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Women of the Heartland #2

With Each New Dawn

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London - Summer 1943. To honor her husband's sacrifice--and in hopes of learning more about her father, a World War I vet--widow Kate Isaacs joins the Special Operations Executive and parachutes into Nazi-occupied France to work with the Resistance. Domingo, a Resistance saboteur, meets her drop, tends to her sprained ankle, and carries Kate to her first assignment.

During a clandestine mission Kate finds herself attracted to Domingo, but as Allied forces push across France and the Waffen SS closes in, the pair must put aside their feelings for the good of the Underground Resistance.

Will moral courage and righteous faith triumph over oppression? Or will Kate and Domingo lose everything, including their growing affection for one another?

Written for the General Market (G) (I) Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations or strong language. May also contain content of an inspirational nature.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2017

77 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Gail Kittleson

27 books95 followers

The World War II fiction bug bit Gail after she penned a memoir. Since then, she's written eight novels, with two more waiting in the wings. You can count on her make-do Greatest Generation characters to exhibit tenacity and spunk (or 'pluck' if they're British) in the face of grave danger and distress.

The best compliment her stories have ever received is that her heroines and heroes receive no easy ways out of pat answers. But just as in real life, doubts and challenges produce real strength and hone honest faith.

Recently, she added several nonfiction titles to her list. She instructed college expository writing, edits, and facilitates writing workshops. She and her husband split their time between Iowa and Arizona Rim Country.

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5 stars
42 (51%)
4 stars
20 (24%)
3 stars
16 (19%)
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3 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Cindy .
704 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2018
I'm only giving this 4 stars mainly because the ending is a cliffhanger. I was so upset when I realized the book was over but the story was only half told. I hate it when authors do that. Other than that, the book was pretty good, although it was hard to get into at first.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,085 reviews94 followers
March 1, 2017
With Each New Dawn by Gail Kittleson is a marvellous historical tale set during 1943-44. It is the second book in the Women Of the Heartland series but can be read as a stand-alone. The reader is not only entertained but educated as fact meets fiction within its pages.
The action alternates between worn torn London and occupied France. Likewise the point of view alternates between best friends Americans Addie and Kate and is told in the third person. As an English woman and historian, I enjoyed recognising both familiar locations and also historical facts. I was truly in my comfort zone.
There are many themes but the main one being that of trust. In times of war this is always foremost in one's mind. France was overrun with Nazis, spies, double agents etc, always raising the question of trust. Only oneself and God could really be relied upon. Trusting was a lottery. Only God was faithful.
At times the novel was hard to read. Nazi atrocities do not make for pleasant reading but must be included because they happened under the evil regime.
Persecution of the Jewish people is found within the novel. Facts and figures intersperse with the fiction. This helps to bring their plight to life. It is not a work of fiction, it is historical fact and we owe it to the six million innocents who perished to keep their memory alive. We must never forget them.
Within the book there is espionage, resistance and extraordinary acts of bravery. Wartime bonds are formed and courage to pursue daily life is shown.
The novel ends in 1944 so I am hopeful for a third book. I really enjoy Gail Kittleson's writings. Her novels are so much more than just stories. They are history coming to life as the reader immerses themselves within the pages.
A marvellous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Profile Image for Anne Campbell.
Author 27 books48 followers
July 6, 2017
Another World War II novel by Gail Kittleson filled with adventure and romance. Wars tear apart lives by the score, and between the sorrows comes God's healing care. Gail Kittleson has a talent for taking the tears (tares) and tears (teers) and weaving in lives mended by compassion.

Katie left Iowa for England with her Canadian Royal Air Force husband, hopeful of an idyllic life once the war ended. It is not to be. Alexandre is killed in a crash, and their baby is stillborn not long after.

Her best friend, Addie, has arrived early to help take care of the baby, and when that didn't come to pass she stayed on with Katie at the home of their employer's mother. Addie's husband was a rigid, sometimes violent man, constantly angry because of what he saw as Addie's disobedience to him. He's in the Air Force--or is he?

Katie knows she has to do something for the war effort. It's not in her makeup to sit back and let others do it all, especially now that she has neither husband or child. She finds out her parents were both involved in French intelligence during the first world war. When Charles Tenney, her employer, suggests a new employment, it seems that fate has decided she will replay her parents' activities.

Domingo is a Basque shepherd, but lately he's more often running errands, delivering messages, and taking care of downed pilots and parachutists for the Maquisards (French resistance fighters). He worries about his aging mother and his young brother who must shoulder all Domingo's farm responsibilities when he is increasingly gone into danger. His fiancee', Sancha, also becomes involved but is cruelly killed by the Gestapo.

How can these sorrowing hearts be healed? How can they survive until the invasion? It will take courage, stamina, and not a few miracles.

Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
90 reviews
October 27, 2017
Excellent, But ...

I really enjoyed this work of historical fiction! I learned a lot about the French Resistance during WW II. But, as other reviewers have mentioned, the ending is a total cliffhanger. In no way does it wrap things up! So it is not a stand-alone book. Also, this is really the second book in the series. Read the other book about Addie first. I believe it is called "In Times Like These".

However, I will read this author again, and look forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books413 followers
July 25, 2018
World War II in London. Did you know some civilian American women served there then? This novel shares the story of Kate Isaacs and her friend Addie, who work with the British in their war efforts. Kate is invited to serve in Special Operations, which will involve danger and espionage. This makes for an exciting tale, with an inside look to life during that trying time. We also get insights into the Basque culture, since they are involved too. I enjoyed this book much more than the first in the series. The author really breathed life into the setting and characters. All opinions are my own.
1,027 reviews11 followers
June 12, 2019
This is the story of an American widow and her friend Kate who are in London during World War II, when Kate learns that her parents were spies during WWI. As the women set off to aid in the war effort they trace the path that her parents traveled. The book is rich in history with some intrigue and romance. I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. I was privileged to read an advance copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions expressed are my own. This is one that I certainly recommend to the reader who enjoys good WWII historical fiction.
36 reviews
May 31, 2020
Wow! I Want More!

Stories of WWII have always been a part of my life. Kate, Addie, Mrs. Tenny and the mysterious Monseur captivated my imagination and my heart. As the characters developed, the War deepened and I found the book difficult to put down. Will Kate find her true identity? Will Addie find true love? Will any of the lives they touch, these two Americans in war torn England, ever be the same? Ms. Kittleson didn't provide all the answers I needed so I'm hoping I'll find them somewhere as I write the epilogue in my mind.
Profile Image for Joy Kidney.
Author 10 books59 followers
June 9, 2018
The is part of the “Women of the Heartland” series, but is set in England and France during WW II. I enjoyed catching up with Kate and Addie, although both had heartaches to live through. One lived through the tension of living in London while it was being beseiged, the other learning about her past while, at the same time, spying for Britain’s Secret Operations Executive (SOE) in the Basque mountains of France. The end cries out for the next book.
392 reviews6 followers
December 15, 2017
Clean historical Christian book

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the historical information. I enjoyed hearing about the brave people who sacrificed their own lives and safety for rescuing those who were so helpless and who were being tortured mostly Jews . Those were national heroes helping the Jews escaping torture by the Nazis.
79 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2018
2nd book in this series. Action takes place in England & France during WWII. Author gives you a synopsis of first book as the characters live thru the circumstances of the war both in London and as part of the Resistance in France. A large amount of dialogue and action. Sometimes difficult to keep up with it, but a good read.
Author is from our area in Iowa!
8 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2020
This book in the series, is again, a fast historical fiction read. I have some knowledge of WWII reading books about Winston Churchill and historical information. This author puts the era on a personal story level. I find it very interesting and can hardly wait to start the next in the series.
It also gives me a perspective on the crisis which we are now experiencing in the world and at home.
Profile Image for Norma.
Author 2 books242 followers
June 8, 2017
With Each New Dawn grabbed me from page one. I felt like I was the with the characters in danger and hiding. The ending was a well-written surprise that I found very satisfying. 5 stars to Gail Kittleson!
Profile Image for Norma  Smith .
8 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2017
Couldn't put this book down!

Well written, likeable and realistic characters that are unforgettable. History came alive and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Want to read more like this book.
Profile Image for Martin Wiles.
54 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2018
A Great Historical Romance

If you enjoy historical romances, you’ll love this double love story that surrounds the World War II period. The author does a great job of holding the reader’s attention as the story moves from chapter to chapter.
178 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2020
Good tale of how women contributed during war times

Story was well told of dangers encountered by families during war and of those who attempted to serve their country by risking their life to do so. Would enjoy more by this author!
Profile Image for Susan Mathis.
Author 24 books397 followers
October 25, 2017
Good story. The book tells the stories of Iowa friends Addie and Kate in the many facets of the war in Europe, especially the French Resistance.
Profile Image for Ann.
731 reviews22 followers
February 28, 2017
This author has done it again and written a story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Following Katie's story takes the reader right into the midst of WWII and the French Resistance movement. It is a intriguing and well written story with wonderful characters combined with some romance and suspense that had me pulled in from the first pages and kept me reading to see how Katie's and Domingo's story would end. I was privileged to read an advance copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions expressed are my own. This is one that I certainly recommend to the reader who enjoys good WWII historical fiction.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
March 28, 2017
1943, London, England. Kathryn “Kate” Isaacs (American, PG) husband Colonel Alexandre (Canadian piolet) had been KIA.
Kathryn “Kate” Isaacs (Charles secretary) was trying to tell Monsieur le Blanc she was not Marguerite Dumont (French, Bell Telephone Hello Girl, operative) daughter.
Mrs. Tenney was not buying his story either.
Charles Tenney (son, lawyer, government official) was called to see if he could make head/tails of this story.
Monsieur le Blanc had a black leather attaché case with a yellowed envelope inside.
There were several pictures.
1943, France, Department of Lot. Marguerite (La Résistance) & Jean-Luc Edorta were discussing Général Petain.

The La Résistance had destroyed 300 tons of Michelin tires in Clermont-Ferrand.
1 day when Kate awoke it was in a hospital room.
Survivors of the war had found shelter at the Cévenol School in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon.
Kate had later joined the Secret Operations Executive (SOE).
La Corneille (Crow, double agent) had been spotted on the train.
Phillipe & Domingo (Basque mountain guide, saboteur) followed close behind.
Sancha (Domingo's lover) had been killed.
Kate parachutes into Southern France to aid the Resistance.
Monsieur le Blanc launches the Secret Operations Executive (SOE).
Waffen SS Gabirel (Ander/Domingo's younger brother) is missing.

What decision did Kate make about her future?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written WWII historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great WWII movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolina’s; Heritage Beacon Fiction; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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