When Dawn Breaks

by Jennifer Slattery

As the hurricane forces Jacqueline to evacuate, her need for purpose and restitution forces her to head north to her estranged and embittered daughter and into the arms of a handsome new friend. Because he's dealing with his own issues, Jacqueline isn t sure if he will be the one she can lean on during the difficult days ahead. And then there are the three orphans to consider, especially Gavin. Must she relinquish her chance at having love again in order to be restored?"

Genres: Contemporary, Family, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Janellef · Rating 4 out of 5]

With orders to evacuate ahead of an incoming hurricane, Jacqueline heads towards the home of her estranged daughter, hoping to be given both a place to stay and a chance to heal their broken relationship. While tiptoeing around her daughter's life, Jacqueline comes in contact with a variety of folks that mean her life and her faith will never be the same.

This book contained perhaps one of the most unusual cast of characters I've come across in awhile: a 51-year-old realtor, a railroad mechanic, church volunteers running an evacuation shelter, and a single mom who abandons her three children at the shelter. But the combination of these characters made the book feel fresh and engaging.

There were a lot of really tough issues tackled in this book; tough enough that each issue could have been a book in itself, but somehow they worked all together. There's the story of the mom trying to find forgiveness for her actions and abandonment of her daughter so many years ago. There's the man seeking to be an honest worker while his job could be on the line for not going along with his new boss's deceit. In addition, there are hidden relationships, children abandoned and trying to navigate the foster system, and evacuees trying to learn about God and where to find Him in their situation.

These stories felt so realistic that the characters felt relatable, even when I didn't fully understand what was going on. I don't know enough about railroad mechanics to understand what wasn't adding up for Jonathon, yet I felt his dilemma whether to let it slide or call it out. There were gaps in Jacqueline and Delana's past, but the bigger story of the redemption and healing that were necessary to move forward was more important. The foster care scenario was so heartbreaking; I found myself wanting to adopt Gavin and his sisters to first save them from the situation with their mom, and then to keep them together out of foster care. And for a more lighthearted side, the relationship of Jacqueline and Jonathon was just fun - a convenient excuse to escape a blind date at first, but watching them learn to be friends and to explore a relationship as parents of grown children in a later stage of life was an unusual plotline for me. But above all of those, I loved watching Jacqueline develop from a woman just escaping a temporary storm, to a woman seeking to not only heal her mistakes and to learn more about God, but to actively help others and to teach them about God's love through her own actions.

I give this book 4 stars. It was a lot of story in under 400 pages, and there are bound to be some gaps, but I really enjoyed this group of characters and their stories.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 51-year old woman forced by a hurricane to evacuate. An estranged adult daughter following in her mother’s footsteps by making poor choices. A widower who relocated to escape the painful memories of life with his longtime bride. And three siblings abandoned by their mother.

When I first started reading When Dawn Breaks by Jennifer Slattery, I was most drawn to Gavin, the teenager trying to hold himself together long enough to care for his two sisters in the mess his mother created. I understood that the book was primarily about Jacqueline, but I don’t typically choose emotional novels, and I only cared for Jacqueline as she related to Gavin.

But as I got deeper into the story, I found myself gently drawn in until I did care about Jacqueline. Ms. Slattery wrote her with such true-to-life questions and fears that I began to see pieces of myself on the page. She wrestled with guilt from poor choices in her past. She doubted her footsteps on the path God placed her on, and she hesitated to reach out and grab the blessings God offered.

At times I wished for a little more details, insight into scenes that were left out on the storyline like when the Federal Railroad Administration descended. But these moments were minor compared to the story as a whole.

Although pieces of the book started slow for me, I truly was drawn in and soon found myself wanting to return to it quickly when I needed to put it down. If you enjoy clean novels that offer plenty of emotion and a touch of romance, you should give this book a try.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy of this book by New Hope Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions 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."

[Shannon Vannatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three very different stories collide in the wake of a hurricane. Jennifer Slattery’s memorable characters stir the heartstrings, grip the soul, and keep pages turning way into the A.M hours. I love how Jennifer introduces me to very different characters in very different situations and makes me anticipate how their stories will intertwine. Her characters are so realistic and not always pretty. I also enjoyed the older character romance angle. She makes me ache for her down-trodden characters and feel guilty that I don't measure up to her mission minded characters. Another home run from this author.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting story of life in a church shelter following a hurricane in Texas. My heart went out to so many of the characters! A 51 year old woman who knows it is her fault she is estranged from her adult daughter but has since accepted Christ as her saviour. A teenage boy and his two small sisters whose mother skips out and leaves them at the shelter. A widower who is near retirement and changes jobs but the new one is not what he expected. I believe this was my first book by Jennifer Slattery but I will be looking for more of her books.

[Marilyn James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good Christian book

This book tells how so many things good can come from a tragic thing like storms that destroyed homes and yet God brings children that need good parents to rescue them.

[Mary Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When dawn breaks

A really great read with wonderful characters. The book has a strong spiritual background. The changing scenes kept me reading waiting to see what happened next and I wasn't disappionted.?

[Diane K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book

I really enjoyed this story. I cried at parts and smiled at others. As a Christian we ask why God more than we should. This story followed believers learning to trust God when circumstances look dismal. Well done Jennifer.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heart touching story!

This story of hardship, family and faith showed how no matter the mistakes you may have done in the past life can change for the better when your faith becomes real to you! Wonderful heartwarming story!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second novel by Jennifer Slattery! God's hope, love, and grace resonate throughout her stories. No matter what we are going through, no matter our past, God can use us and our circumstances.

Jacqueline Dunn moves in with her estranged daughter after a hurricane forces her out of her own home. Jacqueline has never been married. The church she attends is a refuge for the victims of the hurricane. She learns that everyone has a purpose; God has put her here for a reason. As she volunteers to help out, she meets 14 year old Gavin and his sisters.She failed her own daughter, but can God's grace forgive her for her past and let her have another chance with her daughter and with these kids displaced by the hurricane?

Jonathan Cohen has taken another job close to where Jacqueline's daughter lives. His wife died a few years before, and he only has a few more years until retirement. The job at his new place of employment isn't what it seems. Will he lose everything he's gained? It was so much fun seeing God working in his heart and his life. What will happen when he follows God's plan for his life?

This book perfectly describes what God can do with a willing heart and teachable spirit. Will Jacqueline and Jonathan follow God faithfully? Can Jonathan find love with Jacqueline, or will it be too much since he is so close to retirement? This contemporary romance incorporates real life situations and feelings.

Jacqueline's relationship with her daughter drew me in. She had a past she wasn't proud of, but was trusting God through his grace to help her daughter forgive her and reestablish a relationship. Gavin and his sisters added another dimension to the novel. What he and his sisters had been through was heartbreaking. Can Jacqueline make their future better? What about her daughter? How will she feel about Jacqueline taking on more kids?

Pick up this book today for an inspiring, encouraging read. Life's obstacles may get in your way, but God is bigger than those obstacles.

I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review.

[Deb Haggerty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deb’s Dozen: Three needy children, one widower, one woman with estranged daughter, plus God!

Jacqueline Dunn, flooded out of her home by a hurricane, moves to Willow Springs to be near her estranged daughter, Delana. Jacqueline had neglected Delana when she was growing up and now Delana barely wants anything to do with her mother.

Jonathan Cohen, widower, has moved to Willow Springs for a new railroad job and to be near his sister, Beanie, and her husband, Walter. But all is not well at his new job.

Gavin, Adele, and baby Jaya—and a mother who’d rather chase men than care for her children—are in a local church shelter opened to help those flooded out by the hurricane.

Will Jacqueline stay and keep trying to win Delana’s trust? Will Jonathan survive at his new job or be fired just short of retirement? What are the children to do when their mom takes off and they’re separated? Will they ever be together again?

Jennifer Slattery adeptly melds these stores together at the same time as she educates us about the paucity of help for those in need after a disaster. She also shows us the disaster that is many a child services system. I didn’t like reading the descriptions of foster homes and homes for boys. I didn’t like reading about the plight of those who’ve lost everything. But she made me aware of the great need—and I can pray for solutions and those people caught in such a situation.

I did, however, like the characters—and I prayed they’d all have “happily ever afters.” I was hooked by Slattery’s character development and by my need to continue to read until she resolved their situations.

You will laugh, cry, and become involved with all of these people—and you will see how their dependence on God helps them in their struggles. I can’t call this a good read, because the conditions made me very uncomfortable, but When Dawn Breaks is a compelling one—and reminded me there is always a dawn! Four stars.

New Hope Publishers gave me a copy of this book in exchange for my candid review.

[Savanna Kaiser · Rating 3 out of 5]

This heartfelt story sweeps readers through different seasons of life and offers a message of hope to all ages. Following a devastating hurricane, the paths of unlikely friends cross and their faith is challenged. It's a book full of new beginnings for everyone involved in the story.

When Dawn Breaks deals honestly with relationship problems of all shapes and sizes. As in real life, no one is perfect and each of the characters face up-and-down difficulties that try their love and their courage. It was a unique story for me. I appreciated the heart of Jacqueline, especially, who felt the call to serve and be obedient to the Lord despite her age, weaknesses, and past sins. She was a unique heroine. I have no doubt we all can relate to her journey.

I'm one of those readers who prefer a more historical setting, so this modern backdrop wasn't exactly my favorite. That's not to say it wasn't well written, because it was. I'm just not sure I quite matched the "ideal audience" for this book. In the midst of things, the heroine is dealing with menopause and parenting and the hero has been a widower for 5 years and faces a huge career change. It covers some mature topics that make it the perfect choice for seasoned readers.

That said, I value its lessons and the reminder to persevere and serve no matter the fears, insecurities, or regrets that hinder you. God, in his merciful, wonderful way, can use even the weakest to show His unconditional love and strength to another.

While there were a few unlikable characters in this book, the growth of the leading characters and the plot was strong. It was all very real. It's one of those books I think will impact a lot of readers' lives and encourage them. Above all, it's a book about grace. And that always makes for a beautiful story. ;)

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dawn Breaks turned out to be, well, nothing like I thought it would be ... and I mean that in the best way! If I had to choose one word to describe this book, it would be "real." Life isn't all sunshine, rainbows, and puppies for the characters in this novel, but their trials aren't over the top dramatic, either.

I liked many things about this novel. Jacqueline is a very sympathetic main character, and I cheered for her throughout the novel. She grows tremendously in her walk with Christ from the beginning of the novel to the end, and that transformation was fun to read about.

I also loved, loved, loved Gavin's journey. He was such a good kid who had some really hard things dealt to him. Slattery certainly didn't pull any punches when describing life in a group home—it made me want to become Gavin's foster mom!

I also really liked the fact that romance wasn't the be all and end all for these characters. Yes, I did enjoy the romance between Jacqueline and Jonathan, the handsome railroader, but her happiness and the trajectory of her life most certainly did not depend on whether or not Jonathan wanted to be with her. She was most concerned with following God's lead. I found that refreshing.

Of the three main characters (Jacqueline, Gavin, and Jonathan), I felt that Jonathan's story was the weakest ... possibly because I didn't quite understand his job. However, that minor criticism won't keep me from wholeheartedly recommending this novel. While it's marketed as romance, the romance is light enough that I think even those who don't enjoy romance will like this novel, and I look forward to reading more of Slattery's writing in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Slattery's second novel is a moving, powerful story. We meet 51 year old Jacqueline Dunn when her flight to escape a hurricane takes her directly into the path of 3 needy children who eventually change her life. She also encounters a lonely railroader who is facing a crisis in his new job. Jennifer weaves these stories together seamlessly. I found myself laughing out loud one minute and one chapter later feeling heartbreak. I was drawn into the lives of these characters and found myself caring about each one. Seeing life through the eyes of 14 year old Gavin broke my heart and made me wonder how many children face the same things in real life. This book is very well-written. It includes a romance but the greater love story in the book might surprise you. Jennifer writes about faith in such a real way showing how her characters struggle with past sins and face challenges to their faith yet find strength in prayer and scripture. There are no super Christians but real people with real faith.
If you want to be drawn into a moving story, find yourself rooting for characters you feel you know, enjoy a romance, and possibly be inspired to take action, then you need to read this book. The book is written with humor, realism and from a place of true emotion. There are storylines that include finding romance after fifty, the foster care system, abandoned children, disaster relief, unethical work practices, broken relationship between parent and child, and being willing to step out of one’s comfort zone in order to serve God. Will Jacqueline’s daughter ever trust her again? Will Gavin and his sisters ever have a real home? Will Jonathan lose his job? Will he love again? I highly recommend this novel.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a contemporary romance novel, the book goes beyond romance to deal with some very contemporary issues. Starting with a forced evacuation of the south Gulf Coast of Texas due to a hurricane, the story moves to a small city somewhere a few hours north. Jacqueline left Crystal Shores to escape the hurricane and chose Willow Valley because her estranged daughter lives there. Teresa, her three children, and the woman in the apartment next door end up in a church shelter in Willow Valley because they have nowhere else to go. Jonathan moved to Willow Valley from out west for a new job that is closer to his family as he prepares for retirement. Actually Teresa’s children are more integral to the story than she is since she abandoned them at the shelter to go find another man. Each of the main characters have their own share of issues to handle but the children are the most heartrending as they get shuffled into the system. Most of their story is shared from the perspective of Gavin, the fourteen-year-old son. Because of the mother’s poor choices, Gavin has been forced to look out for his younger sisters most of his life. His primary concern is to keep them together. As the story began, I kept wondering what all the different characters had to do with each other. The author did a great job of intertwining the lives of such a varied group of people to develop a very compelling story with a serious message to us all. I highly recommend this book, more for the message than the romance, although that aspect has its interesting moments. I found it fascinating that the lead character with the least experience in the Christian faith lived out her faith better than many real-life Christians.

[Danica is Booked · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimers: I received an e-galley of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I wanted to like this one. I thought it had great potential and for some reason I just couldn't get into it. I kept waiting for something big to happen.

I felt bogged down. And yet, I loved the overall message and the overall story. I just felt like I couldn't connect to the characters. I did love Gavin and loved reading his story. But to be honest a lot of the rest of it just was slow.

I felt like the pacing could have been better. I think there were just too many character threads to follow. Having said that, I did enjoy the novel.

I think fans of Christian fiction will like this one, especially fans who love Christian fiction dealing with families. Just for me, I had a hard time connecting with it.

So why 3 stars? Because even though I felt bogged down by the story and thought it was slow, I did enjoy it and did feel like it was worth reading.

Warnings/Side-notes: None. It's suitable for all ages.

The Wrap-up: An enjoyable novel but one that is a little bit slow and follows many different characters. If you like novels that are fast-paced, this is not one for you. If you like novels that are slower and really delve into family life, then give it a shot.

Love,

Danica Page

[Sarah Harden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could you be His hands and feet to children who had lost everything?

Real characters fill the pages of When Dawn Breaks. From broken relationships to challenging work environments, lost and hurting people to “good Samaritans,” Jennifer Slattery keeps it realistic. And realistic is not always pretty.

When tough times come, our character is often revealed through our reactions. Will we trust God to see us through and meet our needs, will we lash out at those around us, or will we run and hide?

Jacqueline and Jonathan are both older characters (compared to the more common twenty-somethings in so many novels) which offers a fresh perspective to the story. Gavin’s teen experiences balance theirs as the threads begin to skillfully weave together.

When Dawn Breaks is one of those novels that offers you an opportunity to pause and reflect on your own life. If you were in that position, would you respond the way Jacqueline (or Jonathan) did? Perhaps more importantly, looking at where you are today, despite the regrets in your past, will you choose to allow God to work through you? Will you be His hands and feet?

If you’d like to know more “behind the scenes,” be sure to check my blog (sarahruut.com) on Monday, January 26th when Jennifer will be visiting with us! :)

(This review was first published on my blog -- sarahruut.com. I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer has written a book that will pull you into the story world and when you walk away you will have to remind yourself that these people aren’t real, the situation isn’t real.


After sitting down and starting this book I realized how the rest of the world (the real world) seemed to fall away while I was reading. I was so wrapped up in these characters lives, they seemed so real.


Jacqueline is a flawed character. She has obviously made many mistakes in her life and Jennifer reveals them slowly, she keeps you hanging on and wanting to find out her full story. I love that Jacqueline sees how God has redeemed her and knows that is her identity now but still struggles to fully accept that truth, especially when her daughter keeps throwing out hurtful reminders.


Then we have Jonathan, a great hero dealing with his own issues. I love how Jacqueline and him connect, very unexpected.


Gavin is a young boy trying to make in a world that hasn’t been very kind to him or his little sisters. My heart broke for him as he goes through the hardships he does.


But through it all there is hope and you know these characters will find a way. How they do it I won’t say, you’ll just have to read this book to see for yourself.


A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Slattery opens When Dawn Breaks with three sagas only to weave them together into one triumphant romance.
Even as the hurricane rips at their homes, Jacqueline and Jonathan discover turmoil has followed them to Willow Valley. A cluster of abandoned children worm their way into Jacqueline’s heart and land squarely between the two’s growing love. In the meantime, the search goes on…for security, reconciliation, and family.
I like Jennifer’s writing style. It’s fluid and easy to read. Her book exposes the inadequacies of our society to deal with long term emergency situations as well as the pathetic state this nation has created with its “child protection” programs.
Whether it was the split storylines or slow start, the plot didn’t capture my interest until the last half of the book when the main characters (Jonathan, Jacqueline, and children) came together. Once that happened, Jennifer’s writing took hold, and I was hooked.
I give this book four stars for the themes and writing. The slow and distracting beginning keeps it from earning a five, it’s still an awesome story!
****New Hope Publishers provided me with a free copy of this book for a fair and honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book! The three plot lines and three sets of characters flow smoothly along as the timeline effectively weaves them together in a well-paced sequence of events.

Realtor Jacqueline Dunn's story keeps her at the center as she drives north from her Crystal Shores Gulf hometown fleeing Hurricane Gita's impending devastation. She's hoping to stay with her daughter Delana in Willow Valley and work on restoring their damaged relationship.

Then there is young Gavin Rallings, his sisters Adele and Baby Jaya also fleeing the coming hurricane to Willow Valley with their mother and very limited resources.

Finally there is Jonathan Cohen also newly arriving in Willow Valley for his new, but overwhelmingly challenging position as Sr Manager at Central Rails, which seems to be fraught with problems and secrets.

The author Jennifer Slatterly weaves their stories together seamlessly in a beautiful, well-paced narrative that reveals many God truths without sounding a bit religious. The harsh bits nicely balanced with the cozy, constant, underlying plans and love of God.

[Shannah Mauney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jennifer Slattery is a new-to-me author. I enjoyed this story. It was unique to me, in that I've never read a book about what happens to the people after a natural disaster. I felt like I only got to know the characters, with the exception of Gavin (maybe), on a surface level. I couldn't really connect with them. The message of the story was three-fold, unique to each character, and integrated well into the story. Overall, I enjoyed this story despite the fact that I didn't connect with the characters and look forward to reading more by Jennifer Slattery. Read my full review: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. It has three story lines that intertwine and yet I could easily keep up with each one. It is a painful story as there are amends to be made as well as a disaster to get through. I keenly felt the situation of the children as well as the mother and daughter. Jennifer did a good job of engaging me in this story. I was rooting for everyone. The story may be painful for some to read, but I highly recommend perservering to the end.

[Jennifer Hallmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dawn Breaks by Jennifer Slattery is another great book full of romance, relational tension, and a look at missions and the people behind this type of ministry. Her second book is even better than Beyond I Do with even deeper layers and subplots and strong character development. If you want a book to read late into the night, this is the one!

[Catherine Richmond]

I could really identify with these characters, especially Jacqueline. She asks tough questions in her prayers, of herself, and of God. Best of all, she has a great friend in Elaine - the conversations between these two are pure delight. The scenes in foster care and the juvenile facility are nightmare-generating gritty. Praise God for those who provide good homes for children!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the books by this author that I have read. This one addresses a flawed woman, later in her life.
She has made errors in the past and seeks to rectify them beginning with her relationship with her daughter. Foster care, child abandonment and relationship issues are key components in this story.

[Rieta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very impressed. I was expecting lots of perfect people living life with goodness and absolute purity. I found Ms. Slattery's characters to be very believable. My heart really went out to Gavin and his family. I will happily visit this author again.

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Love that it deals with real situations with a hopeful ending.

[Caryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is well written. It is gut-wrenching at times. I held on to the thread of hope woven throughout this story. I enjoyed this story.