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Regency #1
Dawn in My Heart
Called home to Regency London after his brother's death, Tertius Pembroke, Earl of Skylar, must marry quickly and produce an heir. Lady Gillian Edwards seems the ideal bride: young, beautiful and innocent. But Sky is no ideal husband, having returned from the Indies gaunt, ill and plagued by a darkness that he dare not reveal -- even to his betrothed. Lady Gillian had promised Sky her hand in marriage but cannot give him her heart -- not when she gave it to another man three years ago. Afraid of repudiation, Gillian buries her secret so deep inside herself, no one will ever know -- or so she hopes.
Through lies and deceit, their marriage slowly unravels. Then Sky becomes deathly ill, and his newfound faith offers two virtual strangers a second chance at becoming husband and wife.
Through lies and deceit, their marriage slowly unravels. Then Sky becomes deathly ill, and his newfound faith offers two virtual strangers a second chance at becoming husband and wife.
342 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
About the author
Ruth Axtell Morren
21 books77 followersRuth Axtell Morren wrote her first story when she was 12--a spy thriller--and knew she wanted to be a writer.
There were many detours along the way as she pursued more realistic goals. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, where she received a Bachelor's degree; spent her junior year in Paris; taught English and lived as an au pair in the Canary Islands; worked in international development in Miami, Florida. It was there she met her husband, a Dutchman from Suriname, who took her to the Netherlands to live for six years.
In Holland Ruth began crafting her first serious story in between having children Justin, Adaja and Andre. It was there, too, she gained her first recognition as a writer when she made the finals in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest in 1994.
After the initial euphoria wore off, it was still several years before she made any progress. Ruth and her family moved back to the U.S. to the east coast of Maine. It was the ideal location--surrounded by spruce and fir, a short walk from the rocky seashore--to hunker down in front of her computer and write the stories simmering at the back of her mind.
Ruth's inner journey of faith parallels her outward journey--seemingly circuitous, sometimes wandering in the desert--yet ever-guided by the Good Shepherd.
Ruth currently teaches Spanish to her children and a small group of elementary school children in an after-school program. She also enjoys gardening and has recently learned to knit. Living in rural Maine has given her an opportunity to learn to start a fire in a woodstove on a cold winter morning, shovel snow and realize how many stars are in the sky at night.
also writes under the name Ruth Axtell
There were many detours along the way as she pursued more realistic goals. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, where she received a Bachelor's degree; spent her junior year in Paris; taught English and lived as an au pair in the Canary Islands; worked in international development in Miami, Florida. It was there she met her husband, a Dutchman from Suriname, who took her to the Netherlands to live for six years.
In Holland Ruth began crafting her first serious story in between having children Justin, Adaja and Andre. It was there, too, she gained her first recognition as a writer when she made the finals in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest in 1994.
After the initial euphoria wore off, it was still several years before she made any progress. Ruth and her family moved back to the U.S. to the east coast of Maine. It was the ideal location--surrounded by spruce and fir, a short walk from the rocky seashore--to hunker down in front of her computer and write the stories simmering at the back of her mind.
Ruth's inner journey of faith parallels her outward journey--seemingly circuitous, sometimes wandering in the desert--yet ever-guided by the Good Shepherd.
Ruth currently teaches Spanish to her children and a small group of elementary school children in an after-school program. She also enjoys gardening and has recently learned to knit. Living in rural Maine has given her an opportunity to learn to start a fire in a woodstove on a cold winter morning, shovel snow and realize how many stars are in the sky at night.
also writes under the name Ruth Axtell
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this Regency. It is very refreshing from many other Regencies in that the characters have a lot of depth. The two main characters start out as non-Christians, who agree to a marriage of convenience, each for their own selfish reasons. The author portrays how each character lives according to their sinful desires. I felt that the whole book is very clean and nothing is done without taste. Some things are alluded to, such as “producing an heir”, but very tastefully. The hero and heroine start to have a thread of attraction for the other, but it easily falls apart when tested. It is a good picture of how without a foundation in Christ, human love is often selfish and needy and easily falls apart with testing.
