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Customer Reviews for Revell Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook

Revell Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook

Luellen O'Connell is stunned and confused when her husband of just one month tells her he is leaving--and that he has another wife. Deeply wounded by this betrayal, Luellen decides to follow the dream she had set aside of obtaining a teaching degree. But her wayward husband left something behind when he abandoned her. Can Luellen overcome the odds and achieve her dream? Can she hide her secret, or will it destroy her dreams forever?
Average Customer Rating:
4.75 out of 5
4.8
 out of 
5
(12 Reviews) 12
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Rating Snapshot (12 reviews)
5 stars
9
4 stars
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12 out of 12100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Review 1 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Date:March 1, 2013
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Army Mom
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
The dawn of a dream is Luellen's story. The book starts off with Luellen's husband leaving after only a month of marriage. Instead of falling apart and against her families wishes, she enrolls at a school hoping to get her degree in teaching. The book takes place over a two year period, but the way the story is woven together I didn't feel any huge gaps in the story, nor did I get lost the way I do with some books that work over a huge time frame.
This is the third book in the series, and I was pleased to see that the plot continuity and the characters stayed basically the same.
Luellen starts off the book wishy-washy, but by the end of the story she has become a strong independent woman finding her way in the world.
The only down side, was her relationship with Ward. I didn't feel the chemistry between them. It seemed that they were friends, rather than two people who were supposed to be falling in love. But otherwise this was a wonderful ending to the series.
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Review 2 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Will inspire you to never give up.

Date:May 10, 2011
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Bonnie
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ann Shorey's best so far! I loved this story! Ann's engaging style of writing and attention to detail drew me into every page. I fell in love with Luellen, a woman unwilling to give up on a dream. I rooted for her from the very first page to the last. I highly recommend this book!
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Review 3 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Writing is accurate, enjoyable, and flows well!

Date:May 1, 2011
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Julieanne Miller
Location:Oregon
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ann Shorey combines historical details and relevant characters that have true personality, not just the standard "cookie cutter" versions of books that are written quickly and not done well.
Her writing flows smoothly and accurately. I found myself speeding through her paragraphs and pages, and I must say that a lot of modern writers just don't have the knack for writing in a way that flows. Often, I'll get frustrated on how slowly I'm progressing through a fiction book, simply because the author doesn't really have the knack for writing well.
While The Dawn of a Dream is Book 3 in the trilogy, "At Home in Beldon Grove", it definitely stands alone. Even if you haven't read any of Ann's books in this series, you will be able to easily pick this up and be involved in the main characters' lives in no time at all. Characters from Books 1 and 2 in the series appear occasionally, but not having a background in their lives won't be a hindrance at all.
The Dawn of a Dream was my favorite book in this trilogy. I wish it wasn't ending! I'm hoping that Mrs. Shorey will be invited to write additional books along the same line as these three.
Read my full review of this book at: http://www.JoyInOurJourney.com
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Review 4 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A Delightful, Loving Story!

Date:April 29, 2011
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BookReviewsbyMolly
Location:Willow Spring, NC
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Having only read book two in this series, The Promise of Morning, and enjoying it, I was quite excited to have the chance to return to Beldon Grove and Ms. Shorey's talented work! I was anxious to start this book and was quite pleased once I did. I was instantly captured, and taken in amongst the characters, and was not disappointed with the plot or the characters...well, except for one character that is.
Ms. Shorey's characters in this 3rd book were beautifully created and blended perfectly. Luellen, well she became a part of me through out this story. She had a dream and wanted so passionately to pursue it, but, when Brenden, her husband of just one month, drops a bombshell on her, her dreams shatter. But, through persistence and friendships, Luellen doesn't give up on that dream.
Brenden's character, well, I know that Ms. Shorey had to add him to the story (what story isn't complete with out some kind of villainous character?) but I truly didn't like him. The first time he was introduced into this story, I took an immediate dislike to him! But, because he was villainous, it really added a bit of the oomph to the story.
Sweet Belle's character, now that friend I would love to have! Ms. Shorey did a fantastic job of creating such a sweet and loving friend for Luellen. Let's not forget Ward....that's another persistent character! The first time Luellen's brother Franklin introduced Ward to Luellen, I could feel the sparks! They truly were alike in so many ways!
If you like historical novels that speak of God's shining love and of never giving up on your dreams, no matter what, then I HIGHLY recommend this novel. While this 5 star novel is 3rd in the series, it is also easily read as a stand alone. I loved this story and I know that you will, too! I can't wait for another release from Ms. Shorey, possibly a 4th installment to Beldon Grove????
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Review 5 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Best of the trilogy

Date:April 28, 2011
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Rel Mollet
Location:Australia
The third book in Ann Shorey's At Home in Beldon Grove series, The Dawn of a Dream, is my favourite of the trilogy. I enjoyed Luellen's tenacity in her efforts to become a teacher at a time when it was difficult to say the least, even without the additional pressures she faces following her husband's desertion. She is far from perfect and her decision making isn't always well considered. Such a character stands out in an historical novel, a genre where angelic, passive women are over represented! Luellen's brother Franklin and his friend, Ward Calder, both Army men, provide interesting insight in to the life of soldier during the time period and offer a contrast to the community of Beldon Grove and Luellen's student lifestyle. The Dawn of a Dream has all the elements historical romance readers enjoy with a uniqueness of character I thoroughly enjoyed.
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Review 6 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A GREAT READ!

Date:April 24, 2011
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Anonymous
Location:Henderson, NC
Age:55-65
Gender:female
THE DAWN OF A DREAM by Ann Shorey is an exciting inspirational historical fiction set in 1857 Beldon Grove,Illinois.While it is the third in the "AT HOME IN BELDON GROVE, it can be read as a stand alone. Book One,"The Edge of Light",Book Two, "The Promise of Morning".This is a fast paced story of love,betrayal,deception,love,
family,romance,moving on with life after difficult circumstances.and finding happiness.
Luellen wants a happy marriage,children,wanted to be able to touch children,but all changed when she decided to elope with a freight driver. After only a month of marriage Luellen is not only stunned by her husband's announcement that he is leaving but why is what devastates her. While wounded by his betrayal she decides to make a new life for herself,by following her dream of becoming the teacher she always wanted to be. But in order to do this she must be single,she hides her past,seeks a divorce,and goes to school in a town without her family. This story is full of facts about the early training of teacher's,vivid descriptions of military life,perseverance,tenacity,ones woman struggles
determination to follow and achieve her dream despite all the obstaclesThis is also the story of faith,family,love,honor and is told with such simplicity that it will leave the reader wanting more. A great read for all historical,inspirational,romance,western readers.
This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Revell Books,a division of Baker Publishing Group and My Book Addiction and More.
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Review 7 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Excellent Historical Novel

Date:April 17, 2011
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Donn Taylor
Location:Texas
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Other reviewers have told enough details of the heroine’s determination to overcome obstacles and realize her dream of becoming a teacher, so I will concentrate on the writing. Through her thorough research, Ann Shorey knows and understands the period of the Midwestern 1850s in which her story is set. She writes about it in convincing detail, whether recounting the costumes and medical treatments of the day or portraying the discomforts of early rail travel. Her characterizations are varied and exceedingly well done, and her tracing of her heroine’s emotions in response to each situation are, alone, enough to keep the reader turning pages. This is an excellent historical novel that forecasts, we hope, many more to come from the pen of Mrs. Shorey.
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Review 8 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Follow Your Dream

Date:April 9, 2011
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schoolmarm
Location:Heber Springs, AR
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Luellen decides to follow her dream of finishing her teaching
degree when her husband leaves her. All is going well until
she discovers she is with child. This could make her getting
her degree next to impossible. However, good friends
help her make this dream come true.
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Review 9 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Good way to learn about the past

Date:April 9, 2011
Customer Avatar
Anonymous
Location:o fallon, IL
Age:45-54
Gender:female
This is book 3 in the Beldon Grove Series. It’s Luellen’s story. If you’ve read the others you know about her dream of someday becoming a small town teacher. Because there were so many things children needed to be taught she didn’t want to be ‘rote and rule’ teacher. She embarks upon this journey in The Dawn of a Dream.
Luellen must overcome ‘ defy the odds’ obstacles which during this time period seem impossible and will have you wondering through the end if she will graduate. Her perniciousness is to be admired and imitated in real life.
I enjoyed the descriptions of teacher training and military life during this time period.
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Review 10 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A teacher in training--in life and love

Date:April 1, 2011
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MaryAnn
Location:OR
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Will Luellen’s dream of becoming a teacher be realized? The Dawn of a Dream begins like a sweet romance, but within a few pages Luellen’s life is overturned. Can she survive this devastation? Her determination and aspiration drive her to forge her way through all the difficulties that arise, but will she ever find true happiness?
Readers cannot help but cheer for this persistent young woman, who chooses to go it alone amidst the odds facing her in mid-nineteenth century America. This is the third in Ann Shorey’s “At Home in Beldon Grove” series. I have not read the others yet, but hope to soon. This novel stands strongly on its own—a powerful story that draws readers in immediately and holds their interest. It deals with deception and expectations, things we all deal with in life. I recommend The Dawn of a Dream.
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Review 11 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Dream the Impossible Dream

Date:March 24, 2011
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jude
Location:Indiana
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Even though I had not read the first two books in the Beldon Grove Series, I found The Dawn of a Dream could stand alone. It does, however, make me want to read the prior books. In this book, one woman dared to dream the impossible dream.
I'm a big fan of historical romantic fiction and feel Ann Shorey did a super job with accurate detail in this book. That aspect commanded my respect. She used the senses in such a way I felt I was on that steam locomotive and feeling the grit and smoke. Shorey's vivid descriptions allow insight into a woman's world in the nineteenth century and into current history at that time.
Empathy with the heroine begins immediately and you're in her camp from page one. Perhaps because most of us harbor memories of when we've made honest, but impulsive mistakes also. Enter the handsome military hero and we're certainly hooked. Distance apart proved no lasting barrier to their growing love. Secondary characters also claim your interest.
Heroine Luellen O'Connell had pluck and perseverance in her determination, against many odds, to achieve a teacher's certificate. I enjoyed the classroom scenes with teacher and pupil interaction and cheered Luellen on when fanciful administrators posed hurdles.
If you're looking for an intriguing love story of honor and respect, look no more.
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Review 12 for Dawn of a Dream, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Date:March 21, 2011
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Frances Pope
Location:Warrenton, VA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Really enjoyed the determination with this young lady! Well written!! Love the late 1800's time period!
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