Before the Dawn

by Emma Pass

'As dawn broke, the landing craft engines shuddered into life. Our boat surged forwards and we approached Omaha Beach under a sky like an iron lid, crouched in the bottom of the boat to avoid enemy fire.'

A Year Earlier

Destiny brought them together, but will war tear them apart?

In 1943, as the threat of Hitler's troops feels closer than ever, Ruby Mottram can't help but feel she'll never escape dreary, war-smashed Devon and life with her controlling father.

But when destiny puts her on the path of American soldier Sam Archer , it seems anything could be possible. Sam is generous and kind, even while battling the troubled past he left behind.

Together, there is hope for a different future. But it seems history has other plans when on June 6, 1944 Sam's battalion sets off for Omaha beach…

Will the promise to make it back to Ruby be enough to keep him alive?

A gripping story of love and hope in the face of war, perfect for fans of Ellie Midwood, Lorna Cook 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 romance, historical fact and some sense of suspense... 5 stars from me! ' NetGalley Reviewer, *****

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Emma Pass grew up at an environmental studies centre near London, went to art school in Cornwall and now lives in the north-east Midlands, UK. Her YA dystopian thriller ACID is out from Random House Children's Books on 25th April 2013 (UK), Mondadori on 13th June 2013 (Spain) and Delacorte on 1st April 2014 (US). Another standalone thriller, The Fearless, will follow in the UK in 2014.

Are you on Twitter? I'll be taking part in a #UKYA Twitter chat on Monday 14th April 2014 at 5.30pm (GMT) as part of Project UKYA's April Extravaganza. Come and ask me questions about my books and my writing! I look forward to chatting with you!

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1943, and the Second World War is raging. Ruby Morton works for her local newspaper, the Bartonford Herald, typing up adverts and obituaries, while dreaming of a more exciting life. Between her shift as an ARP warden and caring for her ailing father, the chance for escape doesn't come often. 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. Two chance encounters bring Ruby and Sam together, giving them the chance of love, hope and freedom.

This is a mixture of war and romance. We get the backstories of the main characters, Ruby and Sam. The descriptions of the era and the 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.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an early copy of this book.

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

TO SUM IT UP: I NEEDED MORE...

This was not to my liking. I don't mind romance novels, but they have to have some sort of hook. Yes, this was set during WWII and for some that might have been hook enough. But it was just too loose for me.

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Pace: The first half of this book was sooo slow. It was all about the relationship between the two MCs. But there was hardly anything exciting about it aside from the fact that it was 'forbidden'. The pace was way too slow, I really needed something more to happen. The second half picked up a bit, but not nearly enough for my taste.

Plot: The plot was pretty thin in my opinion. Ruby and Sam fall in love even though they're not supposed to. WWII is happening. And that's it. That's litterally the entire plot. I needed more.

Predictable: There wasn't a single time where I was surprised by anything that happened. It was very predictable, no twists or turns along the way. I needed something more.

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Zoë Marriott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously heavily and sensitively researched, but also intensely vivid, sensory and romantic - just the sort of story that is crying out for the film treatment (especially for those of us sick of this parade of war films with all male casts, much as I loved 1917). Well realised characters question their world and choices in a way that feels compelling rather than anachronistic, offering a fresh and timely insight into 'normal' people who have to try and live some kind of a life in the midst of extraordinary events - and some of the writing made a little shiver go down my spine. Recommended!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good WWII story about an English woman who falls in love with an American soldier. Loved it.

[em · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

The ARC of this book was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. #BeforeTheDawn #NetGalley.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters! And I’m so glad they got their happy ending. Ending felt a little abrupt but I loved this book so it’s okay (:

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Devonshire England during World War 2 from the beginning of the war in 1943 through it's termination in 1945, Ruby is a young lady of 18 wanting to be a war reporter; but, instead, she is in charge of writing the ads and obits for her small town paper. When war breaks out in 1943, an American unit is housed just outside her small town to prepare. Unfortunately, Ruth's father with no explantation hates Americans and forbids Ruby to have anything to do with them. But when Ruby meets Sam sparks fly whether Father wants them to or not.

This is a wonderful love story between 2 people, and all that they went through in order to finally find their happily ever after when the war is finally ended. The characters of Sam and Ruby were both endearing and unforgettable and the problems they faced sometimes seemed insurmountable. Yet with the help of friends, they did manage to overcome all the trials that came their way.

I would have given this book a 4 easily, but I was very put off but the overuse of profanity throughout the story most of which was totally unnecessary.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

[Tarang Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating edit: 3.5 stars.

It was an endearing read. I really liked the protagonists, their conversation and those special moments. I particularly liked Vera's character, Ruby's best friend.

The writing style is engaging, the language neat. As I read, many times I thought it was going to be one of my favourite reads this year, but the last few chapters made me change my mind. The story is told from both Sam and Ruby's pov. I enjoyed Ruby pov more. After a certain point, Sam's pov deals with war scenes, which, sadly, failed to grip me. Also, towards the end, it gets too typical and predictable, and to be honest I stopped caring.

Overall, an interesting and engaging read.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Great story. Some language (F words). 18+ (ungraphic sex scene).

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margaret Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review, which I freely give.

This book is in 3 sections : 1943 / 1944 / 1945. is about Ruby Mottram who works for the local paper & Sam Archer a American GI who lied about his age to join the army. They each tell there story. Basically it is a lovely story. Mixture of happy times & sad times.

Ruby lives with her widowed father who was badly gassed in WWI. It is a struggle to work and look after him.

I enjoyed this story however. I have a few concerns about this book and wonder if the author did any research about WWII (1) At a dance Sam asks Ruby for a dance and addressers her as Ms Mottram - the term Ms is a modern form of address for a female, not during WWII. (2) Ruby was crying and who she worked with gave her some tissues ! again this a modern invention, and the author had already stated earlier in the story that the local news paper where Ruby worked had to cut the use of paper. The eve before D. Day Richard Dimbleby reported from a air base 'somewhere in England' that aircraft had taken off to ahead of the invasion ! I think not. Reports were not given about the invasion to well into the day. Also the Germans would have heard the aircraft coming. The aircraft that took part on the first day were 'Gliders' these were huge - size wise in my estimation can be like the Lancaster bombers. The headed for Pegasus bridge. A glider can be seen here in the museum. (4) Also the author talks of just England & USA on the invasion. What about Canada ? My father a Normandy vet and British, his unit went with the Canadians to Juno beach. (5) Sam's unit - all of them left the air field and the food behind. Also when Sam is telling his story, which does not include Ruby, I did not like the constant use of the 'F' word. Sadly this is creeping in to so many books now.

I can recommend - that is if you do not mind the bad language.

[Shaye.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Before the Dawn by Emma Pass is a poignant, emotionally charged story set during one of history’s darkest chapters. Blending historical fiction with deeply personal stakes, this novel explores resilience, sacrifice, and unexpected love in a time of war and fear.

What I Loved:
Emma Pass excels at creating atmosphere. The setting—Britain during WWII—is vividly and authentically rendered, with the kind of detail that immerses you without overwhelming the story. The historical backdrop enhances the emotional weight of the narrative, rather than overshadowing it.

The characters are where this book really shines. Both protagonists are layered and compelling, with trauma, hope, and strength woven into every decision they make. Their bond builds slowly and believably, rooted in trust and shared experience rather than cliché. The way the story deals with identity, secrecy, and courage feels heartfelt and raw.

Pass also deserves credit for tackling themes like prejudice and persecution in a way that feels relevant without being preachy. The stakes are high, but never sensationalized.

What I Didn’t Love:
The pacing is mostly strong, but there are moments where the story slows down a bit more than necessary—particularly in the middle third. Some side characters could’ve used more depth, especially those involved in key turning points.

Also, while the ending is satisfying and hopeful, it left me wanting just a little more resolution—a brief epilogue or glimpse into the characters’ future would’ve added an extra emotional payoff.

Final Thoughts:
Before the Dawn is a moving, powerful read that handles difficult themes with grace and honesty. Emma Pass has written a story that’s as much about the past as it is about the strength of the human spirit. It’s the kind of book that stays with you after the final page—quietly haunting, but full of heart.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction with emotional depth and strong, resilient characters.



❤️shaye.reads

[Rebecca Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Annett Jummrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that’s heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I read it in one day. Instead of watching anything on one of the streaming services on Saturday evening I was keen to read, which proves how involved I was in the story.

The story itself isn’t anything that hasn’t been written before (boy and girl meet, fall in love, he’s off to war, she thinks he’s dead, will they find each other again?) and therefore isn’t very original. However, the book is written very well (both the positive and sad parts) and flows nicely. There is something endearing about the discovery of first love, the innocence behind it, and then in contrast you have the horrors of war.

I was rooting for Ruby and Sam throughout the book (I’d been mightily upset if the author hadn’t made sure there’s a happy end). Of course, reading the prologue carefully the reader does know where it ends, but still the way the story is told is often heartbreaking, but beautiful at the same time.

Ruby’s and Sam’s stoicism and courage and how they coped with the hardships in their lives is admirable. As characters I loved them. If you’re looking for a WWII romance, then look no further. This is a great read. Highly recommended.

4.5 stars.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, this is once again another book I chose to read based mainly on the fact that I absolutely adore this cover, yes, I am that shallow, that I choose my reading on a book cover.
But, look at it!!
It's everything I love about this genre and era the book is set in, it's just so damn gorgeous and I could happily frame it and put it on my wall I love the couple, the emotion and the fact that they are sharing a kiss.
Ah, sigh!
I really am this smushy at times, but personally, I do think that it captures Sam and Ruby perfectly!
Anyway, this glorious story within this glorious cover is exactly what you would expect, it's heartwrenching, emotional and full of longing.
The characters are beautifully written, they are believable and engaging, I loved ;earning about their backgrounds and the insights they share of their lives before the war.
the setting is one we all now so well, and the actual war parts is written with rich history, it's immersive and compelling and I particularly liked that there is lots of fact entwined with the fiction.
I've not read this author before, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future.
A must read for anyone who loves WW2 romance.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of Before the Dawn by Emma Pass. 

I adored this book. It was a WW2 historical fiction. Sam lies about his age and joins the American military underage to support his family. He worries that this lie will be discovered but begins to thrive in the military and meets British Ruby will stationed overseas. The last thing Ruby wants is to be interested in an American soldier but she can't resist Sam.

The love story between these two characters even in wartime was very real and endearing what seemed to be only a friendship because stronger and it was easy to feel their connection as a reader. This book detailed all the real struggles of love during a war but also took the time to introduce these characters and the people in their lives and just really had the jump out from the page into my imagination. The story kept me interested and I read almost the whole novel in one sitting.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for fans of historical fiction. 

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Ruby Mottram meets Private Sam Archer, both have complications with their families and Ruby has been forbidden any association with the newly arrived Americans. As Sam trains and becomes part of the D-Day invasion, Ruby’s life grows ever more complicated.

Before the Dawn by Emma Pass is a debut novel, primarily set in a small English coastal town in the days of America’s involvement in WWII. With a solid sense of time and place, the story unfolds with a few surprises as Ruby learns why her family is so opposed to her knowing an American and Sam’s time in France takes an unexpected turn.

For fans of well researched WWII era stories with a forbidden romance, plucky best friends, a bully, and who don’t mind a bit of swearing/taking the Lord’s name in vain and intimacy on the page.

This review refers to a temporary digital galley that I voluntarily read and reviewed, courtesy of the publisher, via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

[Tina(I can only make 10 comments! Man!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another NetGalley book that sat on my shelf for far too long!

This is an engrossing WW II story about two people who meet and fall in love in such a horrendous time.

Ruby lives in the small village of Bartonford near Devon. She works for the local newspaper and lives with her Father. The Americans have descended upon the town and have set-up a camp to prepare for the invasion of Normandy. Sam, is a young American soldier from the South. He's running away from a terrible life. Ruby, is told by her father to stay away from the Americans. Two people from different walks of life yet they fall in love in such tragic circumstances. Can their love survive?

I was fully invested in this book from start to finish. The particular chapters on the D-Day invasion had me holding my breath. I'll gladly read another Emma Pass book! Great storytelling!

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Head of Zeus (Aria) for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 word review - wholesome, low risk, enjoyable

I did think this story was enjoyable and I had an interest to see the characters develop but I feel like they just didn’t in the way or depth they should have. Despite the recounting of the war and D-Day landings being as brutal and horrid as it was and that this part of the book felt fairly well written. I still felt as though there was no risk, I weirdly just knew the main character would be fine and that everything would work out in the end which I’m happy it did but also think took me out of the beauty of a story set in such a traumatising time as war. It felt to be quite obviously a fiction book just set in this setting.

I think the build up of the relationship didn’t convince me they were in love other than just saying that they were and had fallen for each other.

[Heidi Gorecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Stacey Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I love historical fiction, it was only when I began reading Before The Dawn that I realized I rarely read books set during the war period. Era-wise, Emma Pass’s Before The Dawn was a big departure and a welcome one at that. I really enjoyed the unfolding romance between Ruby and Sam. The best part for me what the alternating chapters as it made me even more invested in Ruby and Sam’s romance and anxious for them as war and other pressures threatened to keep them apart. I loved the characterisation of our protagonists, especially in terms of how Sam's vulnerability was depicted, alongside his selflessness in risking his life to save his family. Overall, this was a beautiful read and it’s definitely made me more determined to read more books set in this era.

[Wendy Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Emma Pass and it was excellent. I am a fan of most books about WW2. This one had a very personal aspect to us with the inclusion of characters that were all affected in different ways. It mostly took place in England but also included America and American soldiers. From nurses, British, American and German soldiers to news reporters, citizens and people that were part of WW1 and couldn’t believe they were going through another war. As I’m reading any book I always watch for I think the name of the book came from and this one was very appropriate and didn’t disappoint. Highly recommend.