The Gathering Dawn

Freedoms Holy Light #1

by Sally Laity, Dianna Crawford

Susannah Harington, a beautiful young Englishwoman, comes to America to build a new life in the Colonies, only to find he dreams dashed before they even begin... Barely does she set foot on American soil before she is embroiled in the schemes and intrigues against the British Crown...

Daniel Haynes is a bold and courageous post-rider, whose Christian beliefs more him to work secretly in the fight for freedom from England... and whose revolutionary activities put him in constant danger...

Amid the conflict and drama of the Colonies in uprising, these two people meet, drawn together by circumstance and unexpected emotions. But tragedy and treachery separate them, and only their faith in God - and a miracle - can bring them together again.

A gripping drama of love and triumph is set against the colorful backdrop of pre-Revolutionary America.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical, Christian, American Revolutionary War, American Revolution, Fiction

357 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1994

About the author

Sally Laity considers it a joy to know that the Lord can touch other hearts through her stories. She has written both historical and contemporary novels, including a co-authored series for Tyndale House and another for Barbour Publishing, nine Heartsong Romances, and twelve Barbour novellas. Her favorite pastimes include quilting for her church’s Prayer Quilt Ministry and scrapbooking. She makes her home in the beautiful Tehachapi Mountains of southern California with her husband of fifty years and enjoys being a grandma and great-grandma.

Reviews

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh...I’ve read this a bunch of times over the years and it never gets old. This was my first time reading the Kindle version, and there were a few hiccups (missing or incorrect words, which were more jarring than usual since I’ve read the print version so much, lol).

Still, a great story filled with plenty of history. Breathes life into the Revolutionary War period!

[Grace Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me crying, laughing, and smiling for all the best reasons. Such a beautifully written story through its ability to include major moments of history and a multitude of characters with such individual depth. I am beyond excited to read the next book of the series.

[Kim♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this series. :)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this book!!! I have lost count of how many times I've read it!

[Kristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved this series as a kid so I thought I would re-read them, but man is this not a good book. It's poorly written, has a predictable plot and as a Christian book is over-the-top cheesy/preachy. Not to mention the overly patriotic bent in making the rebellious cause look like the only Christian thing to do. The characters are pretty undeveloped but can be fun and I enjoy happy endings so wasn't the worst thing ever. But I wouldn't exactly recommend to anyone.

[Shantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled when I was recommended a "Revolutionary War, colonial" romance series by someone! That era happens to be one of my favorites, and (sadly), I haven't found much on it. Anyway, I enjoyed the Freedom's Holy Light series a lot. The plots were good, the characters engaging, and enough thrill and action. The romance was sweet, except some overly sensual parts. :( If not for that, I might have felt these books earned five stars. Great otherwise! I'm so glad to have found this series!!

[rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal

This was a magnificent book. I can't wait to go forward and read the next series. This book will touch and inspire you.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the story and characters of Daniel and Susannah. Despite liking Christian fiction and historical fiction of the Revolutionary War, I greatly, greatly disliked the retelling of the colonial events leading up to the revolution--it all had a textbook feel--and the long theological mambo jumbo--again, it had a textbook feel. I finished this book at all because of Dan and Sue but don't want to read another word in this series.

[J Diane Fick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational well written fiction

Brilliant and engaging historical fiction set in the Colonial era. Such a great story with just the right amount of clean romance. I reread this after reading it about 25 years ago. It was even better the second time around!

[Karen Kurth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Christian Fiction

[Adelle Tenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVD THE ENTIRE SERIES

[Jennie Lanz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oof

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical fiction book. The main character's story was predictable, but not supporting characters. I learned a little of American history too which was nice.

[Jim Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little Revolutionary War mixed with love. I've read better, I've read worse, but it was definitely worth the time!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've reread this series several times and enjoy the historical and romantic parts of the book.