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 shattered their idyllic family 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 as she begins to wonder if what happened that day on the lake…might not have been an accident.
When wealthy inventor and industrialist William Harcourt dies, his son and Maggie’s estranged childhood friend, 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?
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What happens when the person you trusted most betrays and turns his back on you? Is everything as it seems, or do others scheme behind the scenes? Romance, mystery, intrigue and wonderfully drawn characters nestled between a quaint English village and grand Edwardian estate lace Carrie Turansky’s compelling Shine Like the Dawn.
I loved this story! Shine Like the Dawn is an exquisite masterpiece!
Maggie Lounsbury is resilient and stronger than she realizes. Tragedy several years ago has been weighing on her. She begins to wonder whether or not it was an accident.
Nathaniel Harcourt, Maggie’s estranged childhood friend, has been called back to Morningside Manor due to his father’s illness. He has hopes to repair relationships before it’s too late.
This story is a beautiful depiction of true love. I so appreciate the spiritual truths woven throughout. I also enjoy the element of mystery.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy inspirational, historical romance set in the gorgeous English countryside.
All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Read it, you will be glad you did!
This author writes wonderful historical fiction with characters who learn to overcome trials with God’s help. They aren’t perfect people, but they easily endear themselves to readers in well researched believable historical settings. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey. Shine Like the Dawn was a great stand alone title. I also enjoyed The Governess of Highland Hall by this author which was an excellent first of a series.
Shine Like the Dawn is an easy-to-read, captivating story set in Edwardian England in 1903. The narrative grabs your attention and keeps a firm hold on it from the tragic prologue through the endearing epilogue. The characters, both leading and supporting, are well developed; the plot is crafted with sweet romance, intriguing suspense, and valuable spiritual truths; and the setting is described in beautiful detail. I highly recommend this book.
Shine Like the Dawn is a beautiful depiction of faith and family and love, radiating a sunburst of emotions that swept this reader deep into the story, making it difficult to come up for air. At first, I wasn’t sure if Maggie and Nate were going to overcome the past but they did and ended up having a lovely romance entwined with a more than satisfying mystery. There are elements of a couple of classic novels woven into this story and I was pleased to recognize some of the labor tensions from North & South (Gaskell). In my opinion, Turansky is an author not to be missed. Her ability to bring the Edwardian Era to life on the printed page is amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit. No compensation has been received and all opinions stated are my own.
Good author that uses words to keep the pages turning and one doesn’t want it to end.
Carrie Turansky’s Shine Like the Dawn spoke to my heart. Maggie Lounsbury loses both parents and sister in a tragic boating accident. Four years later, we find her and her younger sister living with her grandmother. Maggie has not reconciled her heart to this tragic lost, her relationship with God is distant. The return of a treasured friend finds her questioning his loyalty and trustworthiness since he was not there to comfort her after the accident. But was it an accident or intentional?
Turansky paints a lovely picture of life in northern Edwardian England. The pace is at times slow, other times fast, but the character development is superb. No matter how fast-paced a story is, I cannot enjoy it if the characters are shallow. I loved Maggie and Nate. Can Maggie learn to reconcile her heart to events of the past and learn to place her trust in God and others again? While Nate seems stronger in his faith, is he willing to sacrifice his pride while seeking the truth?
Turansky also skillfully portrayed some of the secondary characters as well. Maggie’s grandmother provides such wisdom, love and encouragement. Helen Harcourt is unlikable, but what secrets motivate her behavior? Is she able to change?
While the mystery surrounding the boating accident is the main story line, Turansky skillfully includes other issues such as worker’s rights and impending strikes that were part of this industrial age. She is a master story teller, painting vivid details that draw the reader into the story.
The themes of reconciliation and forgiveness are threaded throughout the story. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a sweet story and one that was the perfect way to while away a weekend of rest. I loved the descriptions of the setting – I could easily imagine some of the scenery and views as the characters experienced them. Protagonist Maggie’s personality had me smiling because she is a bit quick to come to her own mind about things, and I appreciate someone who might be a little impulsive, as we all can be. Nate is also an endearing character; I found the issues of worker’s rights and the threat of strike to be an intriguing one in the story and appreciate the heartfelt way he chose to handle that, even when he faced a lot of opposition.
There is a light mystery, but for me, the relationship developments, as well as the historical details are what carry the story. This was my first read by Carrie Turansky, but definitely won’t be my last.
What a journey! From heartbreaking loss to joyful peace. A gentle reminder that even through the messy bits of life, the heartbreak, the disappointments, and un-met dreams, that God is always with us. His plan is perfect, even when we can’t see it. This story doesn’t disappoint. The characters Maggie & Nate are realistic and the mystery in the story helps keep you on your toes.
(I receive this complimentary books for review from the author. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
This starts with a terrible event.. Margaret’s family drowns on the way to a family day picnic! Then William’s father dies, now both young people are put into the role of family caretakers. These two were friends at one time and now have to find a way to trust and move on from their past. I like Historical fiction and with all the ups and downs, betrayals, murder, mystery and a touch of romance, it’s everything I enjoy in a good book!
Books set in Edwardian England are among my favorite historical time periods to read about and when I perused the synopsis for this story I was definitely intrigued. This captivating stand-alone novel from Carrie Turansky kept me reading page after page with its multi-faceted plot which included mystery, assumptions, strife, and sweet romance. There were also several deep,spiritual and personal issues for the characters to unpack including issues of grief, trust, and forgiveness which were beautifully integrated to the story. There were several passages that deserved to be highlighted for the nuggets of inspiration and truth they contained. I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author and this one is another gem!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and was not required to write a review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
A sweet story, somewhat predictable.