Before the Dawn

A gripping and absolutely heartbreaking WW2 historical novel

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date 3 Mar 2022 | Archive Date 31 Mar 2022

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Description

When everything you hold dear is torn apart by war, can love put you back together again?

It's 1943, and the Second World War is raging. Ruby Mottram works for her local newspaper, the Bartonford Herald, typing up adverts and obituaries, whilst dreaming of a more exciting life. Between her shifts as an ARP warden and caring for her ailing father, the chance for escape doesn't come often to Devon.

Meanwhile, in America's deep south, Sam Archer is hatching a plan to raise enough money to get his mother and sister away from his abusive stepfather. Using falsified documents to hide his age, he enlists with the U.S. Army.

Two chance encounters bring Ruby and Sam together from opposite sides of the Atlantic, giving them the chance of love, hope and freedom from their troubled lives. But fate, in the shape of D-Day and Omaha Beach, has other ideas.

When their very lives are at risk, will their promise to wait for one another be what keeps them alive?

For fans of Suzanne Kelman, Ellie Midwood and Catherine Hokin.

Readers love Before the Dawn:

'An absolutely stunning book... I adored everything about this. I would definitely watch this if it were a movie! I already can't wait to re-read this' NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'OH MY GODDESS this book has become a new favourite... Ruby and Sam's love is addicting and heart-warming, leaving me feel the same emotions alongside them through every bump in the road. Their love was so enchanting and strong' @haleyyneal, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'What a gorgeous book!!... It would make an exquisite movie. The chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts. This book kept me up late into the night turning page by page like it was on fire to see what happened next' NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I need this to be a movie!... A beautiful story of love and the dual perspective was perfect! I am adding this to my historical fiction favourites' NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I couldn't put this down! Beautiful writing kept me turning the pages!' NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Lovely, raw WWII romance... Quite heart-breaking... Definitely a rocky and emotional one... A really great WWII historical romance' Wayfaring_reader, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Wonderful book... If you are a fan of World War novels of history and romance, then you need to read this... A stunning book I couldn't put down. At the end I was overwhelmed with the story and replayed it in my mind for several days. A read not to be missed' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I read this over a rainy stormy weekend... Just what I needed to curl up with... This was an immersive, historically well researched story of WW2... All that one might want from this genre: romance, historical fact and some sense of suspense... 5 stars from me!' NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When everything you hold dear is torn apart by war, can love put you back together again?

It's 1943, and the Second World War is raging. Ruby Mottram works for her local newspaper, the Bartonford...


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ISBN 9781801105521
PRICE US$5.49 (USD)
PAGES 400

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Featured Reviews

This was an absolutely stunning book. From the cover to the romance, I adored everything about this. I would definitely watch this if it were a movie! I already can’t wait to reread this.

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OH MY GODDESS this book has become a new favorite and definitely makes my top five favorite historical fiction novels!

the book starts with the introduction of our two main characters Ruby and Sam. Of course I was very excited as I love dual pov’s in books.

Ruby, almost 19, lives with her father in a small town Bartonford working at her local newspaper.

One day though Ruby finds her normal routine life begin to change as the war starts to brew. Sam who is 17 lives in America and is working to support his mother and younger sister. He longs to save enough money to move them away from his abusive stepfather. One day he hears of an opportunity he cannot pass up, joining the army.

In her small town all Ruby has ever known is going to work, living with her father, and doing shifts as an ARP warden. One day by chance Ruby and Sam meet under random but quite hilarious circumstances. This starts a chance at love and hope as Ruby and Sam sneak off to see each other each Sunday.

Suddenly right when everything seems perfect Sam is whisked away to fight in France. Ruby lives with constant worry, Will Sam return and if he doesn’t can I ever find someone I love just as much?

Ruby and Sam’s love is addicting and heartwarming, leaving me feel the same emotions alongside them through every bump in the road. Their love was so enchanting and strong. I am very grateful to have read this novel and to give this review.

Thank you so much Head of Zeus and Emma Pass for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible book and I cannot wait to own a physical copy!! I definitely recommend this novel to anyone who reads this review!

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What a gorgeous book!! This brought back so many memories for me and the generation that came before me. It would make an exquisite movie. The chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts. This book kept me up late into the night turning page by page like it was on fire to see what happened next. I will not only be sharing this with Library fam, but as a book club pick as well.

