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He stole her life, her freedom, and future.
Disappearing is the only way to get them back.

Thane MacLaren is the consummate cowboy. His life on the ranch he and his older brother, Bram, are building means everything to him. Catching and taming wild horses, fulfilling Army contracts, and working with the best ranch hands in western Montana is the perfect life. He has no plans to change, until an unconscious, beautiful young woman ends up on their doorstep.

Sophrona Sadie Thompson is on the run. Tired of being controlled by a family who cares nothing for her wishes and a man who only wants to control her, she disappears into the night with few belongings and less money. Her immediate plans are simple. Get as far away from her horrid situation as possible before she’s caught.

Waking up in a strange home with people she’s never met, Sadie can think of nothing except continuing her search for freedom. Knowing her liberty is at risk, and not wanting to put the generous family in danger, she must make a difficult decision—help the struggling new mother with baby twins or disappear.

Believing Sadie is to become important in his life, Thane does everything possible in his quest to keep her close. But threats from men who want to deliver her back to San Francisco persist, posing danger to more than just Sadie.

Will Sadie allow her fear to destroy a future with the man she’s come to love? Or will she fight for the freedom to choose the life of her dreams?

Captive Dawn , book twenty-one in the Redemption Mountain historical western romance series, is a full-length novel with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2023

93 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Shirleen Davies

98 books920 followers
Shirleen Davies grew up in Southern California. She attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.

Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
30 reviews
May 24, 2023
Great Historical Western Romance

Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2023
I avidly read all of the MacLaren books, so I was thrilled when they showed up on Redemption Mountain! Thane is a handsome cowboy, who along with his brother and sister-in-law, is determined to make their new ranch a rousing success. Sadie is the daughter of a wealthy family who seemingly have sold her to the highest bidder for her hand in marriage. She escapes her keepers and ends up unconscious on the MacLaren's porch. Thane and his sister-in-law law Selina patiently nurse Sadie back to health, but all too soon, Selina is delivering her twins. The MacLarens are as desperate for help as Sadie is for escape, so she reluctantly agrees to stay. As a whole new way of life opens to her, Sadie begins to feel as she might belong, but the danger facing her is ever present and she worries that she might bring harm to those she's beginning to care about and maybe even love.

Another beautiful western love story in this series, and as usual, a social justice theme is included (orphans, battered women) and a new relationship is hinted at. There's also a slight mystery in the ranch that could use a few more details and a couple of intriguing new characters, insuring that there's lots more stories in this wonderful series to tell!
Profile Image for Connie.
1,671 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

While this is a part of a series and the prior characters make multiple appearance at times, you don't have to read them to fully understand and enjoy this story. This is told in a multiple POV format. There is a delightful mix of characters here. Getting various storylines really heighten the anticipation for the next book as well!

Sadie comes to town to escape the vicious and cruel man that her parents promised her in marriage to. Sadie doesn't love or trust the man. When two of his henchmen appear, Sadie makes a run for it. She sprang her ankle in a jump from a second story window and disappears into the night. When a storm impedes her escape, she sees a light in the distance. She collapses mere steps from the ranch house. It isn't until the next morning that she is discovered.

Thane lives with his brother Bram and Bram's wife (Selina) on a ranch. The brothers break wild horses for the military. Thane rescues a young woman who stumbled onto the ranch. Thane talks Sadie into staying and helping Selina with the house work as Selina is close to delivery of a baby (or two)!

There are a few other storylines that are quite intriguing and drew me in for a wild ride in the old wild west!

This is a sweet, clean historical romance that anyone can enjoy.
938 reviews
May 29, 2023
When the book begins, Sophrona Sadie Thompson has run away from home. Her parents are forcing her to marry Ezra Crockett, an affluent and powerful man. Unfortunately, he is also an abuser and a killer. However, Sadie’s parents do not care, because they want to get their hands on Ezra’s money and power.

Therefore, Sadie’s only choice is to run away. She ends up in Splendor, Montana where Thane MacLaren and his family own a ranch. One morning, Thane finds Sadie unconscious on his doorstep. The family takes her in to take care of her in.

When Sadie awakens, she explains her situation to the Thane and his family. She makes it clear that, if she stays, everyone at the ranch will be in danger. Her fiancé has sent two of his two thugs to take her back home. Everyone agrees that she needs to stay for her safety.

At first, Ezra plots to get Sadie back by accusing her of a lot of illegal actions. Readers will be fascinated with his different tricks and the sheriff’s reactions to them.

However, eventually Ezra loses his patience. And that is when the real violence begins! At that point, readers will be captivated by Ezra’s dangerous actions and the riveting intrigue that follows.

This story is a page-turner!
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,222 reviews19 followers
May 7, 2023
I just love Ms. Davies’ western stories. Sadie had run away from Ezra who wanted to marry her in San Francisco. The part that made me so unhappy was that her parents didn’t really care what Sadie wanted or how cruel Ezra was, they were determined their daughter would marry him. Of course Ezra sent his goons to find Sadie when she ran away. Sadie had a time getting away from the goons during a storm, and was found the next day unconscious by the McLaren family. Luckily they were a good family who took in Sadie and nursed her back to health. I loved Selina who was Bram’s wife and strong as could be emotionally. Thane was Bram’s younger brother and wanted to do all he could to help Sadie. It was scary at times what Sadie and Selina had to do to protect themselves when the men were gone. I understood why Sadie was so afraid of Ezra. I was so glad that the sheriff in their town was an honorable man and didn’t just take someone’s word, but researched to see what was true. There was another side story happening that was interesting also. I loved the book and strongly recommend reading it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
393 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2023
Sadie flees for her life.

Sadie Thompson flees from her hotel room at the St. James Hotel. She has been followed by Ezra, her fiancée henchmen. They followed her from San Francisco. She escapes from the bedroom window but hurts her ankle in the fall. She doesn't care what it takes to get away. It starts to pour a heavy, blinding rain. She crawls and eventually passes out on the McLaren back steps. Thane and his brother and wife find her shivering and feverish. They bring her in and take care of her.
She's afraid to say too much because she doesn't know who to trust. She helps Selina to birth her twin babies. After their birth, she helps to take care of them.
So doesn't want to bring danger to these wonderful people and the babies.
The henchmen come to ambush Thane and his brother. The two women shot their rifles and killed them.
In the meantime, Ezra won't give up on getting Sadie back. He tries everything, but nothing is working.
Follow the adventures that these two people have to go through to fight evil. Also, the stories of a few other townspeople and the possibilities of finding love.
Great story of Shirleen Davies.
Profile Image for Bonnie Blackledge.
429 reviews28 followers
May 7, 2023
As soon as Sadie arrives in Splendor, she escapes from two men working for the man who wants to marry her, who are being paid to bring her back to him in San Francisco. She finds her way to a ranch where Thane and Bram MacLaren live. She ends up on their doorstep, soaking wet and unconscious. Thus begins her journey to a new life far different from the one she left in San Francisco. The story of Sadie’s escape to the MacLaren home and the friendships she finds there sharply contrasts with the fate awaiting her when she is discovered.
In addition to the main story, there is another relationship that bears watching. Martha and Cole seem to be a match, but there are obstacles in their path. And we never did find out what happened to Kevin – that will probably be another story for the future.
Davies’ westerns are an entertaining read. When one book ends, I’m always anxious for the next to begin.
814 reviews9 followers
May 20, 2023
Two brothers, Thane and Bram MacLaren have a ranch and are trying to better themselves by working hard to fill Army contracts taming wild horses. Sophrona (Sadie) is on the run from a mean wealthy man named Ezra Crockett in San Francisco who is determined she marries him, and her parents unfortunately are on his side. She made it as far as Redemption, Montana but two hit man hired by Crockett have been following her to take her back. As she strives to get away from these two men, she ends up unconscious on the back doorstep of the MacLaren house. She doesn’t want to endanger anyone but also feels the need to help Bram’s wife Selina with her newborn twins. Then Thane comes in the picture as he has a sudden attraction for her. This author has a way of having several scenarios happening at the same time but always easy to follow. You just can’t wait to find out what happens next.
4,172 reviews21 followers
May 23, 2023
Captive Dawn (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 21) by Shirleen Davies is another captivating read into the world of when-the-west-was-settled. On the run from a forced marriage to-be Sadie Thompson runs right into the arms of Thane MacLaren. Exciting story as the unscrupulous look for Sadie.

Captive Dawn has it all, danger, suspense, romance, family, strong women and honorable men contrasting those who are not. Sadie ran right to a wonderful place that will have you rooting for the noble in this story. I suggest you read Captive Dawn today.

The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,464 reviews25 followers
May 20, 2023
Sadie has run away from San Francisco and her abusive fiancé, Ezra, she keeps saying she won't marry him but her parents have made a bargain with him. So she's escaped, except now she's hiding in a hotel in Splendour, and his men are outside the door.
Thane opens the back door and finds Sadie on the step, wet, cold and with a fever. He takes her inside, Selina and Bram help to sort her out. When she wakes she's worried about bringing danger to them.
Can they stop Ezra and his men from taking her back to San Francisco? What about Thane's feelings for her? And hers for him?

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Another great read in the series from Shirleen
2,058 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2023
What a pleasure to return to western Montana and the community of Splendor and the surrounding area. It is kind of like coming home and although the main focus of the story is Thane and Sadie, we also get updates on many of the other characters. Sadie has run away from a horrible man and ends up unconscious on the doorstep of the MacLaren ranch. She has no one to help her but this family takes her in and the community supports her as danger comes closer and closer to her doorstep. I felt as though I was living in the area as the story unfolded and am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
1,596 reviews12 followers
May 24, 2023
I loved every minute of this book that immediately pulled me into the middle of all that was happening and I was glued to the book until I read the last word. I love the strong characters, several plots running at the same time filled with danger, mystery and kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the undeniable attraction and sweet romance between Thane MacLaren and Sadie Thompson who is on the run from an abusive relationship. Ms. Davies has given us another must-read so don't miss Captive Dawn. I received an advance reader copy of this book and enjoyed it so much I purchased a copy. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jill Eshenbaugh.
242 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2023
Sadie is on the run from a cruel and abusive finance that she doesn't love and only her parents want the marriage. She takes refuge with Thane. Bram and his wife Seline and finds her true home. Its a sweet story that continues the saga of the McClarens and their families.

Its part of a series but you can absolutely read it as a stand alone. The Characters remind the reader of people they would know in real life and the situations they might encounter back in the days of early settlement in the west. Well worth the time to sit and enjoy this book.
1,181 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2023
Another plot filled instalment in this wonderful series. Sadie arrives in Splendor at the MacLaren Ranch after running away from her family and abusive fiancé. Selina and husband Bram and his brother Thane move her in to their home to keep Sadie safe from the men her fiancé has sent to take her back to San Francisco. As Thane gets to know Sadie, he is determined to protect her. There are some lovely secondary stories included within the main love story developing between Thane and Sadie. Read an ARC for an honest review.
1,412 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2023
sadie needs to get away from her controlling family and runs away. than finds a woman on his porch and brings her in . while she recuperates his family makes her feel at home . then she helps out with the baby. but she does not want the new friends to get hurt if her father finds her . this is a very good story to the end could not put it down. if you like mystery and romance you will not want to miss this story. well written looking forward to the next book i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review.
3,668 reviews17 followers
May 24, 2023
Sadie was brave to run from corrupt Ezra who is forcing her to marry him. When she shows up injured on their ranch the MacLarens take her in and soon they won’t let her go without a fight. From someone who lived a sheltered life with servants she soon learns the skills of ranch life. Sadie was lucky to stumble upon the town of Spendor where people look out for each other and don’t take the false words of strangers. But Ezra is determined to get her dowry by any means necessary. There was plenty of suspense fighting off the bad guys and a couple of budding romances.
Profile Image for Margaret.
2,652 reviews11 followers
May 4, 2023
Wonderful historical western with realistic characters. Trent works at a ranch with his cousin Bram. One morning outside the door he finds a soaked and sick woman who turns out to be Sadie. She’s running from her cruel fiancé in San Francisco. There’s action, suspense, mystery, murder and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I chose to write this review and I look forward to reading future books by Ms Davies.
1,459 reviews13 followers
May 16, 2023
So happy to visit Splendor, Montana, again. Two of the MacLaren sons have moved from the California family ranch, started a horse ranch here in Montana, and babies are born in the household. Finding an unconscious female on the doorsteps begins another adventure. There’s lots of action around the ranch that involves the ranch hands, wild horses and preventing a kidnapping. Thanks for great writing and bringing us up to date on the happenings on the Western frontier.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,946 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2023
I always enjoy reading more about the MacLaren's. Thane and Sadie have a different beginning. She ends up passed out on his porch after fleeing from a marriage she does not want. These two have an immediate attraction but so many things happening in their lives keep them apart in the beginning. I enjoyed Bran and Selena 's twins and catching up with them. I can't wait for Cole and Martha to get a story. This book grabbed me from the beginning and I read it straight through
2,472 reviews12 followers
May 23, 2023
A fabulous story full of action that will keep you up most of the night turning the pages with expectations of what's to happen. Somethings were left to the imagination as we never discovered the full truth, and others were almost to unbelievable. Another MacLan arrived from from California to settle in the Splendor area with Bram and Thane. Enjoy another great read to a wonderful series.
744 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2023
I love this series and this addition in no exception. Thane and Sadie's story is adorable yet filled with action. I really enjoyed Sadie's backstory and the fact she is not a "damsel in distress". I will say the ending surprised me. It is a nice twist from the normal (but still a happy ever after). I can't wait for the next one.
1,932 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2023
Captive Dawn

Loved reading these books by Shirleen Davies and this one is not short of intriguing and interesting innuendos as all of her books are. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Profile Image for Donna Moore.
173 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2024
I Really Enjoyed This Book

It took 2{ pages for this exciting story to grab my attention. I couldn’t put the book down. The twist and turns were presented without going 20 pages without resolving the situation
318 reviews
July 1, 2023
The story for Sadie and Thane was amazing. I could not put the book down once I started to read it. I loved all the action and drama going on. Your books are always good to read.
9 reviews
June 1, 2025
extremely interesting and very well done

I liked the story line and it kept me from putting it down and read straight through. Read on long plain trip.
4,589 reviews33 followers
June 12, 2023
Shirleen Davies knows how to capture a reader. She draws you into the story, holds on to you and makes you never want to leave. She gives us romance, humor, danger and a few surprises and twists. Can’t wait for the next book.
1,238 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book and this series. This book is about Saphrona "Sadie" and Thane. Sadie is running from two men hired by her ex-fiancée. He is after her for her parents money. Her parents are no help since they like Ezra. Sadie runs at night and ends up on Thane's doorstep. Thane welcomes her and her problems.

Sadie is afraid of Ezra and his money. He always gets what he wants. Then Thabe;s sister-in-law has twins and Sadie is needed more than ever. She doesn't want to leave the ranch but she's putting them all in danger.
Profile Image for Kim.
553 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2023
Splendor Mountain Spring 1873
Sophora “Sadie” Thompson is on the run from her family. She wants to make decisions for herself. Sadie is going find that life on a ranch may just be a dream life. Thane MacLaren helps to run the family ranch on Splendor Mountain. He’s happy with his life the way it is right now. Thane is about to find out that his happy life can be even more when a stranger comes to stay. Lives change and love blossoms during their Captive Dawn.

Shirleen Davies continues her Redemption Mountain series with Captive Dawn the twenty-first book. A woman on the run becomes the guest of a rancher and his family. A city girl Sadie Thompson will find that the peace and quiet of the country is what she needs. While at the MacLaren ranch, she’ll face danger and have to make a decision about her future. Thane MacLaren is happy with his life on the family ranch that can’t get any better. Until a woman is found on the doorstep bringing danger with her. He’ll vow to protect the woman as well as trying to win her love. Captive Dawn has danger, suspense and attraction. As these strangers get to know each other a family grows. Decisions have to be made to stand and fight or run by Sadie. She doesn’t want to put her new friends in danger. Thane wants the woman he’s come to have feelings for to stay but how does he get her agreement. Danger comes from more than one direction as a hired hand goes missing and the people after Sadie make there way to the ranch. Shirleen Davies’ Captive Dawn is a historical romance and is the twenty-first book of her Redemption Mountain series. A little danger, a family who take care of each other and even a stranger. Happily, Ever After is course this series takes. Shirleen Davies takes the reader on a trip to the past to give readers a wonderful story that takes you to another world. A must read for fans and a story that has the HEA that readers are looking for. If you’re a historical western fan here’s an author and book to check out.
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