A marriage-of-convenience historical... Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy (Review) #newbooks #bookx #christfic #christianfiction #christianromance #romance #suspense #bhpfiction @justreadtours @Bethany_House

Toward the Dawn

(A Western Light #2)

By Mary Connealy

Christian Historical Western Romance

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 304 Pages

June 18, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers 

Summary

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.

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My Review

TOWARD THE DAWN is a story about two people who marry for convenience. They find that love develops as they learn to appreciate and rely on each other as they build a new life, and as that life is threatened. Readers will appreciate the likable characters, threads of faith, and some light romance as the danger intensifies to a climatic conclusion.

This story had all the parts of a good tale, but I felt like they were a bit disconnected. It was kind of like the author was going from one plot point to the next without too much emotional investment. Something happened and then something else happened and this was how the characters felt or what they thought without any humor (which this author is usually known for) and without much depth. Everyone felt somewhat one dimensional, the main characters and the villains. I also wasn't completely on board with the secondary story. I think I just didn't buy into it and it came off feeling pretty forced. It also was a story that you could easily skim and not miss a whole lot except in a few places. For me, I wanted a lot more depth and emotional connection. It was still a nice story and that was pretty much it.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall likable, very light story. I would have liked to relate better to the characters or felt more emotionally connected, but I do plan on reading the next book to find out how things settle for this group of characters.

Content: Some violence, references to abuse, murder (nothing overly descriptive).
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to my review.)

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise and The Lumber Baron's Daughters and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

Connect with Mary by visiting MaryConnealy.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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