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What a stunning book. As someone who had relatives that grew up around that time I was so intrigued to know more about what that generation experienced and it did not disappoint!
Premise
When everything you hold dear is torn apart by war, can love put you back together again?

It's 1943, and the Second World War is raging. Ruby Mottram works for her local newspaper, the Bartonford Herald, typing up adverts and obituaries, whilst dreaming of a more exciting life. Between her shifts as an ARP warden and caring for her ailing father, the chance for escape doesn't come often to Devon.

Meanwhile, in America's deep south, Sam Archer is hatching a plan to raise enough money to get his mother and sister away from his abusive stepfather. Using falsified documents to hide his age, he enlists with the U.S. Army.

Two chance encounters bring Ruby and Sam together from opposite sides of the Atlantic, giving them the chance of love, hope and freedom from their troubled lives. But fate, in the shape of D-Day and Omaha Beach, has other ideas.

When their very lives are at risk, will their promise to wait for one another be what keeps them alive?
I loved the story Flo Ruby and Sam and how they both escaped their situations and found each other. This would make a gorgeous movie and the cover is stunning!

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A beautiful story with a strong and courageous heroine. I couldn't put this down! Beautiful writing kept me turning the pages!

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With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Such a wonderful book first time reading this author and thoroughly enjoyed the journey the good strong characters with lots of interesting and intriguing incidents along the way can highly recommend.

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What a wonderful book. A tender story about two people from either side of the Atlantic Ocean, brought together by fate. Torn apart by war. If you are a fan of World War 11 novels of history and romance, then you need to read this. Many of us have parents or grandparents who were brought together by the war, my mother was a British girl in the WAAFs and my father a Canadian soldier who participated in D-Day, among other events., and this story rings true in descriptions and scenarios. A stunning book I couldn't put down. At the end I was overwhelmed with the story and replayed it in my mind for several days. A read not to be missed.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this copy. The opinion in this review is solely my own.

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found his book both interesting and and gripping from page one. set in 1943 half way through world war 2. And the effects the war is having on everyone. The 2 main characters both have issues from before the war. But their chance meeting would change their lives Against all the odds these two find each other again and go on to lead the lives together which the had never thought possible. determination and love change everything.

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Overall I enjoyed the book. It was an easy read although a bit predictable at times (I'm astounded by the number of books that have the main character having irregular periods then being surprised they are pregnant!)

Personally I would have enjoyed more details from Sam of his life during the war. It was a shame the period from the bombing of Dresden to returning to France was simply covered in a couple of sentences. The book also left you wondering if he ever did find out about his friend Jimmy.

I would recommend to others and look to read more from the author in the future.

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The great thing about reading historical fiction is I learn something while enjoying a good story. Before the Dawn was no different. Most of the story takes place in Devon, England. Learning of the different struggles always leaves wondering if I could handle it the way the did.

The story centers around Ruby and Sam. Ruby lives in Devon, trying to work, help the war effort and take care of her father that still suffers PTSD from WW1. Her father has one very important rule--stay away from the Americans.

Sam is an American that joined the Navy, ending up in Devon, England preparing for D-Day. He is a protector. He is trying to help his family but sending money home. He steps in to help Ruby after a plane crashes. He steps in again and again. The are destined to be together.

I learned so much as their romance grew. It was not an easy life. Responsibilities were suffocating. Trying to meet up was a challenge. The author was able to show me the reactions of villagers, both good and bad. My mother married a Yank so I never heard much about the negative opinions that many had for the Americans.

If you want to be able to visualize the struggles of those in WW2 this is a great book. If you want to glimpse into the sufferings of POWs then Before the Dawn will help immensely. If you want to understand the stigma of the unwed mother this book will help. If you want to see some of many different perceptions and attitudes during the war, this is a great help. Keep in mind this is fiction based on fact. I was able to take the information and search for more information. AMAZING!!!

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An immersive, well written wartime historical story & romance.
This is set in England but features the effects of the outbreak of WW2 in the US and action on the Western front.
There were so many small details that made this book so realistic and achieved a significant sense of the experiences and sacrifice during this time, especially amongst the young. I adored Ruby and Sam.

