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Muskoka Trilogy #2
Elusive Dawn
It happened slowly at first. Thread by thread, the fabric of privilege and complacency enveloping the Wyndham family began to unravel. A carefree summer at their island house, disrupted by the arrival of long lost kin ended in tragedy, betrayal, and war.
Now, in the compelling sequel to the acclaimed epic, The Summer Before the Storm, Ria and her friends find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control. It’s late summer, 1916. While some members of the Wyndham family revel in the last resplendent days of the season at their Muskoka cottage, others continue to be drawn inexorably into the “Great War”, going from a world of misty sunrises across a tranquil lake to deadly moonlight bombing raids, festering trenches, and visceral terror.
For Ria, too many things have happened to hope that life would ever return to normal, that innocence could be regained. Caught in a vortex of turbulent events and emotions, she abandons the safety of the sidelines in Britain for the nightmare of France.
Her fate as an ambulance driver remains entwined with those of her summer friends, all bound by a sense of duty. Living in the shadows of fear and danger awakens the urgency to grasp life, to live more immediately, more passionately amid the enormity of unprecedented death. Together, their lives weave a tale of liberation and loss, evolution and redemption. Those who survive this cataclysmic time are forever changed, like Canada itself.
Impeccably researched, beautifully written, Elusive Dawn will resonate with the reader long after the final page has been turned.
Now, in the compelling sequel to the acclaimed epic, The Summer Before the Storm, Ria and her friends find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control. It’s late summer, 1916. While some members of the Wyndham family revel in the last resplendent days of the season at their Muskoka cottage, others continue to be drawn inexorably into the “Great War”, going from a world of misty sunrises across a tranquil lake to deadly moonlight bombing raids, festering trenches, and visceral terror.
For Ria, too many things have happened to hope that life would ever return to normal, that innocence could be regained. Caught in a vortex of turbulent events and emotions, she abandons the safety of the sidelines in Britain for the nightmare of France.
Her fate as an ambulance driver remains entwined with those of her summer friends, all bound by a sense of duty. Living in the shadows of fear and danger awakens the urgency to grasp life, to live more immediately, more passionately amid the enormity of unprecedented death. Together, their lives weave a tale of liberation and loss, evolution and redemption. Those who survive this cataclysmic time are forever changed, like Canada itself.
Impeccably researched, beautifully written, Elusive Dawn will resonate with the reader long after the final page has been turned.
554 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Gabriele Wills
9 books57 followers Ideally I would be sitting on a dock by the lake with a cat on my lap, a glass of wine in one hand, and a good book in the other. (Don’t ask how I’d turn the pages or get the cat near the water.) Failing that, I love to recreate an era in which I can immerse myself (and readers), by weaving compelling stories around meticulously researched facts. My characters are best friends, whom others are now calling “cherished friends”. If you want a glimpse of my world, visit my book trailer on YouTube.
I've been thrilled with the response from fans, who have made comments such as "You have created a masterpiece. I loved every moment..." and "I haven't been that emotionally invested in a story in many years." More comments can be seen on my website, where signed books can also be ordered online at https://www.mindshadows.com .
I've been thrilled with the response from fans, who have made comments such as "You have created a masterpiece. I loved every moment..." and "I haven't been that emotionally invested in a story in many years." More comments can be seen on my website, where signed books can also be ordered online at https://www.mindshadows.com .
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 18, 2010
Back in April I reviewed "The Summer Before the Storm" by Gabriele Wills, and I was so taken with it that I couldn't wait to read the sequel, "Elusive Dawn". Since I has other review commitments at the time, I decided to wait, and I finally had the chance to pick up the second book in this series a couple of weeks ago.
"Elusive Dawn" starts off where "The Summer Before the Storm" ends. The Great War has begun in earnest, and Victoria Wyndham is overseas and determined to become an abulance driver to aid her country and their fight. At the time it was difficult for women to do any sort of dangerous job during the war. Women were expected to come overseas to be a nurse if anything, and most women were encouraged to stay home and raise funds or gather supplies for the men fighting overseas. Becoming an ambulance driver was frowned upon, but that suits our spunky heroine quite well.
*Spoiler Alert* Victoria's husband, Chaz, is a celebrated airplane pilot, and he's earned many medals, but the one thing that he has lost is his wife's trust. After an unimaginable betrayal, Victoria and Chaz remain estranged, although Chaz would do anything to prove to his wife that he's sorry.
As the war continues many of their Muskoka friends join the war efforts overseas, and the group suffers firsthand the horrors of war. As the young people spend their days facing things worse than they could have imagined the previous summer, they must all mature faster than their young years if they want to come out of the war alive.
Just like "The Summer Before the Storm", "Elusive Dawn" had me riveted from the beginning. Once again Gabriele Wills has done an almost superhuman amount of research and has managed to combine her knowledge into an incredibly readable book about the horrors of war. The descriptions of the scenes and the terrible things that everyone encounters felt very real, and since I started reading this on Remembrance Day it helped me to relate more to the soldiers who were sent overseas so many years ago. That's something that Canada has lost, I think. We haven't lost respect for our Veterans, but rather we have lost true understanding of the horrors of war. Despite the fact that some of our soldiers remain overseas fighting for our country we remain very much unaffected by war at home. I appreciated this new perspective.
The characters are every bit as relatable as they were when we first met them. Victoria Wyndham remains my favourite because of her spunk and her rebellious streak, but all of the characters that we meet, both new additions and old, are likable, and those who are not likable, are relatable in some way. Once again there is quite the cast of characters so at times I needed to flip back a few pages to remember who was who, but Wills does a great job of gently reminding her readers who everyone is. Even though the book is largely set overseas where the war is taking place, I loved that some of the scenes were set back in Muskoka with the characters who weren't fighting in the war. I particularly enjoyed reading Phoebe's story, a troubled girl who is a sister to one of the more central characters. I hope that her story continues in the final installment of the series.
The fact that I enjoyed "Elusive Dawn" so much is a compliment to the author, as I don't tend to gravitate towards historical fiction all that often. The more serious sections about the war are interspersed with lighter and more personal fare, so that we can continue to get to know the characters that we met in the last book. Wills has written a worthy follow-up to "The Summer Before the Storm", and I eagerly anticipate the release of the final book in the series.
Originally posted at http://book-chic.blogspot.com
"Elusive Dawn" starts off where "The Summer Before the Storm" ends. The Great War has begun in earnest, and Victoria Wyndham is overseas and determined to become an abulance driver to aid her country and their fight. At the time it was difficult for women to do any sort of dangerous job during the war. Women were expected to come overseas to be a nurse if anything, and most women were encouraged to stay home and raise funds or gather supplies for the men fighting overseas. Becoming an ambulance driver was frowned upon, but that suits our spunky heroine quite well.
*Spoiler Alert* Victoria's husband, Chaz, is a celebrated airplane pilot, and he's earned many medals, but the one thing that he has lost is his wife's trust. After an unimaginable betrayal, Victoria and Chaz remain estranged, although Chaz would do anything to prove to his wife that he's sorry.
As the war continues many of their Muskoka friends join the war efforts overseas, and the group suffers firsthand the horrors of war. As the young people spend their days facing things worse than they could have imagined the previous summer, they must all mature faster than their young years if they want to come out of the war alive.
Just like "The Summer Before the Storm", "Elusive Dawn" had me riveted from the beginning. Once again Gabriele Wills has done an almost superhuman amount of research and has managed to combine her knowledge into an incredibly readable book about the horrors of war. The descriptions of the scenes and the terrible things that everyone encounters felt very real, and since I started reading this on Remembrance Day it helped me to relate more to the soldiers who were sent overseas so many years ago. That's something that Canada has lost, I think. We haven't lost respect for our Veterans, but rather we have lost true understanding of the horrors of war. Despite the fact that some of our soldiers remain overseas fighting for our country we remain very much unaffected by war at home. I appreciated this new perspective.
