Dawn's Early Light

by Jessica Scott, James Patterson (Foreword)

"I'm not a hero."

Cam Warren is back from duty in Iraq. He's haunted by what he's seen, and the only thing he wants is to be normal again -- especially when he sees Hayley Arsenault, the girl he left behind when he went off to war. But how does a scarred soldier learn to let in love?

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Original romances presented by James Patterson

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Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Novella

Audiobook

First published November 7, 2017

About the author

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Jessica Scott Jessica Scott is a USA Today bestselling American author of more than 20 novels, including Because of You which launched Loveswepts Digital Imprint in 2011 as well as Homefront, and Before I Fall. She is an Army veteran, a veteran of the Iraq war, the mother of two daughters, a small zoo consisting of too many cats, dogs and the occasional domesticated rodent, and wife to a retired NCO.

Her novels comes from her personal experiences as a soldier, a mother, and an army wife and often explores themes of family, the legacy of war, challenges of military life, and includes contemporary military romances, psychological suspense, and nonfiction works.

Follow Jessica

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaScottAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicadscott09/


She's also written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/New Dawn and has had the honor of serving as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas twice.

She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.

Author photo courtesy of Buzz Covington Photography


Learn more at https://www.jessicascottbooks.com

Reviews

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve read several Jessica Scott books - including more than one novella-length story. This one pales in comparison. Not enough story development (even accounting for it being a novella), and an abrupt ending with no closure. Just ended without any resolution of the hero’s problems. Narration didn’t help any, either. What a big disappointment!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A battle scarred veteran wonders if he can go home again. He hates being called a hero, and depends on drugs and alcohol to accept the praise and honors from his family and friends. The one person who should run at the sight of him, is slowly trying to pull him back to the world, outside of war.
A beautiful love story of recovery and strength.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did this need James Patterson's intro? I think not. Did it need his name bigger than the author's on the cover? No it did not. It's a solid book and it stands on its own. Jessica Scott is a great military writer. Sheesh.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a long short story, not quite a novella, I don't think. I liked it a lot, but it was a set-up. It presented the conflict the characters would face, and their backstory. But it was the beginning of their story, which is presented as a complex one. I also didn't quite buy the heroine's motivation. She's always loved him, even though he left her and broke her heart and they've been ten years apart. But she's willing to do whatever it takes to help him and for them to cement their relationship. She still loves him. He still loves her, too, and he broke up with her because he realized the army was changing him. That just didn't strike true for me, that she would still love him, that she would pledge herself to him, when yes, they are both different people now. She completely forgave him without the slightest hesitation and thew herself into their commitment. And that, knowing he has significant problems. I loved the characters but I wondered at their immediate commitment. And of course, I wanted the whole rest of the book, as this seemed like about ¼ of their story.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dawn’s Early Light" is a heartfelt and fast-paced read that explores the emotional challenges of returning home from war. Cam Warren, recently back from Iraq, struggles to adjust to civilian life while grappling with the mental health issues that often accompany such a transition. Supporting him is Hayley, his high school sweetheart, whose presence brings both comfort and complexity to his journey. Adding a touch of warmth and charm to the story are a kitten and some puppies, which lighten the emotional weight of the narrative. Jessica Scott delivers a touching story about love, healing, and second chances.

[Gregory Antone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read! One of the finest (albeit short) books I have read it many years. A true tribute to vets, as author Jessica Scott is one. I have read ALL the 57 "In Death" books by JD Robb (an alias of Nora Roberts, a romance novelist, whose romance novels I have never read even one). Scott's sexual scenes make Robb's pale to insignificance. But that is not what makes the book so great ... it is the plot and reverence to the horrible position returning vets are put in. Fabulous non-stop reading. If only I had a Hayley in my life! Major kudos to Scott.

[Janet D. Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn's Early Light

Cam and Haley were childhood sweethearts til war took Cam away. Ten years later he comes home a broken man. The one good thing Haley the one he left behind is still there for him. Both have ghost but can they work together and make it work and bury the past and live again?

Good intense book. Haley had staying power that not all possess let's hope it's enough for both of them.

[Maria Leeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

A story of young love that was interrupted by war and suffering. Can Cam return home after ten years at war and win back his high school love? Can he return to civilian life? Will she even see him? A story of true love and real life complications. I couldn’t put I down.

[Katie Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say?

It's Jessica Scott and I'm a big fan. I would give print versions of her books to every soldier and his/her family just for the information she imparts on experiencing war.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking

A good story detailing a person's reactions to leaving the army and learning to live with the aftermath.clearly explains the feelings and torments of dealing with life.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very strong and relevant story

Can love conquer all? Can we push and pull our nation's soldiers back to mental health and healing? I think one solider thinks so and expressed it well in this book. This heart tugging book should have everyone's attention.

[Christine D · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was somber, a little drama but surprisingly sort of poignant? About what comes after the fighting is done and a soldier's struggle to acclimate to civilian life.

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 3 out of 5]

November 2017

[Luv_a_good_story · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, very short and the story seems to have stopped in the middle.

[Sparklin C Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and good story. Cam is having some sleep issues. After serving his country. With the help of Hayley she is tryingto help him.

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very real emotions and feelings.

[Sage Halford · Rating 4 out of 5]

givesw good insight on military and PTSD

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mushy love story. Predictable plot.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cam comes home from war and tries to deal with the demons of war.

[Anna Nolley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really tragic story of a military service man fighting PTSD. His high school sweetheart helps him gain better control of his life.

[Klare · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a great one for me. A bit flat and a weak ending.