4.2 Stars Out Of 5
4.2 out of 5
(14)
(8)
(3)
(1)
(1)
Quality:
4.6 out Of 5
(4.6 out of 5)
Value:
4.4 out Of 5
(4.4 out of 5)
Meets Expectations:
4.2 out Of 5
(4.2 out of 5)
85%
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Displaying items 1-5 of 27
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  1. Kathi Macias
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Love, love, LOVE this book!
    October 7, 2012
    Kathi Macias
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    As a busy author/speaker myself, I almost never have time to read for pleasure, but I'm so glad I made time to read Before the Scarlet Dawn. By the time I was done, I was thrilled to realize book two, Beside Two Rivers, had just released, and I ordered and read it immediately. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first book. I am now anxiously awaiting the next installment. Great stories, believable characters, beautiful narrative!
  2. Annette
    Texas
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    An Epic Story During the American Revolution
    August 2, 2012
    Annette
    Texas
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Before I begin this review I must tell you I became involved in this epic story. I've read many fiction books, but it is rare for me to become entangled in one. I began reading this book on Tuesday afternoon, 336 pages later I finished at two o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday. I could not put this book down until I'd read the last sentence. Of course now I have to wait until October to find out how my beloved characters will proceed in their tale.

    Eliza Bloome age twenty-one is the daughter of Vicar Matthias Bloome. They live in Darbyshire, England. The time period is 1775. Matthias is ill and expected to not live long. Eliza's only sibling Stephen is far-away at Fort Erie, New York. Their mother died when Eliza was young. A Mr. Langbourne wishes to marry Eliza, promising her wealth and a lifestyle of ease. Eliza considers this proposal because she wonders what will become of her after her father's death. Hayward Morgan is a handsome and proud man. He is independent, stoic, and demands respect. He has bought property and a home in an American Colony. While he is back in England he and Eliza become reacquainted. Eliza makes a bold decision. A decision she bases on faith. A decision that will have long-term consequences.

    Eliza is a person that stands firm in decisions she feels strongly about. She wants to marry for love. Yet, she is young and inexperienced, and at a moment in her life when she is left reeling from grief, she chooses what appears to be best. I believe when we are young we make more decisions based on our emotion, and less on our what our mind tells us. I know I've been guilty of this.

    She is both lovely on the exterior and lovely in her inner person. Although not all people (men) are interested in her inner person. She is unprepared for the magnetic appeal she has on some people.

    She laughs off what other's say of her, yet deep down she is hurt and troubled.

    Eliza is hard-working, intelligent, loving, kind, respectful.

    As bold as she is at times in speaking her mind, she respects maybe to a point of allowing inappropriate behavior.

    She is a heroine in that when life's piercing arrows dart at her, she clings to the One that is her Creator and Savior.

    Hayward Morgan is a proud man. He is defiant in his pride. He is stoic. He is reserved and is intolerant.

    I had a difficult time with his character throughout all of the story. I just don't like him. Yet, I care about what happens to him. It is marvelous when an author can create an unlikable character and yet the reader cares what happens to him!

    Characters are probably the most important aspect for me in a good story. Yes, the theme and setting is important, but the characters are the icing on the cake.

    I loved the history of the Revolutionary War in America. I loved the author presenting the feelings of the families of those that were in the war.

    Often I was moved by the mood of the story, and by the use of words that stirred my heart.

    I loved the symbolism used in this story.

    For example:

    "Besides, I want to feel the grass beneath my feet...our grass. It is how it should be...at least for today. Say you understand." page 92

    Eliza was feeling in the green grass a newness, a beginning, a growth in this new life. We are shown through this image her hopes and dreams. We see a freshness of youth and of possibilities.

    Yes, I loved loved loved this book!
  3. Holly Smith
    Charleston, SC
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    I Hated and Loved this Book!
    February 4, 2012
    Holly Smith
    Charleston, SC
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Before the Scarlet Dawn is a compelling story that is sure to strike a chord with anyone who reads it.

    To be honest, I have a "love-hate" feeling for this novel. First of, I have to say that these characters were real. As a result, I want to believe that some of their choices were drastically unbelievable. Yet the unbelievability is the very thing that makes these characters real.

    While I struggled to accept the heat-of-the-moment choice that led to the main character's heartache by the end of the story as anything remotely believable, I can truly say that this story paints human nature in a very realistic sense. Again, it's that that very essence that makes these characters real.

    I hated the ending. I absolutely hated it! It left me heartbroken and angry. After cooling off for a day, I had to go back and re-read the last portion of the novel again. This time, I could accept the ending. It was truly perfect. It showed redemption and mercy from God.

    My initial impression of this novel was that is should only receive three stars. Aside from the fact that I found major choices unbelievable, I didn't like the how the main character didn't put up much of an initial fight for what she wanted. Her actions seemed almost too hopeful, and wishful, and way too trusting in God. She was even too complaint for my taste. While these are great qualities in a real-life person, they aren't ones I want at the outset of a character I'm reading about.

    After several days, however, this story, these characters, and the feelings I experienced at the end of my first read, all continued to resonate. Without realizing it, this story had taken up residence in my heart.

    This story will make one feel. Much like Liz Curtis Higgs' Lowlands of Scotland series, you are going to feel emotions that you don't like. But, you will feel, and you will feel intensely. For that very reason, this book gets four stars in my eyes. It accomplishes what a book is supposed to do--move the reader. And move me it did.

    I do recommend Before the Scarlet Dawn. Just make sure you keep a box of tissues nearby. You'll sure need them. I'm eagerly awaiting the next story in this series.

    I received a complimentary copy of this book from Abingdon Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
  4. Debbie Wilder
    Salinas, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A deeply moving historical novel.
    January 26, 2015
    Debbie Wilder
    Salinas, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    The development of the characters in this book is excellent. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. I wanted so badly to see everything work out well for Eliza Bloome. She has such a strong faith and has so many hardships to face throughout the story. Multiple times I felt as if my heart was going to break for all that she had to deal with.

    She is a very realistic character in that as time progressed she faltered in her decision making and in her belief that she had made correct choices. Even when we make questionable choices God doesnt leave us and we can hold on to that fact. This is something that Eliza works through as she struggles with her self-doubts. If we are at all truthful with ourselves we would each admit to doubting our decisions at times.

    I am looking forward to reading the other 2 books in this series and seeing what type of characters Rita Garlach creates for them.
  5. Dori
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Rich historical detail and compelling story
    June 11, 2012
    Dori
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I have never written a review of a book before, or contacted an author, but I was so taken with Ms. Gerlach's book, I had to say something. I love historical fiction, American historical fiction, and I'd gotten so tired of stories set during and after the Civil War. There are so many of them. I was really interested in reading more about the Revolutionary War, and I finally found it with this author. I was not disappointed at all. The historical detail is meticulous and rich, and the story was amazing. I felt connected with the characters and couldn't put the book down until I was done! I am very happy to see that this book is the first in a trilogy and that Ms. Gerlach has other stand-alone books as well.

    One thing I do want to say is that I read the Publishers Weekly review of this book, and I have to disagree with their comparison of Eliza Bloome to Scarlett O'Hara. What? Scarlet was a selfish, spoiled, manipulative young woman, while Eliza Bloome has such a beautiful Christian, giving, generous spirit. Completely different characters. Don't know why they thought that.

    Anyway, Ms. Gerlach is my new 100% favorite author, I'm planning on snatching up everything she has written, and I look forward to her books that are forthcoming.
Displaying items 1-5 of 27
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