USA Today bestelling author Naomi Rawlings returns to Eagle Harbor for the third novel of her fan favorite series with the story of the youngest Cummings sibling--Rebekah. No matter how hard she tries to help, Rebekah Cummings always ends up causing more problems than she solves. This time, though, things will be different. She'll find a way to pay her family's debts, even if doing so requires leaving Eagle Harbor. Maybe then they'll start treating her as a capable woman who makes her own choices. Gilbert Sinclair is going to marry an heiress. With his latest business venture sunk at the bottom of Lake Superior, he needs money to replace the steamship he lost, so he heads to Chicago where his father's business connections should land him a suitable wife. Like most things in his meticulously planned life, everything goes as expected-until he discovers Rebekah Cummings working as the new cook on his ship. Rebekah well remembers the pain she endured the last time she tried trusting Gilbert, and Gilbert can't afford to pursue the love of a working class woman. But they can't stop the forgotten feelings swirling between them-or ignore the sacrifices they'd both have to make for a future together. Over 450,000 copies sold in the series!
Naomi Rawlings is the author of historical Christian novels, including the Amazon bestselling Eagle Harbor Series. While she'd love to claim she spends her days huddled in front of her computer vigorously typing, in reality, she spends her time homeschooling, cleaning, picking up, and pretending like her house isn't in a constant state of chaos. She lives with her husband and three children in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, along the southern shore of Lake Superior where they get 200 inches of snow every year, and where people still grow their own vegetables and cut down their own firewood--just like in the historical novels she writes.
..==. This was a well-developed historical romance, with well-defined characters, a progressive plot line, dramatic action, feudal conflicts, charity versus obligation, and some mystery. It boldly lends an ear to scriptures but doesn't hit you over the head with them.
There was a lot of conflicts based on the differences between the classes and the life-long friendship between the heroine and the hero. This Christian volume of the series that focuses the reader to the hero and the circle of people in his life. He compares all women to the one woman that he longs for, but can never have. Unfortunately, they were born in different stations in life. Everyone perceives this man to be a cold-hearted and non-compassionate person like his father, but this book reflects a perception of him in another light.
The more I read about this series, the more I detest brother Issac Cummings. He is a know-it-all, bully, a dictator, AND part-time preacher - that doesn't even provide any assistance, monetary or otherwise, for his mother or siblings. Yet, he is full of unwanted advice. And he is not even the most villainous character in the book. That place of honor is someone else's brother. What a pig he was! How they allowed such atrocities to exist without retribution is unbelievable, even though I understand it was how things were done in that era. Thankfully, the scoundrel got a piece of comeuppance for some of his actions in this book.
Personally, I am losing patience with storylines that involve a woman caught between the adoration of two different men.
It was an enjoyable tale based on the complexity of love, faith, and enduring strength. This book is able to stand on its own, but if you read them in order, you will be more familiar with some of the characters that carry over. Each story does include its own H.E.A., which is always a good way to conclude a fictional adventure.
This is clean, but not wholesome. It refers to prostitutes and rape without any explicit details on the actual acts involved. It those subjects offend, it would be best to avoid this tale.
There were some twists and turns that burst through old thoughts and beliefs to reach a new understanding. I really wish that authors would include more epilogues when writing romance novels, since the reader waits patiently to discover what the future holds, only to be presented with a small fragment of what might actually come to pass for the characters. There is a H.E.A. -- but I want to know more!
I listened to this book produced by Tantor Audio through Hoopla, which runs about 9 hours and 28 minutes. The narrator was Cassandra Campbell.
I will admit to some reluctance in starting this book, not because I had any concerns about the writing, but because I wasn’t sure I would like the characters. After reading about them in Love’s Every Whisper, I didn’t find much to recommend them. But as they took center stage in their own novel I found myself irresistibly drawn into their story and I could not put the book down! The writing was excellent and the story enjoyable as I returned to Eagle Harbor, all but rubbing my hands in glee as I saw the story and the romance taking shape.
This is a continuation of the Eagle Harbor series; while Rebekah and Gilbert are this novel’s main characters, we still get some glimpses into what has happened to couples from the other books; they may not be the focus, but it’s nice to visit with some old friends in a familiar setting.
Characterization is key in this novel; as I mentioned earlier, both Rebekah and Gilbert play a role in the last book and I didn’t care much for either of them during it. To be fair, Gilbert was vying for the attentions of the heroine of that book, and he didn’t come across as the right man for her, or even as a nice person—how could he then become the hero of this novel? Rebekah struck me as a petulant child, not very heroine-like at all, so I wasn’t very enthused about the romance between them, at least until I got a little ways into the action.
Both of these characters undergo an amazing transformation in this book, largely because we are able to get inside their heads and see part of what motivates them. The depth is amazing and a fascinating study in how people grow and change over time; it is realistic and illustrates that we never know how different experiences shape the people before us. I love seeing both of the main characters vulnerable and out of control at various points and watching how God shapes their decisions and emotions as they journey on toward each other.
I enjoyed the love story as it grew naturally from the childhood relationship into something more as the two experienced several situations that brought them closer together, despite their individual desires to remain distant.
The spiritual content is quite good and the focus in this book is on plans, both God’s and ours. How do we respond when they don’t match up? What happens when we’ve made a mess of our lives by going our own way? In a bit of a twist, both characters can see where the other is falling short, but they have an almost impossible time of seeing the exact same failing in themselves.
There is one word of caution I would offer about this book: there are several disturbing scenes that play into the story, and more squeamish readers may have trouble with them. Several women are abused and one takes an unfortunate path as she attempts to deal with the result of another’s sin against her. For these reasons, I would recommend this novel for mature teens on up.
This fantastic installment in the Eagle Harbor series will please fans of historical fiction and romance in general. After reading it so soon after the previous book, I now have to wait for a year to read the next novel, which I will surely be picking up as soon as it is available--I am eager to continue the story and read more of from these lifelike characters!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for this honest review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
We get to know Rebekah and Gilbert in the previous books in the Eagle Harbor series, and they are both difficult characters. I couldn't wait to see how their story would be told. After some humbling experiences in the previous book, Gilbert is forced to reevaluate his strategy on accomplishing his goal of building the crane he engineered. From an outside perspective, he seems selfishly bent on making this business venture successful at all costs, but as we learn about his real motivations his true character is revealed.
Rebekah is a strong young woman, stubborn and desperate to prove to her family that she can contribute beyond what the norm is for women of the time. Even though she acts hardened and tough, she is still naive about many things. Her eyes are opened to more harshness and cruelty on her journey, yet her compassion makes a difference in the lives of those she reaches out to.
The overall mood of the book is anxious since there is so much injustice in the lives of the characters, but the fighting spirits of Gilbert and Rebekah propel the story forward. The attraction between them is something they also fight against, but as they learn to turn to the Lord to direct their paths, they find that they are being led toward each other instead of apart. I was happy to see how things came together in the end, and already can't wait to read the next book!
This is the third book in the Eagle Harbor Series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. However, we get to know the main characters and families in the previous books so I think they are best enjoyed being read in order.
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
Love's Sure Dawn by Naomi Rawlings is another delightful Christian historical romance in the Eagle Harbor series. It is the third book but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up on the fortunes of familiar characters. The novel focuses on the theme of wealth. Money can be used for good but it is never meant to be a foundation for anything. "You'll never have this loving family you speak of if you try building a marriage on money." Money should never be the focus of one's life. There is the theme of family. One family has love at its core, another, money. Love has everyone's interests at heart. The love of money is sure to bring a downfall. "What if he'd been born into a family that cared about helping others more than amassing their own wealth?" I found it wonderful to watch the character development of Gilbert Sinclair. Introduced to him in book two, my opinion of him has altered drastically. Another character who has been developed is Rebekah. She is a wonderful modern woman for her times with a huge heart. Watching her grow is wonderful. I really like her. The theme of taking care of others is present in the novel. Needs are seen and met, as opposed to being passed over. "When his wife saw a need, she was determined to put others first." The novel highlights the class divide. It was unusual for the upper classes to concern themselves with the lower classes but the story shows how caring for others can jump all boundaries. There is the darker side to human nature presented in the form of physical abuse. It is ugly and shows up ugly characters for who they are. God is a God who heals - physically, spiritually and emotionally. We need to bring our requests to Him. There is a contrast between the city and the country. Isolation is found in the overcrowded city, whereas in Eagle Harbor there is a feeling of community. I am really loving this Eagle Harbor series. Each story is unique and taking up residence in my heart. The tales are delightfully written and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed reading Rebekah's story. Growing up with brother's she is somewhat the tomboy. She has a big heart for others and feels a strong need to pull her own weight and do her part. Her inability to be patient and wait for God's leading took her down a path that brought her heartache, but also growth.
Like most who have read the previous two books, I struggled at first to like Gilbert. However, as I got to know the real person he is, not the persona he allows most other to see, I changed my opinion of him. He is possibly the most misunderstood character from the first two books. Gilbert had long ago learned to withhold himself from others, and he had to do some personal soul searching to uncover for himself who he was in Christ. I enjoyed getting to know who Gilbert really is in this book. I found him to be kind, compassionate, and willing to give of himself.
I appreciate reading Naomi's books and I look forward to reading more from the Eagle Harbor series!
(I received a complimentary digital copy of this book for review from author/publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
This is the third book in the Eagle Harbor series. I highly recommend reading the first two so that you get a deeper understanding of each character & the town of Eagle Harbor. I think you would find it much more enjoyable that way! Rebekah Cummings has long been an unconventional tomboy who wishes to join her brother Elijah in the fishing industry. She can easily outwork any man and sail any ship. She knows the ins and outs of anything to do with the waters! But does she really know her own heart? For once in her life she wants to make her own decisions & way in the world, so she takes off in the early dawn hours to join up with the crew of the "Lassiter" as a cook sailing for Chicago.
Gilbert Sinclair, having recently lost his ship the "Beaumont" with his crane aboard on the bottom of Eagle Harbor, sets sail again to find himself an heiress in Chicago. He thinks marrying for money will solve his financial dilemma. He'll once again return to Eagle Harbor, re-build his crane to make the dockworkers jobs safer for loading & unloading goods from the ships. But is that the answer he needs? Or is there a different plan God has out there for him? And then he discovers who's the new cook on board!
Naomi once again outdoes herself with this story! I've loved coming back to Eagle Harbor and revisiting old friends and learning more about Gilbert now that he has made his peace with Elijah & God. And seeing Rebekah wanting to be fiercely independent and make a life for herself. There were times when I wanted to shake these two to make them see how much they care about each other! They both have pasts they think they have to make up for, but in reality none of was their own doing. They learn to not only forgive themselves, but each other as well. I enjoyed watching Rebekah see Gilbert's true heart & realize why he is the way he is. And Gilbert realizing that true love isn't in money, but the people in his life. Naomi brings this story to a highly satisfying end & works all the "kinks" out for these two characters to come together. A truly unique problem solved in a way I didn't see coming & yet, realized was the perfect solution! You will see faith threaded throughout this story & each character grow in it. I loved the various scriptures quoted & appreciated the author including these! A highly recommended book to other inspirational historical readers, especially to those who've read her first two Eagle Harbor books!
**I was provided a complimentary copy by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given here. Thank you Naomi for another well written story and taking me back to revisit old friends!**
This is the third book in the Eagle Harbor Series. I loved this book. I was so glad to catch up with the characters from "Love's Every Whisper" again.
Rebekah Cummings is an independent minded young lady. She is known for wearing men's trousers while assisting her brother on the family's fishing boat. She prides herself in her capabilities. She knows she is as strong or stronger than the other men on Elijah's Lake Superior Volunteer Rescue Team. However, Elijah has forbidden her to go out on the rescue boat anymore. Rebekah must do something to help Elijah. After all, the fish are not bringing in the same high price as last year. So early one morning she departs Eagle Harbor bound for Chicago aboard 'The Lassiter' as the new cook.
Gilbert Sinclair is in debt. The insurance company will only pay a portion of his loss after the tragic sinking of his ship with the prototype of his new crane aboard during a winter storm on Lake Superior. Sixteen thousand dollars. His only solution - return to Chicago and marry an heiress. Then he can build another crane.
Elijah Cummings and Victoria are now newlyweds sharing a cabin with Elijah's mother and sister. Elijah is weighed down by financial burdens. He not only continues to take out his fishing boat every day earning a meager living while the price of fish declines, he also works at the sawmill, helps to build the new building for the Volunteer Boat Rescue Station and continues to depart on rescue runs whenever the need arises.
The main message in this book is taken from Song of Solomon 8:7 "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned."
Naomi Rawlings has several surprises in store for her readers in this third installment of her series. I'm not going to ruin them but sharing them in this review. I was not disappointed when I read this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
In the third book in the Eagle Harbor Novel series, Love's Sure Dawn, the author develops the characters of Rebekah Cummings and Gilbert Sinclair. Gilbert is in search of an heiress to finance his follies. Gilbert's biggest interest is money, and he'll use anything and anyone to obtain the amount of money necessary to replace a sunken steamship and the crane he has invented and built.
Rebekah seeks a way to help her family, struggling to make ends meet. Ms. Rawlings has created an unpredictable and compelling story of Gilbert and Rebekah. These characters are as different as night and day. Rebekah is developing into a strong and compassionate woman as Gilbert portrays a selfish, money driven man.
Settings of Eagle Harbor and Chicago are well described, and life aboard ship on Lake Superior is depicted with both splendor and the perils of a well known killer lake. As the series develops I become more intrigued and involved in the stories of the inhabitants of Eagle Harbor, and the beauty and difficult times that are portrayed. A fast paced and deeply poignant story has once again left me wanting more. Don't miss any of the books in this series. The development of characters and events is impressive.
The Eagle Harbor Series is quickly becoming one of my favorite series and Love's Sure Dawn is the best one yet! I was so happy to be back in Eagle Harbor and to catch up with all the characters.
I was a bit leery of Gilbert. He wasn't the most likeable character in the previous books. So, it was really nice to get a deeper look at him, to understand where he was coming from and why he acted the way he did. He's a complex and misunderstood guy. I loved seeing him in a new light and he quickly became my favorite character. I've been eager for Rebekah's story since her very first appearance in book one. She's a feisty and stubborn tomboy who often acts without thinking things through. So I wondered who would be her perfect match.
At first, I couldn't see how Rebekah and Gilbert would ever be a good match. They're complete opposites and come from completely different social standings. Then all of a sudden, I realized how absolutely perfect they were for each other. It was really great watching their growth.
The characters in this series face seemingly insurmountable odds, always leaving me to wonder how things could possibly work out. But one of my absolute favorite aspects of these books is Rawlings' brilliant ability at shining a light on God's greatness and showing that anything is possible with Him. I cannot recommend this series highly enough!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
SEEKING GOD’S GUIDANCE IN EVERYTHING This third story in the Eagle Harbor series can read as a standalone. I love series and seeing people we find in previous stories and meeting new ones. This story did not fail to share so many emotions of love, forgiveness, and acceptance. This story has a strong lesson and reminder of seeking God first in everything and waiting on his guidance in our life. The story kept me captivated and the pages turning. There is a great cast of characters, witty and enlightening dialog and just the right amount of angst between characters. This isn’t a preachy story, but a gentle reminder of seeking God. I love how when God and His will is placed first everything else seems to fall into place. This story does not leave on a cliffhanger. I look forward to many more books in this wonderful series. Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
stubbornness, rebellious, Loving, everything a women should and shouldn’t be.That is Rebecca
Rebecca Cummings is a twenty two year old woman that loves her family most of the time. But right now she is furious that they treat her like she is a mere girl. They won’t let her help them and they stop her doing what needs to be done. So she runs away. Only to run afoul of Gilbert. Gilbert is as bad as her family. This is their tale.
Story without really being on the frontier. I enjoyed it with moments of frustration with the characters at their stubbornness and the lack of care for women in abuse situations.
Rebecca, what a strong woman! She doesn't care what others think about her wearing men's clothing. She freely speaks her mind, as well. A very liberated woman, before her time, has been in love with Gilbert, a man ahead of his time, since childhood. Gilbert's engineering genius is driving him, not for love but for funding, to find an heiress to replace what was lost with Victoria's father's scandal. He refuses to ask funding from his own wealthy, selfish father. Rebecca charges ahead, runs away from Eagle Harbor, keeps Gilbert in perpetual confusion in regard to his own feelings about her just by her proximity. A chain of events opens her eyes to her own failure to pray before leaping, engineering her in troublesome circumstances. I enjoyed reading Rebecca's unfolding love story. She was quite an unusual character for her day. And Gilbert's character held many good notes over turned from book #1.
The third book of six in the series. I’m really enjoying all the series sad that I can’t find book 4 through six without purchasing. Although if you go on her website you could purchase the whole sad for $15 that’s a great price, but I’ve already read 3. This book goes deeper into character and they’re back ground this volume has much more substance to it, it keeps you interested in reading through it the characters are very real after you’ve read 3 books. I’m really enjoying this! I really want book 4!
I'm a little stingy with 5-star reviews and normally give 4 stars to a book like this. It gets 5 because I started reading it again right away and loved it just as much the second time. it's a good stand alone too which I love. It's wholesome, heartwarming, and has relatable characters. Rebecca's character is not as predictable as you might think from books 1 and 2. I'm rooting for her story to have a happy ending, and it's surprising even though it's not really a surprise.
Great book to add to the series. I liked how the characters evolved and matured. I enjoyed having past characters written into the story. It's like a real family and small town. Their was scripture but not preachy. Can't wait to read the next series. She writes all the characters with depth and I want to hear their stories!
Gilbert and Rebecca, another couple no one would ever think would fall in love. But, in a suspenseful and wonderful way, Naomi tells the story. The characters she develops consistently become better people. Again, it is evident that the Lord influences her writings, without become preachy. Anyone who likes suspense and clean romances would love this entire series.
Rebekah needs to find a way to help her family with their finances. She sneaks off to become a ship's cook. On Gilbert's ship, and he is sailing. By the time he discovers she is the cook, it is too late to turn back and return her to her family. He takes her to Chicago and that's when the fun starts. Book three in this series and I enjoyed it very much. On to the next one ...
This book is about a young woman who is trying to make up her mind as to what she wants to do with her life. She leaves her home and goes to Chicago to find a job only to return home a few months later with very little extra money. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This is a book that needs to be read in the series. It is the third book however there is a prequel that was added and a short story about some characters as well . This is my favourite book so far. The characters are so real they are shown with their faults which makes them even more likeable. I really love that characters from previous books are in it so it feels like one long flowing story.
Either the narration was better, or I grew more accustomed to her, but I found this to be the best of the series in both story and narration! I was really touched by his deeper personality so many never see and I love her rule breaking and her growth as well. There time in Chicago seemed to mature them both!
Rebekah and Gilbert's story was very well-written. I did enjoy this Eagle Harbor book and will read more of them. I came to care about all of the characters - and look forward to seeing them again. Definitely recommend this book.
Love's Sure Dawn has probably been my favorite of this series so far. There was a good variety of plot and I felt like I could relate to the characters more than the others in the series. Definitely worth the read.
Another great book in this wonderful series!!! I am so glad I took a chance on this series!! Each book makes me love the characters more and more! You find out more about them and you start to feel like you are a part of their story and family!
The Saga of Eagle Harbor continues. This time it is the story of Gilbert and Rebekah. I love that Rebekah is such a spunky woman who doesn't care what others think. Gilbert is trying to break out of the mold set for him by his high class family. Good, clean read!
I didn't see Rebecca marrying him. This shows the darkness of society in Chicago, the filth of some men, and the contrast of duty and love. Highly recommended for all readers.Godly based.
This historical novel leaves you with a desire to know more about the characters which are well developed by the author! A fascinating series in a setting unfamiliar to me but obviously well known by author. Can’t wait to read the next book...
Another GREAT book in Naomi Rawlings Eagle Harbor series. The way she describes places and people is AMAZING and puts you right there! Looking forward to Book 4-Seth and Lindy!❤️❤️