Amid the Great War in 1918 England, munitions worker Rosalind Graham is desperate to escape the arranged marriage being forced on her by her ruthless guardian and instead follow her own course. When the Chilwell factory explodes, killing hundreds of unidentified workers, Rose realizes the world believes she perished in the disaster. Seizing the chance to escape, she risks all and assumes a new identity, taking a supervisory position in Gretna, Scotland, as Miss Tilly Lockhart.

RAF Captain Alex Baird is returning home to Gretna on a secret mission to uncover the saboteur suspected in the Chilwell explosion, as Gretna's factory is likely next. Fearing for his family's safety, he's also haunted by guilt after failing to protect his brother. Alex is surprised to discover a young woman, Miss Lockhart, renting his boyhood room, but the two eventually bond over their mutual affection for his family--until Alex receives orders to surveil her.

Rose squirms beneath Alex's scrutiny while she struggles to gain her workers' respect. But when her deception turns to danger, she and Alex must find a way to put their painful pasts behind them and together try to safeguard the future.

My review: This is a good book. I thought it repeated itself too many times on Rose's situation so I found my self skipping some of that. I found the plot to be good and the details of the canary girls was interesting. I was surprised at who the spy was at the end of the book. Overall I would recommend this book for a light mystery.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

A wartime (WWI) romance, filled with suspense and set mostly in Scotland. Orphaned Rose Graham finds an unexpected opportunity to escape an arranged marriage by taking on the identity of a friend who died in an explosion at the munitions factory where they worked. Alex Baird, suffering grief and guilt over the senseless death of his younger brother, is recalled from his RAF duties in France to help Scotland Yard find the culprit responsible for sabotage in Britain's munitions factories. Neither Rose nor Alex is sure who they can trust, or even whether they trust themselves. The story has good tension as the search for the saboteur takes some unexpected twists and turns. Recommended!

As Dawn Breaks was a Christian historical fiction that told place during WW1. In 1915 Great Britain suffered a lack ammunition, so women began to work in the factories. These women were called munitionettes and filled the shell casings.
The entire novel is centered around these events which also involved spies, burden of loss, guilt and forgiveness. And of course my favorite part l, the romance. I only wish they’d found each other sooner. I do recommend this if you like Christian historical romance involving a war story.
Thanks Bethany House via NetGalley.

This historical fiction from Kate Breslin was truly a treat!
Filled with all the cool ingredients that will make a person mesmerized for the whole evening/afternoon. It made the time fly.
I didn't want the book to end.
I learned something new from this book. I had never heard of the Canary girls so I very much enjoyed reading about them.
Rose made me smile more than once throughout this story. She was my favorite character!
Katie Breslin is an awesome writer! I really appreciate how much research goes into a wonderful story like this! I also feel that when she writes that her love of writing shows throughout her many books. Especially this one! This will be on my list of favorites for this year!
And what a beautiful book cover! I love it!

Oh Wow! What a magnificent story!! I couldn’t put the book down! And it’s not a short story! I had to rob sleep some hours, because I was captivated with Rose and Alex’s story! What a touching story, full of everything I love: sweet romance, intrigue, danger, secret identity, impossible obstacles, deep and compelling characters!
Rosalind Graham’s life is becoming impossible, and now she’s desperate after an arranged marriage is imposed on her by her ruthless uncle and guardian. Working at the Chillwell Factory where they make munitions to aid the war, Rose believes she is doing something for her Country while it’s her escape from the strained life at her uncle’s house. She hasn’t run away because of her two younger brothers. But her real chance at an escape comes when the Factory explodes, killing hundreds of workers, most unidentified, and everyone believing she perished. She seizes the opportunity and leaves her homeland, assuming a new identity and travels to Gretna, Scotland under her beloved friend identity, Miss Tilly Lockhart, in a supervisory position at the Gretna Munition Factory, and then renting a room with the friendly Baird family, with the idea to earn money to go back to get her brothers as soon as she can. But when RAF Captain Alex Baird returns home to Gretna after his brother’s tragic death -which he still can’t overcome the guilt because he wasn’t able to save him-, and on a secret mission to uncover the saboteur of the Chillwell explosion, fearing Gretna’s factory is next. He doesn’t expect to find a beautiful lady occupying his childhood room. A woman, who has befriended his family, especially his sister Hannah. Hesitant at first, he gradually can’t resist her unaffected charms and the love she has for his family makes him bond with her deeper, until he receives orders to watch her out. Can Rose be hiding something? Meanwhile, Rose struggles to gain the girls under her supervision respect. Her honesty and kindness will start to warm them to her. But Alex is suspicious and suddenly her secret identity becomes too dangerous. Can Alex protect her from the danger stalking her? Can they survive whoever is targeting her and put their past behind to get a chance at love and a future together?
This was a fantastic story that kept me up reading until late in the night! I loved the Scottish setting and historical details about the Great War era. It was so realistic and so well researched. I loved how many things were based on true events, and it impacted me how the women worked and endangered their lives to aid the war. I really felt I was part of the story, and felt Rose and Alex’s struggles as if they were my own. I rooted for their Happily Ever After, which seemed always so fragile and distant. The plot is so engaging, with twists and turns that keep you wondering what will happen next. I loved the mystery and suspense. But best of all I loved the main characters, Rose and Alex. Rose’s strong determination, selflessness and kind heart. Alex’s protectiveness, his courage and vulnerability at the same time. He was a man of one piece, and I ached with his grief over his brother, as I ached with Rose’s grief over her best friend. I loved Hannah and Tilly as side characters. I loved the sweet and deep romance, so endearing and deep, their dialogues. And the faith inspiring message about trusting God amidst the pain and evil, to bring out goodness in spite of everything. There were some unforgettable scenes that I don’t want to spoil, but that I still think about.
This is a book that will stay with me and I definitely will reread more than once. I highly recommend it to Historical Lovers! It’s one of my favorite novels now without a doubt!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This will be one of my favorite books I read this year. I loved that this took place during WWl and did not concentrate on the Spanish Flu. I did not know that so many women worked in the munitions factories at this time. I had heard of Canary Girls before but I did not really know what this stood for. I loved the characters even though they all had secrets that had to come out. I loved the history about these munitions factories and the possible bombings. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House and the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Rosalind Graham will do anything to escape the marriage her uncle arranged for her, but she sees no hope. Even operating a crane in a munitions factory in England is preferable to marrying a man who treats her roughly and sneers at her. Orphaned at 14, Rose and her brothers live at the mercy of their guardian and uncle—a cruel and deceitful man who has threatened to send Rose’s little brothers overseas if she doesn’t comply. And her fiancé already has plans to commit Rose to an asylum.

When a tragic explosion provides a means of escape, Rose takes it. Although she hates the fabrications, she knows she must remain firm in her goal of saving money and escaping to Nova Scotia with her siblings.

RAF Captain Alex Baird returns home to Gretna, Scotland on assignment from Whitehall. Tasked with identifying and stopping Thomas Rhymer, a mysterious saboteur, Alex has less than a month to uncover a plot to blow up another valuable munition factory. An event that would endanger his family.

While not happy with having to leave active service against the enemy, Alex knows his country can’t win the Great War without munitions. He doesn’t expect to find a woman in his bed when he arrives late at night, though.

Although Rose and Alex have a rough start to their friendship, they soon become friends. But will the secrets they harbor tear them apart and ultimately cause Alex to fail at his task?

Why I Loved this Book

Modern readers often forget how different the lives of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers were. We forget how men had absolute control over their wives, and how little agency women had to make decisions for themselves and their children. Breslin helps readers understand the era surrounding World War I in this inspirational novel filled with intrigue, red herrings, and self-revelation.

Some of the characters from High as the Heavens make an appearance in As Breaks the Dawn, but readers don’t need to read the other book. Fans of Roseanne M. White will enjoy this book.

Murder, mystery, sabotage. Set towards the end of WW1, England to Scotland. Rose is being forced to marry an abusive man, by her abusive Uncle. She's allowed to work at the munitions factory, and with the help of her friend she is given a chance to live life differently, after her friend is killed in the explosion where she works. She goes to Scotland near where she grew up before she lost her parents, getting a job at another munitions factory. Pretending to be someone else isn't always easy for her, and little by little she realizes that there was a lot about her friend that she never knew. She becomes close to the family she's staying with, so the lies get more difficult. And she's always looking over her shoulder that she wont be found out.
Alex is sent to secretly search out and prevent another explosion at the munitions plant near his family home. He's following the intelligence they have learned, some of the facts hidden and twisted. There are many twists and turns to this story. Tugs on the heartstrings for the characters and the tension that builds make it a real page turner. It's hard to put down! It's interesting to learn more about the munitions factories and what the women workers went through. The explosion and other events are based on real life.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #AsDawnBreaks #NetGalley.

I so enjoyed reading Kate Breslin's new novel, As Dawn Breaks. Ms. Breslin explored an aspect of WWI that I knew next to nothing about. I'd heard of the Canary Girls, but didn't know anything much about their role in the war. I was enthralled learning about the lives and dangers of the young women who worked in munitions factories--and in such an interesting setting as Scotland. Throw in a whole lot of espionage, sabotage, a false identity, a woman in hiding from a nasty suitor, and the moment-by-moment chance that her whole world might blow up--literally... Well, that made for a page-turning read.

The suspense kept me riveted, the history was informative, and the romance was very sweet. Everything in the story read with great plausibility, and I am amazed at the research that the author put into learning about the making of munitions as well as the roles of the military and Scotland Yard during the war.

If you love WWI romance, you should definitely add Kate Breslin's new read to your list.

"Maw tells us that even a wee bit of help makes the grander things possible."

I've always loved Kate Breslin's historical fiction but this newest has become by favorite. What an incredible novel with swiftly moving plot, fascinating historical tidbits during WWI, wonderful characters, and gasp-inducing suspense and twists! The author has always had some element of mystery and suspense in her books but this one really hits the jackpot with intrigue and espionage during the Great War. You won't be able to put this book down once you start; fans of historical fiction will absolutely adore this book.

I loved Rose and Alex - their determination, loyalty, compassion, and strength of character, The voices of the antagonists were featured throughout the storyline as well, which made them less pure evil and more misguided, broken, and lost even in their evil ways and dealings. Learning about the munitions factory life and work during WWI was eye-opening and the backdrop of Scotland was beautiful. This book also has cameo appearances from Simon and Eve from High as the Heavens but you don't need to have read that book to fully absorb this book.

It's another great novel from Kate Breslin that will enthrall you. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

Life for women during the Great War found women working in dangerous factories throughout Europe as they did their part to win the war. Espionage and spies was a real threat as shown in this well crafted story. Loved the character Rose/Tilly, her strength and courage as the story developed. Enjoyed the author's note.

As Dawn Breaks is a wonderfully written book rich in historical details that happened in Europe during World War I. I especially enjoyed learning about women who worked in munitions factories during that time. And how critical their role was in helping the war effort. The book is filled with mystery, espionage and love. I enjoyed all the characters and the romance that budded even during the extremely tense and uncertain time. This author is one or my favorites.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Kate Breslin is definitely a favorite author! She has such a talent for writing suspenseful, romantic, inspirational stories that immediately pull the reader in and this book is no exception. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. Her meaningful well written characters are unforgettable. She also weaves an inspirational message of reinvention, forgiveness, home, and family that is both natural and touching. The historical aspects of this story are so interesting, meticulously researched, and add a special touch to this amazing story. I loved learning about the “Canary girls” and the difficult dangerous job they had.

