“The greatest thing a human being ever does in this world is to see something . . . to see clearly is poetry, prophecy, a religion all in one.” – John RuskinDawn’s future looms before her like a blank canvas, and only through the artist’s eyes will she see her true self and find the courage to paint the first stroke.It’s 1890 and Idaho Territory is celebrating statehood. The event will draw two … draw two individuals who, like the new state, must redefine and prove themselves. While the artist, Luke Brennan, is captivated by Dawn Fairburn’s bewitching, jade-green eyes and brilliant mind, the world characterizes her as less than an acceptable model of womanly perfection. Both are lacking in society’s estimation, he for his Irish heritage and she for her deformed leg, but together they may prove them all wrong. Like the new state, their combined strengths will give them the courage to step into the wilderness of their uncertain future.
“Highly recommended!” – Readers Favorite 5 Star Review
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This was a beautifully inspiring story of how two individuals overcame society’s prejudice together. Luke was an illustrator for a St. Louis newspaper. He really was an artist with an incredible talent but who couldn’t fully see the gift he possessed. He was weighed down by the perception that his Irish heritage made his less than desirable by society. He was assigned to visit Ketchum, Idaho in the Sawtooth Mountain Range area for the state’s entry into statehood and to document what he found through his illustrations.
Dawn was the daughter of a rising politician in New York who had a deformed leg and who had allowed that deformity to define who she was as a less than desirable woman. She was heavily involved in her father’s political career and had no interest in marriage. They had traveled by train to Ketchum, Idaho to be there for the state’s entry into statehood and she was frustrated by the delay this seemed to cause her father’s political career.
While at the guest ranch they stayed at, Dawn and Luke both discovered that there was more to who they were than what they allowed society to dictate.
This was a sweet, clean romance with a Wild West flair. The characters were wonderfully developed and added so much depth to an amazing tale.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Book five in the The Sawtooth Range series a well written story with a very good storyline. This is mainly artist, Luke Brennan and Dawn Fairburn’s story with Lena, Evan and their daughter Rowena and Jessie, Bart and their son Tommy of the coming together into a close group of friends, and family. The part I liked the most was the surprise at the end. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Like other Samantha at Claire’s books I thoroughly enjoyed A Portrait of Dawn. Dawn and her father travel to Idaho’s territory to celebrate its statehood! Dawn and her father have worked together as a team but things take a surprising turn while they are staying at the Hartman Guest ranch. The characters are believable yet not perfect and life is interesting and sometimes dangerous as the guests participate in ranch life and activities! A great read, you won’t be disappointed!
This is a beautiful story of two individuals who have been shunned and ridiculed by people for either their heritage or their physical limitations. This is Luke and Dawn’s story and the character development is excellent. They each have much to overcome if they are to ever reach a HEA. This is a real page turner, one you will not want to miss. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
I like the way St.Claire writes–the style is comfortable, the research on the time period and setting excellent, characters interesting. Looking forward to the next one!
This is a well written book that holds your attention. The author makes the book come to life with her words, you feel like you are there. If you like Historical Christian fiction, you will love this book.I love this series and can’t wait to see what she writes next. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Portrait of Dawn
From the title, to the cover, to the cleverly-written words inside, “A Portrait of Dawn” sets out to capture hearts while, ever so subtly, giving readers a look at raw and rugged Idaho and its journey into statehood.
The story takes place over the space of a couple of weeks in 1890, as the citizens of Ketchum prepare for the ceremonies and celebrations that will usher Idaho into its rightful place as the 43rd state.
Events unfold as three guests arrive in Ketchum to stay at the Hartmann Guest Ranch. Dawn Fairburn and her father arrive after a long train journey from New York to indulge in a much-needed vacation from the rigors of political life.
Also staying at the ranch is Luke Brennan, an illustrator with the St. Louis-Dispatch, sent to capture events through his artistry.
Guest ranch hosts, Evan and Elena Hartmann and Bart and Jessie Long, are delightful as they help their guests explore not only the wilds of Idaho but also their dreams and ambitions.
Author Samantha St. Claire has a gift for delving into the minds of her characters and making them come to life. It is easy to fall in love with handsome Luke, whose amazing gift for art is discovered, not only by others, but by himself. And Dawn, so capable and personable, is thrown into torment by things she didn’t foresee and really can’t comprehend.
I loved this book. The history is enticing, the descriptions of painting and art are compelling, and the interactions of people drawn together in a place that is wild and beautiful, are simply magical.
St. Claire is a writer whose words capture you completely and wholly and make you read far into the night, blithely throwing aside the reality of having to work the next day. But, there is more to her books than just romance and adventure. Each one teaches something about history, place, time, customs, and mores. In the case of “A Portrait of Dawn,” even if you’ve never been to the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, you will feel like you have been.
This book is a journey, an adventure, a discovery…. I loved every page, every character, every scene. As I say after reading each of Samantha St. Claire’s books… I can’t wait until the next one!
I received an advanced reading copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher.
I loved this book! It took me away to another place and time, Idaho 1890, on the brink of statehood. The story and characters drew me in, and the author painted a vivid picture through detail and descriptive language to make me feel as though I was living the adventure with them at the Hartmann Ranch.
I can’t wait to read the next novel in the Sawtooth Range Series to follow the lives and dreams of Lena and Evan.
“A Portrait of Dawn,” by Samantha St. Claire, is set in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountain Range, June, 1890. The fictional Hartmann Guest Ranch is a captivating location, seen, by the reader, during a uniquely significant time in history. The Idaho Territory, on the cusp of statehood, is still a rough-and-tumble, rowdy place. The fight for women’s suffrage has been waged for decades, yet many people, among them some women, feel they are not ready, may never be ready, for “the vote.” Self-determination is at issue.
Dawn Fairburn and her father—who is a lawyer embarking on his first political campaign—have traveled by train, from New York to the Hartmann Ranch, “where you can experience the frontier ranching life.”
Working in the background on her father’s behalf, Dawn is impatient with this interruption. Her father appears pensive, distracted. How, she wonders, might this affect the campaign? Having concluded marriage will not be part of her life, Dawn has not encouraged suitors. What are her goals, her dreams? As the story progresses, she has cause to question her purpose in life. Dawn Fairburn fears change.
Luke Brennan longs for change. A sketch artist, he has been sent to Idaho to create illustrations for a large news organization. Luke feels trapped in a world of black and white. Newspapers are moving toward the use of photographs. With no financial backing, Luke is dependent on his current job. His prospects, he believes, are restricted. Yet he yearns to paint; it is in oils that Luke Brennan sees freedom of expression. Will he find the key, and the courage, to change his fate?
Miss St. Claire’s stories unfailingly take readers to places and times of transformation. The author shows an affinity for confronting the crossroads in life. “Portrait of Dawn” is part of Samantha St. Claire’s “Sawtooth Mountain series,” but it stands on its own as a fully realized story and will be enjoyed by a first time reader. I do recommend seeking out other titles in the series. These are sweet, heart-warming stories, perfect for relaxation, inspiration, and, sometimes, quiet introspection.
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book from the publisher.
I can’t get enough of this series! The fact that it takes place in one of my favorite areas on the planet, Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness, is one reason, but the stories themselves feel so real. I love historical romance from the late 1800s, and Ms. St. Claire makes the west come alive. This book included a celebration of Idaho becoming a state, and her facts are straight. I can’t wait for the next book! I highly recommend this series!!
loved it.