The hero, Tertius, has previously spent time in the Indies. A lover who he has spurned has put a curse on him. I especially liked the portrayal of the grip the curse has on him, showing how real spiritual warfare is. God is the only power stronger than the curse that grips Tertius. Then Tertius has a great test where he has to be patient and loving with his wife while she continually treats him rudely. This is the same way he used to treat others. Finally, in God’s time, our heroine is brought to the Lord as well, and she and Tertius become the man and woman God intended them to be.
October 16, 2015
This is pretty explicit for a Christian romance. The characters are definitely not saints. I wouldn't recommend it for YA. I really like Ruth Morren as an author, so this was a bit of a disappointing read for me.
The hero is pretty despicable and so his transformation is extremely miraculous. My problem with this book is that the characters were quite over the top. Their personalities seemed to change at whiplash speed. For instance, at one point, the hero flies into a hypocritical rage when before he seems rather milquetoast. The religious aspects almost seem incongruent with the story in places. It was like the author wanted to throw every evil practice of the times into this story including slavery, voodoo, adultery, etc.
It's an okay read, just know going in that the characters and their behavior are unsavory.
The hero is pretty despicable and so his transformation is extremely miraculous. My problem with this book is that the characters were quite over the top. Their personalities seemed to change at whiplash speed. For instance, at one point, the hero flies into a hypocritical rage when before he seems rather milquetoast. The religious aspects almost seem incongruent with the story in places. It was like the author wanted to throw every evil practice of the times into this story including slavery, voodoo, adultery, etc.
It's an okay read, just know going in that the characters and their behavior are unsavory.
November 8, 2018
I love that Ruth Morren writes stories about messed up characters who find faith and peace in Jesus. Many Christian authors avoid sullying their characters for fear of upsetting their audience. But Morren’s books are very satisfying to us who understand Jesus came for the lost. Negative reviews labeling the main male character as horribly bad had me concerned about this selection. But the feelings were unfounded because Tertius was relatable in the first part of the story and endearing in the second. This story was well written, included intriguing characters, and built nicely too a great happy conclusion.
December 31, 2019
I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book. I was ready for it to be like every other book out there, but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't! It is a very unique story that kept my attention until the very end. Now I have to say that I normally do not read any of the "Steeple Hill" or "Love Inspired" books because I think they are cheesy and dumb. But from the start this one was different and it was able to hold my interest and keep me reading.
This was my first book by Ruth Axtell Morren and I loved it. I loved how different it was. I also loved how salvation and redemption were woven throughout the storyline. I figured out about half-way through that this was number 2# in a series, but that didn't take away from the book at all. The characters are very real, and I like that they aren't portrayed as perfect, but as normal humans with a sin nature. I think if you are one to read historical fiction and romance books then you will love this one! It's not your typical fiction book, I promise!
Storyline:
Lady Gillian is in need of someone to marry. She needs to settle down, raise a family, and forget her past. The Early of Skylar (Sky) has recently returned and is need of a wife so that he may raise an heir. Their first meeting does not go so well, but after a while, both agree to the marriage. There is only one thing holding Lady Gillian back, a man from her past. But is he who she thinks he is? Sky also has demons from his past haunting him, and both come to the marriage full of lies about their past. God's love breaks through this marriage after Sky gets very sick and comes close to dying. But can God's love and Salvation save their marriage before it's too late?
This was my first book by Ruth Axtell Morren and I loved it. I loved how different it was. I also loved how salvation and redemption were woven throughout the storyline. I figured out about half-way through that this was number 2# in a series, but that didn't take away from the book at all. The characters are very real, and I like that they aren't portrayed as perfect, but as normal humans with a sin nature. I think if you are one to read historical fiction and romance books then you will love this one! It's not your typical fiction book, I promise!
Storyline:
Lady Gillian is in need of someone to marry. She needs to settle down, raise a family, and forget her past. The Early of Skylar (Sky) has recently returned and is need of a wife so that he may raise an heir. Their first meeting does not go so well, but after a while, both agree to the marriage. There is only one thing holding Lady Gillian back, a man from her past. But is he who she thinks he is? Sky also has demons from his past haunting him, and both come to the marriage full of lies about their past. God's love breaks through this marriage after Sky gets very sick and comes close to dying. But can God's love and Salvation save their marriage before it's too late?
December 1, 2017
This book was a first read with Ms.Morren . I thought it started out real slow but, got better with each chapter . The ending was the best.
May 5, 2021
Good story
January 20, 2010
The hero and heroine in this book are both non-Christians at the beginning, but are redeemed by the end and saved by God's grace. I enjoyed this book because it is true to life. It doesn't gloss over the characters' sins--their bad behaviors--their inappropriate thought patterns. We were all in that place at one time or other, and if we ever become so self-righteous that we forget that, I fear we will lose the ability for God to use us in full capacity for His glory. I say this because I've read some "bad" reviews attacking the author for showing who these characters are before they become children of God. To me, the way she has written this book, makes God's love and grace shine even greater!
If you are looking for perfect little characters who rarely do anything wrong, and the only conflict in their stories are simple misunderstandings, then this isn't the book for you. If, however, you are interested in true-to-life characters who make mistakes, who make bad decisions, who go down the wrong path in spite of how God is calling them, then this book is for you. Keep reading, you will see these characters redeemed.
Some Spoilers to Warn About
Before the book begins, the hero has spent time on an island in the Indies with natives where he was exposed to voodoo. He brings back a footman who takes care of him and believes he is cursed. This man is very loyal and tries to heal the hero and fight the curse with old superstitions. The hero has a sister who is a Christian. She isn't frightened by this curse, and she fights it with the Word of God, prayer, and fasting. She teaches them to believe by reading the Bible to them.
In contrast, the heroine comes to the marriage having deceived her husband into believing she is a virgin. This indiscretion happened years ago before the book opens. Her husband is so angry and unforgiving that he sends her away. It isn't until he discovers God that he can find the ability to forgive her. She is tempted by her ex-lover once more, but she overcomes the temptation. She realizes what a fool she's been. She reminded me of Scarlett O'Hara--young, beautiful, an illusion of innocence, bold, determined, but not as wise as she thinks she is.
Description
Called home to Regency London after his brother's death, Tertius Pembroke, Earl of Skylar, must marry quickly and produce an heir. Lady Gillian Edwards seems the ideal bride: young, beautiful and innocent. But Sky is no ideal husband, having returned from the Indies gaunt, ill, and plagued by a darkness that he dare not reveal--even to his betrothed.
Lady Gillian had promised Sky her hand in marriage, but cannot give him her heart--not when she gave it to another man three years ago. Afraid of repudiation, Gillian buries her secret so deep inside herself, no one will ever know--or so she hopes.
Through lies and deceit, their marriage slowly unravels. Then Sky becomes deathly ill, and his newfound faith offers two virtual strangers a seconde chance of becoming husband and wife.
If you are looking for perfect little characters who rarely do anything wrong, and the only conflict in their stories are simple misunderstandings, then this isn't the book for you. If, however, you are interested in true-to-life characters who make mistakes, who make bad decisions, who go down the wrong path in spite of how God is calling them, then this book is for you. Keep reading, you will see these characters redeemed.
Some Spoilers to Warn About
Before the book begins, the hero has spent time on an island in the Indies with natives where he was exposed to voodoo. He brings back a footman who takes care of him and believes he is cursed. This man is very loyal and tries to heal the hero and fight the curse with old superstitions. The hero has a sister who is a Christian. She isn't frightened by this curse, and she fights it with the Word of God, prayer, and fasting. She teaches them to believe by reading the Bible to them.
In contrast, the heroine comes to the marriage having deceived her husband into believing she is a virgin. This indiscretion happened years ago before the book opens. Her husband is so angry and unforgiving that he sends her away. It isn't until he discovers God that he can find the ability to forgive her. She is tempted by her ex-lover once more, but she overcomes the temptation. She realizes what a fool she's been. She reminded me of Scarlett O'Hara--young, beautiful, an illusion of innocence, bold, determined, but not as wise as she thinks she is.
Description
Called home to Regency London after his brother's death, Tertius Pembroke, Earl of Skylar, must marry quickly and produce an heir. Lady Gillian Edwards seems the ideal bride: young, beautiful and innocent. But Sky is no ideal husband, having returned from the Indies gaunt, ill, and plagued by a darkness that he dare not reveal--even to his betrothed.
Lady Gillian had promised Sky her hand in marriage, but cannot give him her heart--not when she gave it to another man three years ago. Afraid of repudiation, Gillian buries her secret so deep inside herself, no one will ever know--or so she hopes.
Through lies and deceit, their marriage slowly unravels. Then Sky becomes deathly ill, and his newfound faith offers two virtual strangers a seconde chance of becoming husband and wife.
February 20, 2017
What should have been a lovely historical Christian romance just left me cold and cranky. Both the main characters have made bad choices in the past but somehow it all comes down to blaming the woman for her single bad choice and her difficulty finding a way to forgive his tons of bad choices and abusive behavior. We follow her through her weaknesses and desperation while the guy gets set up as this paragon of virtue. Sure, it all ended happily so it got that second star from me but honestly, I think it would have hit closer to 4 or 5 stars if it had ended as a more true-to-life tragedy where she pulled an Ophelia after being jerked around by a few too many true-to-life men. She's painted as this weak creature the whole way through but the author didn't follow through on the suicidal thoughts, just put them out there so we'd know to judge what a wimp the woman was supposed to be. Also, jewelry does not make it all better, no matter how nice the set is.
some swearing, some violence, bedroom scenes
some swearing, some violence, bedroom scenes
March 15, 2013
After reading Winter Is Past and thoroughly enjoying it, I wondered if the rest of the series would be as good. Well this second book sure is. I absolutely hated the hero in the first half of the book and absolutely loved him in the second. What I like most about Ruth's ability to write a good conversion story is that it doesn't happen in just a couple of pages and thereby comes across as hokey and fake. The hero's conversion takes time and struggle. He goes through hell and back and comes out winning your heart.
My favorite part is when Althea shows up and she kicks Satan's butt!
As with the first book, Ruth's writing style is excellent. Her conversations flow nicely and come across with a realistic feel. You really get to know the characters and who they are and why they are the way they are.
After reading the two negative reviews left on this book I have to say that if you like your Christian Romance books to be all peaches and cream then no, this book is not for you. But if you like a book that is realistic (we are all sinners) and presents an excellent story of conversion then you will enjoy this book. I found the wedding night to be very realistic based on the plot and the type of person the hero was at that time. And I didnt' feel it crossed the line in any way. ***** REVEAL: The hero at the time of his wedding night was an egotistical creton that thought it was okay for a man to have lived a life of promiscuity but when he takes a wife she must be a virgin. And the heroine was a terrified innocent that was taken advantage of in a previous relationship by an unscrupuous man.
My favorite part is when Althea shows up and she kicks Satan's butt!
As with the first book, Ruth's writing style is excellent. Her conversations flow nicely and come across with a realistic feel. You really get to know the characters and who they are and why they are the way they are.
After reading the two negative reviews left on this book I have to say that if you like your Christian Romance books to be all peaches and cream then no, this book is not for you. But if you like a book that is realistic (we are all sinners) and presents an excellent story of conversion then you will enjoy this book. I found the wedding night to be very realistic based on the plot and the type of person the hero was at that time. And I didnt' feel it crossed the line in any way. ***** REVEAL: The hero at the time of his wedding night was an egotistical creton that thought it was okay for a man to have lived a life of promiscuity but when he takes a wife she must be a virgin. And the heroine was a terrified innocent that was taken advantage of in a previous relationship by an unscrupuous man.
March 31, 2016
Going for the middle here.
-Down one star for a naive heroine and an unreasonable hypocrite of a hero.
-Down one star for the content. Yes, it was necessary to the plot. No, I did not like it. Strictly 18+.
There is a frank sharing of the gospel and an exploration of spiritual warfare. The main characters do turn their lives around. However, there is a frank view of the gutter they came out of.
I'm just glad this wasn't my first Axtell book, or I'd have missed some other enjoyable books. It is well written and everything builds to a believable but melodramatic ending. Good Regency setting. Read at your own risk.
-Down one star for a naive heroine and an unreasonable hypocrite of a hero.
-Down one star for the content. Yes, it was necessary to the plot. No, I did not like it. Strictly 18+.
There is a frank sharing of the gospel and an exploration of spiritual warfare. The main characters do turn their lives around. However, there is a frank view of the gutter they came out of.
I'm just glad this wasn't my first Axtell book, or I'd have missed some other enjoyable books. It is well written and everything builds to a believable but melodramatic ending. Good Regency setting. Read at your own risk.
January 26, 2009
So I hated this book! I am genuinely sorry that I wasted an entire day reading it! For a CHRISTIAN novel it had foul lanquage and descriptive sexual encounters. If that was what I had wanted to read, than ANY ole harlequin would've done the job. Even when it got to the point of both of the main characters "finding salvation" it was rushed and with the female main character, not even believable! I was very disapointed!
May 4, 2012
Regency England is not my favorite setting, and this book included quite a bit of period language, so beware if you are not familiar with the period. It also moved rather slowly in the beginning for my taste. That being said, it handles the subject of arranged marriages, societal class standards, and upper class family life of that period well. The importance of forgiveness in a marriage and the transforming power of Christ are the overarching themes of the book that earn it two stars from me.
Read
July 29, 2009It's been a couple years, but I want to mark it as read so I don't wonder about it. I don't remember much about it, except it was clean, but not so gripping or funny that I had to read everything else the author had written.
July 24, 2011
I love how this author portrays her protagonists. There is not the "love at first site" that plagues most romance novels. Rather, her characters actually get to know each other, and love evolves over time. It's very refreshing.
March 26, 2009
I didn't know this was Christian fiction and got slammed on page 212. :(
September 5, 2011
Nothing like a good christian historical novel to make everything right in the world! I do like a little more romance but enjoyed the story none the less!
December 29, 2017
Got a tad too preachy at the end, but loved the romantic tension.
May 7, 2013
This was a great story of Jesus' redemptive power. Sure the storyline was a bit much at times but still, enjoyable and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed the Regency setting.
August 6, 2014
This is a book for adults. I think to was a wonderful demonstration of God's grace in spite of our personal sin. The characters were a mess and God changed everthing for the good.
September 12, 2014
Interesting British historical--1814. Two people must marry, but don't want to. Hiding secrets of their pasts and presents.
September 16, 2015
3.5 stars really. I didn't even know this was a Christian book until the main characters began to discover God. It was interesting and easy to read.
October 15, 2016
I won't remember a single thing about this book in a week. It was very heavy handed on the religious side and yet not something I would want my teenagers to read.
January 24, 2017
I found this book at a used bookstore and since I am interested in this era, I decided to give it a try. I absolutely loved this book and will be reading it again soon.
May 19, 2017
This one grabbed me from the beginning and kept me up a few nights. As some of the other reviews stated, I also wondered for the first 100 pages or so if this was a story with a faith message. Reason being it was somewhat more explicit than the norm in several ways. But I am so glad I kept going and was more than pleased with how Tertious and Gillian found forgiveness, redemption and healing. Very much looking forward to Althea's story!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews