The Dawn of a Dream

At Home in Beldon Grove #3

by Ann Shorey

Luellen O'Connell is stunned and confused when her husband of just one month tells her he is leaving--and that he has another wife. Deeply wounded by this betrayal, Luellen decides to follow the dream she had set aside of obtaining a teaching degree. But her wayward husband left something behind when he abandoned her. Can Luellen overcome the odds and achieve her dream? Can she hide her secret, or will it destroy her dreams forever?

A moving story of tenacity and perseverance in the face of opposition, The Dawn of a Dream will inspire readers to discover and follow their own dreams.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Christian, Faith, Romance

342 pages, Paperback

First published February 26, 2011

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marry in haste, repent at leisure has never been more truthful than for Luellen O'Connell. Stunned at the sudden departure of her husband of one month, she has no choice but to try and make a life for herself on her own. Upon yet another stunning revelation her life as a student at the Allenwood Normal School and her future as a teacher are in jeopardy. With her faith and some newfound friends Luellen discovers that dreams still can come true.

As a follower of this series I'll admit that I wasn't expecting a story like this at all. I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh spin that Ms. Shorey took with the direction of The Dawn of a Dream. I enjoyed it from the first page and if I'm being completely honest I hadn't really done so with the other books in the At Home in Beldon Grove series. First things first, I was rather shocked at the first chapter and kept thinking, "Wow! I didn't see that coming!" The second thing I noticed is our heroine wears spectacles! In romance generally the heroines have hourglass figures, perfect hair or stunning eyes so the fact that Luellen sports eyeglasses caught my attention. To me, little details add to the richness of a story.

The Dawn of a Dream will definitely take you on an emotional roller-coaster of a ride. There's shock and surprise, sadness and joy, rejection and redemption. There are so many things that one can take away from books and stories like this have lessons that we can all learn from or relate to. The Dawn of a Dream has me looking forward to the next book from Ann Shorey in what I'm sure will be a great start to a new series!

[Victor Gentile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Shorey in her new book, "The Dawn Of A Dream" Book Three in the At Home In Beldon Grove series published by Revell takes us back to the town of Beldon Grove. Though it is the third book in this series, you can read this one alone without missing anything.

Beldon Grove, Illinois 1857 and Luellen O'Connell is waiting for her husband, Brendan, to come home from work. This very day is their one month wedding anniversary and she has made a very special evening for them. However, after dinner Brendan has a surprise of his own. Thus begins the dawn of a dream for Luellen. See she has always had a desire to become a teacher but she has no formal training. So she takes it upon herself to enroll in a school and there she meets Ward Calder.

How do we handle the trials and setbacks that occur in our lives? Jesus told us that they would come so we shouldn't be surprised when they do. Yet, somehow we are and they exhaust us. The only way we can continue on is by constantly going to Jesus and seeking His strength. Luellen faces many hardships but she weathers them all by the grace of God. Ms. Shorey is an excellent writer and makes all her characters believable and you care deeply for them as she deftly unfolds the plot before us. This is a nice romance with great themes. While this is the third book in the series if you just pick this one up you will not be disappointed nor feel that you have missed so much by not knowing what happened in the previous two. Ms. Shorey has given us a neat ending to a wonderful series.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[Christy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been trying to read this one for a while and it was just a struggle. Ann Shorey is a great author; I do enjoy her writing style; so this low rating is due to the exhausting story line in The Dawn of a Dream. Luellen was most aggravating to read about which made every decision she made trying for me. I couldn't relate to her indecisive behavior or why she would choose each daunting and almost selfish path she took. Needless to say I didn't like her. I adore her family and I have enjoyed them immensely through-out this series; but Luellen was my undoing in this book. Luellen wears glasses I think she should have been wearing them on the cover, not just holding them for appearance sake. But that is nitpicking at this point. I still enjoy Ann Shorey and will continue to read her in the future.

[ANNETTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #3 Great Series!
I've enjoyed the series and each book got better and better. Luellen was my favorite she was going to give in or give up. I look forward to another book by this author. Well done !

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong 4.0 stars, I had a hard time putting the book down after about page 75- read it in two sittings. Yes, it’s predictable but that’s what I want in this kind of book. My favorite of trilogy by far.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the first book in this At home in Beldon Grove series I found it to be great writing but quite depressing, then the second book started on a sad note, but got much better and ended well. This is a series, but could easily be read as stand alone. The Dawn of a Dream is the third and absolute best in the series. Every friend that I have talked to has agreed. Yes there is a sadness, but it brings out more of an anger rather than a depression. Watching the characters grow through out the novel is entertaining and intriguing. I loved each and every page and every chapter. I highly recommend this book without hesitation and eagerly look forward to reading more from Ann Shorey in the future.

