Shine Like The Dawn by Carrie Turansky is a Christian historical mystery romance and one that had me gripped from start to finish.
The novel has the theme of faith. Faith in God can keep one going through the darkest of times. When life is tough, handing control over to God is best. "I've chosen to let Him carry that load."
Prayer goes hand in hand with faith. Sometimes events happen and we pull away from God instead of running to Him. We build a wall around our hearts to protect us but all that does is keep us prisoner. We mistakenly believe that God does not hear us or even care. "I don't think God hears or answers my prayers." We need to return to God. "She had ignored His voice and hardened her heart." We need to break those walls down and return to God.
The destructive power of secrets, lies and deceptions are seen within the novel. When one stumbles in the dark, an inevitable downward spiral occurs. We need to step out into the light.
The past can intrude on the present if we keep one eye on it. "We can't change the past but the future is an open door." We need to deal with our pasts, forgive any wrongs and step into the future.
There is the topic of grief within the book. "Grief had a way of distorting events. Grief can also keep us trapped in the past. We need to hang on to our memories and let God guide us into the future.
The theme of prejudice arises. We are all guilty of making snap judgments but we need to obtain all the facts and never judge another. We are all sinners in need of a Saviour.
The novel is set in the early twentieth century when new inventions and new problems are emerging. With a new century, expectations are raised. The reader witnesses what happens when these expectations are unfulfilled in the workplace.
Society was very much divided into the 'haves' and 'have-nots.' It is interesting to note the differences in relationships above and below stairs. It reminded me of the TV program Downton Abbey.
I thoroughly enjoyed Shine Like The Dawn. It was a most engaging novel and my first by Carrie Turansky. I found her style to be open, warm and welcoming, drawing me in from the start.
A fabulous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

What a journey! From heartbreaking loss to joyful peace. A gentle reminder that even through the messy bits of life, the heartbreak, the disappointments, and un-met dreams, that God is always with us. His plan is perfect, even when we can’t see it. This story doesn’t disappoint. The characters Maggie & Nate are realistic and the mystery in the story helps keep you on your toes.

*my review is also posted on Goodreads as well as Facebook and I will post a review on Amazon upon the book's release

Carrie Turansky has written “Shine Like the Dawn”, a novel set in Edwardian England. Margaret Lounsbury and her little sister Violet are living with their grandmother and working in her milliner’s shop. They have been there ever since the deaths of their parents and sister in a drowning accident. Margaret’s father was the gardening architect for Morningside Manor and had been there for many years. Margaret and the lord’s son were very close and after the tragedy, Nate had not contacted Margaret nor gone to the funerals. She was very bitter at this slight. When Nate returned to the village upon being summoned because his father was dying, he was determined to reestablish himself with Margaret. However, sinister activities were occurring at the Manor which force Nate and Margaret to find out what is going on and whom to trust. There is also speculation that the boating accident that claimed Margaret’s and Violet’s family was not an accident.

I enjoyed reading this novel and would recommend highly. I was provided with a complimentary Kindle copy of this book by NetGalley.com in return for an honest review.