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Before the Dawn
PARIS, 1940.
As the world hovered on the edge of destruction, American Alyssa Lambert found passion in the arms of a stranger. But Philippe Michaude held a dark secret that would soon tear them apart. When the Germans moved in and the City of Lights was plunged into darkness, Alyssa was forced to flee France, heartbroken at the treachery of the man she loved. Now, she has returned.
In Nazi-occupied Paris, she joins the French Resistance, transmitting coded messages to the Allies. Disguised, she must live and work in the darkest shadows of the city. But no disguise can hide her from the eyes of Philippe Michaude.
Will her love save him from the darkness or will he betray her completely?
As the world hovered on the edge of destruction, American Alyssa Lambert found passion in the arms of a stranger. But Philippe Michaude held a dark secret that would soon tear them apart. When the Germans moved in and the City of Lights was plunged into darkness, Alyssa was forced to flee France, heartbroken at the treachery of the man she loved. Now, she has returned.
In Nazi-occupied Paris, she joins the French Resistance, transmitting coded messages to the Allies. Disguised, she must live and work in the darkest shadows of the city. But no disguise can hide her from the eyes of Philippe Michaude.
Will her love save him from the darkness or will he betray her completely?
Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
18 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Gregory
15 books34 followersPseudonym of Candace Camp
Candace Pauline Camp was born on May 23, 1949 in Amarillo, Texas, U.S.A.. The youngest of three children born into a newspaper family -- her mother, Lula Mae (Irons) Camp, had been a reporter and her father, Grady Camp, was the business manager of the Amarillo, Texas, newspaper -- some of Candace's earliest memories are of making up stories which she played out on the floor of their den with whatever objects were handy. She cannot remember a time when she was not interested in creating stories. She began writing down her stories when she was about 10, and from then on writing was her favorite form of relaxation. Explains Candace: "I was always very shy and did not talk much. However, in written form, I could express all my thoughts and feelings."
Writing remained only a hobby, though, as Candace attended college at the University of Texas at Austin and West Texas State University, then became a secondary teacher in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She later moved to North Carolina, where she worked in the trust department of a bank. It was there that she discovered the romance novel in modern form and started to write her first romance. She also began law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and while she was there, she finished her first novel, entitled Bonds of Love, that was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Candace credits the rigorous training of law school with teaching her the discipline necessary to finish a book. She gave up the practice of law to devote her time to writing. Two pseudonyms later (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens), Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp-- and still loves creating stories.
Candace is married since 1980 with Pete Hopcus, and they had a daughter Anastasia Hopcus in 1982, who had started on her own career path in the field of acting and now also writes young adult novels.
Candace Pauline Camp was born on May 23, 1949 in Amarillo, Texas, U.S.A.. The youngest of three children born into a newspaper family -- her mother, Lula Mae (Irons) Camp, had been a reporter and her father, Grady Camp, was the business manager of the Amarillo, Texas, newspaper -- some of Candace's earliest memories are of making up stories which she played out on the floor of their den with whatever objects were handy. She cannot remember a time when she was not interested in creating stories. She began writing down her stories when she was about 10, and from then on writing was her favorite form of relaxation. Explains Candace: "I was always very shy and did not talk much. However, in written form, I could express all my thoughts and feelings."
Writing remained only a hobby, though, as Candace attended college at the University of Texas at Austin and West Texas State University, then became a secondary teacher in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She later moved to North Carolina, where she worked in the trust department of a bank. It was there that she discovered the romance novel in modern form and started to write her first romance. She also began law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and while she was there, she finished her first novel, entitled Bonds of Love, that was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Candace credits the rigorous training of law school with teaching her the discipline necessary to finish a book. She gave up the practice of law to devote her time to writing. Two pseudonyms later (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens), Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp-- and still loves creating stories.
Candace is married since 1980 with Pete Hopcus, and they had a daughter Anastasia Hopcus in 1982, who had started on her own career path in the field of acting and now also writes young adult novels.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 13, 2019
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: August 19, 2019
Number of Pages: 340
What a phenomenal read! I was absolutely gobsmacked. This book focuses on the lead-up to World War II as well as events during the war. We have three couples – four if you count the one who lost her husband and remarried. The main couple is American stage actress Alyssa Lambert and French underground operative Philippe Michaude and their tale is a heartbreaking and intense one. The secondary focus is on Jessica Townsend and her husband Alan – and then after Alan is killed, she falls in love with Stephen Marek. The tertiary and less featured couple is Claire Stanton and her Polish love Casimir Andrzej Dubrowski – also known as Ky.
Just as a note, this book was originally published in 1988, but the story is timeless and I believe there have been some edits and re-writes in this new release. This story is set in a period that is much later than I normally read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. As an American, I don’t often think of what our dragging our feet before entering WWII cost our friends in England and other European nations. This story definitely brings that home – perhaps that wasn’t the author’s intent, but it was certainly an outcome of the story.
Alyssa Lambert has arrived in London for a visit with her best friend Jessica before another friend, Claires, wedding. It is her plan to visit with her friends in England and then head over to Paris to visit with her father who is a political advisor to President Roosevelt. Upon her first arrival, she is amazed that England doesn’t seem to be taking the German threat seriously. It seems to be business as usual even though there are many who are trying to convince the powers-that-be that Germany fully turning on England is just a matter of a short time.
In Paris, Alyssa discovers a complacent French population as well. They pride themselves on having the worlds best military and don’t fear the Germans getting through their defensive lines. On Alyssa’s first night in Paris, she meets Philippe Michaud who is very rich and owns a factory that makes trucks, tanks and other equipment that can easily be used in war. Philippe is one of the few in Paris who can see what is coming. He’s made a commitment and plans to defend his country even when the Germans have invaded. What he didn’t count on was meeting and falling hopelessly in love with Alyssa.
This story is filled with so very much intense heartache, intrigue, suffering, and great love. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll cheer. You’ll hold your breath. You’ll jeer. Your emotions will run the gamut.
I definitely recommend this read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: August 19, 2019
Number of Pages: 340
What a phenomenal read! I was absolutely gobsmacked. This book focuses on the lead-up to World War II as well as events during the war. We have three couples – four if you count the one who lost her husband and remarried. The main couple is American stage actress Alyssa Lambert and French underground operative Philippe Michaude and their tale is a heartbreaking and intense one. The secondary focus is on Jessica Townsend and her husband Alan – and then after Alan is killed, she falls in love with Stephen Marek. The tertiary and less featured couple is Claire Stanton and her Polish love Casimir Andrzej Dubrowski – also known as Ky.
Just as a note, this book was originally published in 1988, but the story is timeless and I believe there have been some edits and re-writes in this new release. This story is set in a period that is much later than I normally read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. As an American, I don’t often think of what our dragging our feet before entering WWII cost our friends in England and other European nations. This story definitely brings that home – perhaps that wasn’t the author’s intent, but it was certainly an outcome of the story.
Alyssa Lambert has arrived in London for a visit with her best friend Jessica before another friend, Claires, wedding. It is her plan to visit with her friends in England and then head over to Paris to visit with her father who is a political advisor to President Roosevelt. Upon her first arrival, she is amazed that England doesn’t seem to be taking the German threat seriously. It seems to be business as usual even though there are many who are trying to convince the powers-that-be that Germany fully turning on England is just a matter of a short time.
In Paris, Alyssa discovers a complacent French population as well. They pride themselves on having the worlds best military and don’t fear the Germans getting through their defensive lines. On Alyssa’s first night in Paris, she meets Philippe Michaud who is very rich and owns a factory that makes trucks, tanks and other equipment that can easily be used in war. Philippe is one of the few in Paris who can see what is coming. He’s made a commitment and plans to defend his country even when the Germans have invaded. What he didn’t count on was meeting and falling hopelessly in love with Alyssa.
This story is filled with so very much intense heartache, intrigue, suffering, and great love. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll cheer. You’ll hold your breath. You’ll jeer. Your emotions will run the gamut.
I definitely recommend this read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 26, 2019
Where to start about this amazing story that took my breath away? From the prologue alone, the tenseness started and the emotions were coming off the page. Candace Camp has a gift with her words that brings the surroundings and characters alive and makes you see everything unfolding perfectly.
I love historical romances of almost any timeframe but the time of WWII in Europe just before France and England became fully involved was new to me. It brought it eerily alive and I say that because I think we have all read of the horrors of the war, but this made it more personal with the lives of these women and men.
Three women who had met at school when they were younger and maintaned their friendships. Alyssa Lambert, an American actress who comes to visit her friend Jessica and attend their third friend Claire's wedding. Then Alyssa goes to Paris to visit her father, who is an advisor to Roosevelt.
Alyssa meets Philippe Michaud on her first night there and their story begins!
Prepare to take a journey that will pull at all of your emotions, with falling in love, heartbreaking loss, intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat, light moments of humor and strong convictions that move the story forward.
Candace Camp has written a story that will be read well into the future and looked upon as an amazing slice of history when romance still survived amid what seemed like an impossible time.
Brilliant.
I love historical romances of almost any timeframe but the time of WWII in Europe just before France and England became fully involved was new to me. It brought it eerily alive and I say that because I think we have all read of the horrors of the war, but this made it more personal with the lives of these women and men.
Three women who had met at school when they were younger and maintaned their friendships. Alyssa Lambert, an American actress who comes to visit her friend Jessica and attend their third friend Claire's wedding. Then Alyssa goes to Paris to visit her father, who is an advisor to Roosevelt.
Alyssa meets Philippe Michaud on her first night there and their story begins!
Prepare to take a journey that will pull at all of your emotions, with falling in love, heartbreaking loss, intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat, light moments of humor and strong convictions that move the story forward.
Candace Camp has written a story that will be read well into the future and looked upon as an amazing slice of history when romance still survived amid what seemed like an impossible time.
Brilliant.
August 18, 2019
Before the Dawn
Candace Camp
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The world is on the verge of destruction and Alyssa Lambert an American has found much passion in the arms of a stranger. But Philippe Michaude holds a deep dark secret that would soon tear them apart. When Germany moves in and the City of Lights plunges into darkness, Alyssa has no choice, but to flee France heartbroken. Now however she has returned.
Now in Nazi-occupied Paris, she joins the French Resistance, transmitting coded messages to the Allies. Disguised, she must live and work in the darkest shadows of the city. But there is no disguise good enough to keep her hidden from the eyes of Philieppe Michaude.
Can her love save him from the darkness or will he totally betray her?
Candace Camp is brilliant. I don't usually read this type of book and it's not normally my thing, but I have to admit to being pleasantly surprised. I went on an emotional journey in this book that left me with jumbled emotions which in my opinion makes a great book. Ms. Camp you did a wonderful job with this book and it was really enjoyable switching genres for a short time.
Candace Camp
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The world is on the verge of destruction and Alyssa Lambert an American has found much passion in the arms of a stranger. But Philippe Michaude holds a deep dark secret that would soon tear them apart. When Germany moves in and the City of Lights plunges into darkness, Alyssa has no choice, but to flee France heartbroken. Now however she has returned.
Now in Nazi-occupied Paris, she joins the French Resistance, transmitting coded messages to the Allies. Disguised, she must live and work in the darkest shadows of the city. But there is no disguise good enough to keep her hidden from the eyes of Philieppe Michaude.
Can her love save him from the darkness or will he totally betray her?
Candace Camp is brilliant. I don't usually read this type of book and it's not normally my thing, but I have to admit to being pleasantly surprised. I went on an emotional journey in this book that left me with jumbled emotions which in my opinion makes a great book. Ms. Camp you did a wonderful job with this book and it was really enjoyable switching genres for a short time.
August 21, 2019
This story just blew me away! Before the Dawn by Candace Camp is truly amazing and a must read. I am hoping that Candace will write more about WWII. I am usually a regency and highlander reader but as a fan of Candace’s I could not resist and I am so glad I did. Candace has such a creative mind and this spy story was like something that I have never read before. I could not put this book down because you never knew what was going to happen next. The characters are just wonderful and their story is sad. This story has spying, lies, forever friends, understanding, misunderstandings, death, injuries, secrets, kindness and yes love. I highly recommend this book… you won’t regret it!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
August 19, 2019
Before the Dawn by Candace Camp is a wonderful story set during World War II. I absolutely couldn't put this book down. I was hesitant to read it at first. I have loved Camp’s regency romances. But this book held me captive. I loved the characters in the story. The relationship between Alyssa and Philippe is electric. I hope Camp rights more during this setting. I was given a copy of this book.
October 28, 2019
A TOP PICK at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-10B
Three women from boarding school will form a friendship that will last a lifetime, and their activities during WWII will further bond them together. It’s been about ten years since their school days, and American Alyssa Lambert is visiting her English friend, Jessica Townsend before attending the wedding of their friend, Claire. Jessica has been happily married for seven years to Alan, the man she’s loved since she was a young girl. Claire’s husband-to-be is Ky, who escaped from Poland. The war hasn’t yet come to England or France, so Alyssa travels to Paris after the wedding.
Alyssa is stunningly beautiful, which seems to affect men in one of two ways. They are either too intimidated to even approach her, or they are so dumbstruck by her looks that they become stupid in her presence. Philippe Michaude is extremely handsome in his own right, generally a suave and smooth man, but Alyssa’s looks seem to drive all intelligence from his body. His clumsy attempts to push intimacy with her on their first date have Alyssa sending him on his way like a scolded puppy. His attempts to make up for his bad behavior convince Alyssa to give him another chance. Within a very short time, they become lovers, sharing a passion unlike either of them has known before. It’s not too much longer before that passion develops into a deep and strong love.
The war is progressing, and the unthinkable happens – Germany has invaded France and has control of Paris. Philippe insists that Alyssa leave the country for her own safety. She refuses, unless Philippe will come with her. To her utter shock, Philippe declares that he intends to stay, and furthermore, will cooperate and work with the Nazis in order to keep his business interests safe. Alyssa is horrified that she could have been so mistaken in a person’s character, and leaves Philippe, with both of their hearts shattered.
The war escalates, with England now being regularly bombed. Alyssa briefly went back to America, but returns to England to join Jessica and Claire to aid the Allies’ effort. Heartbreakingly, Jessica’s husband, Alan, who became a pilot in the RAF has been shot down, is missing and presumed dead. Alyssa has had occasion to see Philippe, looking very well off, in the company of his German friends, which feels like a knife in her still injured heart.
BEFORE THE DAWN is an amazingly well written book, interspersing the human stories that occur against the horrific backdrop of a world war. The romance, heartbreak, espionage, deceit, secrets, and brutality all intertwine to form a story that’s compelling, breathtaking, emotional, and ultimately satisfying. The bravery of the women, their strength in dealing with their new reality is awe inspiring, especially when you realize that these types of events really happened. Philippe is also not just a black and white character, as things are not always as they seem. I’m a fan of Candace Camp, but I believe this book, which was previously released under another name, is her finest work, and truly one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Three women from boarding school will form a friendship that will last a lifetime, and their activities during WWII will further bond them together. It’s been about ten years since their school days, and American Alyssa Lambert is visiting her English friend, Jessica Townsend before attending the wedding of their friend, Claire. Jessica has been happily married for seven years to Alan, the man she’s loved since she was a young girl. Claire’s husband-to-be is Ky, who escaped from Poland. The war hasn’t yet come to England or France, so Alyssa travels to Paris after the wedding.
Alyssa is stunningly beautiful, which seems to affect men in one of two ways. They are either too intimidated to even approach her, or they are so dumbstruck by her looks that they become stupid in her presence. Philippe Michaude is extremely handsome in his own right, generally a suave and smooth man, but Alyssa’s looks seem to drive all intelligence from his body. His clumsy attempts to push intimacy with her on their first date have Alyssa sending him on his way like a scolded puppy. His attempts to make up for his bad behavior convince Alyssa to give him another chance. Within a very short time, they become lovers, sharing a passion unlike either of them has known before. It’s not too much longer before that passion develops into a deep and strong love.
The war is progressing, and the unthinkable happens – Germany has invaded France and has control of Paris. Philippe insists that Alyssa leave the country for her own safety. She refuses, unless Philippe will come with her. To her utter shock, Philippe declares that he intends to stay, and furthermore, will cooperate and work with the Nazis in order to keep his business interests safe. Alyssa is horrified that she could have been so mistaken in a person’s character, and leaves Philippe, with both of their hearts shattered.
The war escalates, with England now being regularly bombed. Alyssa briefly went back to America, but returns to England to join Jessica and Claire to aid the Allies’ effort. Heartbreakingly, Jessica’s husband, Alan, who became a pilot in the RAF has been shot down, is missing and presumed dead. Alyssa has had occasion to see Philippe, looking very well off, in the company of his German friends, which feels like a knife in her still injured heart.
BEFORE THE DAWN is an amazingly well written book, interspersing the human stories that occur against the horrific backdrop of a world war. The romance, heartbreak, espionage, deceit, secrets, and brutality all intertwine to form a story that’s compelling, breathtaking, emotional, and ultimately satisfying. The bravery of the women, their strength in dealing with their new reality is awe inspiring, especially when you realize that these types of events really happened. Philippe is also not just a black and white character, as things are not always as they seem. I’m a fan of Candace Camp, but I believe this book, which was previously released under another name, is her finest work, and truly one of the best books I’ve read this year.
August 21, 2019
First I have to point out that I normally don't read war stories. Especially not the ones set in WWII Europe. War stories are way too depressing. So, when I received this book as a gift I put it aside for a long time. I finally talked myself into giving it a try. I am so glad I did. This book is amazing! I forgot to eat. I forgot to sleep. I spent hours crying. The hardship those people endured. The courage they displayed. I still can't wrap my head around it. I don't think I could have survived the way they did. I would like to thank Ms. Camp from the bottom of my heart for writing this story. And for making sure that everybody understood who the monsters were. Not everybody in Germany was a Nazi and Ms. Camp made that very clear. Thank you for an amazing read!
August 26, 2019
Before the Dawn by Candace Camp is an absolutely fantastic and incredibly written story. I generally don’t read stories set during WWII but there isn’t anything Candace could write that I would not read. I love the emotion and depth and just all around brilliance that she brings and this story has a lot of it! It really gets you thinking about the horrors and atrocities people suffered. I couldn’t put it down. I would highly recommend this story.
July 3, 2024
Ms. Gregory's one talented author, who knows how to tell a story! I've read several books of hers, and so far, I have yet to be either bored or unimpressed! And so far, this one if the best of them!
Reading this book, you really feel as if you're back in time, to the days of WWII, the Nazi occupation of France, the resistance movement, the spies, intrigue, rescue missions, danger, the whole atmosphere is intense but never too over-the-top, so it manages to feel grounded in reality rather than melodrama.
At the same time, you're kept entertained by the love story of the H and h with all its deceptions, heartache, and facades, as well as a love that could never die, no matter how much life put it through. Both did what they had to do for a cause they each thought worth any sacrifice they'd have to make.
There's another love story between the h's best friend and a war hero whose burden of guilt comes between them.
Everyone sure earns their HEA.
This one is worth reading!
Reading this book, you really feel as if you're back in time, to the days of WWII, the Nazi occupation of France, the resistance movement, the spies, intrigue, rescue missions, danger, the whole atmosphere is intense but never too over-the-top, so it manages to feel grounded in reality rather than melodrama.
At the same time, you're kept entertained by the love story of the H and h with all its deceptions, heartache, and facades, as well as a love that could never die, no matter how much life put it through. Both did what they had to do for a cause they each thought worth any sacrifice they'd have to make.
There's another love story between the h's best friend and a war hero whose burden of guilt comes between them.
Everyone sure earns their HEA.
This one is worth reading!
August 10, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋
A story not just of intrigue, but two romances.
The first and main story,Philippe a French spy working with the enemy and Alyssa and American actress turned British spy, the two living and working in France, running a spy ring and its informants .
The second, set in London of Stephen an American soldier and Jessica a widow and contact for the spy’s in France .
Alyssa and Jessica have been best friends for most of their adult lives.
Candace has produced not just a romance but an experience, one that made me sit up and take notice , held my attention and shook me in its realism.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s been a real privilege to read .
I’ve always enjoyed her books but I think has to be her best to date .
Living in the UK , coming from Manchester that was hit hard during this time , having relatives, my dad , who lived as a child through the blitz and the bombings .
It made it all come home to me and became quite a vivid reminder of all we have to be grateful for .
To the people who gave their lives, Their time ,and their loved ones to fight a war on foreign soil and at home .
Thankyou for a wonderful book Candace .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
A story not just of intrigue, but two romances.
The first and main story,Philippe a French spy working with the enemy and Alyssa and American actress turned British spy, the two living and working in France, running a spy ring and its informants .
The second, set in London of Stephen an American soldier and Jessica a widow and contact for the spy’s in France .
Alyssa and Jessica have been best friends for most of their adult lives.
Candace has produced not just a romance but an experience, one that made me sit up and take notice , held my attention and shook me in its realism.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s been a real privilege to read .
I’ve always enjoyed her books but I think has to be her best to date .
Living in the UK , coming from Manchester that was hit hard during this time , having relatives, my dad , who lived as a child through the blitz and the bombings .
It made it all come home to me and became quite a vivid reminder of all we have to be grateful for .
To the people who gave their lives, Their time ,and their loved ones to fight a war on foreign soil and at home .
Thankyou for a wonderful book Candace .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
August 23, 2019
While not my usual genre, this book kept me riveted the whole way through. I really enjoyed the drama and intrigue between the hero and the heroine and how despite misgivings about each other, they found and kept their love. I hit recommend this story!
September 18, 2019
Absolutely fantastic read, a change from regency but still an epic read, Ms Camp certainly knows how to keep us captivated.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews