Love's Kindling

Dawn of America

by Elaine Marie Cooper

(previously published by Burnett Young Books in February 2019, this book is being re-edited and published in one volume, Love's Kindling that will include its prequel, War’s Respite. Love’s Kindling is Book One of Elaine’s Dawn of America series.)

During the American Revolution, Aurinda Whitney lives with her cold and calloused father, an embittered veteran of the previous war. Aurinda’s life changed forever when her father returned for her after that war, taking her away from the only place she’d ever experienced affection. Since her father blamed Aurinda for the death of his wife in childbirth, Aurinda is convinced she is unworthy of love.

Zadok Wooding believes he is a failure as he tends the smithy at home while others go to battle against the British. Just when he has an opportunity to become a hero, he is blinded in an accident. Now he fears he will never live up to the Biblical “mighty man of valor” for whom he was named.

When the couple meet, they are both challenged to overcome adversity as well as their inadequacies. Unexpected secrets of their past emerge that can change their lives forever. But can they look past their present circumstances to heal—and find love?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, American Revolutionary War, Fiction, Historical Romance, Inspirational, Historical

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Writer of historical fiction and Christian Devotions. Passionate about her faith, her family, and the history of the American Revolution.

Reviews

[Abigail Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing an author I love has a new book is a joy!

This novel was an unexpected pleasure to read as I did not know that Elaine Marie Cooper had a new book out.

18+ due to sexual abuse and mentions of the cruelty of war.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! The amount of detail is amazing! I love the message that I got from this. I’m not sure if this was what was intended, but I got the message about seeing ourselves through God’s eyes and not believing the bad things we might have heard about our appearance. We are all beautiful inside and out. The characters were great! This is definitely going on my keeper shelf!


I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1763-1779 New Haven & Fairfield, Connecticut

Love's Kindling is the start of a series that shines a light on little known details about the American Revolution. Most of the novel takes place in 1779 when there continues to be instability and battles.

Look forward to continuing the series.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Kindling is a gripping story set during 1779 in Connecticut with well researched history during the Revolutionary War. The story of Aurinda Whitney brought a range of emotions with all she had endured during her short life span and trying to please her ungrateful and heartless father. Her characteristics were admired with faith and resilience that gave her bravery to assist Zadok Wooding. The vivid realistic scenes with Aurinda, Zadok and secondary characters placed me right in the midst of all the action with tissues needed quit often with the unfathomable happenings. I enjoyed how Elaine Marie Cooper brought the characters to life with a faith message gently interwoven into this awesome Christian historical fiction story.

Love’s Kindling is book two of Dawn of America series by Cooper but can be read as a standalone. I look forward to reading rest of the series as they are released. I won a complimentary copy of this book from the author as a winner of a Facebook party. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my own sincere thoughts.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! The amount of detail is amazing! I love the message that I got from this. I’m not sure if this was what was intended, but I got the message about seeing ourselves through God’s eyes and not believing the bad things we might have heard about our appearance. We are all beautiful inside and out. The characters were great! I was so excited to see Major Tallmadge make an appearance since I had just been reading about him and Washington’s Spies recently. This is definitely going on my keeper shelf!


I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story from young America's struggle to wrest its nationhood from the British, through the winsome Aurinda, her cruel father's circumstances, and other well-drawn characters. Aurinda resented the war, but it brought her precious people from her past. The author's use of old-fashioned language--forthwith, mayhap, bespoke, thwarted, uncomely--helped set each scene. Even Benedict Arnold makes a cameo appearance. A very satisfying way to remember how difficult things were for those who lived through the founding of our country.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1779 and the war for independence rages on. Spies on both sides of the strife are delivering messages to those in charge - frequently written in invisible ink. Delivery was sometimes dangerous resulting in another trusted person presenting the message to the designated person. Who can be trusted to take the message to General Washington’s camp? Will the British attack be averted, or will further death follow in their wake?
A ‘wind of truth’ will sweep through this war torn Connecticut area bringing forgiveness for past hurts and a new realization that God is in everything.
I received the ARC from the author for my enjoyment. All opinions and impressions are my own.

[Meg's · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like this time period or if you like a well written story that will draw you in and have you rooting for the characters, give Love's Kindling a read. It's now on my top favs bookshelf.

[Janet Grunst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine Cooper has given us another well-researched Revolutionary War story, this time set in 1779 Connecticut. It is filled with engaging characters, war action, broken relationships, and budding romance.
Zadock Wooding and Aurinda Whitney are not only plagued by the war around them, but they also battle emotional and physical challenges which threaten their growing attraction. The issues many of the characters face are not relegated to the eighteenth century, they’re timeless. There are faith lessons readers will remember long after the story ends.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Kindling by Elaine Cooper

Fairfield, Connecticut, 1779, American Revolution… The young daughter that was taken away from a loving aunt in War’s Respite by her returning war veteran father has now grown into a lovely young woman. Her life with her father has not been a happy one and I so wished she would leave her father and find happiness. I admire her obedience to God in honoring her father, even a father such as hers. The story picks up quickly bringing intrigue, mystery, betrayal, friendship and possibly romance from an unlikely source. With a new war practically at their door steps, loyalties are questioned, surprises are revealed that bring unexpected changes to their lives. I was so happy to see that secret out in the open where healing could take place and maybe a new life for a couple of the characters.

The extent of research is evident in every aspect of this story (as it is in the prequel), with historical figures making appearances and especially the speech of the era--forthwith, uncomely, bedchamber, naught and nigh--which enhances the story making it more realistic. As a retired RN I enjoy the references to the medical interventions of the time and medicinals used. There is an underlying message woven throughout the story of seeing ourselves as God sees us and not the unworthiness others have placed upon us. A heartwarming story.

~I was privileged to read ARC of this novella from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~ I loved it so much I purchased my own copy.

[Joanna Bair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this was set in my home state of CT in New Haven and Fairfield, two very familiar towns to me. I had never heard of the attacks during the Revolutionary War in CT, but have always wondered since some houses built in that time still stand.
This was an exciting story in a unique setting. A sweet romance though I found it hard to believe it took them so long to recognize one another. But I’m gonna tell my CT friends who like to read to read this.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so good. Both of these stories have me wanting to cry tears because the emotions expressed in them were so heart filled. These books have all the emotions a human experiences in a life time. I felt rage and sorrow and gladness and the tears actually fell while reading "Love's Kindling," I admit it could be because the scene was so much like I went through in January with my own father. But when a reader can put herself in a character's place and feel that character's pain or joy, then an author has done her job and Elaine Cooper has done that in both of these books.

I recommend both of the books to readers that like clean love stories that have the characters struggling to overcome difficulties in order to rest in their love for each other. There are novels that have all the characters struggling with this. There is love between friends, fathers and daughters, and aunts and nieces and other relationships.

All I can really add is read these books and you will be like me and anxiously waiting for the other books in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of both books by the author. These opinions are my own.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love's Kindling is the second book I have read by this author. I believe I won this one, and I'm so glad! I really enjoy historical fiction and Cooper is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors. I suppose part of the draw is that the two stories I have read so far take place in Connecticut, which is near to my part of the country.
I have to say that this novel is historical fiction at its' very finest! It is rich and detailed in characters and plot.....this book has a lot of stories going on at once but it never gets confusing! Burgeoning romances give it some sweetness to counteract the tough historical setting. It's quite apparent that the author cares about the details of the story and has done her research. I definitely became involved in the story and I really liked having more than one plot line.
I also find it refreshing that a book can be written tastefully about the not-pretty parts of life, and romance can be "hot" without making ME need to take a shower!!!

[Cindy Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Kindling kept me engaged from page one. Set amid the Revolutionary War during an ugly time when the British burned villages and killed the innocent the love story between Zadok and Aurinda struggles along with the fight for America’s freedom. Elaine Cooper has mastered placing her readings into the setting. Her research of this area of Connecticut and the towns that were ravaged are captured by her pen in the scenes of Love’s Kindling. A few historical figures make cameo appearances and the medical treatment of the time stays true to the era. The inner conflicts of Zadok and Aurinda are so relatable. There is truly nothing new under the sun. A wonderful story I can’t wait for the rest of the series.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I have voluntarily read and reviewed this book.)

Love’s Kindling by Elaine Cooper!

A Historical love story based in the times of the Revolutionary War! The 2 main characters, Aurinda and Zadok, captured my attention from the very first pages! I haven’t read too many historical stories with a war theme, but this one really touched my heart! Elaine writes in a way that makes you feel connected and relating to the characters in many ways. This is a beautiful story about love, hope, heartbreak, lies, and forgiveness. But most importantly, it’s about faith and trusting in God!

This was a wonderful book! I really enjoyed it!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Kindling is a powerful, compelling story that kept me up late reading. Aurinda and Zadok have both been subjected to terrible tragedy which causes them to question God and the goodness of people. Their journey toward Him and each other is not easy, and I examined my own faith while watching their story unfold. Twists and turns kept me guessing as to how the story would end. The author does a wonderful job creating the setting through the cadence of the characters’ speech and references to clothing, daily tasks, etc., and I learned a lot about day-to-day living in the mid-1700s. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Amy Anguish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is set in an interesting time in American history that isn't in many other books. Beautiful story of overcoming obstacles, obvious and beneath the surface.

[Deon]

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[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book so much. I am now going to read the next book in the series.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combining historical research, creative imagination, and understanding of human nature, Elaine draws the reader into the world of New Haven and Fairfield, Connecticut, during the American Revolutionary War. War causes terrible suffering and leaves permanent scars--physical, emotional, and spiritual. Aurinda Whitney suffers verbal and emotional abuse from her embittered father, and Zadok Whitney struggles for self-worth. They join together to aid the colonists' cause and discover that forgiveness opens the way to love and hope. If you like historical fiction and romance, you'll enjoy reading Love's Kindling and it's prequel, War's Respite.

[Cynthia]

Love's Kindling is a well-written, well-researched novel set during the Revolutionary War era. A hero, blinded while on an important military mission, meets and falls for a heroine who has been fed lies since her youth that she is ugly and unlovable. Elaine Marie Cooper pens a sweet tale of forgiveness and overcoming obstacles. I especially loved the emphasis she placed on the value of an unborn child.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

1763 was a time for respite from the war, a chance to heal and if needed to be ready to fight again. Unfortunately for some, life at home was fraught with pain - both physically for the soldier and mentally for those around him. Pain and suffering, illness and tragedy — always present whether in times of war or peace.

The war continues and 1779 finds our families, while older, still dealing with the attacking British and marauding Hessian soldiers. Spies on both sides of the strife are delivering messages to those in charge - sometimes to the detriment of their lives. Will the British attack be averted, or will further death follow in their wake?

A ‘wind of truth’ will sweep through this war torn Connecticut area bringing forgiveness for past hurts and a new realization that God is in everything.

An ARC of this first book in The Dawn of America was received through Scrivenings Press. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine Cooper's vast knowledge of the American Revolution sets her newest book in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War. Little is written about the Connecticut battles, but they did take place. I found this book fascinating as my DAR patriot was from Connecticut.

Zadok Wooding and Aurinda Whitney find themselves embroiled in the Revolutionary War even though it was unintended. Both are loyal to the American cause yet at the same time are fighting their own demons. Zadok has always feared he is not good enough or strong enough and lacks self-confidence due to his older brother. Aurinda lost her mother at birth and her father has always belittled her and told her she was not comely not even allowing a mirror in their house. So she has grown up feeling unloved and quite homely. They face issues both emotional and physical as they find themselves drawn in to the war. When circumstances bring them together, God helps them find the strength and beauty that lies within each of them as well as a redemption for both themselves and family members.

Thanks once again to Cooper for bring the Revolutionary War era to life through her incredible art of storytelling.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.