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No Peace with the Dawn
In 1917, the Great War seems far from Logan, Utah. But soon it will change the lives of suffragette and mechanic Clara, Swiss-German immigrant and LDS convert Trudi, Marine Corps volunteer Reed, and Shoshone seeking U.S. citizenship Joseph. This novel weaves real events with compelling fictional characters into a sweeping tale of war, romance, self-discovery, and sacrifice.
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2016
About the author
E.B. Wheeler
38 books131 followersE.B. Wheeler attended BYU, majoring in history with an English minor, and earned graduate degrees in history and landscape architecture from Utah State University. She's the award-winning author of THE HAUNTING OF SPRINGETT HALL, BORN TO TREASON, and NO PEACE WITH THE DAWN, as well as several short stories, magazine articles, and scripts for educational software programs. She was named the 2016 Writer of the Year by the League of Utah Writers. In addition to writing, she consults about historic preservation and teaches history at USU. She lives in the mountains of Utah with her family, various pets, and as many antique roses as she can cram into her yard. If she had spare time, she would spend it playing harp and hammered dulcimer, gardening, hiking, shooting archery, knitting, and reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 10, 2016
I’ve read enough nonfiction about both world wars that most novels set during those time periods make me groan with frustration because so few authors put in the time necessary to research a really good historical fiction piece. I was thrilled by how carefully researched this one was.
The book follows several characters, all but one of them students at Logan Utah’s Agricultural College (now USU). During the war the characters end up as a YMCA worker/volunteer ambulance driver, a marine, two soldiers, and several people on the home front, giving a good overall view of the American experience in the Great War.
The romance was clean and enjoyable. The initial scene when Clara and Reed had to debate each other on whether women should be granted the vote by constitutional amendment was great I also enjoyed the themes that came from several characters having a desire to prove themselves: an Indian-American who wants to prove that he’s American, and also a warrior worthy of his people; a Swiss-German immigrant trying to prove she’s just as patriotic (or maybe more so) than those who were born in the US; and another woman trying to prove that she can do hard things and make a difference, even if she is a woman.
The book begins with the pre-war years (football games and ice cream parlors—in some ways Utah hasn’t changed much) and America’s entry into the war. Most of the major campaigns involving Americans are covered through the soldiers and the marine. There’s a lot of history in this book, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the story and the history were woven together. The novel includes some emotional scenes, because war is an awful thing and the characters weren’t spared hardship, but the book has a hopeful ending.
Recommended. The characters are LDS (Mormons), so that’s probably the target audience. I read a pre-edit draft, and I’d probably give that draft 4.5 stars. But the version you read will be more polished than the version I read, so if you like historical fiction, this one is worth your time. There is some war-time violence, but no sex or language issues, so this one is appropriate for adults or teenagers.
The book follows several characters, all but one of them students at Logan Utah’s Agricultural College (now USU). During the war the characters end up as a YMCA worker/volunteer ambulance driver, a marine, two soldiers, and several people on the home front, giving a good overall view of the American experience in the Great War.
The romance was clean and enjoyable. The initial scene when Clara and Reed had to debate each other on whether women should be granted the vote by constitutional amendment was great I also enjoyed the themes that came from several characters having a desire to prove themselves: an Indian-American who wants to prove that he’s American, and also a warrior worthy of his people; a Swiss-German immigrant trying to prove she’s just as patriotic (or maybe more so) than those who were born in the US; and another woman trying to prove that she can do hard things and make a difference, even if she is a woman.
The book begins with the pre-war years (football games and ice cream parlors—in some ways Utah hasn’t changed much) and America’s entry into the war. Most of the major campaigns involving Americans are covered through the soldiers and the marine. There’s a lot of history in this book, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the story and the history were woven together. The novel includes some emotional scenes, because war is an awful thing and the characters weren’t spared hardship, but the book has a hopeful ending.
Recommended. The characters are LDS (Mormons), so that’s probably the target audience. I read a pre-edit draft, and I’d probably give that draft 4.5 stars. But the version you read will be more polished than the version I read, so if you like historical fiction, this one is worth your time. There is some war-time violence, but no sex or language issues, so this one is appropriate for adults or teenagers.
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November 15, 2016
(4.5 Stars) This story follows a couple of college age friends at the beginnings of the Great War (WWI). The first part of the book really shows the spunky, spit-fire attitude of Clara, her more demure brother, Alonzo, their immigrant friend, Trudi, a cocky flirt, Reed, and a Shoshone friend, Joseph, along with several other characters. I loved seeing what their college experience was like, what they did for fun, and the way life was in Logan, Utah a century ago. With that threat of war looming, things change and the resulting experiences each character had was very enlightening, entertaining, and heartbreaking.
This book takes place in a small town in Northern Utah and it really hit home for me. I attended the very college that these characters did, although it has a different name now; my ancestors and relatives lived and worked in these same areas; In fact, I grew up very near this area and one whole side of my family were Swiss-German immigrants who lived in this very area during this time. I had no idea that there were such prejudices against them. My mother-in-law deals very closely with the Shoshone tribe and again, I had no idea what was going on almost 100 years ago. Books like this are what really make history come alive for me. My great-grandfather fought in this war and I really don't know as much about it and this era as I do WWII. It was easy to cast my relatives into the story and I really did enjoy it.
I love how the view changes from Europe to back home, so the reader gets a sense of what is happening in both places. This story is crafted in a way that really draws a reader in and doesn't let go until the book is completed. This is a great read for anyone wanting to experience history in a great way.
Content: mild religious references, as the characters are LDS (Mormon); moderate war violence (nothing too graphic); mild romance (kissing).
*I received a copy from the publisher. My review is voluntary and all thoughts are my own.*
This book takes place in a small town in Northern Utah and it really hit home for me. I attended the very college that these characters did, although it has a different name now; my ancestors and relatives lived and worked in these same areas; In fact, I grew up very near this area and one whole side of my family were Swiss-German immigrants who lived in this very area during this time. I had no idea that there were such prejudices against them. My mother-in-law deals very closely with the Shoshone tribe and again, I had no idea what was going on almost 100 years ago. Books like this are what really make history come alive for me. My great-grandfather fought in this war and I really don't know as much about it and this era as I do WWII. It was easy to cast my relatives into the story and I really did enjoy it.
I love how the view changes from Europe to back home, so the reader gets a sense of what is happening in both places. This story is crafted in a way that really draws a reader in and doesn't let go until the book is completed. This is a great read for anyone wanting to experience history in a great way.
Content: mild religious references, as the characters are LDS (Mormon); moderate war violence (nothing too graphic); mild romance (kissing).
*I received a copy from the publisher. My review is voluntary and all thoughts are my own.*
November 25, 2016
The book begins before the US entered WWI. A group of college students in Logan, Utah live in a time where women's suffrage is a point of debate and young men wonder if they will be called upon to enter the war.
There are a lot of characters in the group of friends. Sometimes I had a hard time trying to remember who each of them were and where they fit into the story. The author's tell the story to the reader. I had a hard time picturing the events and wanted a little more description. It took me a while to figure it out.
The time before the war depicts a relatively care free life of the students. They enjoy going to debates, concerts, playing sports, horse racing, and driving in a Model T. It's hard to think of a time when people could stand on the side bar of a car and pile in without seat belts. It's amazing how much society, technology and safety have changed in the last 100 years.
Life changes for the characters when the United States enters the war. The innocence is lost and the harsh realities of fighting are described. The prejudice against Germans is detailed. It is sad to me how good people are treated with distrust and as an enemy. There is a lot that can be learned through history about similar situations we face today.
If you enjoy war stories and history, this may be a right fit for you. The book has war violence and some kissing. Yes, this book has some romance!
There are a lot of characters in the group of friends. Sometimes I had a hard time trying to remember who each of them were and where they fit into the story. The author's tell the story to the reader. I had a hard time picturing the events and wanted a little more description. It took me a while to figure it out.
The time before the war depicts a relatively care free life of the students. They enjoy going to debates, concerts, playing sports, horse racing, and driving in a Model T. It's hard to think of a time when people could stand on the side bar of a car and pile in without seat belts. It's amazing how much society, technology and safety have changed in the last 100 years.
Life changes for the characters when the United States enters the war. The innocence is lost and the harsh realities of fighting are described. The prejudice against Germans is detailed. It is sad to me how good people are treated with distrust and as an enemy. There is a lot that can be learned through history about similar situations we face today.
If you enjoy war stories and history, this may be a right fit for you. The book has war violence and some kissing. Yes, this book has some romance!
November 25, 2017
Great historical fiction about WWI and students at Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State University). I was very interested in USU's early history and how the war affected it's students and the predominately LDS community. The friendships and budding romances was fun too. I give it 4.5 stars.
November 28, 2016
I was pleased to receive an ARC of No Peace With The Dawn from Cedar Fort in exchange for an honest review.
The plot of this war romance quickly turns from lighthearted fun to a lot of deep emotional drama as each of the characters endures their own personal tragities and whitnesses the horrors of war. Each individual was interesting and easy to want to follow: Reed, a college student falls for Clara, a firey young woman that is quick to sacrifice for what she knows is right. Joseph is a Native American during a time when his people are not respected as citizens. He's desperate to prove his worth to his country. There is also Trudi, a Swedish girl who mirror's Joseph's plight.
One of the things that impressed me most, was that even though this book was written by two different authors, the voice and flow are completely streamlined and impossible to distinguish between two different writing styles. As this was my first time reading either of the authors, I completely forgot that the book was co-written.
No Peace With The Dawn was insightful, inspiring, and everything a historical fiction reader looks for. The romantic endeavors are pleasing but not the center of the meaty plot. Your emotions will be tied right along with each character and you will almost feel as though the experiences of war were your own. The ending felt like an exhale of a deep breath, since all of that tragedy does bring good things in the end.
The plot of this war romance quickly turns from lighthearted fun to a lot of deep emotional drama as each of the characters endures their own personal tragities and whitnesses the horrors of war. Each individual was interesting and easy to want to follow: Reed, a college student falls for Clara, a firey young woman that is quick to sacrifice for what she knows is right. Joseph is a Native American during a time when his people are not respected as citizens. He's desperate to prove his worth to his country. There is also Trudi, a Swedish girl who mirror's Joseph's plight.
One of the things that impressed me most, was that even though this book was written by two different authors, the voice and flow are completely streamlined and impossible to distinguish between two different writing styles. As this was my first time reading either of the authors, I completely forgot that the book was co-written.
No Peace With The Dawn was insightful, inspiring, and everything a historical fiction reader looks for. The romantic endeavors are pleasing but not the center of the meaty plot. Your emotions will be tied right along with each character and you will almost feel as though the experiences of war were your own. The ending felt like an exhale of a deep breath, since all of that tragedy does bring good things in the end.
November 4, 2016
I recommend Wheeler's writing to everyone. Her stories are engaging and well researched and No Peace with the Dawn is no exception.
The story follows the lives of people living in Cache Valley, Utah during World War I. I find the novel to be quite interesting, because the authors don't just focus on your typical white soldier, but explore the difficulties of living in the US as an immigrant during that time as well as the racism and injustice of being a Native American or even a woman who wishes to do all she can in helping the war effort even so much to volunteer to go abroad.
The characters are believable and all have their own personal demons and fears to fight and despite their unusual situations, they are extremely relatable.
This is a great read, even if you aren't into historical fiction. There's love and loss and diversity and everything in between. Highly recommended.
The story follows the lives of people living in Cache Valley, Utah during World War I. I find the novel to be quite interesting, because the authors don't just focus on your typical white soldier, but explore the difficulties of living in the US as an immigrant during that time as well as the racism and injustice of being a Native American or even a woman who wishes to do all she can in helping the war effort even so much to volunteer to go abroad.
The characters are believable and all have their own personal demons and fears to fight and despite their unusual situations, they are extremely relatable.
This is a great read, even if you aren't into historical fiction. There's love and loss and diversity and everything in between. Highly recommended.
November 19, 2016
I love to read for pure enjoyment without too much analyzing--but lately books like this really make me think about what I would do if I was in that situation-- Would I be able to just go on with life? Would I be one to join in the fight anyway I can? Would I put my life on the line to save another? This book is SO GOOD! I love that it is based on true facts--which just makes me wonder even more what I would do if these things hit close to home again.This one is a MUST-READ!
May 27, 2017
Reed and his buddies had began attending the agricultural college. Reed was fun-loving, Bert was also adventurous but a devoted "farm boy", Joseph -a little older Native American, and Alonzo a "city boy" against the war raging throughout Europe.
The other students were Clara, Alonzo's free-spirited, determined, obstinate sister, and her more refined friend and Swiss immigrant, Trudi.
The war had a different impact on the various population in America. Wilson was elected on the prefaces' that he would keep America out of the war. However, after repeated attacks on innocent cruise lines by "the enemy" Wilson declared war on Germany as well.
Trudi was involved in aiding Europe by humanitarian efforts by knitting slippers, socks, & Neck scarves. Clara was not the least bit domesticated. Since she could not enlist to fight on the front lines, she decided to enlist as a medical aid through the YMCA. Reed, Bet and others went into officer training. Alonzo felt it a bigger need to remain home and run the factory. Besides, Alonzo felt the war was none of the United States business.
Eventually they went their separate ways. Reed was committed to Clara, although she rejected him for a long time, Clara was concerned for Reed but was determined to do more in the war effort. Her new YMCA friends felt she was doing enough. Bert and Reed were able to stay together for awhile. None of them realized how this time of life would affect them for years to come and change their view in life.
Suffrage was at the very beginning of coming to fruition and Clara was a strong advocate. Reed was for it, too..anything to win Clara's affection. He loved her spunk and spirit. It was at a very unsettled time and it is interesting the paths their individual lives went.
There are parts which are fun, infuriating, heart wrenching, romantic and inspiring, as well.
The many various characters were portrayed so well, each felt real. The scenes were -sometimes painfully - described well. It was easy to imaging being there.
The Book Cover and Title are depicted very well.
^ This book was sent to me as a gift and I am under no obligation to give a positive review. This is my honest review.
The other students were Clara, Alonzo's free-spirited, determined, obstinate sister, and her more refined friend and Swiss immigrant, Trudi.
The war had a different impact on the various population in America. Wilson was elected on the prefaces' that he would keep America out of the war. However, after repeated attacks on innocent cruise lines by "the enemy" Wilson declared war on Germany as well.
Trudi was involved in aiding Europe by humanitarian efforts by knitting slippers, socks, & Neck scarves. Clara was not the least bit domesticated. Since she could not enlist to fight on the front lines, she decided to enlist as a medical aid through the YMCA. Reed, Bet and others went into officer training. Alonzo felt it a bigger need to remain home and run the factory. Besides, Alonzo felt the war was none of the United States business.
Eventually they went their separate ways. Reed was committed to Clara, although she rejected him for a long time, Clara was concerned for Reed but was determined to do more in the war effort. Her new YMCA friends felt she was doing enough. Bert and Reed were able to stay together for awhile. None of them realized how this time of life would affect them for years to come and change their view in life.
Suffrage was at the very beginning of coming to fruition and Clara was a strong advocate. Reed was for it, too..anything to win Clara's affection. He loved her spunk and spirit. It was at a very unsettled time and it is interesting the paths their individual lives went.
There are parts which are fun, infuriating, heart wrenching, romantic and inspiring, as well.
The many various characters were portrayed so well, each felt real. The scenes were -sometimes painfully - described well. It was easy to imaging being there.
The Book Cover and Title are depicted very well.
^ This book was sent to me as a gift and I am under no obligation to give a positive review. This is my honest review.
July 11, 2021
Clara,Reed,Trudi,and Joseph are young,optimistic college students just beginning to learn about life and love.But when the U.S. enters the Great War in 1917, their lives are forever changed.They soon find themselves in different parts of the world fighting in the war effort. But amid the horrors of war, can they stay true to who they are?The Preparedness Movement was a campaign led by Leonard Wood and Theodore Roosevelt to strengthen the military of the United States after the outbreak of WWI.Wood advocated a summer training school for reserve officers to be held in Plattsburgh,NY,despite American neutrality.The Lusitania sinking,started changing minds.Congress passed the 1916 NDA.Washakie is a ghost town in Box Elder County,UT-est.1880 by The LDS Church for the settlement of the Northwestern Shoshone.From 1903-1929,Washakie had a baseball team which competed with white teams in parts of UT and ID.The 91st Infantry Division(aka the"Wild West Division"with a Fir Tree as its Division insignia to symbolize its traditional home of the Far West) served in both World Wars.In September 1918,the division's first operation was in the St.Mihiel Offensive in France.Serving under the U.S. Army's V Corps,the division fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.Marines served as a part of the AEF under General Pershing,fighting in the 1918 Battle of Belleau Wood.In July 1917 the US branch of the YMCA opened its service to females for the first time.Many women stepped up to the challenge,going to France.Their role was to provide amusement and moral welfare to the soldiers.YMCA service took place in huts/canteens on or near the front.They were turned into clubs, theaters, gyms, post office, or a PX.The women often served refreshments and gave out books.Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City was an internment camp for German citizens.Logan is a city in Cache County,UT.Logan also is the location of the main campus of USU,formerly agricultural college.German-Americans felt they were being watched and had to prove their patriotism.The Indian Citizenship Act(June 2 1924)was enacted partially in recognition of the thousands of Native Americans who served in WWI.
November 11, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the way that it told the story from several points of view. The points of view were varied and made the whole war and events of the time just pop off the page for me.
There's Clara, she's a young coed always trying to do things her own way. She loves to work on cars and debate with the boys and she's not thrilled that the boys get to go to war and the girls have to stay home.
There's Reed, his was probably the normal story you think of out of this time period, young man, leaves college to do what needs to be done for his country. Sees the terrible things that men sometimes do to one another, and knows that coming home may be a long shot.
Trudi's story really touched my heart. She remembers being a young girl in Switzerland and her family's extended family is from Germany. Her story brings such a different point of view to this time period. I loved the way she was working so hard to help out with the war effort, but every time she ran into someone new they looked down on her because of her accent. This would have been such a hard time period to be an immigrant.
Joseph's story resonated with me too, in a different way. Joseph was a descendant of Shoshone Indians. He was used to being looked down on as a second class citizen, and yet at the same time, his country asked him to serve. I love that he was willing to do it, I love the tender story of him with his friend and partner Bert. Wow, it's crazy to me that even after the brave men like Joseph came home from fighting for America in the war, they still weren't recognized as American citizens.
This is a great historical fiction novel, I loved reading it, and I loved how much I learned about this whole time period.
There's Clara, she's a young coed always trying to do things her own way. She loves to work on cars and debate with the boys and she's not thrilled that the boys get to go to war and the girls have to stay home.
There's Reed, his was probably the normal story you think of out of this time period, young man, leaves college to do what needs to be done for his country. Sees the terrible things that men sometimes do to one another, and knows that coming home may be a long shot.
Trudi's story really touched my heart. She remembers being a young girl in Switzerland and her family's extended family is from Germany. Her story brings such a different point of view to this time period. I loved the way she was working so hard to help out with the war effort, but every time she ran into someone new they looked down on her because of her accent. This would have been such a hard time period to be an immigrant.
Joseph's story resonated with me too, in a different way. Joseph was a descendant of Shoshone Indians. He was used to being looked down on as a second class citizen, and yet at the same time, his country asked him to serve. I love that he was willing to do it, I love the tender story of him with his friend and partner Bert. Wow, it's crazy to me that even after the brave men like Joseph came home from fighting for America in the war, they still weren't recognized as American citizens.
This is a great historical fiction novel, I loved reading it, and I loved how much I learned about this whole time period.
May 13, 2025
Won in a goodreads giveaway (2016). Thank you to the authors, sorry it's taken me so long!
I originally started this back in 2017, even found the bookmark where I'd gone a few chapters in. Had I read this book back when I won it though, I don't think I would have truly understood the impact of war. Now that I work with defence force veterans, I can better appreciate the story told and the thought that has gone into telling a piece of history most people don't really learn about in school.
You see both sides of the story here - the americans fighting the war against germany, their bravery and their sorrows, and the germans living in america and any others who spoke the language, their fear and the way they were made to feel like outcasts in their own towns and persecuted. A lot of research has been made to keep true to the events of history and the book has enough depth for the reader to witness what WW1 was like and the language/ terminology used was easy to follow without it being a bombardment of information and facts like a non-fiction/ biography might entail.
It leaves you thinking about it well after you finish. I like the touch of the questions in the back of the book to make you ponder what might you have done in such a situation.
I originally started this back in 2017, even found the bookmark where I'd gone a few chapters in. Had I read this book back when I won it though, I don't think I would have truly understood the impact of war. Now that I work with defence force veterans, I can better appreciate the story told and the thought that has gone into telling a piece of history most people don't really learn about in school.
You see both sides of the story here - the americans fighting the war against germany, their bravery and their sorrows, and the germans living in america and any others who spoke the language, their fear and the way they were made to feel like outcasts in their own towns and persecuted. A lot of research has been made to keep true to the events of history and the book has enough depth for the reader to witness what WW1 was like and the language/ terminology used was easy to follow without it being a bombardment of information and facts like a non-fiction/ biography might entail.
It leaves you thinking about it well after you finish. I like the touch of the questions in the back of the book to make you ponder what might you have done in such a situation.
January 1, 2017
Having had one of the authors as a professor for an American Military History course, and after attending a lecture by the authors previewing the book and how it came to fruition, I know the historic backing of this novel is solid. I enjoyed the tremendous breadth of topics the authors were able to include while not overwhelming the reader.
While there is certainly romance present throughout the book, the reader is faced with numerous adventures, storylines, and emotions which will keep them reading, waiting to learn the fate of all the characters. This story offers a unique homefront and minority view of the Great War and gets the reader interested particularly in the conflicting social issues of the time. Highly recommended.
While there is certainly romance present throughout the book, the reader is faced with numerous adventures, storylines, and emotions which will keep them reading, waiting to learn the fate of all the characters. This story offers a unique homefront and minority view of the Great War and gets the reader interested particularly in the conflicting social issues of the time. Highly recommended.
November 23, 2021
3.5 stars. I read this for my Utah History class. The author is my teacher. In the context of the history class, it was a good book for the purposes of showing what it was like in Utah, and then parts of the war at the time of WWI. As a novel, it needed more polish. It was a lot of telling, not showing. There was a huge cast of characters to follow and not all of them were fully developed.
That said, it was an interesting book about an interesting time period and after getting through the first couple of chapters, I really enjoyed it. The descriptions of the war were vivid and heart wrenching. I did grow to like the main characters and wanted to see what would happen to them all by the end.
That said, it was an interesting book about an interesting time period and after getting through the first couple of chapters, I really enjoyed it. The descriptions of the war were vivid and heart wrenching. I did grow to like the main characters and wanted to see what would happen to them all by the end.
September 27, 2025
Learning about War through novels is easier than when in school. What people went through during WWI from a LDS community either at home or overseas is eye opening. Little bit about their beliefs, love, death, integration to USA either as immigrants or indigenous and some negro reference and the unfairness of all that. Good read, easy to follow story line as it jumps chapters with the various characters.
July 8, 2017
I don't read a lot of religious fiction (this has LDS characters and revolves around an LDS community) but I was very moved by this novel set during WWI. It was well researched and I learned a lot about the time period and the Great War. The characters were appealing, which made their struggles more poignant.
April 4, 2018
This is a Terrific story. I hate writing reviews but this is a book that could be read by any generation of people. It is timeless. The elements of the storyline will resonate with any adult. Discrimination, suspicion, coming of age, separation from loved ones, the terror of war in many different elements of war all combine to make this a very good read!
January 31, 2020
Excellent story of WWI - how it affects a group of college friends in Logan, Utah. I was glad they include chapter notes of the actual history of many of the experiences. Overall, the war is a staggeringly large subject, so this book just shows a small portion, and that makes it more personal. Sad, and also meaningful.
May 25, 2017
I truly enjoyed the historical aspect of this novel. It drove the story, sometimes leaving the characters behind or conveniently placing them in the past to tell a tale. Very well researched and especially delightful as it told unique stories from WWI.
August 19, 2019
I loved this book. I loved the connection to Utah State University (back then the Agricultural College of Utah) and Logan. I loved the characters and their dynamic personalities as they experience loss and heartache in the war. This felt very real and so good. Such a great book!
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March 31, 2020Loved it. Very real. Liked that it took place local in Logan
December 20, 2022
Reading about how the great war affected Logan was really interesting!
November 11, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the way that it told the story from several points of view. The points of view were varied and made the whole war and events of the time just pop off the page for me.
There's Clara, she's a young coed always trying to do things her own way. She loves to work on cars and debate with the boys and she's not thrilled that the boys get to go to war and the girls have to stay home.
There's Reed, his was probably the normal story you think of out of this time period, young man, leaves college to do what needs to be done for his country. Sees the terrible things that men sometimes do to one another, and knows that coming home may be a long shot.
Trudi's story really touched my heart. She remembers being a young girl in Switzerland and her family's extended family is from Germany. Her story brings such a different point of view to this time period. I loved the way she was working so hard to help out with the war effort, but every time she ran into someone new they looked down on her because of her accent. This would have been such a hard time period to be an immigrant.
Joseph's story resonated with me too, in a different way. Joseph was a descendant of Shoshone Indians. He was used to being looked down on as a second class citizen, and yet at the same time, his country asked him to serve. I love that he was willing to do it, I love the tender story of him with his friend and partner Bert. Wow, it's crazy to me that even after the brave men like Joseph came home from fighting for America in the war, they still weren't recognized as American citizens.
This is a great historical fiction novel, I loved reading it, and I loved how much I learned about this whole time period.
There's Clara, she's a young coed always trying to do things her own way. She loves to work on cars and debate with the boys and she's not thrilled that the boys get to go to war and the girls have to stay home.
There's Reed, his was probably the normal story you think of out of this time period, young man, leaves college to do what needs to be done for his country. Sees the terrible things that men sometimes do to one another, and knows that coming home may be a long shot.
Trudi's story really touched my heart. She remembers being a young girl in Switzerland and her family's extended family is from Germany. Her story brings such a different point of view to this time period. I loved the way she was working so hard to help out with the war effort, but every time she ran into someone new they looked down on her because of her accent. This would have been such a hard time period to be an immigrant.
Joseph's story resonated with me too, in a different way. Joseph was a descendant of Shoshone Indians. He was used to being looked down on as a second class citizen, and yet at the same time, his country asked him to serve. I love that he was willing to do it, I love the tender story of him with his friend and partner Bert. Wow, it's crazy to me that even after the brave men like Joseph came home from fighting for America in the war, they still weren't recognized as American citizens.
This is a great historical fiction novel, I loved reading it, and I loved how much I learned about this whole time period.
January 20, 2017
See full review here: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/86...
Set in 1917, Logan, "No Peace With the Dawn" follows the lives of four young adults as they face the challenges of leaving their peaceful lives in Cache Valley and experiencing a world at war.
Clara, Trudi, Reed and Joseph all come from different backgrounds but share a common bond as young members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their daily routines revolve around activities on the campus of Utah's Agricultural College.
Trudi is an immigrant and convert to the church, while her friend Clara is a strong-minded suffragette who was raised in the Logan area. Reed is a charming farm boy from central Utah, and Joseph is a Shoshone Indian from Fort Hall, Idaho.
Part of the beauty of this book is how the authors detail life in early 20th-century Logan. Utah authors E.B. Wheeler and Jeffery Bateman share descriptions of football games, ice skating and sleigh rides are contrasted with a world rapidly devolving due to the start of World War I.
As the characters struggle with personal challenges, they can't seem to avoid being drawn into discussions about the growing war. Soon Clara, Reed and Joseph find themselves far from their Cache Valley homes and face to face with all of the horrors of war.
But "No Peace With the Dawn" is not just about war; it also tells the story of a blossoming romance between Reed and Clara. While Clara initially has no interest in Reed after losing to him in a debate in front of her classmates, she can't help but be drawn in by his charm.
This book contains general descriptions of war violence. It also contains mild references to sex and no obscene language.
Set in 1917, Logan, "No Peace With the Dawn" follows the lives of four young adults as they face the challenges of leaving their peaceful lives in Cache Valley and experiencing a world at war.
Clara, Trudi, Reed and Joseph all come from different backgrounds but share a common bond as young members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their daily routines revolve around activities on the campus of Utah's Agricultural College.
Trudi is an immigrant and convert to the church, while her friend Clara is a strong-minded suffragette who was raised in the Logan area. Reed is a charming farm boy from central Utah, and Joseph is a Shoshone Indian from Fort Hall, Idaho.
Part of the beauty of this book is how the authors detail life in early 20th-century Logan. Utah authors E.B. Wheeler and Jeffery Bateman share descriptions of football games, ice skating and sleigh rides are contrasted with a world rapidly devolving due to the start of World War I.
As the characters struggle with personal challenges, they can't seem to avoid being drawn into discussions about the growing war. Soon Clara, Reed and Joseph find themselves far from their Cache Valley homes and face to face with all of the horrors of war.
But "No Peace With the Dawn" is not just about war; it also tells the story of a blossoming romance between Reed and Clara. While Clara initially has no interest in Reed after losing to him in a debate in front of her classmates, she can't help but be drawn in by his charm.
This book contains general descriptions of war violence. It also contains mild references to sex and no obscene language.
October 31, 2016
No Peace with the Dawn straddles the line between a really entertaining textbook and an information-heavy fiction novel. As a discourse on the struggles of the average citizen during World War I and how the major events of the time--racism, influenza and pneumonia, PTSD--tied together, it is brilliantly enlightening, giving glorious detail on life in the trenches and life in Logan, Utah, during those years. It is historically accurate and clearly written--obviously, a great deal of care went into the crafting of this novel.
Given that World War I is a war that is rapidly fading from public consciousness, I can understand the authors' desire to make sure that the background of the book's events are clear. If there had been a pop quiz at the back of the book, I would have been more than adequately prepared. However, the overwhelming proliferation of facts often distracted me from the story itself. Also unfortunate is the lack of character growth within the story. Despite the intimidating and violent circumstances they found themselves in, the characters faced very little in the way of personal challenges, and those challenges they did face either disappeared from the story or were resolved by outside forces. There was very little internal struggle, which is the soil needed for personal growth.
On the other hand, I still adored spunky Clara, dashing Reed, gentle Trudi, and stalwart Joseph as they carried the story nobly to its foregone conclusion. I felt I knew more about a time that I had paid little attention to before. For my education, it was worth the read.
Given that World War I is a war that is rapidly fading from public consciousness, I can understand the authors' desire to make sure that the background of the book's events are clear. If there had been a pop quiz at the back of the book, I would have been more than adequately prepared. However, the overwhelming proliferation of facts often distracted me from the story itself. Also unfortunate is the lack of character growth within the story. Despite the intimidating and violent circumstances they found themselves in, the characters faced very little in the way of personal challenges, and those challenges they did face either disappeared from the story or were resolved by outside forces. There was very little internal struggle, which is the soil needed for personal growth.
On the other hand, I still adored spunky Clara, dashing Reed, gentle Trudi, and stalwart Joseph as they carried the story nobly to its foregone conclusion. I felt I knew more about a time that I had paid little attention to before. For my education, it was worth the read.
November 27, 2016
It was fun to read about a town I lived in during World War I, making it easy to picture the area. This books has four points of view, but I feel like it was mainly Reed and Clara's story. In a way I wish it had just been their points of view so I could have felt a deeper connection with them. This novel is chock full of historical facts and you can tell the authors did their research, but sometimes the dialogue or narration felt a little stiff because they tried to explain things that I didn't necessarily need to know for the story to flow. Overall I'm glad I read it and will look into other books by these authors.
December 6, 2016
So. Good. Compelling. Eye-opening. Gut-wrenching.
Logan, Utah 1916 is set up perfectly as The Hometown, making it all the more haunting when World War I tugs the characters into panicked xenophobia, selfless nationalism, and finally the rumble of artillery. I laughed and cried and was left with hope. I don't know what better thing to say!
Logan, Utah 1916 is set up perfectly as The Hometown, making it all the more haunting when World War I tugs the characters into panicked xenophobia, selfless nationalism, and finally the rumble of artillery. I laughed and cried and was left with hope. I don't know what better thing to say!
November 27, 2016
Very, very good.
March 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this book for several reasons: first, because it is written about WWI, which is often overlooked in history; second, because the majority of the characters are college age LDS students at USU. The challenges that faced that generation are addressed, and the loyalty to friends and family as well as to country are nicely portrayed.
April 13, 2017
A great story. Guys, this book is for you too. WWI is well researched and well written.
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