No Peace with the Dawn by E.B. Wheeler and Jeffery Bateman {Review}

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No Peace with the Dawn by E.B. Wheeler and Jeffery Bateman

Paperback, 304 pages

Published November 1st 2016 by Bonneville 

 

 

In 1917, the Great War seems far from Logan, Utah. But soon it will change the lives of suffragette and mechanic Clara, Swiss-German immigrant and LDS convert Trudi, Marine Corps volunteer Reed, and Shoshone seeking U.S. citizenship Joseph. This novel weaves real events with compelling fictional characters into a sweeping tale of war, romance, self-discovery, and sacrifice.  

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

This story follows a couple of college age friends at the beginnings of the Great War (WWI). The first part of the book really shows the spunky, spit-fire attitude of Clara, her more demure brother, Alonzo, their immigrant friend, Trudi, a cocky flirt, Reed, and a Shoshone friend, Joseph, along with several other characters. I loved seeing what their college experience was like, what they did for fun, and the way life was in Logan, Utah a century ago. With that threat of war looming, things change and the resulting experiences each character had was very enlightening, entertaining, and heartbreaking.

 

This book takes place in a small town in Northern Utah and it really hit home for me. I attended the very college that these characters did, although it has a different name now; my ancestors and relatives lived and worked in these same areas; In fact, I grew up very near this area and one whole side of my family were Swiss-German immigrants who lived in this very area during this time. I had no idea that there were such prejudices against them. My mother-in-law deals very closely with the Shoshone tribe and again, I had no idea what was going on almost 100 years ago. Books like this are what really make history come alive for me. My great-grandfather fought in this war and I really don't know as much about it and this era as I do WWII. It was easy to cast my relatives into the story and I really did enjoy it.

I love how the view changes from Europe to back home, so the reader gets a sense of what is happening in both places. This story is crafted in a way that really draws a reader in and doesn't let go until the book is completed. This is a great read for anyone wanting to experience history in a great way.

Content: mild religious references, as the characters are LDS (Mormon); moderate war violence (nothing too graphic); mild romance (kissing).

*I received a copy from the publisher. My review is voluntary and all thoughts are my own.*

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About the Authors:

 

E.B. Wheeler grew up in Georgia and California. She earned her BA in history from BYU and has graduate degrees in British history and landscape architecture from Utah State University. She’s the award-winning author of “The Haunting of Springett Hall,” the historical romance “Born to Treason” and is a member of the League of Utah Writers. She lives in northern Utah with her family.

Jeff Bateman served in the U.S. Air Force for 32 years, retiring as a Colonel in 2010. He holds a BA and MS in Criminal Justice, an MA in History and an MS in Strategic Studies. Following his military career, Jeff worked as a civilian historian at the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Flight Test Center. He teaches American Military History and U.S. Institutions at Utah State University and is a member of the League of Utah Writers. He has taught workshops on military writing. Jeff lives on a mini-farm in the mountains of Northern Utah, where horses, gardening, and playing the bass fill every minute he is not writing or teaching..
 

The Woman With No Name by Kelly Nelson {Review}

The Woman With No Name by Kelly Nelson

Paperback, 254 pages

Published August 26th 2016 by Walnut Springs Press 

Losing her memory might lead to finding happily ever after. 

Sworn bachelor Colton Murdock gets more than he bargained for on the elk hunt when he finds an injured woman in Utah’s high country. She must have a history, but she wakes up to towering pines and the clap of a thunderstorm with no recollection of her name or how she came to be there. Colt brings her to the safety of his camp, trying to ignore the first stirrings of his heart since the tragic death of his fiancée six years ago. 

The young woman can’t help falling for her ruggedly handsome rescuer, who calls her Skye for her blue eyes. But her life goes into a tailspin when she is recognized as Lily Vanasche, fiancée of a popular TV news anchorman, and Colt is arrested for a series of crimes—including her abduction. After the real kidnapper leaves a death threat in Lily’s ransacked house, the clock starts ticking. Can she remember her past before it catches up with her?

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My Review: 5 Stars

Let's go through the list: rugged cowboy, check; beautiful girl with amnesia, check; danger and suspense, check; swoony chemistry, check. Yes, this book has all of the ingredients for a really good story and it sure did deliver!

Colt is on a solo elk hunt in the middle of the mountains and finds an unconscious woman who doesn't remember who she is or how she got there. With no phone, no cell service, and no way off the mountain, these two spent a couple of days hunting the elusive, muy grande elk and getting to know one another. How would it be to have a blank slate before you, as Skye/Lily does? Since she can't remember anything, she can rediscover herself, can't she?

I read to escape, and I love a story that I can throw myself into. I know the general area where this book takes place, so it's easy for me to picture the setting and I loved that. I also love it when characters have to dig deep within themselves as they struggle through trials, life, and decisions. Secondary characters are also an added bonus, especially when I feel strongly about them--I loved some and couldn't stand others and to evoke those feelings is a very good thing. I was fascinated as I read this because I kept waiting for something to happen and to surprise me, but the build up was gradual and it still caught me off guard. This is the type of book that lassoed my attention and didn't let go until the very end. And that ending? Fantastic! Ms. Nelson is definitely an author to keep an eye on!

Content: mild romance (a couple spends a few night together in the mountains, but nothing happens; kissing); very mild violence. 

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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About the Author:

Kelly Nelson was raised in Utah and now resides in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She enjoys life on a ten-acre horse property with her husband, four children, and of course lots of horses. Kelly has a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and worked as a CPA for several years before opting to stay home and raise a family. As a young girl she was an avid reader and had a passion for creative writing. Her travels to England, France, Egypt, Israel, West Indies, Mexico and across the United States sparked a love of history, adventure and exotic places. This led to the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Keeper's Calling, Book 1 in The Keeper's Saga.