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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???? ( )

THE DAWN OF A DREAM by Ann Shorey is an exciting inspirational historical fiction set in 1857 Beldon Grove,Illinois.While it is the third in the "AT HOME IN BELDON GROVE, it can be read as a stand alone. Book One,"The Edge of Light",Book Two, "The Promise of Morning".This is a fast paced story of love,betrayal,deception,love,
family,romance,moving on with life after difficult circumstances.and finding happiness.
Luellen wants a happy marriage,children,wanted to be able to touch children,but all changed when she decided to elope with a freight driver. After only a month of marriage Luellen is not only stunned by her husband's announcement that he is leaving but why is what devastates her. While wounded by his betrayal she decides to make a new life for herself,by following her dream of becoming the teacher she always wanted to be. But in order to do this she must be single,she hides her past,seeks a divorce,and goes to school in a town without her family. This story is full of facts about the early training of teacher's,vivid descriptions of military life,perseverance,tenacity,ones woman struggles
determination to follow and achieve her dream despite all the obstaclesThis is also the story of faith,family,love,honor and is told with such simplicity that it will leave the reader wanting more. A great read for all historical,inspirational,romance,western readers.
This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Revell Books,a division of Baker Publishing Group and My Book Addiction and More. ( )

Beldon Grove, Illinois, August 14, 1857 as the book begins Luellen O'Connell was married to Brendan who was from Chicago, as she was waiting for him to get home for supper she was so excited and had everything fixed up really nice as this was their first month anniversary. After they had eaten and Brendan wiped the cake from his mouth, he told her he had something to tell her. She thought that he had lost his job but what a jolt when he told her he was going back to Chicago and that he already had a wife. He had married her just so her would have a woman in this town when he came through working on the railroad.

She felt so alone and lost that she just wanted to hide somewhere as she knew everyone would talk. But she had always wanted to go to college, so that is what she did. But while in her first semester she begin to realize she was going to have a baby. She kept this a secret as long as she could, but was determined to finish and get her teaching certificate.

I really enjoyed this book and would have loved to have been able to have read the first two in the series. This book was sent to my by the author Ann Shorey for my honest review.