The characters are every bit as relatable as they were when we first met them. Victoria Wyndham remains my favourite because of her spunk and her rebellious streak, but all of the characters that we meet, both new additions and old, are likable, and those who are not likable, are relatable in some way. Once again there is quite the cast of characters so at times I needed to flip back a few pages to remember who was who, but Wills does a great job of gently reminding her readers who everyone is. Even though the book is largely set overseas where the war is taking place, I loved that some of the scenes were set back in Muskoka with the characters who weren't fighting in the war. I particularly enjoyed reading Phoebe's story, a troubled girl who is a sister to one of the more central characters. I hope that her story continues in the final installment of the series.
The fact that I enjoyed "Elusive Dawn" so much is a compliment to the author, as I don't tend to gravitate towards historical fiction all that often. The more serious sections about the war are interspersed with lighter and more personal fare, so that we can continue to get to know the characters that we met in the last book. Wills has written a worthy follow-up to "The Summer Before the Storm", and I eagerly anticipate the release of the final book in the series.
Originally posted at http://book-chic.blogspot.com
February 22, 2013
Elusive Dawn is the second book of the Muskoka trilogy and it picks up where The Summer Before the Storm left off - Ria had just received some devastating news about her beloved Chas and WWI was disrupting the privileged lives that the Wyndhams and Thortons had come to cherish.
Most of this book takes place away from the lake the families love so much. Most of the action occurs either in England or in France and it is the War and its horrors that are the focus of this piece of the series. And horrors there are. Ms. Wills does not spare her reader from the battles and the wounded but she does not write anything that is unnecessary or exploitative. War is hell and to write a novel involving soldiers, doctors and ambulance drivers there is no getting around the violence that it engenders.
Ria has left her family in Canada and is now a member of the WATS ambulance corps. She is unable to forgive Chas his indiscretion and is running away from her life. She does find a strong group of friends in the corp and finds she has much to contribute the war effort. She refuses to write or talk to Chas and this drove me crazy - until I remembered how YOUNG she was. I kept viewing her actions through my very much older self and once I remembered what it was like to be 20 it made sense again. I won't spoil the story but to say that War is a great healer as well as a great divider.
The book mostly focuses on Ria and Chas's story but does take time for the many, many, many other characters in the Muskoka family. In fact my one complaint is that they all seemed to be reintroduced within the first chapter and I had a hard time remembering who was who and who was related to who how. It had been a while since I had read the first book and throwing them all at me at once was a bit daunting. I finally sorted them all out, along with the new ones and was able to stop turning back to figure out who belonged where. Barring that confusion the book would have gotten a 5.
Ms. Wills has a remarkable way of dropping her characters into the history of the time seamlessly. The book is historically accurate but the reader never feels as if they are reading a boring history textbook. She truly brings history alive through her descriptions and her characters. I didn't want the story to end and this was not a short, easy read. I am very much looking forward to the finale of this exciting trilogy.
Most of this book takes place away from the lake the families love so much. Most of the action occurs either in England or in France and it is the War and its horrors that are the focus of this piece of the series. And horrors there are. Ms. Wills does not spare her reader from the battles and the wounded but she does not write anything that is unnecessary or exploitative. War is hell and to write a novel involving soldiers, doctors and ambulance drivers there is no getting around the violence that it engenders.
Ria has left her family in Canada and is now a member of the WATS ambulance corps. She is unable to forgive Chas his indiscretion and is running away from her life. She does find a strong group of friends in the corp and finds she has much to contribute the war effort. She refuses to write or talk to Chas and this drove me crazy - until I remembered how YOUNG she was. I kept viewing her actions through my very much older self and once I remembered what it was like to be 20 it made sense again. I won't spoil the story but to say that War is a great healer as well as a great divider.
The book mostly focuses on Ria and Chas's story but does take time for the many, many, many other characters in the Muskoka family. In fact my one complaint is that they all seemed to be reintroduced within the first chapter and I had a hard time remembering who was who and who was related to who how. It had been a while since I had read the first book and throwing them all at me at once was a bit daunting. I finally sorted them all out, along with the new ones and was able to stop turning back to figure out who belonged where. Barring that confusion the book would have gotten a 5.