As Dawn Breaks transports the reader to WWI Scotland. Rose Graham has the dangerous job of working in the Chilwell munitions factory. When a tragic explosion occurs killing her best friend, it offers her a way out of an unwanted arranged marriage and the chance to start over with a new identity. She flees to Gretna, Scotland and begins working in their munitions factory under her new assumed name of Tilly Lockhart. There she meets Hannah Baird, a young girl who takes to her instantly and offers her home to Rose.

After his brother’s horrific death, RF Capt. Alex Baird agrees to travel to his family home and take up a secret assignment in the munitions factory to find the saboteur and prevent another bombing. Arriving at his family home late in the evening, he finds the lovely Rose asleep in his room. He’s at once annoyed and intrigued by this intruder. As he gets to know Rose and shares some of his deepest secrets, he can’t help falling for her. However, time is running out and the threat of another bombing looms. Could Rose be hiding something that will put his family and the whole factory in danger?

I loved Rose and Alex! The romance and chemistry between the two was amazing. It was easy to sympathize with Rose. She’s kind, thoughtful, and is just beginning to find herself again. Not only is she hiding a secret that if exposed will put her and her brothers in danger, but her initial treatment at the factory by the other girls is rough. The suspense of if and when Rose’s secret might be revealed kept me on edge and turning the pages.

Alex is definitely a swoon worthy character and I loved his Scottish brogue! Though he is a little gruff at first, it’s endearing how much he cares for his family and Rose, and would do anything to protect them. His fun teasing manner definitely puts him as a top contender for romantic heroes. I also loved the Baird family. They immediately envelop Rose into their loving caring family and give her the sense of home that she has been missing for years.

With plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, romance, wonderful themes of redemption and forgiveness, home and family, and an ending that will have your heart pounding, this book is definitely one you don’t want to miss! I received an advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given. I was not required to provide a positive review.

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin is an eye opening and intense delve into the world of World War I in England. It is focused on the life of a young woman who works in a munitions factory. History buffs and World War I enthusiast will appreciate this story. There are a great many details about life at that time which the author imparts as part of everyday life for the characters.

The story takes on all sorts of different emotional challenges as it follows the characters through their lives. The author is skilled at weaving everything together into one big emotional story. Readers will be laughing one minute and near tears the next. Nail biting and swooning might also be involved.

Each page seems to develop in more depth the story of the characters. This was an enjoyable read, but also a bit unsettling. Historical romance readers will find this satisfying for sure.

Nothing remains hidden from God’s all-seeing eye.

What a wealth of information the author must have gone through in order to bring this incredible historical book to us, the readers. I must admit there was much that I learned reading about these munitions factories and the Canary Girls. That alone would have made this time well spent. Add in the intrigue, suspense, courage and danger and you have a story you will not set aside until finished!

Rosalind Graham finds herself at a crossroads and must make a choice. Will this lead to danger or freedom? Captain Alex Baird is medically discharged from his position as a fighter pilot and returns to his home with an undercover assignment. Clandestine characters, mistaken identities and sabotage make his job most difficult. Along with that is the guilt he carries with him every day.

This extraordinary book was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

After being blown away by this author’s debut I’ve read and enjoyed everything she’s written so I’m always excited when there is a new release! This one was a little hard for me though, unfortunately. The time period was great, I always love reading stories set during WWI and they aren’t that common so it is always fun to find one! But the plot moved really slowly which kind of bogged me down. I felt like there were long stretches of time that nothing was really happening to progress the story and there were some side plots that we could have done without in my opinion. I also wanted more from the romance, it took till a quarter of the book for them to even meet and they didn’t have a lot of one on one on page interactions. That being said I did like Rose and Alex together and was rooting for them to find their happily ever after.
I did really liked the history aspect and learning more about the women who stepped up to work in the munitions factories despite the risks involved.
Alex’s family was another high point, they had such a close bond and I loved watching their interactions!
All in all while this book didn’t quite hit the spot for me I can definitely see points that would make others love it and if this book sounds good to you don’t let my opinion be the only one you take into consideration!

