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Dawnlight
Inspired by the mysterious events of Matthew 27:52-53: Amid first-century Jerusalem's political and religious unrest, Elisheba loses her beloved husband, Joseph. Though she is mourning, Elisheba must fight to protect herself and her young son from the schemes and deceptions of others who wish to control her fortune and her future. While Elisheba defies her enemies, her husband's closest friends must decide what they believe—and risk death. When another tragedy strikes, an impossible miracle shakes their lives—and their world is forever changed...at Dawnlight.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2014
36 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Kacy Barnett-Gramckow
9 books96 followersSome of Kacy's works have appeared devotionals such as Seasons of a Woman's Heart, and God's Abudance for Women. She also has written under the pen name of R.J. Larson, and Elizabeth Larson, as seen in A Moment A Day, and The Women's Devotional Bible. Kacy also writes inspirational fantasy fiction as R. J. Larson.
When Kacy is not relaxing with her books and writing, she is working, cooking, tatting, spoiling other people's kids, and enjoying her family.
When Kacy is not relaxing with her books and writing, she is working, cooking, tatting, spoiling other people's kids, and enjoying her family.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 23, 2014
I’m very familiar with the passage in Matthew 27 about Jesus’ crucifixion, of course. But before reading Dawnlight it never occurred to me to wonder what it must really have meant that “the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised” and when “coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many.” What would it be like to lose one you loved to death—and then, unexpectedly, unbelievably, to see that dear one alive and whole again, if only for a moment in time?
That’s the premise of author Kacy Barnett-Gramckow’s beautifully tender novel Dawnlight. Both Elisheba and her husband Joseph are descended from a long line of Sadducees, Jewish leaders who, unlike the Pharisees, do not believe in life after death. But then the young couple encounters Rabbi Yeshua, hear his teachings, and witness the miracles he performs—and become believers, as do several of Joseph’s close friends. When Joseph falls dangerously ill, Elisheba’s desperate plea for her father-in-law, Lord Pallu, to send for Yeshua to heal him is brushed aside with scorn. Elisheba’s heart is shattered when Joseph dies, and adding to her agony, Pallu threatens to take her son, Benjamin, from her and send her away because she dared to believe in Yeshua.
I confess I dislike most biblical fiction. The characters generally seem wooden to me, the plots uninspired and often veering too far from biblical accounts. Dawnlight is the exception. The author’s depiction of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time feels authentic and vital, and I was immediately drawn into this world by the engaging and believable characters. I found myself caring deeply about their plight, especially that of Elisheba, and the unexpected resolution was truly joyful.
In luminous prose, Barnett-Gramckow weaves her story through many unanticipated twists and turns with characters that hold one’s heart. I read the ending through tears. Haunting, transcendent, and lovely is that hushed, timeless moment at Dawnlight . . .
That’s the premise of author Kacy Barnett-Gramckow’s beautifully tender novel Dawnlight. Both Elisheba and her husband Joseph are descended from a long line of Sadducees, Jewish leaders who, unlike the Pharisees, do not believe in life after death. But then the young couple encounters Rabbi Yeshua, hear his teachings, and witness the miracles he performs—and become believers, as do several of Joseph’s close friends. When Joseph falls dangerously ill, Elisheba’s desperate plea for her father-in-law, Lord Pallu, to send for Yeshua to heal him is brushed aside with scorn. Elisheba’s heart is shattered when Joseph dies, and adding to her agony, Pallu threatens to take her son, Benjamin, from her and send her away because she dared to believe in Yeshua.
I confess I dislike most biblical fiction. The characters generally seem wooden to me, the plots uninspired and often veering too far from biblical accounts. Dawnlight is the exception. The author’s depiction of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time feels authentic and vital, and I was immediately drawn into this world by the engaging and believable characters. I found myself caring deeply about their plight, especially that of Elisheba, and the unexpected resolution was truly joyful.
In luminous prose, Barnett-Gramckow weaves her story through many unanticipated twists and turns with characters that hold one’s heart. I read the ending through tears. Haunting, transcendent, and lovely is that hushed, timeless moment at Dawnlight . . .
June 4, 2014
Dawnlight…When the World is Changed Forever offers the opportunity to observed life during the time of Jesus’ ministry, from a different viewpoint. There are those that are looked down upon because of where they were born, or the merchants in the temple, or a widow who cannot share her belief in Jesus without worrying about her world tumbling down on her.
Kacy Barnett-Gramckow has written a novel which helps the reader experience these viewpoints while making them also feel like they are a part of the story.
I was given this book by bookfun.org and the author in exchange for my honest review.
