Another rollicking Western romance in this exciting series!
The adventure continues in book two as Kat and Seb take off and danger follows them. A marriage of convenience story that contains good examples of mercy and grace.
I liked how the author does quick recaps to remind readers of details from book 1, and brings the focus onto this pair of side characters who tagged along on the wagon train. Their back stories are revealed and their relationship grows deeper as they face perils together. A mystery is solved and they renew their faith.
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
I liked how the author keeps the pace going and brings further developments to the group in Idaho without taking the focus from Kat and Seb's tale. The mercy they show to Yvette is beautiful, and sacrificial. A good example of Christ's love.
The book leaves on a cliffhanger, setting up for the edition. Looking forward to the next installment. 4.5 stars

This was a great read with so much going on. There's a marriage of convenience, murder, mayhem and so much more going on. It's the second book in the series and it would be helpful to read the first, but not critical as the author does a good job explaining what's happened before without bogging the reader down in unnecessary details. I loved reading this story of Kat and Sebastian's journey into relationship as well as the story of their larger community.

This is an entertaining and heartwarming novel perfect for fans of inspirational historical romance.

Kat and Seb are sweet and fun - their quirks make them seem like real people.

The writing could use a bit more polish, but that's my one quibble. I feel like maybe this novel was put together in a hurry?

Even so, the plot is believable, and there was enough tension and suspense to keep my interest. I especially liked the Christian themes throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

Toward the Dawn is the second book in Mary Connealy's Western Light series. Many of the characters from the first book show up in this one, including the crazy lady, who is still causing trouble. However, the main characters are Kat and Sebastian. After spending the winter in the hidden canyon with various other members of the group that trekked West, they are desperate to get back to a wider society. They move outward, although the threats hanging over the group still remain. The characters are strong and well developed. The settings give a good sense of the difficulties of settling in the Western lands with all their harshness and beauty. And the plot has intriguing and unusual elements. Along with the focus on Kat and Seb, it is fascinating to see how other members of the original group are growing and changing. The Christian references are still very present, but not overwhelming. While some things are resolved, others are left open, and it will interesting to see how they turn out in the next book. Strongly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.

Toward the Dawn
by Mary Connealy
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
One of my favorite Christian authors!
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.
I didn't love the first book in this series because it was low on plot and romance, but this book made up for it in full measure. Great, well-developed characters and fantastic plot. Looking forward to book 3 where I assume we will finish the series.
If you haven't read this author, you need too!

“You’ve never talked about yourself or your past, Kat. But I’d’ve said I know you because I’ve seen you work. I’ve seen you do what’s necessary to survive out here and do it with wisdom and patience. Right this minute, I’ve learned I don’t know you at all and that’s because you treat life like it started on that wagon train. And I’ve never even noticed. But what I do know is you’re as sensible and sane as any woman—any person—alive.
I love this quote from Seb because it's the truth in any situation that we may come across.
Greed and selfishness are the main reasons why people do what they do especially husbands and I certainly didn't like this one!
Sometime people really don't need an excuse to do what they do to others.
I loved every minute of this novel.
I had to laugh in some scenes and get mad in others.
Connealy's humor once again shines through in this delightful novel of truth, love, friendship and hope.
I truly appreciate her stories and have come to look forward to them. They always make me smile and laugh out loud.
I'm certainly enjoying this series. At least I started at the beginning this time and I believe this will he my favorite series.
5 stars for an awesome adventure and wonderful writing.
I highly recommend this book
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Oooh this was fun! Kat and Seb were so sweet and quirky, and I loved watching them fall for each other.

I didn’t read the first novel, Chasing the Horizon, and now I really wish I did! Toward the Dawn can be read as a standalone, but reading it second would add a lot of depth and background. I found myself skimming over the parts about the group in the Hidden Canyon because I didn’t feel any connection to them since I didn’t read about their story first. I’d love to go back and read Chasing the Horizon now!

The writing is not… excellent. Sentences get repeated often. I got a little tired of Seb or Kat saying they want to know each other better after the tenth time. But I feel like the writing style does reflect the heart and mind of pioneers! It was easy to understand and the book flew by for me.

Overall: this was easy and enjoyable!! There was just enough suspense to keep me hooked, and Seb and Kat were adorable. Seb grew so much over the story, and I’m so proud of him. I’m really looking forward to the third installment!




A note to the pub: I’m going to post this review to Goodreads today 3/27 and then will post on all of the sites listed in my bio the week leading up to release day! I’m really excited to promote Toward the Dawn!

I was able to re ad this from NetGalley. Kay and Seb both came west with Beth and Ginny. They spent the winter in Hidden Canyon. They left as soon as the snow allowed them to. They married in Cheyenne. They start their married life as homesteaders. Sebastian is an inventor. Someone is after him. They both have to fight for their freedom. This was a great continuation of a new series. I really enjoyed the story and can not wait for the final installment.

I didn't love the first book in this series because it was low on plot and romance, but this book made up for it in full measure. Great, well-developed characters and fantastic plot. Looking forward to book 3 where I assume we will finish the series. I still am missing Connealy's humor but still enjoyed this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy--all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book in the series but not as much as the other 2. I would still recommend it because Mary Connealy makes all of her books enjoyable to read.