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California Rising #1
Until the Day Breaks
A young woman finds her loyalties tested beyond limit and her desires torn beyond measure in 1846 California.
After sailing around Cape Horn, and barely surviving the perilous journey, devout Protestant Rachel Tyler, arrives in California just in time for her father’s wedding and the unfolding of the Bear Flag Revolt. Though already engaged to marry a minister in Massachusetts, Rachel’s ambitious father arranges her betrothal to Roman Vasquez, a blue-blooded Catholic son of the gente de razón, the ruling class of California.
Roman, a proud, Spanish soldier is ready to fight and die for his homeland. As the Yankee rebels raise their bear flag in Sonoma square, the last thing Roman wants is an arranged marriage to the American daughter of his enemy Joshua Tyler. But his Uncle Pedro, the Patrón of the family, has other plans.
Neither Rachel nor Roman desire this unlikely engagement that assaults their religious beliefs, but they cannot escape the passion flaming between them as war looms on the horizon and bitter rivals rise up to destroy them amid the breathtaking backdrop of the last days of the Californios.
Until the Day Breaks is the first book in the sweeping saga of California Rising, a tale of love, intrigue, and destiny, where passionate men and women lay the foundation of the Golden State with their very lives.
After sailing around Cape Horn, and barely surviving the perilous journey, devout Protestant Rachel Tyler, arrives in California just in time for her father’s wedding and the unfolding of the Bear Flag Revolt. Though already engaged to marry a minister in Massachusetts, Rachel’s ambitious father arranges her betrothal to Roman Vasquez, a blue-blooded Catholic son of the gente de razón, the ruling class of California.
Roman, a proud, Spanish soldier is ready to fight and die for his homeland. As the Yankee rebels raise their bear flag in Sonoma square, the last thing Roman wants is an arranged marriage to the American daughter of his enemy Joshua Tyler. But his Uncle Pedro, the Patrón of the family, has other plans.
Neither Rachel nor Roman desire this unlikely engagement that assaults their religious beliefs, but they cannot escape the passion flaming between them as war looms on the horizon and bitter rivals rise up to destroy them amid the breathtaking backdrop of the last days of the Californios.
Until the Day Breaks is the first book in the sweeping saga of California Rising, a tale of love, intrigue, and destiny, where passionate men and women lay the foundation of the Golden State with their very lives.
374 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2016
282 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Paula Scott
7 books49 followersPaula has a background in journalism. A fifth-generation Californian, her great-great grandmother came to California in a covered wagon and married a California farmer. Paula’s family has been farming ever since. Paula works on her family's stone fruit farm, writes historical and contemporary fiction, and blogs about life, love, and farming at paulascott.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 22, 2017
Until the Day Breaks, the first book in Paula Scott’s California Rising series is full of passionate characters, honest faith, and fascinating history. It’s beautifully penned, allowing the settings and people to come alive as you read, drawing a range of soul-deep emotion from you as well.
Rachel, our heroine, is pure of heart and faith but is yanked away from her comfort zone – where others look like her and talk like her and believe like her – and is forced to reunite with her father, a man of few ethics or morals and little regard for his daughter’s wellbeing. Nearly everyone she encounters in California tests her commitment to God, from her authentically evil stepmother to Roman, the man her father arranges for her to marry.
Roman is fiery and passionate … and he is ruled by those passions in nearly every area of his life. But Rachel confuses him. He’s not sure what to make of her or her faith. And to be honest? Roman isn’t the greatest hero material in the beginning …. or the middle … of this book. He’s angry. He’s seductive. He’s arrogant.
And that’s one of the things I love most about Until the Day Breaks. These are real, raw characters. Dealing with real, raw life. It’s clear that Roman doesn’t follow Jesus; he doesn’t live by God’s standards because he doesn’t really know God. Yet. Because you see, there’s a third character that bears considering in this novel. And that is Steven, the man Rachel had always planned to marry. He is everything Roman is not (and vice versa), and while Rachel is flustered and somewhat intimidated by Roman’s passion (especially when it’s directed at seducing her) Steven filters Roman and his betrothal to Rachel through the lens of God’s Word. The exquisite poignancy that Steven brings to the story – and the impact he has on their lives – is not to be missed.
Bottom Line: A tumultuous time in California’s history coupled with religious tensions and romantic passions make Until the Day Breaks a very rich read. Paula Scott has done a remarkable job of taking those deep swirls of volatile emotions present in so many stories found in Scriptures and transferring them to a tale that goes beyond a simple love story. It’s tastefully shocking in parts but it’s brimming with mercy, grace, and sacrificial love. I loved the faith struggles for their authenticity and the faith victories for their surge of hope. I’m looking forward to more from Paula Scott!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Rachel, our heroine, is pure of heart and faith but is yanked away from her comfort zone – where others look like her and talk like her and believe like her – and is forced to reunite with her father, a man of few ethics or morals and little regard for his daughter’s wellbeing. Nearly everyone she encounters in California tests her commitment to God, from her authentically evil stepmother to Roman, the man her father arranges for her to marry.
Roman is fiery and passionate … and he is ruled by those passions in nearly every area of his life. But Rachel confuses him. He’s not sure what to make of her or her faith. And to be honest? Roman isn’t the greatest hero material in the beginning …. or the middle … of this book. He’s angry. He’s seductive. He’s arrogant.
And that’s one of the things I love most about Until the Day Breaks. These are real, raw characters. Dealing with real, raw life. It’s clear that Roman doesn’t follow Jesus; he doesn’t live by God’s standards because he doesn’t really know God. Yet. Because you see, there’s a third character that bears considering in this novel. And that is Steven, the man Rachel had always planned to marry. He is everything Roman is not (and vice versa), and while Rachel is flustered and somewhat intimidated by Roman’s passion (especially when it’s directed at seducing her) Steven filters Roman and his betrothal to Rachel through the lens of God’s Word. The exquisite poignancy that Steven brings to the story – and the impact he has on their lives – is not to be missed.
Bottom Line: A tumultuous time in California’s history coupled with religious tensions and romantic passions make Until the Day Breaks a very rich read. Paula Scott has done a remarkable job of taking those deep swirls of volatile emotions present in so many stories found in Scriptures and transferring them to a tale that goes beyond a simple love story. It’s tastefully shocking in parts but it’s brimming with mercy, grace, and sacrificial love. I loved the faith struggles for their authenticity and the faith victories for their surge of hope. I’m looking forward to more from Paula Scott!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 27, 2017
Until the Day Breaks is the first book by author Paula Scott and the first in her series California Rising. This story was amazing and absolutely captured my attention and did not let it go. I often found myself thinking about the story even when I was not reading it.
This novel is about a Californian, Roman who is passionate and rebellious and has just come back from fighting against the Americans in Texas. Well we know how that war ended and now Roman is back home to lick his wounds only to find out that his fiancé has been married off to an American. However this American has a daughter, Rachel, who was living out east. Now to make stronger alliances between the two families, Rachel and Roman have been betrothed against both of their wishes.
This turbulent love/hate affair is made only more complicated as Rachel is a Christian and Roman is not. This story was also set against the very turbulent times of California’s history as the Americans are coming to claim and take the land. There was so much to this story, the characters, even the evil ones just leapt off the pages. There is some violence that was hard to stomach and there is a very evil spiritual thread as well. But through it all I relished the author’s writing of how passionate God the Father is for His children and how He pursues them.
Another lesson I picked up was just how much God wants to give us our hearts desires when it falls in line with His will. However, like Roman we sometimes have to wait for very good reasons. I do believe that if Roman received the “gift” he so desperately wanted that he would have destroyed the “gift” and his heart in the process. God’s timing is always best.
This is an adult read and a very realistic look at the history of California. I look forward to continuing the series and reading anything else she writes.
I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure.
http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/201...
This novel is about a Californian, Roman who is passionate and rebellious and has just come back from fighting against the Americans in Texas. Well we know how that war ended and now Roman is back home to lick his wounds only to find out that his fiancé has been married off to an American. However this American has a daughter, Rachel, who was living out east. Now to make stronger alliances between the two families, Rachel and Roman have been betrothed against both of their wishes.