As Dawn Breaks

by Kate Breslin

Bethany House

Rated: 4

Back of the Book: “Amid the Great War in 1918 England, munitions worker Rosalind Graham is desperate to escape the arranged marriage being forced on her by her ruthless guardian and instead follow her own course. When the Chilwell factory explodes, killing hundreds of unidentified workers, Rose realizes the world believes she perished in the disaster. Seizing the chance to escape, she risks all and assumes a new identity, taking a supervisory position in Gretna, Scotland, as Miss Tilly Lockhart.

RAF Captain Alex Baird is returning home to Gretna on a secret mission to uncover the saboteur suspected in the Chilwell explosion, as Gretna's factory is likely next. Fearing for his family's safety, he's also haunted by guilt after failing to protect his brother. Alex is surprised to discover a young woman, Miss Lockhart, renting his boyhood room, but the two eventually bond over their mutual affection for his family--until Alex receives orders to surveil her.

Rose squirms beneath Alex's scrutiny while she struggles to gain her workers' respect. But when her deception turns to danger, she and Alex must find a way to put their painful pasts behind them and together try to safeguard the future.”

My Thoughts: I had a hard time putting this book down. I was drawn into the time period and setting. The Scottish brogue of the characters throughout was the cherry on top. The complexities of the suspense were woven throughout the book well and kept me guessing until the very end. Now I want a sequel of maybe Hannah's journey or perhaps more about Percy.

Inspiring Thoughts: I didn’t have any thoughtful moments highlighted in this book but I did enjoy the character's growth. The relationships in this book were so important. Rose and Alex learned to show grace and love to others even when they themselves were struggling.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Kate Breslin pens a story filled with vivid historical detail and realistic characters, weaving powerful themes of second chances and forgiveness into this multilayered story. When a tragic accident provides the perfect opportunity to flee an arranged marriage, Rose Graham inadvertently steps into a dangerous world of spies and espionage. I absolutely love the rich historical detail Breslin includes in his story as readers enter the world of WWI munitions factories and the dangers faced by its workers.
With just the right balance of mystery and romance, this story will keep readers engaged until the very end.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

As Dawn Breaks begins it just grabs you and draws you in to a fantastic adventure! Rose works at a munition factory with her friend, Tilda. She is supposed to marry Julien, whom she can't stand because he is a very mean person, but it was arranged by her uncle. Her uncle has threatened to make her two younger brothers go to an orphanage in Canada if she doesn't follow through on this marriage. She feels trapped. Then Tilly tells her she is going to give her a wedding party at her house and sends her to her cottage to prepare. Rose leaves early and gets to her cottage, then the whole munitions plant explodes. Rose soon finds that her friend perished in the explosion, and she soon decides to pretend her own death occurred, and she assumes her friends identity. She moves to Gretna Green in Scotland.and begins to work at the munitions plant there, except as an advisor. One of the girls that works for her invites her to rent her brother's room and that works fine, until her brother returns home from the war. Unknown to the family, Alex has returned home to find the man that blew up the other munitions plant, they have a list of munitions plants scheduled to be destroyed, and Gretna is next on that list. Alex also works there, and he discovers that his new friend, Tilly, is a suspect he needs to watch carefully. The real Tilly had a lot of secrets Rose knew nothing about. It's a gripping story I just didn't want to put down! Clean and very exciting, well written story! I didn't want it to end!

I really liked this book. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I found the parts about the girls working in the munitions factory very interesting. It makes me wonder what the statistics are on if they died young from diseases caused by their work.
The storyline was excellent and kept me guessing. I will highly recommend this book to the patrons at our library.