The Dawn of a Dream, At Home in Beldon Grove Series #3
4.8
5
12
12
The dawn of a dream is Luellen's story. The book starts off with Luellen's husband leaving after only a month of marriage. Instead of falling apart and against her families wishes, she enrolls at a school hoping to get her degree in teaching. The book takes place over a two year period, but the way the story is woven together I didn't feel any huge gaps in the story, nor did I get lost the way I do with some books that work over a huge time frame.
This is the third book in the series, and I was pleased to see that the plot continuity and the characters stayed basically the same.
Luellen starts off the book wishy-washy, but by the end of the story she has become a strong independent woman finding her way in the world.
The only down side, was her relationship with Ward. I didn't feel the chemistry between them. It seemed that they were friends, rather than two people who were supposed to be falling in love. But otherwise this was a wonderful ending to the series.
March 1, 2013
Will inspire you to never give up.
Ann Shorey's best so far! I loved this story! Ann's engaging style of writing and attention to detail drew me into every page. I fell in love with Luellen, a woman unwilling to give up on a dream. I rooted for her from the very first page to the last. I highly recommend this book!
May 10, 2011
Writing is accurate, enjoyable, and flows well!
Ann Shorey combines historical details and relevant characters that have true personality, not just the standard "cookie cutter" versions of books that are written quickly and not done well.
Her writing flows smoothly and accurately. I found myself speeding through her paragraphs and pages, and I must say that a lot of modern writers just don't have the knack for writing in a way that flows. Often, I'll get frustrated on how slowly I'm progressing through a fiction book, simply because the author doesn't really have the knack for writing well.
While The Dawn of a Dream is Book 3 in the trilogy, "At Home in Beldon Grove", it definitely stands alone. Even if you haven't read any of Ann's books in this series, you will be able to easily pick this up and be involved in the main characters' lives in no time at all. Characters from Books 1 and 2 in the series appear occasionally, but not having a background in their lives won't be a hindrance at all.
The Dawn of a Dream was my favorite book in this trilogy. I wish it wasn't ending! I'm hoping that Mrs. Shorey will be invited to write additional books along the same line as these three.
Read my full review of this book at: http://www.JoyInOurJourney.com
May 1, 2011
A Delightful, Loving Story!
Having only read book two in this series, The Promise of Morning, and enjoying it, I was quite excited to have the chance to return to Beldon Grove and Ms. Shorey's talented work! I was anxious to start this book and was quite pleased once I did. I was instantly captured, and taken in amongst the characters, and was not disappointed with the plot or the characters...well, except for one character that is.
Ms. Shorey's characters in this 3rd book were beautifully created and blended perfectly. Luellen, well she became a part of me through out this story. She had a dream and wanted so passionately to pursue it, but, when Brenden, her husband of just one month, drops a bombshell on her, her dreams shatter. But, through persistence and friendships, Luellen doesn't give up on that dream.
Brenden's character, well, I know that Ms. Shorey had to add him to the story (what story isn't complete with out some kind of villainous character?) but I truly didn't like him. The first time he was introduced into this story, I took an immediate dislike to him! But, because he was villainous, it really added a bit of the oomph to the story.
Sweet Belle's character, now that friend I would love to have! Ms. Shorey did a fantastic job of creating such a sweet and loving friend for Luellen. Let's not forget Ward....that's another persistent character! The first time Luellen's brother Franklin introduced Ward to Luellen, I could feel the sparks! They truly were alike in so many ways!
If you like historical novels that speak of God's shining love and of never giving up on your dreams, no matter what, then I HIGHLY recommend this novel. While this 5 star novel is 3rd in the series, it is also easily read as a stand alone. I loved this story and I know that you will, too! I can't wait for another release from Ms. Shorey, possibly a 4th installment to Beldon Grove????
April 29, 2011