Ms. Wills has a remarkable way of dropping her characters into the history of the time seamlessly. The book is historically accurate but the reader never feels as if they are reading a boring history textbook. She truly brings history alive through her descriptions and her characters. I didn't want the story to end and this was not a short, easy read. I am very much looking forward to the finale of this exciting trilogy.
February 12, 2013
Victoria (Ria) Wyndham Thornton is a woman ahead of her time; her strength and determination forged by heartbreaking loss and betrayal. But the war has affected the lives of so many people she loves, leaving no one in her family untouched in some way. Major Chas Thornton, Ria's husband and an Ace fighter pilot, is struggling to win back her love and trust while trying to stay alive.
Determined to help others, Ria joins the Women's Ambulance and Transport Service (WATS). Although this brings a purpose into her life, it also puts her in the thick of danger and exposes her to the horrors of war. Chas can't bear to see her putting her life in danger, especially when he thinks he's the reason. Love is powerful, but is it powerful enough to bring them back together? And, can they survive long enough to appreciate what they have?
The book is overflowing with characters that draw the reader into the story. The author does an amazing job of interlacing each of them together into a beautiful tapestry that showcases the strength of family bonds and the ultimate power of love. By far, Ria and Chas were the center of the story and they captured my heart the most. But, the women Ria meets at WATS and Zoe, Ria's cousin, were also favorites.
Gabriele Wills not only crafts memorable characters, she also expertly depicts the war and its effects on both the men at the front lines and the women waiting for them back home. Or, in Ria's case and several others, the women who can't bear to sit around and wait.
Although I read the first book in this series, The Summer Before the Storm, this book can easily be read as a stand alone. The author does a great job of filling the reader in on important relationships and background from the first novel, often through intimate letters. These letters were such an effective storytelling tool--giving us an intimate look into the characters and their emotional makeup.
I recommend this novel not only to historical fiction fans, but to readers who crave an emotional experience with characters who start to feel like family. I, for one, can't wait to follow these characters to the next book, Under the Moon. Until then, I will miss them.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
Determined to help others, Ria joins the Women's Ambulance and Transport Service (WATS). Although this brings a purpose into her life, it also puts her in the thick of danger and exposes her to the horrors of war. Chas can't bear to see her putting her life in danger, especially when he thinks he's the reason. Love is powerful, but is it powerful enough to bring them back together? And, can they survive long enough to appreciate what they have?
The book is overflowing with characters that draw the reader into the story. The author does an amazing job of interlacing each of them together into a beautiful tapestry that showcases the strength of family bonds and the ultimate power of love. By far, Ria and Chas were the center of the story and they captured my heart the most. But, the women Ria meets at WATS and Zoe, Ria's cousin, were also favorites.
Gabriele Wills not only crafts memorable characters, she also expertly depicts the war and its effects on both the men at the front lines and the women waiting for them back home. Or, in Ria's case and several others, the women who can't bear to sit around and wait.
Although I read the first book in this series, The Summer Before the Storm, this book can easily be read as a stand alone. The author does a great job of filling the reader in on important relationships and background from the first novel, often through intimate letters. These letters were such an effective storytelling tool--giving us an intimate look into the characters and their emotional makeup.
I recommend this novel not only to historical fiction fans, but to readers who crave an emotional experience with characters who start to feel like family. I, for one, can't wait to follow these characters to the next book, Under the Moon. Until then, I will miss them.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
February 12, 2013
4.5 stars
I loved The Summer Before the Storm so jumped at the chance to read book 2 in the Muskoka Trilogy, Elusive Dawn. Revisiting old friends was just part of the appeal, Gabriele Wills has once again combined impeccable research, actual events and real people with a finely embroidered story, poignant and vividly detailed.
Elusive Dawn picks up where The Summer Before the Storm finishes, focusing on the horror of the Great War, the physical & psychological cost, the loss of innocence. The letters between family & friends interspersed with the narrative added a sense of intimacy and authenticity that I adored.
