Before the Dawn

by Carol Warburton

Clarissa Yeager never imagined a more terrifying reality than being abandoned by her husband in a harsh wilderness, then receiving word of his death. But as she takes a heroic stand to save her homestead for both herself and her unborn child, she discovers she must do much more than just face an uncertain future. Now she must battle the demons of days past. Her companion in this journey is Quinn, a kind neighbor and gentle friend who is also alone and battling his own ghosts of the past. Together, they begin an adventure in the grand expanse of the Oregon wilderness, struggling to survive against both the elements and the consequences of past decisions. While a premature birth during a mountain rainstorm jeopardizes the lives of both Clarissa and her baby, an even greater danger threatens to destroy them. Before the Dawn is the profound story of one woman’s courage in the face of overwhelming challenges . . . and one man’s love that offers Clariss

Genres: Romance, Lds Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Historical Romance

282 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

Reviews

[Andi Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this story should stand alone--I would delete the prologue and first and last chapters as unnecessary. It took me a little bit to get into the story, and some parts were slightly predictable, but I fell in love with the love story, which I found believable. The end was a little convenient and unbelievable, but it didn't ruin it. A nice, easy read.

[Ladean Stettler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy almost anything Carol Warburton writes. I was not disappointed in "Before the Dawn." The author has a way of making frontier Oregon so real..and it was a beautiful love story. It was a great short read.

[Chesney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this more than I thought. Sweet, clean love story. 3.5 stars

[Tannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this 3 1/2 stars. ;) I asked my sister for a "brain candy" book and this is what she delivered. It had slightly more substance than a brain candy book, but was exactly what I was looking for. It was a sweet story that didn't get too cheesy and delivered enough excitement to keep me going. I was interested in the outcome and invested in the characters and I read it in a couple of days. Quick, easy, fun read.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that shows what women in the 1800's had to do to get out of a bad situation with community men who had so much more power. In the process she marries another predatory man who mistreats her and leaves her stranded. She finds true love and has to risk much to get free from her estranged husband and marry a man who it so kind and caring. There are lessons to be learned to not judge a person before getting to know them.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not always a fan of LDS fiction, but this one I liked. I thought it was well written (I need to visit Oregon!), and I really liked the main character, and especially her need to find a way to press forward through adverse circumstances. Yes, it was predictable, and the end tied up a bit too neatly, but that didn’t make it a less enjoyable read.

[Aubree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful story

I first read the story when I was around 11 Period I have been searching for the story for years now and I have finally found it. It is such a heartwarming and wonderful book I’m so glad to have been able to read it again after so many years and find that it is the same heartwarming and touching story that I remember from my girlhood.

[Cherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clarissa married her husband to escape the lecherous Deacon, and when he abandons her in Oregon, even selling her horse and wagon, she doesn't know how she will survive. Told about the Odd Brit, she wants to avoid him. Odd because he is studying the Indians in the early 1800's, Quinton Reynolds and his household help her survive.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read two books with the same title. This book was recommended to me and I enjoyed it. It was super easy to read and a fast read also. It's a more romantic type book than I usually read but enjoyable anyway.

[JLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well and vividly written. I am liking this author so far (second book). It would have been nice if the photo on the front matched Clarissa's curly hair that was spoken about throughout the book.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a good story of early American settlers in Oregon but too long.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this... MUST READ with the companion story, Edge of Night

[Michele Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read.

[Kemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my Mom read-alouds. She lived it and was engaged through the whole story. 🥲

[Meghan Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have done without the prologue and epilogue, overall it was a cute book. Some slight story gaps that were a little bit annoying but I still enjoyed it. 3.5 stars

[Jinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5; actual edition I "read" from.. audio cassettes, but it didn't have a book cover picture)

"Clarissa Yeager never imagined a more terrifying reality than being abandoned by her husband in a harsh wilderness, then receiving word of his death. But as she takes a heroic stand to save her homestead for both herself and her unborn child, she discovers she must do much more than just face an uncertain future. The time has come for her to battle the demons of days past. Her companion in this journey is Quinn, a kind neighbor and gentle friend who is also alone and battling his own ghosts of the past. Together, they begin an adventure in the grand expanse of the Oregon wilderness, struggling to survive against both the elements and the consequences of past decisions. While a premature birth during a mountain rainstorm jeopardizes the lives of both Clarissa and her baby, an even greater danger threatens to destroy them." (back cover)


I pictured this in my head as the likes of one of those Hallmark movies set in the prairie times. Decent people battling harsh physical elements and western bad dudes. But this story is mainly the struggles of one woman (only 17yo ..but a woman at those times...1800s) who married a selfish man. Mind you, she only married Jacob to get away from another man. Here was her story of her fight to make the best of circumstances. This woman, Clarissa, was an endearing character. I also like the part where her friends, including Quinn, rally to her side. An overall nice story of courage, hope, friendship, and second chances but it struck me as predictable.

By the way, I didn't realize that this is a sequel. Without any background to the first book, I think this book stands alone just fine.

**Find this review and more at Jinky is Reading

[Shellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My good friend Ruth loaned this book to me because she really enjoyed it and thought I would too. She was right, it really was a cute little story and actually more suspenseful than I anticipated. I just kept wondering how much longer till............
Oh but that would give it away and I hate spoilers.
So if you need a fun little romance that takes place in about 1838 with all the rules and regulations and filth you might just enjoy this book as much as I did. But just remember love is still love and romance is still the great bargainer - even in 'the olden days' and wanting something you can't have is and always will be what drives men and women to ................
Well just read it and find out.
Oh one more thing this takes place in Astoria and I've even been there so I was thrilled to see in my mind some of what they were talking about. I've not been many places this was a real treat for me.

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Told in first person, Clarissa is the damsel in distress pining for a man (they share many long looks) she can never have because she's already married. Set in Oregon Territory, 1860-61 the characters are not members of the Mormon faith but strong Catholic and Protestant whose Sunday worship is only mentioned, never shown. The author does a fairly good job keeping the reader turning pages as it quickly becomes obvious which man (and they ALL want her) Clarissa is going to end up with, but how?
It's a weak story with two dimensional characters-those who are good are very very good, but those who are bad (all men) are simply horrid! Still an overall good, clean read.
Clarissa and her man make it a point to wait until they can be legally wed to consummate their relationship, there is some violence but it's all mild despite the circumstances-sexual assault, bear attack, but everyone ends up okay.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more but there were somethings that got in the way for me.

It was supposed to be written as her diary. So I would have expected it to be more daily/weekly entries about what was happening. Instead it was written as a complete story from history. Something about it just didn't jive with me. Too many details to be included if it was written all at once.

The other thing was that the "Englishman" didn't sound very English to me. She did a great job with the Irish characters and I felt like I could hear their accents. But not so with the English gentleman.

I was also a wee bit mushy for me. Too much "he was wrapped around my heart".

Aside from that...not a bad story. Interesting and different. Mostly predictable but still a sweet little story if that is what you are in for.

[Linnae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clarissa Yeager runs away with a man she doesn't love, mostly to get away from a predatory older man at home. Then her husband leaves her, alone and pregnant, on their homestead in the Oregon wilderness. Determined to make it work, she does all she can and more. When she hears of her husband's death, she is more determined than ever to not lose the only home she has. As she builds a life for herself and her unborn daughter, she also finds support from people around her.

As friendships deepen and a new love beckons, something happens that could threaten everything she has worked for.

A bit predictable, but an enjoyable read, with a touch of excitement towards the end.

[Kenzee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable romance/historical fiction set in the early settlement era of Oregon. Technically a Mormon fiction book, but not actually about any members of the faith. I loved the main characters and there were many interesting supporting characters that gave the story depth. Sort of reminded me of "These is my Words" but not as riveting. In the middle, there were some parts where I felt it should have moved along a little faster, but it was never boring. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would be happy to loan out my copy if my nearby friends are interested.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first one. But it was still a good book in of itself. I did get annoyed with the plot line sometimes but I persevered and was mostly pleased about how it ended. The main characters struggle to start a new life and survive with her little baby was heartbreaking until a savior comes and rescues her from her plight. Its a good read, one I still get annoyed with but I still recommend it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequel to "Edge of Night", this is Clarissa's story. Boy, both Tamsin and Clarissa run right into the best of men!! It takes some time for Clarissa to be free from her ruse of a marriage to Jacob Mueller. The one and only blessing is the birth of their daughter Ellen. Clarissa is determined to keep the homestead in Oregon as Jacob runs off to California--all alone if she has too. Not the case. True friends and new friends rally around her, and like her sister Tamsin, true love.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful 1800's story of Clarissa, a 17 year old girl who only marries a man to take her west so she can escape the grips of the man who has taken her and her mother an sister in since her father died. Her loveless marriage then finds her in Oregon where her husband leaves her destitute and pregnant. Thanks to her good friends and a wonderful neighbor she puts her life together and finds love and happiness again. I loved this story and the characters. Great read!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept comparing this book to These is my words, and it did not come off well in comparison. First of all, I think the male hero is Harrison Ford (light brown hair, hazel eyes, lop-sided grin)with a British accent. Second, there was WAY too much time spent in "his eyes said this and mine said that." Third, I just couldn't be excited about the heroine. Again, I kept comparing it to a similar book, and this one just didn't measure up.

[Teya Teya · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW, I really enjoyed this book! I loved how it started with a real account. THen a girl searching her geneology, and then finding the story of her ancestor. Yes it is more like a journalish writing. But I wish I could write in my journal like that. then it come backt to the present and what happened. I loved it! If anything was to get me interested in geneology and the finding of stories this was an inspirational book for that.

[Jenni C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me a lot of "Whisper Hollow" by the same author, which is a good thing :)

The writing kept me interested, even though the same thoughts repeated themselves over and over - the author had a way of not making the same sentence sound redundant. The characters were likeable.

The book does deal with some serious situations, so I would not recommend it to young audiences.

If you liked "Whisper Hollow," then you will like this book. :)

[Marianne Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked a lot of this book. I really felt like I could imagine the Oregon frontier and the trials the heroine faced. I felt like the main characters played well honor and love. If you don't read the prologue or the epilogue, then this book isn't LDS at all. Don't know if they were needed but it gave the idea a new idea of family history and historical fiction a twist. I enjoyed this story more than Edge of Night.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, this is one of those Covenant Books. I can't help myself when it comes to cheesy, romantic, pioneer books. I'm a sucker for them. They are always predictable and there is nothing technically great about it, but it's entertaining and happy in the end. What more could a heart-broken, lonely girl want?

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the storyline was pretty easy to follow. The only thing I didn't like about the book is I feel like it had a couple of big things that happened toward the ending. This made me feel like the author rushed the ending and could have spent a little more time wrapping things up. I still enjoyed it thought and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun read.