This turbulent love/hate affair is made only more complicated as Rachel is a Christian and Roman is not. This story was also set against the very turbulent times of California’s history as the Americans are coming to claim and take the land. There was so much to this story, the characters, even the evil ones just leapt off the pages. There is some violence that was hard to stomach and there is a very evil spiritual thread as well. But through it all I relished the author’s writing of how passionate God the Father is for His children and how He pursues them.
Another lesson I picked up was just how much God wants to give us our hearts desires when it falls in line with His will. However, like Roman we sometimes have to wait for very good reasons. I do believe that if Roman received the “gift” he so desperately wanted that he would have destroyed the “gift” and his heart in the process. God’s timing is always best.
This is an adult read and a very realistic look at the history of California. I look forward to continuing the series and reading anything else she writes.
I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure.
http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/201...
April 12, 2018
This is my first time to read this author and I was very impressed. Although parts of the book are a bit "edgier" than the usual Christian fiction books I read, the message of salvation is loud and clear, and that is definitely something I look for in a Christian fiction book - the Gospel.
The story was set back in the days before California became a state, ironically, tying in with some of the history lessons the kids and I have been working on this month. I was really able to get a feel for what it was like in in the "wild west" so to speak - Rumors of war, actual war. Gun control? I don't think so! Outlaws roamed freely. And women definitely needed to be protected.
Rachel was a woman of strong faith, although at times, her Christian beliefs made her more self-righteous than loving, as happens to all of us. Her fiance or maybe I should say (ex)fiance demonstrated true love and self-sacrifice as Christ did and as quoted in the Epistles that Paul wrote as well as the Gospels. He saw people as lost souls in need of a Savior.
Roman, was one of those men you are drawn to in a heroic sense, and yet, he was desperately in need of a heart transplant - in the Spiritual sense. It was easy to see him as a hero, living on the wild side, but at times he could sure get under your skin, just as he did to Rachel.
There are so many aspects of this book that make it a great read, and also some that are difficult to read. What can I say? If you like romance, tough situations, raw emotion, a strong faith message flowing through it, you will want to pick it up. But beware, it also contains some unsettling parts, including Satan worship, sacrifices, animal cruelty, violence, and a few edgy sensual scenes, that at times even made me squirm a little.
Some of the content is not for the faint in heart, and the edgier parts would not be recommended for teens.
I received a copy courtesy of the author and was not asked to write a positive review. I am looking forward to reading the second and third books in the series.
The story was set back in the days before California became a state, ironically, tying in with some of the history lessons the kids and I have been working on this month. I was really able to get a feel for what it was like in in the "wild west" so to speak - Rumors of war, actual war. Gun control? I don't think so! Outlaws roamed freely. And women definitely needed to be protected.
Rachel was a woman of strong faith, although at times, her Christian beliefs made her more self-righteous than loving, as happens to all of us. Her fiance or maybe I should say (ex)fiance demonstrated true love and self-sacrifice as Christ did and as quoted in the Epistles that Paul wrote as well as the Gospels. He saw people as lost souls in need of a Savior.
Roman, was one of those men you are drawn to in a heroic sense, and yet, he was desperately in need of a heart transplant - in the Spiritual sense. It was easy to see him as a hero, living on the wild side, but at times he could sure get under your skin, just as he did to Rachel.
There are so many aspects of this book that make it a great read, and also some that are difficult to read. What can I say? If you like romance, tough situations, raw emotion, a strong faith message flowing through it, you will want to pick it up. But beware, it also contains some unsettling parts, including Satan worship, sacrifices, animal cruelty, violence, and a few edgy sensual scenes, that at times even made me squirm a little.
Some of the content is not for the faint in heart, and the edgier parts would not be recommended for teens.
I received a copy courtesy of the author and was not asked to write a positive review. I am looking forward to reading the second and third books in the series.
June 5, 2017
4.5 Stars
Paula Scott had me completely swept up for most of this story. You will find history, drama, romance, action, faith and the list goes on. If you are looking for a book about perfect people this is not it. While there are some in here who seem to come pretty close, this novel is more of a redemption story. A story about the battle within and with out.
While there were a few things I felt got brushed over too quickly, for the most part this novel just held me captive. There is some violence in this novel; I include that as a warning for very sensitive readers.
I believe most readers will be as engrossed in the story as I was. I am looking forward to the rest of the series!
Paula Scott had me completely swept up for most of this story. You will find history, drama, romance, action, faith and the list goes on. If you are looking for a book about perfect people this is not it. While there are some in here who seem to come pretty close, this novel is more of a redemption story. A story about the battle within and with out.
While there were a few things I felt got brushed over too quickly, for the most part this novel just held me captive. There is some violence in this novel; I include that as a warning for very sensitive readers.
I believe most readers will be as engrossed in the story as I was. I am looking forward to the rest of the series!
July 1, 2016
A new author for me and it really captured my attention and drew me in. There was a bit of graphicness about it that sort of shocked me, the detail about the satanism and killings got to me a bit as well as the constant reference to the marriage bed. There was some really neat focus on how God can bring someone to Himself without anyone there.
December 10, 2018
Roman Vasquez while a Californio Spaniard, is treated by the Americanos like a heathen and a devil. Americanos (gringos) who are beginning to settle and take over the lands in California are convinced that they should not only exterminate the Native Americans throughout the state but also run out the Spanish who have been there for more than a century. The Spanish Missions are slowly being vacated as is the diminishing power of the Roman Catholic Church. There is a fight between the Catholic faiths and those of the new settlers, many of whom are Protestants. Coming soon is the revolution between the Americanos who are taking over large land grants for farms and cattle ranches and the powers of the Hispanics. California is a rich dessert for the United States, especially with the Gold Rush in northern California. These are the background histories behind this love story.
Two people from opposite sides of the country and beliefs are unwillingly betrothed all to gain or keep power over their lands in case of war with Mexico and the US. Roman, a proud and handsome man has recently fought in Texas for Mexico, he comes home to find all he knew is changing. Now he is betrothed to the daughter of his American enemy. There is a hot, steamy connection between the virginal Protestant and him that is hard to fight. Yet when the real war and fighting comes, Roman is the most changed as he accepts a new way to revere God and his faith.
There are a lot of back and forth Christian ethical conversations and arguments, which in some ways are silly when both sides realize they believe in the same God and Jesus, it is just how they worship and live that differs. For some readers, there might be too much of this proselytizing and the characters trying to convert each other, for me it sort of detracted from the story. But perhaps it was crucial for the character of Roman Vasquez to make his changes and become something his new bride will desire.
I liked the book in general, the story arc is fairly well done. The history is interesting and the premise is realistic. We have become a different society from then, forgetting the historically old biases that divide the Hispanics and the Gringo Americans. (Well, sadly some of that still exists).
This Gringa liked the book. There is enough history to intrigue, rich character to like or hate, and spice to keep the romance alive. Maybe there could have been more descriptive stories later once these two lovers join.
Two people from opposite sides of the country and beliefs are unwillingly betrothed all to gain or keep power over their lands in case of war with Mexico and the US. Roman, a proud and handsome man has recently fought in Texas for Mexico, he comes home to find all he knew is changing. Now he is betrothed to the daughter of his American enemy. There is a hot, steamy connection between the virginal Protestant and him that is hard to fight. Yet when the real war and fighting comes, Roman is the most changed as he accepts a new way to revere God and his faith.
There are a lot of back and forth Christian ethical conversations and arguments, which in some ways are silly when both sides realize they believe in the same God and Jesus, it is just how they worship and live that differs. For some readers, there might be too much of this proselytizing and the characters trying to convert each other, for me it sort of detracted from the story. But perhaps it was crucial for the character of Roman Vasquez to make his changes and become something his new bride will desire.
I liked the book in general, the story arc is fairly well done. The history is interesting and the premise is realistic. We have become a different society from then, forgetting the historically old biases that divide the Hispanics and the Gringo Americans. (Well, sadly some of that still exists).
This Gringa liked the book. There is enough history to intrigue, rich character to like or hate, and spice to keep the romance alive. Maybe there could have been more descriptive stories later once these two lovers join.
May 6, 2018
When Rachel Tyler sails around Cape Horn to join her father in California, she finds a new home simmering with tension and unease. Revolution is in the air and the question of whether California will join the United States or forge its own destiny. Eager to increase his own influence, Rachel’s father betroths her to Roman Vasquez, a Spanish-speaking Catholic landowner with a chiseled physique, a hot temper, and far more experience with women than he ought to have. As battle lines are joined, Roman spirits Rachel away to his family’s home for protection, and Rachel must decide whether this passionate caballero, who is unlike any man she has ever known, is someone she can come to love.
I am conflicted about this book. The characters were well-drawn, the pacing was pitch-perfect, and the historical setting was fascinating. I have never read much about California pre-statehood, and the passion of the Californios for the liberty of their home territory was interesting. Several reviews that I read compared this story to The Mark of Zorro, and the comparison seems apt.
But on the other hand, there was also a lot of violence and sensuality in this book (it seems like every other chapter has someone being half-naked or Roman attempting to get Rachel to sleep with him). While I appreciated the author’s attempts to show how the Gospel changes everything, the way in which Roman “accepted Jesus as His Savior” seemed more Billy Graham-style than nineteenth century Spurgeon/Moody-style. I also had reservations about Rachel marrying someone who had done the things Roman did in the recent past–while the reformed rake works nicely for a romantic plot, it seems a little less desirable in real life.
Overall, this was an engaging read, but I would be careful about who I recommend it to instead of recommending it indiscriminately.
I am conflicted about this book. The characters were well-drawn, the pacing was pitch-perfect, and the historical setting was fascinating. I have never read much about California pre-statehood, and the passion of the Californios for the liberty of their home territory was interesting. Several reviews that I read compared this story to The Mark of Zorro, and the comparison seems apt.
But on the other hand, there was also a lot of violence and sensuality in this book (it seems like every other chapter has someone being half-naked or Roman attempting to get Rachel to sleep with him). While I appreciated the author’s attempts to show how the Gospel changes everything, the way in which Roman “accepted Jesus as His Savior” seemed more Billy Graham-style than nineteenth century Spurgeon/Moody-style. I also had reservations about Rachel marrying someone who had done the things Roman did in the recent past–while the reformed rake works nicely for a romantic plot, it seems a little less desirable in real life.
Overall, this was an engaging read, but I would be careful about who I recommend it to instead of recommending it indiscriminately.
April 20, 2018
Series review on Faithfully Bookish
Like many historical fiction fans, I go absolutely gaga over rarely explored (or new-to-me) settings! While territorial California isn't the exclusive setting, the California Rising series is an ode to California's roots and growing pains. Specifically, in book 1, I enjoyed the contrast of Eastern American versus Western American culture and the countries who influenced those traditions.
This series is loaded with nuggets of historical content related to and preceding the transitional period of the 1840-50s. The cultural climate is vibrant and rich with several diverse backgrounds thoroughly represented. Many race related injustices and tragedies are mentioned or explored yet the beauty of what makes each culture unique is respected and revered.
In my opinion, California Rising's crowning glory is its engaging tales of good versus evil and God's boundless redeeming grace which covers the heights, width, and depths of human depravity. Readers who don't shy away from the raw truth of sin and darkness will especially enjoy this series. Paula Scott has a uniquely straightforward writing style with complex interwoven story threads and I look forward to her future work.
I purchased Kindle copies of books 1 & 2 and received a complimentary copy of the third book in this series from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Like many historical fiction fans, I go absolutely gaga over rarely explored (or new-to-me) settings! While territorial California isn't the exclusive setting, the California Rising series is an ode to California's roots and growing pains. Specifically, in book 1, I enjoyed the contrast of Eastern American versus Western American culture and the countries who influenced those traditions.
This series is loaded with nuggets of historical content related to and preceding the transitional period of the 1840-50s. The cultural climate is vibrant and rich with several diverse backgrounds thoroughly represented. Many race related injustices and tragedies are mentioned or explored yet the beauty of what makes each culture unique is respected and revered.
In my opinion, California Rising's crowning glory is its engaging tales of good versus evil and God's boundless redeeming grace which covers the heights, width, and depths of human depravity. Readers who don't shy away from the raw truth of sin and darkness will especially enjoy this series. Paula Scott has a uniquely straightforward writing style with complex interwoven story threads and I look forward to her future work.
I purchased Kindle copies of books 1 & 2 and received a complimentary copy of the third book in this series from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 21, 2018
Until the Day Breaks grabs the reader with a sense of mystery - who are the young woman and young man meeting with her wading in a fountain? From that moment forward, the Californio Roman and the Boston belle Rachel Tyler are on a collision course to unravel both their worlds and each other. Two love triangles push the story forward - the evil Sarita, Rachel's step mother who is really in love with Roman rather than Rachel's father, and Rachel's fiancé Stephen, who follows her from Boston to the California wilderness of the early 1840s. Forced into an arranged marriage that neither wants, Rachel and Roman must find who they are to each other, and what it means to forgive and be a child of God. Both are drawn to each other, yet Roman's worldly ways repel. Stephen must struggle to find God's will in his relationship with Rachel and Roman, while Sarita is only out to destroy them all. You'll keep reading this one! Throughout, Paula keeps the theme of God's redemption. "Being Protestant or Catholic didn’t make a person serve Jesus any more or any less, she’d decided after praying about it. Sin must be forsaken and a life consecrated to the Lord. "Being Protestant or Catholic didn’t make a person serve Jesus any more or any less, she’d decided after praying about it. Sin must be forsaken and a life consecrated to the Lord. That’s what mattered to God, not one’s religion."
It's a wonderful love story with sensuality, intrigue, moments of danger, and forgiveness.
It's a wonderful love story with sensuality, intrigue, moments of danger, and forgiveness.
July 18, 2018
Love, Love, Love!!! I am still trying to come up with ways to say how much I enjoyed this book. It's real, it's refreshing, it's engaging. I haven't read anything this good in a while. I really think this could rival some of Francine River's works. The author has a way of taking something gritty and a little edgy, that you might not normally read, and makes you keep turning page after page after page. I have now found an author that I want to read everything she has ever written. I cannot wait to read the rest in this series and I hope that she keeps writing more and more. I was very impressed with the salvation message and the message of redemption that was so beautifully woven into the story. Also on a side note I loved that the main character has my name! I felt a special connection to her.
**Special Note** This book is a bit on the edgy side in some scenes, but I felt like it was very well done and not vulgar or sinful.
Give this book and this author a chance. I know you are going to love her!
I received this book for free from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
**Special Note** This book is a bit on the edgy side in some scenes, but I felt like it was very well done and not vulgar or sinful.
Give this book and this author a chance. I know you are going to love her!
I received this book for free from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2017
I wanted to like Until the Day Breaks more than I actually did. With strong resemblances to The Mask of Zorro - what's not to like? Oh yeah ... the sensuality. There were several scenes that I felt were over the top.
The author notes at the end of the book that while some content may raise eyebrows, "it's mentioned in the Bible". Yes ... I've read Song of Solomon. I get that. But there's a way to portray romance and love tastefully and God-honoring, and I felt like several scenes pushed the envelope and crossed a line. I am really picky in this regard - I don't personally need or want the mental image in my head and it's hard, once there, to get it out. So that was disappointing.
But the rest of the book was interesting (and I couldn't help but channel Zorro throughout, which is always enjoyable).
The author notes at the end of the book that while some content may raise eyebrows, "it's mentioned in the Bible". Yes ... I've read Song of Solomon. I get that. But there's a way to portray romance and love tastefully and God-honoring, and I felt like several scenes pushed the envelope and crossed a line. I am really picky in this regard - I don't personally need or want the mental image in my head and it's hard, once there, to get it out. So that was disappointing.
But the rest of the book was interesting (and I couldn't help but channel Zorro throughout, which is always enjoyable).
September 1, 2020
Well-written and researched historical adventure and romance about California and its struggles during the 1840s. An arranged marriage by a father living in California of his visiting New England religious and beautiful daughter needs to overcome a difference of religion, political affinities, culture, good vs evil and past commitments in order to occur. Always enjoy a novel where I learn something new and this one portrays a myriad of California history with a romantic story interwoven within it. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a riveting and unique historical novel. (Lovely cover also).
April 3, 2020
Paula
Your book brought me right into the story and I felt a part of it. I lovingly offer this advice. Make your heroine a bit less rigid in her spiritual walk. She seemed too judgmental at all times.
I am glad you decided to take on difficult subjects like Catholic and Protestant marriage. Also, you were not afraid to graphically describe the brutality of man. One more difficult subject it seems like Christians like to ignore is Satan worship. It goes on in hidden practices today and is growing.
Your book brought me right into the story and I felt a part of it. I lovingly offer this advice. Make your heroine a bit less rigid in her spiritual walk. She seemed too judgmental at all times.
I am glad you decided to take on difficult subjects like Catholic and Protestant marriage. Also, you were not afraid to graphically describe the brutality of man. One more difficult subject it seems like Christians like to ignore is Satan worship. It goes on in hidden practices today and is growing.
April 27, 2020
Wonderful Historical Romance!
This was a great historical romance and what made the book even better was that it was a book that also covered spiritual and purity issues and how important the Bible is. Awesome writer and read. I read this book in one day, I could not put it down. In a world with so much sin and smut being written and published this was so nice to read. I have already downloaded Book 2 in this series and have read your Memoir. Thank you for your honesty and keep writing! LeAnn e-mail: broome.leann@yahoo.com I am an aspiring writer.
This was a great historical romance and what made the book even better was that it was a book that also covered spiritual and purity issues and how important the Bible is. Awesome writer and read. I read this book in one day, I could not put it down. In a world with so much sin and smut being written and published this was so nice to read. I have already downloaded Book 2 in this series and have read your Memoir. Thank you for your honesty and keep writing! LeAnn e-mail: broome.leann@yahoo.com I am an aspiring writer.
April 15, 2018
What a great book! I loved the characters, especially Roman. Roman is handsome rugged bad boy image but a great heart. The story shows temptation is every where we look but with God we can overcome. I like how the author showed us how even though we are sinners God still loves us. The romance has spicey moments. There are many ups and downs in the book that will have you engrossed in the pages. I will be reading the next books in the series. You will absolutely love this book.
March 30, 2020
Looking forward to the sequel!
I chose Until the Day Breaks because: I love California's history, and Paula is a local girl. I have been enjoying her blogs for some time and was so excited to read her book!
The characters are real. And the storyline grabs you, it is not predictable. The believers are real people, not holier-than-thou, but with deep faith.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the California Rising series.
I chose Until the Day Breaks because: I love California's history, and Paula is a local girl. I have been enjoying her blogs for some time and was so excited to read her book!
The characters are real. And the storyline grabs you, it is not predictable. The believers are real people, not holier-than-thou, but with deep faith.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the California Rising series.
May 27, 2021
God has a plan for those who love and trust in Him!
The main character’s faith is tested as she is made to go from a secure home to one across the country to a father and new step- mother who don’t have her best interest to heart. A forced marriage also challenged her faith as she has left a fiancé. Varying religious views and warring between different groups bring challenges and obstacles along the way. I would recommend this interesting and excitable book!
The main character’s faith is tested as she is made to go from a secure home to one across the country to a father and new step- mother who don’t have her best interest to heart. A forced marriage also challenged her faith as she has left a fiancé. Varying religious views and warring between different groups bring challenges and obstacles along the way. I would recommend this interesting and excitable book!
March 22, 2022
Need More Books Like This ...
This book was an interesting combination of historical fiction, romance and action/adventure. But what I really appreciate was the Catholic - Protestant angle which trated both with respect. It truely pains me that there is so much tension, conflict and misunderstanding between these groups when what we have in common is so, so much more important than out differences. Thank you for a wonderful story!
This book was an interesting combination of historical fiction, romance and action/adventure. But what I really appreciate was the Catholic - Protestant angle which trated both with respect. It truely pains me that there is so much tension, conflict and misunderstanding between these groups when what we have in common is so, so much more important than out differences. Thank you for a wonderful story!
October 22, 2019
A realistic story!
Finally! A Christian story with real problems! I don't mean the issues of the Americanos and Californios... I mean a man who lusts after a woman. A woman who is confused by her feelings.
I loved reading a story where the people were believable!!
Thank you, Ms. Scott, for bringing Christian writing into the real world! 👏
Finally! A Christian story with real problems! I don't mean the issues of the Americanos and Californios... I mean a man who lusts after a woman. A woman who is confused by her feelings.
I loved reading a story where the people were believable!!
Thank you, Ms. Scott, for bringing Christian writing into the real world! 👏
April 16, 2020
I often wanted to stop reading this book because of the lust portrayed. I felt the main Christian character lacked maturity and was led by emotions and the other an unrealistic super hero. I finished reading to see if there was a redeeming feature which there is in a super-hero way. I'm not inspired to read sequels.
July 3, 2020
Until the Day Breaks
Wow! What a fabulous book.! I really didn't want to put this book down. I have never read any Paula's books before and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. The characters are well developed and interesting. I think that as Christians we forget about the spiritual battles going on all around us.
Wow! What a fabulous book.! I really didn't want to put this book down. I have never read any Paula's books before and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. The characters are well developed and interesting. I think that as Christians we forget about the spiritual battles going on all around us.
August 24, 2021
California Rising book 1
This book was a surprise to me, as I was not expecting such eloquent writing. I felt as if I was right there being part of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who is of faith protestant or catholic, or anyone who would enjoy a great book. Im on to book 2.
This book was a surprise to me, as I was not expecting such eloquent writing. I felt as if I was right there being part of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who is of faith protestant or catholic, or anyone who would enjoy a great book. Im on to book 2.
May 11, 2018
Prayers for protection answered
This was a very good read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The way the author was able to bring about the gentle persuasion of God and his he speaks to us in a "still small voice" was truly wonderful. It is how I see Him speaking to those He loves.
This was a very good read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The way the author was able to bring about the gentle persuasion of God and his he speaks to us in a "still small voice" was truly wonderful. It is how I see Him speaking to those He loves.
August 28, 2018
2.5
It didn't really work well for me. The MC has little agency, primarily buffeted about by the events around her and other characters. It was too religious at odd times. The ending part with Maria is just a giant hook. Blah
It didn't really work well for me. The MC has little agency, primarily buffeted about by the events around her and other characters. It was too religious at odd times. The ending part with Maria is just a giant hook. Blah
July 11, 2019
Gritty and real!
This book was different than the common "cookie cutter" Christian novels in that the characters were imperfect and flawed. This felt more genuine and made them much more dimensional and relatable. What a welcome change in the Inspirational Romance genre!
This book was different than the common "cookie cutter" Christian novels in that the characters were imperfect and flawed. This felt more genuine and made them much more dimensional and relatable. What a welcome change in the Inspirational Romance genre!
January 29, 2021
If you like goody 2 shoes and everything easy you won’t like this book.
I couldn’t put this book down I read it in one setting. It took me almost the entire book to like Roman even though I am still disappointed he didn’t apologize to his betrothed.
I couldn’t put this book down I read it in one setting. It took me almost the entire book to like Roman even though I am still disappointed he didn’t apologize to his betrothed.
August 25, 2021
Free work of inspirational fiction. Exudes the “Old California” equivalent of Orientalism toward Spanish/Mexican/Indigenous people. I stopped slogging through when the Protestant (though tolerant of catholicism) preachiness got to be too much.
July 4, 2017
Very real writing. Loved it!
July 12, 2017
Until the Day Breaks
Such a beautiful love story. Redemption at its finest. God is front and center. Can hardly wait for book 2.
Such a beautiful love story. Redemption at its finest. God is front and center. Can hardly wait for book 2.
July 4, 2018
I really enjoyed it and had to see what happened next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews