Break of Dawn by Rita Bradshaw (12-Apr-2012) Paperback

by Rita Bradshaw

Each day brings a new beginning...Her mother's death in childbirth leaves Sophy Hutton at the mercy of her cruel aunt and uncle, and her childhood is brutal. At sixteen, Sophy learns the shocking truth behind her birth and escapes to London to pursue a career as an actress, determined to put the past behind her. But life for women at the turn of the century is fraught with danger and Sophy soon discovers the darker side to London's glamorous theatres. Young and innocent, she doesn't recognise the man who really loves her when he appears; instead she is charmed into marrying handsome actor Toby Shawe, a flawed and amoral individual. Then the heartache really begins...

Genres: New Adult, Fiction, Romance

Unknown Binding

First published December 8, 2011

About the author

Rita Bradshaw was born on 1949 in Northampton, England, where she was educated as a good Christian. She met Clive, her husband, at the age of 16 andnow the magic is still there. They have three lovely children, Cara, Faye, and Benjamin, and have always had a menagerie of animals in the house, whichat the present is confined to two endearing and very comical dogs who wouldmake a great double act on TV! The children, friends, and pets all keep thehouse buzzing and the food cupboards empty but Helen wouldn't have it anyother way. She still lives today in Northampton with her family. Althoughhaving enjoyed some wonderful holidays abroad she has never been tempted tolive anywhere else, although she rather likes the idea of a holiday homeclose to the sea one day.

Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming,and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in thesun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking ofcourse!)

For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as sheapproached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babiesand hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.

Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latteran unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.

Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of purejoy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own bu tshe loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth isstranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.

Reviews

[Angela Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and don't understand why Rita Bradshaw isn't a household name! Her characters have so much depth that I felt as if I'd made new friends. I finished the book half an hour ago and I now feel unsettled. It was only after sitting down with a cup of tea that I mulled over the amazing story arc which I'd just read and realised that I felt sad to have finished the book. I'm off to Waterstones tomorrow to buy another of her wonderful stories.

[MRS H WALKER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita Bradshaw. A personal view of an excellent author.

Thoroughly enjoyed it because of the Sunderland connections.Would recommend this author to anyone especially my friend Trish whose childhood road was mentioned in another of Ms Bradshaw' s novel

[LAURA JONES · Rating 5 out of 5]

set in the late 1800s the story begins with Esther leaving london and going back to the vicarage her parents lived in. she is arriving after being an actress but she is not coming alone; she is heavily pregnant. she finds her parents have died but her brother now lives there as the local vicar. he has a wife and children and is reluctant to take in his sister but in the end agrees.
sadly she dies in childbirth the child sophy he does not want to raise but in the end he has to but the child is left to the servants to raise. his wife mary is cruel to her and on one occasion she nearly kills her in her rage so it is decided that sophy has to go away to school.
finishing school she reluctantly returns to the vicarage but it is clear nothing has changed so one night she leaves to go to London seeking employment as an actress like her mother. innocently she marries Toby who has addictions and she finds her life is miserable. the life she is living is one of being in danger a loveless relationship that is a fight from start to finish.
sophy gets very involved with the suffragette moving. does she make peace with her aunt and uncle? does she succeed in her acting career? how does she survive her marriage?
i really enjoyed this book so many twists and turns strong characters all very believable too. a good gripping book i really recommend reading

[Barbra Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the whole a pleasant book to read. I can't say it was gripping or kept me on the edge of my
seat wanting to know what was happening next, but I enjoyed it. Some parts were very slow
and I admit that I skipped some sentences which became monotonous. It hasn't actually inspired me to read any more books by the same author, and I don't think I would recommend it to anyone either. I liked the characters and could picture them clearly, but at the end of the day it was simply a nice read to pass the time, nothing more.

[Lynn Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite a challenging childhood .determination to succeed wins the day

A captivating read of a strong woman who against all odds proved to herself and others that she was worthy of respect and loyalty. Determination ,passion and a strong will proved that despite the odds dreams can be achieved

[Jacqueline Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read

A very pleasant read (for the most part) very addictive reading , hard to put down in many places, very enjoyable with a fantastic ending!!☺ Can't wait to read more from this author. This was my second book the first being Eve and her sisters.

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a great start but found it draws out in most parts of this book.liked her other books alot better.

[Christina Rochester · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised how quickly I managed to read this book.

Karma is amazing in this.

[joyce keen]

Lovely story

A very complex story with many twists and turns
I really enjoyed it and I could no put it down.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Rita Bradshaw that I have nor thoroughly enjoyed.
I needed to finish the book but it certainly didn't enthrall me like previous books.

[Cheryl Garside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It stars in 1880 and goes on into the early 1900's. It follows the life of Sophy Hutton whose mother dies in child birth and she is left in the care of her Uncle and his family. Poor Sophy isn't accepted by her Aunt and has a miserable life at her hands. As she grows up she moves away to find love and happiness. The book follows the ups and downs of her life.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I've not finished reading it yet and I'm already looking forward to reading the rest of her books.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book.

[Lynn Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book characters really came to life x

[Angela Free · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average rating is 4.21 but I wouldn't put it that high. It was very up and down in the entertainment factor. Mostly, a bit dull. Story has been told before, and love always wins.