*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for tour review.*

Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't care for Luellen. I found her very selfish and a dislikable character. Besides that the love story was barely there. It was more a story of her overcoming a bad situation and achieving her goals. I just didn't care how she was willing to do anything to achieve that goal no matter the costs. Wasn't for me and it didn't help that I also had a hard time with the 2nd book in the series. To find another book where I didn't enjoy the people in the story (Luellen in this one and the townspeople in the 2nd book) was disappointing.

[Sarah Sundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Dawn of a Dream, Ann Shorey takes the familiar story of a young frontier woman who wants to become a teacher and gives it a twist. Several twists actually. The Dawn of a Dream is a touching story with an intriguing heroine. Nothing is easy for Luellen, but she forges ahead. This is the final book in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, but it stands alone. This was my favorite book in the series, and I highly recommend it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series continuation of the family saga lived out in Beldon Grove. Luellen O'Connell is fixated on going to school and becoming a teacher. After a short marriage to a man who is supposedly married to someone else, she is left being pregnant with a child. She faces seemingly insurmountable obstacles to reach her dream. She is blessed with tenacity and perseverance trying to meet her goals while pregnant and then caring for her child. The story is full of love and honor. I loved it.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Shorey's best so far! I loved this story. Ann's engaging style of writing and attention to detail drew me into every page. I fell in love with Luellen, a woman unwilling to give up on a dream. I rooted for her from the very first page to the last. I highly recommend this book!

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but the plot twist from the beginning left it hard for me as a reader to enjoy. It was a little conflicting. I have enjoyed this author before and will continue to read her books in the future.

[Marg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. Each book she writes gets better and better. I could not put this book now finishing very late at night.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and thought Luellen was a delightful character. Many simple mom's have today go through her struggles. Wish there could always be such happy endings.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this final book in the At Home in Beldon Grove series. Getting to see what happened to Molly McGarvie's children when they were grown was nice. This story is centered around Luellen, Molly's oldest daughter, and her hopes and dreams of becoming a teacher. She went through many struggles to obtain her dreams, including hiding a secret that could destroy her dreams of obtaining a teaching certificate.

Luellen always said she would never marry, but she eloped one day and a month later was told by her husband that he was already married and was leaving her to return to his wife in Chicago. Luellen, needless to say, was devastated. What was she to do now? Who could she turn to for help?

Many people play an important role in Luellen's life that bring her growth and understanding. Will she ever recover from a sham marriage? Will she realize her dreams to become a teacher? What about all those people who came into her life? Pick up a copy of The Dawn of a Dream, if you have read the first two books in this series, and see what happens. Of course this book can be read as a stand alone. I borrowed this book from my local library. Enjoy!

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts out after she has already married. We already knew her as a strong willed child who loves books and didn’t want to stitch. I would have loved to see the first quick romance unfold in more detail. This young lady never wanted to marry, then gets swept off her feet. I had a love hate relationship with this book. She was not a character I fell in love with. Just like her mother before her, she pops off at the mouth In so many instances hurting those especially dear to her. Maybe for some this is realistic, but it made me dislike her. Why does she want to teach so badly? I understand in that day n time there was only so many things a young lady in her situation could do... but in her case she had a loving home. What was the rush? It did make a nice story. But I could imagine a young lady who lived in her own, without her parents backing, doing something like this. In this case, her father was a doctor after all. But yet she was barely making it. But with that said, I had to reach the predictable end we all love so much!!!! I think I loved so many characters in this book. Just not our main heroin.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this trilogy way better than the Sisters at Heart series. The characters were more realistic (Brendan was a total jerk and deserved all the suffering he went through)n the chemistry between the hero and heroine was more palpable, and the messages of faith and the mysteries of God's ways are further pronounced in an engaging way to the readers. Overall, not a bad series to read if you are looking for historical romance mixed with Christian faith plotlines.

[Chere Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #3 and the last book in the Beldon Grove series. A really good read. As in the other two books, some of the other characters interact with the main characters in this book, but it can be read as a stand alone. All three books are worth reading but I warn you....get all three in your hands at once. You won't be able to stand it, waiting to find the next one. LOL

[Lavon Moffett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Author!! This particular trilogy was excellent. The characters were outstanding and I would have loved to meet them in real life. The description of Missouri and Illoini

To met each one of them in real life. I look forward to reading more of An Shorey,s wonderful books.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than most in that is has less romance, but I didn't get much out of it besides a pleasant time.

[Annalise Sinclair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it in a couple hours and wasn’t moved or shook at all. It’s a quick, okay read, but not really anything I would pick up again.

[Susan Inglis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t get into this story as much as the 1st and 2nd book. This one seemed to drag with too much detail in each chapter as if to try and add more pages.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the second book in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, Promise of Morning, I knew to expect something different and unique in Ann’s historical fiction. I was not disappointed. She’s crafted together a wonderful story that will warm the hearts of many historical fiction fans out there.

It’s been a while since I read Promise of Morning, so maybe I was just a little too rusty in remembering the characters, but I had a hard time reconnecting with old characters and connecting with new ones. While Luellen was a determined and headstrong heroine who learned a big lesson the hard way, I felt she had her priorities pretty messed up when she was determined to continue school despite all else. I can say no more than that without giving away anything, but it did keep me from warming to her. In fact, the only character I really connected with in this book was Ward. He was wonderful! All throughout the book I kept cheering for him.

As I mentioned above, I don’t want to say anything to give away this wonderful story that Ann has crafted together. What I began reading, I thought it was a very predictable read. Ann proved me wrong as she threw in first one, and then another, twist to the story that surprised me and kept me reading. I did have a pretty big problem with the whole “women’s rights” feel to the book, but I won’t rant here. Suffice to say that I bristled when Luellen tried to convince Belle against marrying before she had her teaching certificate.

While I enjoyed The Dawn of a Dream and its rather unpredictable plot, I did have a hard time on the way it was written. The first chapter had me nearly reeling with its sudden beginning. Not that landing in the middle of something is bad—I read many suspense novels that do just that. But for some reason, it started so suddenly it took me a while to get to get “in” the book. Maybe this is just me. From the looks of other reviews, people liked the sudden jerk in the beginning.

The final book in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, this was a nice conclusion. I would’ve enjoyed reading more about the other main characters from The Promise of Morning and The Edge of Light. But, when I take into consideration that this book is about another generation—Molly daughter—I can understand why not much was said about Molly, Karl, Ellie, and Matthew. Ann’s writing and stories remind me of popular author Janette Oke. And just like I do with her books, I will look forward to more stories from Ann Shorey!

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luellen has always dreamt of being a teacher, but when she is swept off her feet by Brendan O'Connell she puts her dreams behind her to become a wife and a mother; or so she thinks. When Brendan leaves her only weeks after their nuptials telling her that he has another wife, she is devastated and wonders how both she and her family will recover from her tarnished reputation. With her heart in shambles she decides to return to her dream of becoming a teacher after pursuing a divorce, but she is faced with another crisis.

I don't want to say too much more as far as a synopsis of the storyline only because I can guarantee it will spoil the story for you. I liked the writing in this story, but I must say that the plot was sadly predictable. As soon as a certain character was introduced into the story, I was pretty sure I knew what his role was going to be. Even so, the book was well-written and worth the read. The part of the plot surrounding the unknown parentage of a certain child also lent quite a deal of suspense to the story. On second thought, Ms. Shorey does a wonderful job of making you gasp as the book nears its end when she re-introduces a character that could change the story completely.

Altogether this is a good book and I would definitely recommend it. I gave it three stars.

Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

A copy of this book was provided for review purposes by Revell. I was not compensated for this review in any other way and the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: THE DAWN OF A DREAM
Author: Ann Shorey
Publisher: Revell
April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3334-6
Genre: Inspirational/historical/women’s fiction

Luellen O’Connell has given up her dream of attending teacher’s college, when she met Brenden. They had a whirlwind romance and married, despite her mother’s warning, “marry in haste, repent at leisure.” Now just married a month, Luellen is preparing for a special celebration with her husband, when he comes home with stunning news.

Deeply wounded, Luellen takes back her maiden name, and takes her savings and heads off to school, despite her families objections. But fate seems to be against her. Luellen finds herself fighting at every turn to be able to realize her dream. A dream that may or may not become reality…

THE DAWN OF A DREAM is the third book in the At Home in Beldon Grove series by Ann Shorey, and I feel this is the best book in the whole collection. This book stands alone, so you don’t need to read all the books in the series to be able to start this one.

Luellen is a very realistic heroine, and her situation won my heart and my sympathy immediately. I couldn’t help but care for her and cheer her on. The hero in the book isn’t as well done, but he is a sweetheart, and one can’t help but like him as well. If you are looking for a historical, don’t miss THE DAWN OF A DREAM. It will inspire you to follow your own dreams. $14.99. 350 pages.

[Traci]

Sunday, April 24, 2011Dawn of A Dream by Ann Shorey



If you love a good Christian, Historical Fiction you are going to love this book. Ann Shorey is one of the best authors in this genre, that I have ever read!

The setting is in 1857 when newlywed Luellen O'Connell settles in her new house, and prepares to start her life with her new husband of one month. Having not even completely unpacked her Hope Chest, she is shocked to hear her new husbands words, he is leaving her and moving to Chicago. While her family is busy planning the wedding of her little sister, Luellen begins to think of her opportunities. She could stay in town, and make up a story as to why her husband is no longer there, or pack her things and do what she always desired to do, attend college!

As Luellen begins her new life, she still has old beginnings. While she is meeting new people, and making new friends,with hopes of a new love interest: she must properly address her secrets from her past.u

This book will leave you with wanting more of a series, but yet the conclusion is complete. I think you will enjoy this book, and I recommend it to all.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Look for this book in your local bookstores.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luellen O'Connell is stunned, betrayed and devastated when she finds out that her husband was not the wonderful loving man she thought she had married. Instead she discovers, much to her dismay, that he is a scoundrel, willing to commit bigamy, just to bed her. Left alone she decides that she will pursue her dream of a higher education. That she will go Normal School and train to be a teacher. She will learn how to be a school teacher and give children the best education possible. Discovering just a few weeks after she enters school, that she is with child, Lulie as her family calls her pushes herself to finish school. She knows she now has a child to care for and knows she needs this education.

I absolutely loved this book, set in in the late 1850's you just know that the struggle that Luellen faced was more than just trying to educate herself. The judgemental opinions of others did not cause her to stray from her goals. I cried with her during her struggles and rejoiced as she finished her schooling, and was glad to see her allow love into her life. A wonderfully written book, a must have for any home library. 340 pages US $14.99 5 stars

This book was provided for review purposes by Revell Books, no payment was received for this review.

Available April 2011 from your favorite seller of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom received this book from Bethany House, to review and give her opinion on the book. In turn, she handed it to me to read. I now understand why she found it so hard to put down. I found it intriguing and it kept my attention. Many times I found it difficult to have to put it aside to take care of other things more pressing.

The Dawn of a Dream is about a young woman who has been married all of one month. Her husband leaves her, and she then must pick up the pieces of her life. She choses to leave the comforts of home to attend school to become a teacher. There, she struggles to make it thru the year, especially when she encounters an unforeseen circumstances that changes her life forever.

Overall I really enjoyed reading the book. It was one that I kept thinking I was finished, only to be excited to realize that the book wasn’t ending yet. The only part that bothered me a little was the return on a character later in the book and then some of her issues with jealousy. But all in all, I enjoyed getting to know the characters in the book, although the main character seemed a bit agressive at times.

That said, I do plan on reading more by Ann Shorey in the future.

My personal thanks to Bethany House for sharing the book with my mom, who in turn shared the book with me.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah yes, historical fiction. One of my favorites and The Dawn of a Dream is exactly why this genre is one of my favorites. I like historicals so much because they tend to be much more relaxing and the settings are usually quiet, small towns with good people. The Dawn of a Dream had all the elements that I love about historical fiction. There is a good story, perhaps a little predictable. But, in my mind, predictable is not a criticism. All I mean by that is simply that the book did not disappointment. There was a direction I had wanted it to take and it did exactly that. So, there is nothing wrong with being thoroughly satisfied with a book and having the ending exactly the way I wanted it.

The Dawn of a Dream is the third book in the At Home in Beldon Grove series. I wish I had read the other two, but as usual, I bought them, but didn’t have time to read them. So now, I am ready to read them after fully enjoying this book. Ann Shorey’s writing is just the style that I enjoy for a relaxing read. Historical fiction fans will definitely enjoy this book, and if this one is any indicator of the others, they will enjoy the entire series.

[Janalyn Voigt · Rating 4 out of 5]

After betrayal ruins her reputation, Luellen O'Connell revives a dream she discarded, the opportunity to earn a teacher's certificate. Financial difficulties, family opposition, sickness and even prospects of romance challenge her determination to finish her schooling. As each crisis comes, Luellen draws upon a reserve of strength instilled in her by a wholesome upbringing.

Can anything make her surrender her dream?

The Dawn of a Dream is a gentle story of courage in a time gone by. With fine historic detail, Ann Shorey weaves a vivid tapestry of mid-19th-Century life in America. This novel is written in an excellent style, well-plotted, and provides intimate glimpses into the lives of its characters. I highly recommend The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey to readers who enjoy historical fiction and historical romance set in America.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

My thanks to the publisher and author for a complimentary copy of this book, provided for purposes of reveiw.