Can love survive when there is... No Peace with the Dawn by E.B. Wheeler & Jeffery Bateman (Review)


Welcome to my tour stop for No Peace with the Dawn, which was
a very heartfelt read. Check out the book and my full review below...

No Peace with the Dawn
No Peace with the Dawn
by E.B. Wheeler & Jeffery Bateman
Adult LDS Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 304 Pages
November 1st 2016 by Bonneville

Summary

In 1917, the Great War seems far from Logan, Utah. But soon it will change the lives of suffragette and mechanic Clara, Swiss-German immigrant and LDS convert Trudi, Marine Corps volunteer Reed, and Shoshone seeking U.S. citizenship Joseph. This novel weaves real events with compelling fictional characters into a sweeping tale of war, romance, self-discovery, and sacrifice.

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

NO PEACE WITH THE DAWN was a story about four college-age characters and how their lives are affected by WWI. It is a slowly-building story with an ever increasing intensity as the characters face challenges, heartbreak, and danger. A sweet, inspiring, and heartfelt story that is sure to tug on the heartstrings of readers. Definitely recommended to adult historical fiction and romance readers.

The story started off getting the reader acquainted with these characters and their situations as well as getting the feel of the historical setting. I loved that each of the main characters had such vastly different backgrounds. Joseph is a Native American who has a fast race horse and a desire to become a US citizen. Trudi is an American-Swiss who speaks German and English and faces bullying because of it. Clara struggles to follow her dreams as a woman in what is considered a man's field. Then there's Reed who is an American golden boy and pretty much charms his way through life, but also has a hard-working, intelligent, and deeper side. The characters are all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but the religious elements are more general and would work for any historical or Christian reader.


The plot itself slowly builds until it gets really intense towards the end when some of the characters face serious danger. There were some really scary things as well as some injustices that were upsetting. There were some heartbreaking moments as well as some very tender ones that equally brought tears of sadness and joy. No one remains unchanged after the war. Not the people who served overseas or fought and not those on the home-front. I appreciated that the story handled both sides of several issues and handled them well, making me think about opinions that I don't necessarily support, but could learn to respect and understand.

Here are a two moments that I really enjoyed:


Reed pulled her in closer, and she leaned on him for support, laughing breathlessly. She looked up to find him watching her with a quirky smile, his blue eyes intense as they met hers.
         "You ever been kissed?" he asked.


I know the style of the day is to be oblique and coy in letters, but I feel like I must tell you what is in my heart. If nothing else, our experiences in France must surely teach us that life is fleeting and that we must live it fully while we can.
         To that end, I tell you now and forever that I am in love with you. You may have guessed this from my many clumsy attempts at courtship, but from the day I saw you stand up and hold your own at that debate, I was enthralled. Whatever providence intends for us in this great struggle for freedom, I wanted to be sure you knew my heart.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes. This was a story of heartbreak, loss, perseverance, and love that was beautifully told with endearing characters that I fell in love with. An emotional story and one definitely worth reading.

Content: References to racism, bullying, and war-time violence. Nothing overly descriptive.

Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

About the Authors


E.B. Wheeler grew up in Georgia and California. She earned her BA in history from BYU and has graduate degrees in British history and landscape architecture from Utah State University. She’s the award-winning author of “The Haunting of Springett Hall,” the historical romance “Born to Treason” and is a member of the League of Utah Writers. She lives in northern Utah with her family.



Jeff Bateman served in the U.S. Air Force for 32 years, retiring as a Colonel in 2010. He holds a BA and MS in Criminal Justice, an MA in History and an MS in Strategic Studies. Following his military career, Jeff worked as a civilian historian at the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Flight Test Center. He teaches American Military History and U.S. Institutions at Utah State University and is a member of the League of Utah Writers. He has taught workshops on military writing. Jeff lives on a mini-farm in the mountains of Northern Utah, where horses, gardening, and playing the bass fill every minute he is not writing or teaching.


I have to say that I haven't read as many stories involved WWI or "The Great War" as I have WWII, but it was also a terrible time in history and a war that affected the entire world. Have you read any books set during this time? Any thoughts on the book or my review?

No comments

Post a Comment

I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.