Twilight's Last Gleaming

Free Men and Dreamers #2

by Laurie L.C. Lewis

12 Hours on 11 CD's

Genres: Historical Fiction, Lds Fiction

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Laurie (L.C.) Lewis will always be a Marylander at heart—a weather-whining lover of crabs, American history, and the sea. She admits to being craft-challenged, and particularly lethal with a glue gun, which is why she set her creative juices on writing which was less likely to burn her fingers. She's also a devotee of sappy movies, fried chicken, and twinkle lights.

She writes women’s fiction/romance novels as Laurie Lewis. They include The Better Man (2024) Revenge Never Rests (2022) Cross-Country Christmas (2021), Secrets Never Die, (2019) Love on the Line (2019), Awakening Avery (2018), Love on a Limb (2017), Sweet Water (2017), The Dragons of Alsace Farm (2016), and Unspoken (2004). Using the pen name L.C. Lewis, she wrote her national and international award-winning WWII drama based on the life of a survivor of the occupation of France, The Letter Carrier (2022), and the five volumes of her award-winning FREE MEN and DREAMERS historical romance series, set against the backdrop of the War of 1812: Dark Sky at Dawn (2007), Twilight’s Last Gleaming (2008), Dawn’s Early Light (2009), Oh, Say Can You See? (2010), and In God is Our Trust, (2011).

Laurie Lewis is a two-time 2023 Whitney Award winner for Novel of the Year and Best Historical Fiction (The Letter Carrier). That same year, she was also awarded The Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal for Inspirational Fiction, also for The Letter Carrier. In 2016-17 she was awarded a RONE Award, a New Apple Literary Award, and Readers Favorite award, and a Whitney finalist award (The Dragons of Alsace Farm). In 2018, she won New Apple Literary’s Best New Fiction Award (Love on a Limb.) She is also a BRAGG Medallion honoree, and a USA Best Books Awards finalist.

Laurie is currently working on additional books in the Silver Buckle Brides Series.

Laurie loves to hear from readers, and she invites you to join her VIP Readers’ Club or contact her at any of these locations.

VIP Readers’ Club https://www.laurielclewis.com/newsletter
Website www.laurielclewis.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/laurielclewis
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LaurieLCLewis/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurielclewis/
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lauri...

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great historical novel. I enjoyed learning more about The War of 1812, as well as following the progress of the characters from the first book.

[Shirley Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. History with a bit of what may have happened. A great faith building story of love, sacrifice and loss.

[Kaitlyn Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the 2nd book in the Free Men and Dreamers series chronicling fictional families during the little thought about, yet important, War of 1812. I have to say that L.C. Lewis really found her footing on this book...There were so many things I loved about this book, I'm not quite sure what I want to talk about first. Hmmm, let's see...how about we discuss the characters first? I really hate when historical fiction books that take place during wartime make one side the absolute bad guys and the other side the absolute good guys, which thankfully this book does not do. The author really shines by creating complex and real characters. The good guys have flaws, and even some of the bad guys have a redeeming quality or two, which of course makes every character more relatable and enjoyable. The next thing I really enjoyed were all the romances going on. There were quite a few, some of them come to heartwarming fruition, some were left hanging for future books, and some, be prepared, end in heartbreak. The pacing of the romances were a bit off in the first book, but were perfect in this one...

To read the full review over at The Book Buff, click here: http://thebookbuff.blogspot.com/2010/...

-Kate the Book Buff

[Jennifer Starkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different genre than I usually read, but I can't say enough good things about it! it is so well written and developed! I actually read this book first and have not yet read book 1. I'm sure it is better to start at the beginning of the series, but I found this a very satisfying on its on merits as well. I wish every American would read these book and allow themselves to be reminded of the sacrifice, faith, and character that made this country great! I absolutely LOVED the romance in here and found it tear jerking and emotionally deep, which is so refreshing from the typical, morally-anemic, fluff so prevalent these days. Do not hesitate to read this whole series...just have a box of tissues handy when you do!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than book one (Dark Sky at Dawn)! The author has done such a great job of making the characters come alive and drawing you into their "lives". All of the characters are well developed and have lives of their own, so that you get to know each of them. It keeps the book interesting because there are several characters, all with very real and difficult things going on in their lives. This allows for many different story lines. Love the tidbits of history surrounding the War of 1812 and a smattering of interaction with real life people from LDS history. Great read! Can't wait to get the next one in the series!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the Free Men and Dreamers series.
The second book has the beginning of the War of 1812. I liked learning more about the British side of things. I was surprised the chronologically this book didn't cover very much time because there was so much to cover about the different settings. I'm looking forward to book three and seeing how things come together more.

I was impressed that Lewis we willing to kill of an adorable character, Lyra. It really reinforced the atrocities of war and adds credibility to writing. Okay, I cried. Always a good sign of romantic writing.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been such a fascinating series to read as we commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. The series must be read as a series. You would be pretty lost, as far as the story goes, if you had not read book one. I always appreciate when an author kind of gives a bit of a review about characters as he does subsequent books in a series. I think books should be able to stand alone better. There are several editing problems with the books, but I am really enjoying the characters and this info about a time I am less familiar with.

[Liesl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series! I never even knew about the war of 1812! The British came and tried to take over the country again and nearly succeeded. Very interesting story, you really get into the Character's lives. Could hardly put them down. Just now starting the last one. Got it for Christmas! I am so excited to read it! I am thinking I may read the third again first though just to make it all last longer!

[Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually listened to this a few years ago and enjoyed the series very much. Of all the LDS historical novels this is not so much about the LDS history, although it does introduce the Smith family while they lived in Vermont, it does a nice job of covering historical events with a rich story of a two families with a love story. I will always remember this story whenever I listen to the Star Spangled Banner. Definitely worth the read or listen.

[Valerie Steimle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historical novel that gives great insight!!!!

[Daliah Flake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable also.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very impressed with this 2nd book in the series. It was even better than the first book.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

August6 2011 Read this volume. Very good story of the war and early history of war in United States against England and France. There are more Volumes.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continues the story from the first book with more insight into the family feuds. This one is set in the War of 1812 with good historical background.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what great books!! Come read my review here!! http://booksrmyfriends.blogspot.com/2...

[Shellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series. Reminds me of "The Work and the Glory"!

[Susanm Matney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good second volume. Anxious to see what happens in the third book.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the history and research that has gone into this book.