I don’t like to say this since I’m sure that Rita Gerlach put a lot of time, effort, and work into Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac, Book 1; but I didn’t like this book. It’s a drama that doesn’t end with happily ever after. I didn’t like the way the heroine is treated nor the way she acted through the whole book. I’m sure it’s a very real scenario that probably happened, but it’s just not my cup of tea for a story line. Books are my escape; there are plenty of sad things and drama in real life.
Most of the story takes place in America before, during, and after the Revolution against Britain, but is about life back home – not about the soldiers or war. It does cover a lot of years of the heroine’s life; the author uses the changing seasons as the clue to the passing of time. The heroine clings to her faith throughout the book, but seems unable to influence those around her. The message of forgiveness is strong towards the end of the book.
Here is the backcover copy:
In 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father’s estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar’s daughter Eliza Bloome. Her dark beauty and spirited ways are not enough to win him, due to her station in life.
Circumstances throw Eliza in Hayward’s path, and they flee to America to escape the family conflicts. But as war looms, it’s a temporary reprieve. Hayward joins the revolutionary forces and what follows is a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness.
You can find more information at the author’s site. You can read the first chapter at Where the Story Begins. Published by Abingdon Press. This book was sent to me through Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for the book tour. The words are fully my own and my affiliate link is in this post.
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