 Author: Mary Connealy Genre: Historical Romance Series: A Western Light #2 Pages: 304 Release Date: June 18, 2024 Publisher: Bethany House Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love. Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience. However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.
 Reviewer: Billi Varela After reading the first book with Sebastian and Kat, I looked forward to reading this one. We see book one characters and new characters. I liked that the story was not solely about Sebastian and Kate. I was pleased that I did not have to wait long for a trope to make its appearance. Normally, it doesn’t appear till mid-book, but this one happened really fast. I like the angst that is in practically every one of Mary Connealy’s novels. This one was no different. Oh, my goodness. It is tragic that women had a very hard time being accused of being crazy. I am sure some were crazy, but it was by the word of a man that a sane woman could wind up in an asylum. As we read in the books, the men were just plain selfish men who wanted the women out of the way. I like the way Mary Connealy writes this and allows us to think about how far we have come. This was a clean read. However, there is an intimacy that is implied by a married couple. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Emily Stephens Toward the Dawn is a wonderful Christian historical fiction novel. It is the second in a series, but (as I haven't read the first), I can say that it works fine as a standalone. Apparently, the first book covered the journey west via wagon train. This one picks up when two characters (Kat and Sebastian) from the original group head off on their own and settle in Cheyenne. (That said, I'd love to go back and read the first book to learn about the wagon train journey and how Kat and Sebastian first met.) I enjoyed the historical setting. The author did a great job of sharing a lot of information about what life was like in that time and place without leaving the reader feeling bogged down by details. I had a real sense of the surroundings that formed the backdrop of the story. Part of the story focuses on the relationship between Kat and Sebastian, and I liked the way it was portrayed. Despite getting married quickly for convenience, the romance developed slowly and realistically. Then the author adds in some exciting elements as dangers from the past turn up and threaten Kat. I appreciated the Christian elements included in the storyline, as characters needed to rely on their faith during difficult times, both everyday and dramatic. The underlying message is one of the importance of honesty (as past secrets always come to light) and relying on God. I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.  Reviewer: Deanne Patterson Toward the Dawn is a historical Western romance set in the 1800s and the second book in the A Western Light series, taking place in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It directly follows the first book in the series, Chasing the Horizon, in the time frame. While reading the author's books, you get a real sense of the vast wilderness and the aloneness of not having neighbors close by. You also get a sense of the danger that can befall you in the blink of an eye and how hard it would be to protect yourself if outnumbered in this desolate area. I enjoyed Kat and Sebastian's characters. As the snow melts, they are able to leave the canyon pass, which was impassible by horse for six months due to being blocked by snow. Knowing that you're going to be snowed in for so long would take extreme planning to have all the necessities you'd need for so long. This is a marriage of convenience story that is full of grace and understanding between the couple. As the couple leaves the canyon, this is when the author starts throwing in the excitement. Each of them has a past—things that they'd rather not talk about that seem to be revealed at the most inopportune times. They don't really know each other very well. Danger follows them. Can they get to know each other and learn to trust one another before it finds them? There is a character that needs compassion after enduring a lot, and I enjoyed seeing the mercy and grace given to her. I also enjoyed learning more about the railroad. I am greatly looking forward to the next book in the series, as we are left with a cliffhanger. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Conny Withay “Wouldn’t stepping into a marriage in such a reckless way be yet another sort of prison?” Kat ponders in Mary Connealy’s novel, Toward the Dawn. The second book in the A Western Light series, this 268-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance about a young couple who marry for convenience as they search for answers to their past. With no profanity, topics involving theft, physical abuse, attempted murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a teaser of the next book in the series, the author’s biography, and advertisements. Set in 1870 in the Wild West, the continuation of this series involves Kat, who has escaped an asylum and travels with friends to Idaho to get away from her ruthless uncle-in-law, and Sebastian, an inventor who knows someone is after him and his ideas. When the two decide to marry for convenience and face the unknown, they must work together to resolve their pasts to find a future of love and true companionship. This story shows how the wildness of the West cannot be tamed, just as greed and control can take over the human heart if left unchecked. Kat and Seb’s relationship seemed realistic and well-written, considering they knew little about each other as they lived together hidden in the canyon. I liked the explanation of Seb’s obsession with inventions, Kat’s willingness to learn how to survive, and the expansion of train travel during the era. Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story, which focuses on trusting in God and others to overcome adversity. Having not read the first book in the series, I had trouble understanding what had transpired regarding other characters in the book and how they arrived at Hidden Canyon. I found some of the tale repetitive. Since this is a series and it appears there are the same characters throughout both books, it may be helpful to add a list of them. While I greatly appreciate the plan of eternal salvation given regarding accepting Christ and believing in Him, it does not thoroughly explain confessing one’s sins. If you like a historical Christian romance about two individuals having to deal with their pasts as they look toward their future together, this one that includes mystery and intrigue may interest some. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Reviewer: Diana Lea Toward the Dawn is the second book in the Western Light series. It can be read as a standalone, as background details are sprinkled throughout. Kat and Sebastian’s new life together is filled with suspense as they leave Idaho for a life together in Wyoming. As they feared, someone was out to get them! Three possible threats are someone seeking Sebastian for his inventions, Kat’s powerful uncle still wanting her taken back to the asylum, or the trouble coming from Thaddeus Rutledge as he searches for Ginny’s location. As a follow-up to Chasing the Horizon, book one in the Western Light series, we get more time with Beth, Jake, and Ginny and their lives in Hidden Canyon. I enjoyed this continuation of the story, as it gave a heartwarming resolution to many of those things left hanging at the end of book one. This book is filled with well-crafted characters that are likable and believable. Mary Connealy is skilled at showing us the vulnerable side of people in prolonged crises. We see a recurring theme of the characters turning to prayer and the Bible during their struggles. The storyline is engaging with many twists and turns, some expected, others a complete surprise. Those who like an adventure in the old west with intrigue, romance, strong ties of community, and a journey to live closer to God will find this book checks all the boxes. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Rebecca Maney "We need to get married." "But only a fool tried to court a woman with no preacher in sight and a group of men who'd shoot him for anything less honorable than a true courtship." Clearly, it was what it was. Kat Wadsworth and Seb Jones needed to leave their Hidden Canyon hideaway, a proven safe haven for both them and their posse of newfound friends over the winter. Were nuptials their sole ticket to freedom? Was there something wrong with an ingenious inventor and heiress (except Seb didn't know that part yet; in fact, Seb didn't know a lot of things about the pretty little woman) escapee from an insane asylum pledging themselves to a lifetime of marital bliss? And so, after an exceptional amount of teary goodbyes and a generous load of supplies, the two set off to claim a homestead and build a cabin (including a laboratory for Seb). But the story doesn't go quite like that at all. It may involve a bit of running for their lives since all of those things they don't know about each other actually make a difference. But in the end, "I love you, Kathleen Pendergast Wadsworth Jones." The story is clever, engaging, suspenseful at times, encouraging, uplifting, and romantic. The author keeps her audience on the edge of their seats (whether it be on horseback, wagon, or train) while Seb and Kat learn to depend on each other, order their priorities, and quite frankly, outrun their enemies. The clever flashbacks to the characters they left behind set the stage for what's ahead. A really fitting addition to the series. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy is the second book in the A Western Light series, and it takes the reader on a non-stop adventure. In book two, which has enough backstory to read as a stand-alone, Sebastian and Kat embark on their journey as husband and wife. Both fear for their lives outside Hidden Canyon. Sebastian has someone after him and his inventions, and Kat is afraid her uncle Patrick will throw her back into the insane asylum. Naturally, they are wary of Thaddeus Rutledge, who seeks to uncover Ginny's location. This story has so much going on that it is hard to catch your breath. And that is my one complaint: Too much is happening in this book. Everything felt rushed, leaving me unable to take a moment to truly get to know Sebastian and Kat. I did appreciate the faith element in this book. The strong emphasis on faith in God and trusting in Him rather than fame or money was perfect for the setting. I look forward to the next book in the series. For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley. Leave a Reply. |
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