Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: Dawn in My Heart
Author: Ruth Axtell Morren
Publisher: Steeple Hill
ISBN: 978-0-373-78567-4
Release Date: August 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1814/London
Overall Rating: 4.5
Sexual Content Rating: None (Implied)
Language (Profanity) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: None
Ruth's Website:
www.ruthaxtellmorren.com
Lady Gillian Edwards and Tertius Pembroke Fourth Earl of Skylar, were brought together by the contract their parents had drawn. They would marry and produce the heir that "Sky’s" father, the Marques of Caulfied, desperately desired. Sky is no saint nor does he strive to be as his past has shown. After being more or less banished to the West Indies by his father 10 years ago, he is now being called home to take on the duties of the earldom after the death of Sky’s elder brother.
Lady Gillian has secretly loved and longed for the soldier that she gave herself to three years earlier. Though her mother forbade Gillian to ever see the soldier again and Gerrit Hawkes went off to war, Gillian has dreamed of the love she knows they both feel. The arranged marriage with Lord Skylar is nothing more than that as her heart will remain with Gerrit.
Lord Skylar has a secret of his own. The fever had taken him very ill just before he left the Indies. It returns now and then and each time seems to take more out of him than the time before. Sky’s valet, Nigel, is sure that the mistress Sky left behind has cursed him with black magic and it’s so powerful that he’s not sure there’s anything that will remove it. Sky doesn’t believe it though he knows when the fever comes on there is no physician that can help him as he’s tried.
Sky has another bout of fever. This one seems the worst yet and keeps him incapacitated for days. Nigel is the only one who knows the severity but soon Sky’s father finds out and is shocked. Sky appears near death’s door, what will happen to his earldom if Sky doesn’t make it. The Marques talks Gillian’s mother into moving up the wedding.
Lord Skylar recovers and the wedding takes place. It’s this night that Lord Skylar discovers he’s been sold damaged goods. His anger is taken out on Gillian and she is banished to his most remote estate.
Sky turns to the way his life was before the Indies, women, gaming and drinking. He becomes reckless and eventually another bout of fever takes him. By far this one is the worst yet. It doesn’t appear like he will recover this time. Nigel, worried, knows that his Lordship should be with his wife. He doesn’t know what happened between them but whatever it is surely can be forgotten, as his Lordship needs his Lady to care and comfort him. It’s these thoughts that bring Nigel to the decision to take Sky to the remote estate where Lady Gillian can care for her husband.
Lady Gillian has become very bitter and angry with her husband over the last six months. She wants nothing to do with Sky or his illness. In fact, this will suit her fine as she’ll become a widow and her problems will be over. Gillian will be able to live the life she dreams of with her soldier, Gerrit.
Very near death’s door, Lord Skylar has a miraculous spiritual experience that is much more powerful than any magic, black or otherwise. He knows he’s forgiven of his past sins and also knows his Lord has many things for him to accomplish. Gillian wants nothing to do with this and can hardly believe her plans have been spoiled by his recovery. God and time heal Sky and he craves God’s Word and continues to grow spiritually. Sky seeks God’s guidance for his life and marriage. Sky knows the past lies between him and Gillian and knows he must seek her forgiveness for his actions.
During Sky’s recover time Gillian starts to soften toward him and she hates it. Though she notices a change in him, she doesn’t know why she should show him any mercy as he had shown none to her. When they return to London Sky gives her the freedom to choose, stay or go.
Ms Morren once again writes a powerful story. Her characters are strong keeping the reader turning page after page to see what the next twist or turn will be. The story is different telling of black magic but it’s God who shall prevail. It’s not always the hero who has the spiritual experience first but Sky’s miraculous spiritual experience leaves him no doubt of who his Lord is and the forgiveness He’s shown. This inspirational message of God’s peace, patience, love and forgiveness for His children leaves the reader rewarded.
My only frustration is that Gillian was embittered to almost the very end. She was hurt, mistreated and misguided but she held fast to it and did not turn to Sky’s kindness until she couldn’t stand herself and felt he wouldn’t either. I would have liked to have seen a little more wavering toward Sky and her opening up to the teachings Sky was anxious to share.
With this said, Gillian does find God’s peace through Sky’s love, leading and unwavering faith; it’s this that leaves the reader inspired. I highly recommend this inspirational romance that is very powerful and well worth the read.
Trudy
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