- I loved the detail surrounding the role of women in WWI as ambulance drivers, nurses and VAD (Volunteer Aid Detachment nurses) and the many who contributed on the homefront. Gabriele pays tribute to the courageous women of FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) with her WATS (Women's Ambulance and Transport Service) - this is the corps Ria joins.
- Sadly fascinating medical information, especially about shell shock and the difference between treatment of officers and the general ranks.
- I'd completely forgotten that The Great Influenza Pandemic (Spanish Flu) followed closely on the heels of the war - phenomenal loss of life after so much tragedy.
- I was completely ignorant of the Halifax explosion in 1917, the largest man-made explosion until the 1945 Hiroshima bomb.
Elusive Dawn has it all, everything I love about historical fiction. I can't applaud Gabriele Wills enough, it probably sounds trite but these characters feel like friends, I'm completely invested in their lives - I've shared their joys and sorrows, their tears, laughter and pain and I'm anxious to find out what's in store for them in the final book, Under the Moon.
I loved The Summer Before the Storm so jumped at the chance to read book 2 in the Muskoka Trilogy, Elusive Dawn. Revisiting old friends was just part of the appeal, Gabriele Wills has once again combined impeccable research, actual events and real people with a finely embroidered story, poignant and vividly detailed.
Elusive Dawn picks up where The Summer Before the Storm finishes, focusing on the horror of the Great War, the physical & psychological cost, the loss of innocence. The letters between family & friends interspersed with the narrative added a sense of intimacy and authenticity that I adored.
- I loved the detail surrounding the role of women in WWI as ambulance drivers, nurses and VAD (Volunteer Aid Detachment nurses) and the many who contributed on the homefront. Gabriele pays tribute to the courageous women of FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) with her WATS (Women's Ambulance and Transport Service) - this is the corps Ria joins.
- Sadly fascinating medical information, especially about shell shock and the difference between treatment of officers and the general ranks.
- I'd completely forgotten that The Great Influenza Pandemic (Spanish Flu) followed closely on the heels of the war - phenomenal loss of life after so much tragedy.
- I was completely ignorant of the Halifax explosion in 1917, the largest man-made explosion until the 1945 Hiroshima bomb.
Elusive Dawn has it all, everything I love about historical fiction. I can't applaud Gabriele Wills enough, it probably sounds trite but these characters feel like friends, I'm completely invested in their lives - I've shared their joys and sorrows, their tears, laughter and pain and I'm anxious to find out what's in store for them in the final book, Under the Moon.
March 8, 2013
We pick up right were the story left off at the end of The Summer Before the Storm. Now if you haven’t read the first book, then some of the information in this review may be a spoiler for you! Read with caution!
Ria and Chas are on the outs. Having taken separate paths after the loss of their beloved little one, Ria decided she needs to be at the front lines, to be out doing something. Not sitting at home waiting, wondering, she needs action. I feel for these two characters, they’ve been through one disaster into another! It would shake the foundation of any relationship.
One of the things I really loved about this book was that we get a glimpse into all the lives of the characters from the first book. Where they ended up, who married who, who is still home, who has gone to war and who is still alive. We do lose a few of those wonderful characters very tragically – but I’m not naming any names!
Initially when I picked up this series it was because of where it was located. Having grown up in the Muskoka area, it was amazing to see local places I know written into the story. My own hometown is actually mentioned! Once I got into the story I was hooked, I couldn’t put the first book down, and I can easily say the same for the second. Despite the fact that it was over 500 pages, I devoured the story in just over a day. I couldn’t put my e-reader down!
Would I recommend this book? In a heart beat! I can’t tell you enough how much I adored this book and the characters it holds. I won’t give away too many details, because it could spoil not only this book but the first book for those who haven’t read it! Would I read more by this author? Oh yes, I’ve already started eyeing the 3rd book in the series and I’m itching to get my hands on it!
Ria and Chas are on the outs. Having taken separate paths after the loss of their beloved little one, Ria decided she needs to be at the front lines, to be out doing something. Not sitting at home waiting, wondering, she needs action. I feel for these two characters, they’ve been through one disaster into another! It would shake the foundation of any relationship.
One of the things I really loved about this book was that we get a glimpse into all the lives of the characters from the first book. Where they ended up, who married who, who is still home, who has gone to war and who is still alive. We do lose a few of those wonderful characters very tragically – but I’m not naming any names!
Initially when I picked up this series it was because of where it was located. Having grown up in the Muskoka area, it was amazing to see local places I know written into the story. My own hometown is actually mentioned! Once I got into the story I was hooked, I couldn’t put the first book down, and I can easily say the same for the second. Despite the fact that it was over 500 pages, I devoured the story in just over a day. I couldn’t put my e-reader down!
Would I recommend this book? In a heart beat! I can’t tell you enough how much I adored this book and the characters it holds. I won’t give away too many details, because it could spoil not only this book but the first book for those who haven’t read it! Would I read more by this author? Oh yes, I’ve already started eyeing the 3rd book in the series and I’m itching to get my hands on it!
December 2, 2012
Back in 2010, I reviewed the book The Summer Before the Storm by Gabriele Wills. It was the first book in the historical fiction series called The Muskoka Novels. Elusive Dawn is the second novel in the series.
In the summer of 1916, some of the Wyndham family carry on family tradition at their cottages at Muskoka in Canada. However, many of the family members are in Europe, fighting the Great War. Ria becomes an ambulance driver in France, a very dangerous volunteer job. Her husband Chas is a flying ace in the war as is her cousin, Jack. Her cousin Justin is a doctor, operating close to the battle grounds.
When her husband or cousins have any time off, they visit Ria as much as possible. Her and Chas are having some marital problems they are trying to work through, which is especial difficult long distance. The first chance they get, they take time off to set up their own house in the English countryside. Chas wants Ria to stay there, in less danger but she goes back as an ambulance driver.
Many things happen, of course, but I don't want to giveaway any spoilers. Elusive Dawn is a very moving piece of WWI fiction and certainly as good as the first book in the series. Really, the only thing that still doesn't work for me, and I mentioned this in my review of book I, is Ria's stereotypical conniving stepmother. However, we do find out a bit more about her shady past.
Will's prose is fresh and poetic. She captures the period in great detail. I could picture every scene in the book, like I was there.
If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, trust me, you will love this series! Be sure to start with The Summer Before the Storm first.
In the summer of 1916, some of the Wyndham family carry on family tradition at their cottages at Muskoka in Canada. However, many of the family members are in Europe, fighting the Great War. Ria becomes an ambulance driver in France, a very dangerous volunteer job. Her husband Chas is a flying ace in the war as is her cousin, Jack. Her cousin Justin is a doctor, operating close to the battle grounds.
When her husband or cousins have any time off, they visit Ria as much as possible. Her and Chas are having some marital problems they are trying to work through, which is especial difficult long distance. The first chance they get, they take time off to set up their own house in the English countryside. Chas wants Ria to stay there, in less danger but she goes back as an ambulance driver.
Many things happen, of course, but I don't want to giveaway any spoilers. Elusive Dawn is a very moving piece of WWI fiction and certainly as good as the first book in the series. Really, the only thing that still doesn't work for me, and I mentioned this in my review of book I, is Ria's stereotypical conniving stepmother. However, we do find out a bit more about her shady past.
Will's prose is fresh and poetic. She captures the period in great detail. I could picture every scene in the book, like I was there.
If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, trust me, you will love this series! Be sure to start with The Summer Before the Storm first.
February 17, 2013
Elusive Dawn by Gabiele Wills is the second book in The Muskoka Novels. This book once again follows the lives of the Wyndham family and their friends. In the first book, The Summer Before The Storm, the story ended with Ria finding out that her husband had not only had an affair but had also fathered a child with a french woman. Ria is heartbroken. Elusive Dawn picks up with Ria grieving over her husband's unfaithfulness. She's feeling restless and useless and decides to join WATS, which is the Women's Ambulance and Transport System. Ria is close to the front line, but she's not only in mortal danger, she's also in danger of losing her heart to the handsome Major Lance Chadwick.
When the last book ended I was on the edge of my seat. This book picked up where the last left off with only a little lapse in time. The tempo of this book is a little more fast paced than the last book. There is a lot of action going on with the war and such. Wills writes her characters in such a way that you literally feel like you're on this journey with them. There are a plethora of characters, but it is not at all confusing. I must admit though, I have my favorites. I was glad to see them all again, but perhaps I should warn you not to get too attached. Wills does have to kill off a few. After all it is a war.
The second book in this series is fantastic. It's fast paced, full of action, and of course there is no shortage of romance. The more of the Muskoka novels I read, the more enraptured I become. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Under The Moon.
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/0...
When the last book ended I was on the edge of my seat. This book picked up where the last left off with only a little lapse in time. The tempo of this book is a little more fast paced than the last book. There is a lot of action going on with the war and such. Wills writes her characters in such a way that you literally feel like you're on this journey with them. There are a plethora of characters, but it is not at all confusing. I must admit though, I have my favorites. I was glad to see them all again, but perhaps I should warn you not to get too attached. Wills does have to kill off a few. After all it is a war.
The second book in this series is fantastic. It's fast paced, full of action, and of course there is no shortage of romance. The more of the Muskoka novels I read, the more enraptured I become. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Under The Moon.
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/0...
April 26, 2010
My new all-time favourite author is Gabriele Wills. This is a wonderful book, full of so much detail that you feel like you are living the life of privileged society through the terrible war, but also in Canadian and English high society. In spite of the difficult situations that occur in the book, there always seems also to be a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. I found this, all in all, to be a Joyful book that I absolutely loved. Now I am waiting for the third installment! I have read all of Gabriele Wills' books other than A Place Called Home, which I am frantically seeking! Don't miss these books. They are wonderful.
August 1, 2009
"Monty had cleverly crafted the story to depict not only a generation, but also a society blighted by the war." This quote from "Summer Before the Storm" does very well apply to "Elusive Dawn".
Both Muskoka Novels take readers on a journey through heaven and hell and anything in between, chasing them across a rollercoaster of actions and emotions. At the same time they are providing lots of information about WWI and deep insights in the attitude towards life during those times. They are historical fiction at it's best.
Both Muskoka Novels take readers on a journey through heaven and hell and anything in between, chasing them across a rollercoaster of actions and emotions. At the same time they are providing lots of information about WWI and deep insights in the attitude towards life during those times. They are historical fiction at it's best.
December 2, 2015
The author weaves a compelling story in a series of books, this being the 2nd in the series of 3. I will have to get the 3rd one as well. (Thank you again my GR friend Lee for gifting me with the first book). The books are well researched with historical context bringing the past to life. There is an entire website devoted to this series, mindshadows.com, as well as soundtracks created especially for the books transporting us back in time. The books are entertaining with a large cast of characters, some more memorable than others, but always a good story.
October 22, 2009
I could not put this book down! The characters, many of which won my affection in the first novel, are so vivid and real that they feel like old friends. Every page is filled with a bevy of emotions, ranging from despair and foreboding regarding the horrible war, to elation and hope for the future. Wills writing made me feel like I wasn't even reading words on a page, but actually experiencing everything along with the characters.
December 28, 2020
Very seldom have I read a sequel to a book (The Summer before the storm) that lived up to the first one, but this one certainly does. The author brings the horrific days of the World War I to life and it consequences to the families involved in a vivid way.
September 25, 2012
These stories are very busy and have an awful lot of characters, that said, I truly enjoyed them. I tended to fall in love with certain characters and try to speed to other parts of the story to get to them, but overall not bad stories. Looking forward to number three.
September 19, 2018
Really liked the second novel - but not as much as the first. I began to get sick of Ria in some sections and liked the other character storylines much better. I Did enjoy it enough to read the 3rd book in the series.
June 14, 2013
I'm really enjoying this series, love reading about Canadian history for a change. Really the only down side, are the amount of people you have to keep track of.
May 19, 2014
A good read, interesting insight to Worls War 1.
Do not like the way she ends her novels, but would recommend.
July 18, 2023
Book 2 of The Muskoka Series.
Read
November 20, 2009After "The Summer Before The Storm"
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