Nathaniel arrives. O, Nate. I've always been a fan of that name, and I love that the characters I meet with this name always rise to the challenge of what I expect for such a name.  I love Nate and Maggie's past. Their childhood connection, especially with memories that pops up periodically was a highlight. It allows me to understand their feelings and their plight. Be ready to swoon for Nate. 

"A powerful ache filled Nate's chest...no matter the obstacles...he would win Maggie's heart and show her that he was worthy of her trust and love." (200)

In terms of the story, the unexpected came with the many twists and turns as the mystery unfolds. I enjoyed how it grasp my attention from the beginning and never let go until the end. The end was simple, but with the closure all needs, for the characters and for the readers. Plus who could not love that romantic scene between Nate and Maggie when he mentioned the "falling off the tree" part leading to why he fell in love with her. It was honestly perfect. It was funny and romantic all at once. 

To end, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes that epitomize the message I got from Shine Like the Dawn.

"Faith is the antidote to fear...not wishful-thinking kind of faith, but genuine trust and belief in God's goodness and love." (178)

Shine Like the Dawn brings historical fiction with a good dose of mystery, humor, character development and a message that lasts a lifetime. Don't miss it. 

PS - I have Carrie Turansky here later at 9:00 AM, plus a giveaway courtesy of Carrie! Don't miss out. If you want a head start, leave a comment here. 

"Are you looking forward to this story? Why? How do you like the cover?"

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

Please do not re-quote from the book quotes I've noted here. They are from an uncorrected proof copy (ARC) and are not to be shared. 

For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

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CARRIE TURANSKY is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has been the winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award, and a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and the Maggie Award of Excellence. A prolific writer of contemporary and historical romance, women’s fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals, Carrie lives in central New Jersey with her husband Scott. They have five adult children and four grandchildren.

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