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Really enjoyed this book, a story set in the war and a romance between an American soldier and a British girl. A real Sunday afternoon read

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It is 1943. Sam, a 17-year-old American soldier, is shipped to England for specialized training after forging his own enlistment papers to join the US Army.
Ruby, the daughter of a hospital psychologist, works days at a local newspaper and volunteers at night as an ARP warden. Her hometown of Devon is over-run with American soldiers, and while the Americans are considered Allies, her English village is still apprehensive of their boisterous behavior. Her father is especially adamant Ruby stay away from the Americans; she understands he fears for her innocence, but his refusal to explain the reasons behind his fevered bitterness toward them is confusing to her.
Regardless, after meeting via a chance encounter, Sam and Ruby find themselves sneaking away more and more to snatch a few quiet hours unseen. As love blooms, the two make plans to secretly marry. But fate has other ideas when Sam is suddenly shipped out in the middle of the night. Unable to get a message to Ruby, he readies himself for Omaha Beach and his own fate against the German enemy.
Ruby, not knowing where he has been sent, not knowing even what part of the world he might be in, worries and waits. Is he alive? Is he dead? Will she ever see him again?????
I really enjoyed reading this story. I loved watching Sam and Ruby fall in love, then separated as WWII raged around them. The subplots were also engaging. Sam’s concern for his mother and sister back in the United States, along with Ruby’s own family angst. This is a heartfelt story; the characters believable and endearing.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Head of Zeus, for allowing me early access to this endearing novel. I will be talking about this on my book blog, The Tattered Spine, closer to its release date!

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Really well written WW2 story. I’ve never read about the American training camp in Devon and I enjoyed the first hand perspective of being on the ground at during D-Day.

The relationship between Sam and Ruby was really sweet and I loved hearing about their back stories as well prior to the time they met and spent together. The character development was great and you were fully invested in Ruby and Sam as they tried to navigate their relationship with each other as well as the other characters related to them. I would have loved to hear what happened to some of the characters as well but I like that it wasn’t a fully buttoned up story too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest r review.

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I have been reading a lot of historical fiction lately, and this one ranks up there as one of the better ones.

I loved the characters and the author really brought them to life.
I loved the story and the romance was just beautiful.
I loved how the story was told from multiple/dual points of view - this is my favorite type of book.

I really loved this book and kept the pages turning.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.

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Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. Pure and beautiful love story set in WWII.
Young love, facing and overcoming adversity, and a true happily ever after even in the face of fear, danger, and hate.

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I ADORED this! War time Historical Fiction is always a safe bet for me, but this was above and beyond other books in this genre I've read before. Pass has a way of making these characters come to life, she sets them up so well individually before they are introduced to each other. Ruby and Sam have intricate backstories that help us understand their personalities and choices and why they eventually fall for each other. I couldn't stop reading, I finished this entire book in one sitting simply because I was enjoying the story so much. The conflict, the romance and the entire book was written so well. I could say 100 positive things about this novel, but to put it simply: read it! Especially for those who love Historical Fiction, I promise this won't disappoint. I can't wait to see what Pass writes next!

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Historial romances, or just historical fiction books are my favorites ever! Both povs are excellent developed and the personalities of each character are amazing. It's really well written and definitely wonderful. I really loved Ruby and Sam's story

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When I start to read a new book and I find myself saying, ''I'll just read one more chapter'', I know I'm in for a treat. So it was with this book.
It's mainly about Ruby and Sam and each chapter starts with one of their names so you know who's who all the way through. It begins with the prologue set in 1939 and then moves to 1944.
We see what small village life is like in England and also life in small town America.
Sam is a lovely guy and has a really hard life. Ruby has problems too. These two souls are meant for each other. There are some nice characters throughout and the obligatory nasty ones all very well written.
The beach scenes on D-Day were spectacularly done. I could feel the emotion jumping off the page. My heart was in my mouth going through France with Sam.
One thing I love about historical fiction is all the things I learn along the way.
I knocked off one star because in the prologue Ruby is fourteen, when we meet her again in 1944 she still acts the same age even though she's nearly nineteen. Also I would have liked an epilogue to tie up some loose ends.
A great read for any historical fiction lover.

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I need this to be a movie! This was a beautiful story of love and the dual perspective was perfect! I am adding this to my historical fiction favorites and look forward to reading more by Emma.

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It’s 1943 and war is raging. Ruby Mottram keeps herself busy in her small English village of Bartonford. With her job at the local newspaper, volunteering as an ARP warden, and taking care of her ailing father there’s no time for a social life. Sam Archer is living a hellish life in the American south with an abusive stepfather. A chance to join the army and receive enough money to free his mother and little sister from their abusive situation is too good to pass up. When the Americans come to Bartonford, Ruby and Sam meet and strike up a relationship that they never expected. But it’s a time of war and Ruby’s family is the first to complain about “those Americans.” With their plans thwarted at every turn the future is looking very questionable for this couple.

This was a lovely, raw WWII romance. The pacing is good and the story engaging. The author balances history, wartime hardships, and romance very well. This book has dual POV and it was nice to get both characters’ stories and emotions throughout. Ruby and Sam both have some pretty heavy family issues/complexities that are quite heartbreaking. But they also get to have a sweet, hopeful romance. But the journey of their relationship is definitely a rocky and emotional one. The author brings in the hardship of loving a soldier that could be shipped out whenever and the realities of war where not all your friends make it back. My one quibble with this book is that I would’ve loved an epilogue. It ended well but I wanted to see more of Ruby and Sam settled and some more closure to a few situations with friends and family. But overall a really great WWII historical romance.

If you enjoy WWII historical fiction with a good dose of romance, then you should read this book when it releases March 3rd.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

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It's 1943, and the Second World War is raging. Ruby Mottram works for her local newspaper, the Bartonford Herald, typing up adverts and obituaries, while dreaming of a more exciting life. Between her shifts as an ARP warden and caring for her ailing father, the chance for escape doesn't come often. Meanwhile in America, Sam Archer is hatching a plan to raise enough money to get his mother and sister away from his abusive stepfather. Two chance encounters bring Ruby and Sam together, giving them a chance of love, hope, and freedom.

This is a mixture of war and romance. We get the backstories of Ruby and Sam. The descriptions of the era and events that took place were almost brought to life, I felt the reactions of the local people. This beautifully written piece of fiction based on fact, will give you a clearer picture of the perceptions and attitudes of some people during the war.

I would like to thank #NetGalley#HeadOfZeus and the author #EmmaPass for my ARC of #BeforeTheDawn in exchange for an honest review.

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The American Soldier

A story of two young people from different countries meeting and finding love than being torn apart by WWII.

Ruby lives in the small town of Bartonford in England. She works for the Bartonford Herald newspaper typing advertisements. She lives with her father who is a doctor at the hospital and they get along well until her Grandmother comes to visit.

Sam lives on a small farm in America with his mother, his little sister and an abusive stepfather. He is desperately trying to find a way to get his mother and little sister away from his abusive stepfather. He joins the army to have a regular paycheck to send home to his mother and sister.

When Sam is sent to England for training he is stationed in Bartonford. He meets Ruby when she is walking the neighbor's dog on the beach. Then they meet again at a dance at the American Soldier's Camp. The begin meeting in secret and pledge their love for each other. The day they were to be secretly married by the justice of the peace in a nearby town Sam is shipped off to France to fight the Germans.

Will Sam and Ruby ever get back together, or will the war tear them apart forever?

I really loved the story and the characters. I was sad with the rift between Ruby and her father and in the ending it never did resolve whether she ever solved the riff with her father, nor whether she found the truth about her mother. I was also left wondering if Sam ever went back to America and ever saw his mother again. I wondered about Jimmy as well, what happened to him during the war and was he alive or dead, would they ever find out.

I hope there is a book two that answers all my questions and follows the couple in their new life together. I did love the story, but the ending was a bit quick and left me hanging in different directions.

It is a very enjoyable love story and I would recommend it.

Thanks to Emma Pass for writing a great story, to Head of Zeus, Aria for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.

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Ruby and Sam meet during WW2 and fall in love. They hide their growing relationship because Sam is an American and for some reason Ruby’s father and Grandmother don’t like Americans. It’s a really nice love story that endures the hardships of war.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

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I read this over a rainy stormy weekend when ,unable to go out with a cold and because of storms, I spent the time curled up by the fire and indulged my senses! Just what I needed to curl up with. The story of Ruby and Sam told from the perspective of each in turn, this was an immersive, historically well researched story of ww2 and provided all that one might want from this genre: romance, historical fact and some sense of suspense. Nicely written, Ms Pass takes us on a journey from the south of England, across to Europe and further afield to The States. I shall look out for more from this author.
5 stars from me!

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A lovely WWII romance. Told alternately by Sam and Rose, it's the story of an American teen who joined the US Army with the hope of making money to help his family (as well as for patriotic reasons) and a British teen who has worked hard in her small town and cares for her father who suffers from PTSD from WWI. They fall in love and marry in secret but the war divides them. WIll they be together in the end? Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's an emotional read for fans of the genre.

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Thank you for the chance to review this book.An enjoyable book with a story that draws you in and you join the characters in Before the Dawn.5*

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I do not typically read many romances, but Before the Dawn, by Emma Pass, is historical fiction, and I am always unable to resist a WWI or WWII novel, set in England. The romantic pair is an engaging couple, with interesting stories to tell. Pass does a nice job of providing background information for each of the protagonists, which explains their choices and why they find themselves attracted to one another. There is even a bit of mystery that is answered near the end of the book.

In spite of the fact that Churchill had been pleading for the American military to help the British during the first 2 years of the war, once the Americans arrived, not all people were pleased to have American soldiers just outside of small towns.. However, the notion that all American soldiers were intent on seducing or raping British women was disturbing, since that really is not an accurate description, even for this time. No doubt there were some people who might have believed this, but as a reason to completely dislike the American soldiers, was not a universal idea.

The one thing that bothered me was the attitude of the grandmother. An active dislike for a grandchild certainly made this grandmother a terrible villain, and perhaps that was the point. As it turns out, the father wasn't much better. On the other hand, the dynamics between Sam's mother and his stepfather were certainly realistically drawn.

Overall, though, I enjoyed this novel very much. This romance was sweet and filled with just enough tension, as would be expected for young women, whose soldiers were participating in the D-Day landings. The descriptions of this event were definitely horrifying enough to make clear how awful the war in Europe was for these young soldiers.

I want to thank the author, Emma Pass, and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for the ARC of this novel. And thank you to NetGalley for making this very interesting novel available to request.

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A beautiful love story set during WWII and just after. The story is told through the perspective of the two main characters, Ruby and Sam and in this way we learn of both of their experiences first hand.
The language and attitudes seem to be in keeping with the period in which the book is set and suggests the plot was well researched.
A happy ending which was well deserved for the characters.

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The story is set around WW2. The Americans are joining the war and training camps are being set up. Sam, an American, was stationed close by. Ruby's head is being turned by the thoughts of being able to dance with the American soldiers. Soon after arriving Sam met Ruby and the beautiful relationship began.

Told from both points of view I found this such an enjoyable read. The backstory of both characters is of its time where things weren't as liberated as they are now and attitudes were different. The families of them both and the pressure of being sent to fight the war made the relationship much harder for the young couple.

Beautifully written and quite emotional I just loved this historical fiction of young love and finding a way to be together despite the odds against them

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This was a precious WWII love story about an American soldier in Europe interested in a English girl. I think I said that right.
Everything was stacked against them and the war was scary in of its self. Stolen moments and long glances kept this romance fresh and innocent. Then Sam was sent to France. The author gave very realistic account’s of how things went down and I had more than one heart-stopping moment. I will say that this is a HEA. I highly recommend it.
Thanks Aria via NetGalley.

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A well written romance and perseverance during WW2. The story is fast paced and will hold your attention. The characters are well done and you are drawn into caring about what happens to them. A great read!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved reading about the American Training Camp, something that I’d not read about before and what it felt like on the ground at D-Day.

It was a sweet relationship between Sam and Ruby, and the back stories of both were interesting to read before they met.

It was lovely also how the characters were developed, meaning you was involved in their story.

Recommend this book.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Before The Dawn is my first review of a book set in World War II; as World War II is my favorite historical era, I was extremely excited to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised to find a well-researched, heart-pounding love story. The plot focuses on the chance encounter of Ruby Mottram, a local girl from Devon, and Sam Archer, a southern American soldier in 1943. The couple braves the terrors of war and difficulties with families to find their happily-ever-after.

The plot could be bare or simplistic at moments. However, I felt the battle and prisoner scenes were written flawlessly. I was pretty impressed that a primarily romantic book was historically accurate. The love story was sweetly romantic, and the war scenes were haunting and gripping. The story flowed well, switching back and forth between the two main characters. This book is written in the first person, which was different. This point-of-view gave the book a personable feel. Sam and Ruby were lovable characters, and their romance was lovely to read. I felt the only item lacking was several loose ends at the conclusion.

Before The Dawn is a stand-alone novel within the World War II time frame, full of romance, this is a character-driven story exploring many facets of war, from burgeoning love to breathless battle scenes to haunting prison scenes. Emma Pass is a new author to me, and she has created a vivid, poignant romance through the catastrophic occurrences during the war. I enjoyed this novel immensely and hope to read more books by Emma Pass.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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It's 1943, and the Second World War is raging. Ruby Mottram works for her local newspaper, the Bartonford Herald, typing up adverts and obituaries, whilst dreaming of a more exciting life. Between her shifts as an ARP warden and caring for her ailing father, the chance for escape doesn't come often to Devon. Meanwhile, in America's deep south, Sam Archer is hatching a plan to raise enough money to get his mother and sister away from his abusive stepfather. Using falsified documents to hide his age, he enlists with the U.S. Army. Two chance encounters bring Ruby and Sam together from opposite sides of the Atlantic, giving them the chance of love, hope and freedom from their troubled lives. But fate, in the shape of D-Day and Omaha Beach, has other ideas.
The first book I’ve read by the author & I thoroughly enjoyed this mix of fact & fiction. The characters were well portrayed & had depth. I really liked both Sam & Ruby & was routing for them. The author painted a vivid picture of evens & I was drawn into the story, I was on the edge of my seat whilst Sam was in France. I would have loved an epilogue to really complete the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel

ww2 has just started and for two people who live miles apart one in america and the other one in england, they are about to meet and the repercussions will live on for years to come

sam a young american boy lies to get into the army, his home life is bad and this is his only way to get out and then save enough money to rescue his mom and sister

ruby lives with her dad who is a doctor and with her work at the newspaper and her warden jobs she is pretty busy

but life is about to get interesting when the americans arrive in their town...

wow a lovely story that keeps you guessing on how things will work out for everyone...

will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works, as i found her writing style easy to keep up with and it flowed lovely

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Before the Dawn set in WW2 is a gripping tale of heartbreak, love and growing up in a war torn world. I loved it from start to finish and sat up late into the night
I loved Ruby! Ruby is tied down by life care for her father, working at the local paper and taking on war work as an ARP warden, she is only young but life is looking like she will be stuck living and working in Bartonford for ever and things get worse when her grandmother moves in too. However, when the American arrive and bring some excitement to the sleepy village in Devon Ruby finds herself falling in love with American Sam despite having to keep their blossoming romance a secret. As war rages it keeps them apart, I loved reading the dramatic war scenes and how Ruby has to keep it together on the home front, as she hopefully awaits Sam's save return.
Emma has written an exciting, gripping, heart breaking and heart warming romance set in WW2. I fell in love with Sam and Ruby and was gripped by each event has it happened. This story really kept me on my toes and I went through every emotion you can imagine. I was transported with Sam as he landed on the Omaha Beach and as he struggled to make it back to Ruby, gripped by the scenes around him. I could feel the love for each other falling from the pages .
I really cannot wait to re-read Before the Dawn again just to re-live this beautiful historical love story.

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Beautiful story of love written during WWII. A chance meeting between 2 unlikely people and the beautiful relationship that develops between them. Loved the 2 points of view and loved seeing the war through their eyes. Always rooting for them!

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Historical fiction or historical romance wouldn't be a genre I'd typically choose to read. I assumed that I wouldn't enjoy them, especially ones set in wartime, with nothing to back that up whatsoever but Before The Dawn has completely changed my mind.

This book is split into three parts and it set between 1939 to 1945. Ruby Mottram lives in Devon and is about to start her new job at the Bartonford Herald when war is declared. Fast-forward four years and 18 year old Ruby is still at the Herald and the main news is that American soldiers are coming over to train.

Ruby lives with her protective father who is adamant that she is not to get involved with the Americans and they are bad news.

17 year old Sam Archer from Coltonsburg, Virginia, sick of watching his mother being abused by his stepfather Kirk, decides to lie about his age and enlist in the U.S. Army as a way to send money back secretly to his mother so she can survive with Sam's sister Meggie.

Whilst at training in Devon, Ruby and Sam meet and begin a secret relationship. This is such a beautiful and innocent love story that is really heartwrenching. The backdrop of World War II is interesting and you can feel the pain between the Sam and Ruby when they are apart, and only have letters to rely on for contact.

I will definitely read more set in this era!

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Rating: 4.5 Stars

Emma Pass’s Before The Dawn is a tear-jerking historical novel that will tug at the heartstrings.

In 1943, the Second World War is still raging on and there seems to be no end in sight. Ruby Bottram works for her local newspaper and, between typing up adverts and obituaries, dreams of a more exciting life that will take her beyond The Bartonford Herald’s desk. Sadly, it seems that all her hopes and dreams for the future are destined never to come to fruition and she is destined to remain in Devon for the foreseeable juggling her job with looking after her ailing father. However, little does Ruby realise that change is coming to Devon and her life will never be the same ever again…

In America’s deep south, Sam Archer is absolutely desperate. He cannot bear to witness the abuse meted out by his stepfather to his mother and sister and he is doing whatever he can to raise enough money to get his family as far as he can from their tormentor and abuser. With the world at war, soldiers are needed and Sam falsifies documents and enlists with the U.S. Army. This decision will take him far from home and lead him to his destiny on the other side of the world and straight to a young woman who will turn his entire future on its head.

Fate had brought Ruby and Sam together in the most unexpected and surprising of ways. As the two of them fall headlong into love, they begin to wonder whether a future together is possible or whether their freedom will be put in jeopardy and be completely and utterly obliterated by war.

Ruby and Sam had promised that they would wait for one another. But can they keep this promise? Or will their love be yet another casualty of war?

Wonderfully written, richly evocative and searingly emotional, Before the Dawn is a dramatic wartime romance that is immersive, engrossing and poignant. A powerful tale of courage, sacrifice, hope and love lost and found, Before the Dawn will hold readers in thrall from start to finish as they will find themselves completely gripped by this superb historical novel.

An engrossing romantic tale historical fiction readers will not want to miss, Emma Pass’ Before the Dawn is difficult to put down and hard to forget.

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War, a word that right now I don’t like at all, but that sometimes creates the most impossible connections. Like in this story, where Sam and Ruby will meet thanks to the war but also will make their relationship difficult.
Sam and Ruby don’t have an easy life, so their relationship is like the “peace” they need to have faith and continue living. But, war will not make things easy for them, putting their relationship in strains in a way they never expected.
I have to admit how difficult it was to read the war scenes, just to think about it makes me want to cry!
This is a beautiful historical story, with romance and a war background, a way to make us remember that there’s always someone special waiting for you on every corner, you only have to have hope.
Ready to discover “Before the Dawn”?

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Read if you like: WW2 fiction
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Told from dual perspectives, we follow Ruby and Sam and their experiences with the Second World War. Ruby lives with her father in a small British town. She works for a newspaper and volunteers for the war effort, and her world changes when she meets Sam. Sam is an American soldier stationed at the training camp in her town. Sam joins the army in order to send money home in the the hopes of getting his mom and sister away from his abusive stepfather.
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I loved the romance in the book and how they had to navigate multiple different challenges to be together. Sam was a cutie and I loved him as the romantic interest.
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CW: war, death, torture, imprisonment, sexual harassment, unplanned pregnancy, domestic abuse.

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This was a very sweet WWII novel set in England. The characters were enjoyable and I found myself invested in their story quite easily. I truly enjoyed this author writing style. The only thing I would say is that I don't feel it needed the level of profanity as it took away from the story at times.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me a widget of this title and allowing me to read and review this story. All opinions are my own.

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A change of pace for me, I’m not usually a lover of historical fiction, the cover drew me in!
The strong emotional connection and overwhelming love throughout this story kept me entertained and interested!
An epic journey, I particularly enjoyed the sensitivity and suspense, Ruby and Sam’s characters have so much to explore!

Thank you so much to the publisher, NetGalley and hugely talented author for allowing me to read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I really enjoyed reading this behind the scenes story of a couple who came from such different worlds and meet in 1943 during the Second World War. From his hometown to D-Day and Omaha Beach, what a change in his life. She worked at the local newspaper, helping with her father and watching out for her town. When they meet it makes for an interesting story of romance and the hardships of war they had to live through. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. My review and opinion are voluntary.

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This book is set in England but features the effects of the outbreak of WW2 in the US and action on the Western front.
There were so many small details that made this book so realistic and achieved a significant sense of the experiences and sacrifice during this time, I was on the edge of my seat… 5 stars all the way.

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