Kacy Barnett-Gramckow has written a novel which helps the reader experience these viewpoints while making them also feel like they are a part of the story.
I was given this book by bookfun.org and the author in exchange for my honest review.
May 23, 2014
This is an intriguing book covering the time prior to Jesus death and resurrection and afterwards. The story creates what it would have been like to live in the home of a Saducee at that time. I really liked the characters. The heroine is believable and trusts in what she knows of Jesus to live her life. She encounters several trials that tear her apart, but she clings to her hope in Jesus. I like how the author moves us through what it would be like to be followers of Jesus in that time especially Jewish believers. She includes what Satan is thinking throughout the book which adds an interesting side. I like this book. It keeps you reading to the end. I recommend it.
December 4, 2023
Dawnlight is a novel inspired by the events of Matthew 27:52-53. It follows the lives of some of Jesus' followers during the last year of Jesus' life here on Earth. I found the descriptions of women's lives during this time to be very interesting. I feel that Kacy Barnett-Gramckow invested quite a bit of time in researching this time period. I highly recommend this book.
So settle in with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket to enjoy a great eye opening read.
I purchased a copy of this book and all thoughts are my own.
So settle in with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket to enjoy a great eye opening read.
I purchased a copy of this book and all thoughts are my own.
June 10, 2018
Dawnlight gives us a fascinating glimpse into what life was like at the most pivotal point in all of history. I appreciated the fact that the story was believable and the author did not stray from the Biblical account. Good job!
I have sometimes thought it would be amazing to live there and get to meet the Messiah, but God knows best, and I am glad I did not. I will see Him face to face someday.
Just the right amount of history and just the right amount of fiction.
I have sometimes thought it would be amazing to live there and get to meet the Messiah, but God knows best, and I am glad I did not. I will see Him face to face someday.
Just the right amount of history and just the right amount of fiction.
February 19, 2018
Death is not the end
Elisheba and her little son have been mourning already for a year when Jesus is crucified. Now Jesus's disciples, not just the 12, are grieving. Suddenly many of them are told that Jesus is no longer in the tomb.
This book stays true to the gospels as well as telling a story about a family in need of good news.
Elisheba and her little son have been mourning already for a year when Jesus is crucified. Now Jesus's disciples, not just the 12, are grieving. Suddenly many of them are told that Jesus is no longer in the tomb.
This book stays true to the gospels as well as telling a story about a family in need of good news.
February 19, 2018
Are there answers to questions not dated to be spoken?
She was loved by her husband, and happy with her newborn son but as quick as lightening it vanished. She is thrown into the night along with her son.What has happened to her life!?
She was loved by her husband, and happy with her newborn son but as quick as lightening it vanished. She is thrown into the night along with her son.What has happened to her life!?
April 6, 2018
Thought provoking and entertaining.
Addressing an often overlooked biblical truth, the author not only validates basic Christian theology in an entertaining manner but teaches important concepts to assist the reader towards a maturity in their spiritual life.
Addressing an often overlooked biblical truth, the author not only validates basic Christian theology in an entertaining manner but teaches important concepts to assist the reader towards a maturity in their spiritual life.
December 26, 2018
Christian romance novel?
I really liked the first book I read by this author but since then they've been somewhat disappointing. It was just too much romance novel (minus the bodice ripping).
I really liked the first book I read by this author but since then they've been somewhat disappointing. It was just too much romance novel (minus the bodice ripping).
May 28, 2018
4 1/2 stars
July 8, 2015
I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that had me look at Matt 27:52-53 with fresh eyes. This author does a brilliant job of illuminating the mysterious event described in this passage. “…and the tombs were opened and many bodies of the righteous who had fallen asleep were brought to life again, and after His resurrection they went into Jerusalem and appeared too many people.”
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author. It won’t be the last. I enjoyed her imagination, creativity and writing style. The story grabbed my heart as it opens up with family time between parents and child. Joseph, Elisheba and their four year old son, Benjamin are laughing and enjoying this special time. They are both followers of Rabbi Yeshea-Master Iesous (Jesus). The author reveals the horror followers felt after they hear the news about John the Baptist being beheaded. They feared for their own lives and that of Yeshua. If Jerusalem was no longer safe where would they go? Was there a hiding place?
I instantly connected with Elisheba and her situation. I was captivated by all that was happening. I liked that this story was told through Elisheba’s eyes. It gave a different feel and perspective on how followers felt about Jesus’s ministry. I liked how this author wrote this novel in a panoramic sort of way: for example take the event of John the Baptists’ beheading. The author gives readers a peek at several different people in all walks of life and how they all dealt with the news.
I felt part of the community standing by watching others react to the news of the disciples and of Yeshua – Jesus. I couldn’t put this novel down. It caused me to go re-read scripture. It is gripping, thought-provoking and suspenseful. I highly recommend this novel as a great read and one that would be wonderful for book clubs. This is a rich story, one you may never forget. It’s a must read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The Book Club Network www.psalm516.blogspot.com
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author. It won’t be the last. I enjoyed her imagination, creativity and writing style. The story grabbed my heart as it opens up with family time between parents and child. Joseph, Elisheba and their four year old son, Benjamin are laughing and enjoying this special time. They are both followers of Rabbi Yeshea-Master Iesous (Jesus). The author reveals the horror followers felt after they hear the news about John the Baptist being beheaded. They feared for their own lives and that of Yeshua. If Jerusalem was no longer safe where would they go? Was there a hiding place?
I instantly connected with Elisheba and her situation. I was captivated by all that was happening. I liked that this story was told through Elisheba’s eyes. It gave a different feel and perspective on how followers felt about Jesus’s ministry. I liked how this author wrote this novel in a panoramic sort of way: for example take the event of John the Baptists’ beheading. The author gives readers a peek at several different people in all walks of life and how they all dealt with the news.
I felt part of the community standing by watching others react to the news of the disciples and of Yeshua – Jesus. I couldn’t put this novel down. It caused me to go re-read scripture. It is gripping, thought-provoking and suspenseful. I highly recommend this novel as a great read and one that would be wonderful for book clubs. This is a rich story, one you may never forget. It’s a must read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The Book Club Network www.psalm516.blogspot.com
November 29, 2014
Deb’s Dozen: 12-Word Summaries - Dawn changed the world. Jeshua touched many lives despite the Adversary’s actions.
Elisheba loved her husband, Joseph, but she adored her son, Benjamin. Her husband was a follower of Rabbi Jeshua – a danger belief in these trying times in Jerusalem. Word had just come that Herod had beheaded the Immerser – the Baptist, John. If Joseph’s father, the Lord Pallu knew of his son’s beliefs, they would be disowned and discarded!
A trip to Capernaum to hear Master Iesous, as Joseph’s friends named him in Greek, would have to wait – the time was too dangerous. Elisheba was disappointed – she had long planned on the journey – she’d wanted to hear this Iesous who had her husband so entranced.
So starts a time of trial for them all: for Joseph, a debilitating, dangerous illness; for Elisheba, an all out effort to maintain her reputation; for their friends, Stephanos, and Kore, and Eran, beloved servant, a time of secrecy and silence.
But after even the darkest night, the dawnlight comes!
You will want to read this novella by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow. After reading the story, you will have a new appreciation for the times surrounding the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. You will laugh and weep, and laugh again – for the dawnlight comes!
As her Amazon bio states, "Kacy Barnett-Gramckow is the author of Dawnlight, a Biblical Novel inspired by Matthew 27:52-53, as well as Moody Publisher's THE GENESIS TRILOGY: The Heavens Before, He Who Lifts the Skies, and A Crown in the Stars. Kacy also writes Christian Fantasy Fiction."
Kacy and her husband, Jerry, live in Colorado. Kacy loves to research and masterfully weaves her research into her wonderful worlds of fiction. She is one author whose works you will want to collect, read and reread! THE GENESIS TRILOGY is also incredible and will give you a better appreciation for the Biblical characters portrayed therein.
Elisheba loved her husband, Joseph, but she adored her son, Benjamin. Her husband was a follower of Rabbi Jeshua – a danger belief in these trying times in Jerusalem. Word had just come that Herod had beheaded the Immerser – the Baptist, John. If Joseph’s father, the Lord Pallu knew of his son’s beliefs, they would be disowned and discarded!
A trip to Capernaum to hear Master Iesous, as Joseph’s friends named him in Greek, would have to wait – the time was too dangerous. Elisheba was disappointed – she had long planned on the journey – she’d wanted to hear this Iesous who had her husband so entranced.
So starts a time of trial for them all: for Joseph, a debilitating, dangerous illness; for Elisheba, an all out effort to maintain her reputation; for their friends, Stephanos, and Kore, and Eran, beloved servant, a time of secrecy and silence.
But after even the darkest night, the dawnlight comes!
You will want to read this novella by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow. After reading the story, you will have a new appreciation for the times surrounding the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. You will laugh and weep, and laugh again – for the dawnlight comes!
As her Amazon bio states, "Kacy Barnett-Gramckow is the author of Dawnlight, a Biblical Novel inspired by Matthew 27:52-53, as well as Moody Publisher's THE GENESIS TRILOGY: The Heavens Before, He Who Lifts the Skies, and A Crown in the Stars. Kacy also writes Christian Fantasy Fiction."
Kacy and her husband, Jerry, live in Colorado. Kacy loves to research and masterfully weaves her research into her wonderful worlds of fiction. She is one author whose works you will want to collect, read and reread! THE GENESIS TRILOGY is also incredible and will give you a better appreciation for the Biblical characters portrayed therein.
August 16, 2014
Wonderful Biblical fiction!
I got hooked on Kacy Barnett-Gramckow's Biblical fiction several years ago when I discovered her Genesis Trilogy. That series made me revise my opinion of Biblical fiction. So I was pretty excited to get the chance to read and review Dawnlight.
I've been nothing but impressed by Kacy's attention to historical and Biblical detail in each of her books, Dawnlight was no exception.
One of the things I found most interesting was the portrayal of the people that rose from the dead at the same time as the The Resurrection, it was much different than other novels. Definitely thought provoking.
The characters grab your attention and quickly make you care about them. Elisheba's son is not only adorable but is also attune to the spiritual realm as young children can often be. Elisheba's plight at the hands of her father-in-law will leave you by turns, sad, mad, hopeful, and excited,
Dawnlight is a wonderful Biblical novel and very much worth the time spent reading it. Kacy Barnett-Gramckow knows her craft well.
(I received a copy of this e-book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I got hooked on Kacy Barnett-Gramckow's Biblical fiction several years ago when I discovered her Genesis Trilogy. That series made me revise my opinion of Biblical fiction. So I was pretty excited to get the chance to read and review Dawnlight.
I've been nothing but impressed by Kacy's attention to historical and Biblical detail in each of her books, Dawnlight was no exception.
One of the things I found most interesting was the portrayal of the people that rose from the dead at the same time as the The Resurrection, it was much different than other novels. Definitely thought provoking.
The characters grab your attention and quickly make you care about them. Elisheba's son is not only adorable but is also attune to the spiritual realm as young children can often be. Elisheba's plight at the hands of her father-in-law will leave you by turns, sad, mad, hopeful, and excited,
Dawnlight is a wonderful Biblical novel and very much worth the time spent reading it. Kacy Barnett-Gramckow knows her craft well.
(I received a copy of this e-book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.)
July 3, 2014
I love a good Biblical romance, and this one definitely fills that bill. Kacy Barnett-Gramckow has done her research, and the book fairly sings with great historical facts, harmonized with the sweet message of faith.
A young widow, Elisheba, and her son Benjamin, are all but held captive at her inlaws' home. Because her husband, Joseph, had been the only son, Benjamin was now Pallu's heir. Elisheba longs to leave and live with her parents rather than under Pallu, but to do so she would have to leave her son to be raised by a dishonest and grasping merchant.
Her deceased husband's best friend, Andronikos, has for years suppressed and hidden his own attraction for Elisheba. Even now, as her year of mourning nears its end, he cannot say anything or offer his troth. He is Greek, she is a Jew. He was a Libertine, and she was the daughter and the daughter-in-law of Sadducees.
And now too, Jesus whom Andronikos, Joseph, and Elisheba all believe in, faces betrayal and death. What can they do?
A young widow, Elisheba, and her son Benjamin, are all but held captive at her inlaws' home. Because her husband, Joseph, had been the only son, Benjamin was now Pallu's heir. Elisheba longs to leave and live with her parents rather than under Pallu, but to do so she would have to leave her son to be raised by a dishonest and grasping merchant.
Her deceased husband's best friend, Andronikos, has for years suppressed and hidden his own attraction for Elisheba. Even now, as her year of mourning nears its end, he cannot say anything or offer his troth. He is Greek, she is a Jew. He was a Libertine, and she was the daughter and the daughter-in-law of Sadducees.
And now too, Jesus whom Andronikos, Joseph, and Elisheba all believe in, faces betrayal and death. What can they do?
May 6, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow but it won't be the last. It is a great and amazing christian fictional novel that takes place during the time of Christ's trial, death, burial and resurrection with well written historical facts interwoven with fiction and inspired by the mysteries that happened upon the death of Jesus found in Matthew 27:52-53.
I loved the characters, especially Elisheba. She endures heartache after her husband dies whom she loved with all her heart. She is determined to love and protect her son while she and her friends hide the fact that they were followers of Christ, due to the political and religious unrest at that time.
A story of God's love for us; a parents love for their children; love between a husband and wife. A story of heartache, sorrow suffering, fear, faith and hope.
I highly recommend this book. A must read.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
I loved the characters, especially Elisheba. She endures heartache after her husband dies whom she loved with all her heart. She is determined to love and protect her son while she and her friends hide the fact that they were followers of Christ, due to the political and religious unrest at that time.
A story of God's love for us; a parents love for their children; love between a husband and wife. A story of heartache, sorrow suffering, fear, faith and hope.
I highly recommend this book. A must read.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
May 8, 2014
How strong is your faith?
This is a story set in biblical times and follows a family as they struggle with their belief in Jesus during times when such thoughts led to persecution. It is based on recollections from the Bible in the book of Matthew. You even get to see that time through the children’s eyes as some of the characters are quite young. How hard it must have been to live at this time and believe in someone while everyone tried to show you how wrong you were. The author paints a vivid picture and draws you into the character’s life so much that it comes to life for the reader. The death and resurrection of Jesus must have been such a powerful and scary time and this story brings you right into that world. Anyone who enjoys biblical fiction will find great enjoyment in this book. I received this book from Bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
This is a story set in biblical times and follows a family as they struggle with their belief in Jesus during times when such thoughts led to persecution. It is based on recollections from the Bible in the book of Matthew. You even get to see that time through the children’s eyes as some of the characters are quite young. How hard it must have been to live at this time and believe in someone while everyone tried to show you how wrong you were. The author paints a vivid picture and draws you into the character’s life so much that it comes to life for the reader. The death and resurrection of Jesus must have been such a powerful and scary time and this story brings you right into that world. Anyone who enjoys biblical fiction will find great enjoyment in this book. I received this book from Bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2014
Dawnlight
By Kacy Barnett-Gramckow
Dawnlight was inspired by the mysterious events of Matthew 27:52-53. Dawnlight is a Fictional love story that takes place during the last year of Jesus’s life up until His resurrection. Elisheba is still mourning the death of her husband but has to put up a fight to protect her son from the deception of others. She defies her enemies and faces persecution and now her husbands closet and dearest friends all have to decide what they believe and whom they will follow. What will happen in their lives?
Thank you to Bookfun.org for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review.
By Kacy Barnett-Gramckow
Dawnlight was inspired by the mysterious events of Matthew 27:52-53. Dawnlight is a Fictional love story that takes place during the last year of Jesus’s life up until His resurrection. Elisheba is still mourning the death of her husband but has to put up a fight to protect her son from the deception of others. She defies her enemies and faces persecution and now her husbands closet and dearest friends all have to decide what they believe and whom they will follow. What will happen in their lives?
Thank you to Bookfun.org for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review.
April 24, 2014
Dawnlight
By: Kacy Barnett-Gramckow
This book is amazing. A Christian Fiction story from a story out of the Bible. I really enjoyed the character Elisheba. I shed a few tears in this book. This story was well written. I was reading it here at the right time Easter. The story of Christ death , burial and resurrection. Kacy did a great job with retelling of it. The characters were all written very well. This book will keep you flipping the pages. Inspired by the mysterious events of Matthew 27:52-53.
By: Kacy Barnett-Gramckow
This book is amazing. A Christian Fiction story from a story out of the Bible. I really enjoyed the character Elisheba. I shed a few tears in this book. This story was well written. I was reading it here at the right time Easter. The story of Christ death , burial and resurrection. Kacy did a great job with retelling of it. The characters were all written very well. This book will keep you flipping the pages. Inspired by the mysterious events of Matthew 27:52-53.
April 20, 2014
Dawnlight is a wonderfully written biblical work of fiction. The historical background is the years of Jesus Christ's trial, death, and resurrection. The fictional characters are extremely well written and totally believable. This made me few some things a bit differently. I truly lived this well woven story of truth and fiction, and I highly recommend it. It's a beautiful story!
April 13, 2020
I loved loved loved this book. It took me right into the scenes preceding and throughout the crucifixion and resurrection. Made those events come alive to me in a deep way. And I'd never really thought through about those who were raised from the dead at Jesus' time of resurrection. What Kacy Gramckow wrote seems perfectly understandable. Really touched my heart.
April 8, 2021
I've read The Genesis Trilogy by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow and I have to say she did an awesome job on Dawnlight!
This is definitely a five star book!
I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
This is definitely a five star book!
I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
June 4, 2014
I was not sure what this book was going to be about when I received it for a fair and honest review from bookfun.org but I am glad I got to read it. It was a slightly new perspective for me on the last days of Christ. This was well written and a nice story.
April 30, 2014
Awesome book to read around Easter. I got a better understanding of Jewish culture and it brought scripture to life.
November 30, 2014
A wonderful read by an amazing author. Great setting and character building and beautiful descriptions on a passage full of questions.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews