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Freedoms Holy Light #1
The Gathering Dawn
Susannah Harington, a beautiful young Englishwoman, comes to America to build a new life in the Colonies, only to find he dreams dashed before they even begin... Barely does she set foot on American soil before she is embroiled in the schemes and intrigues against the British Crown...
Daniel Haynes is a bold and courageous post-rider, whose Christian beliefs more him to work secretly in the fight for freedom from England... and whose revolutionary activities put him in constant danger...
Amid the conflict and drama of the Colonies in uprising, these two people meet, drawn together by circumstance and unexpected emotions. But tragedy and treachery separate them, and only their faith in God - and a miracle - can bring them together again.
A gripping drama of love and triumph is set against the colorful backdrop of pre-Revolutionary America.
Daniel Haynes is a bold and courageous post-rider, whose Christian beliefs more him to work secretly in the fight for freedom from England... and whose revolutionary activities put him in constant danger...
Amid the conflict and drama of the Colonies in uprising, these two people meet, drawn together by circumstance and unexpected emotions. But tragedy and treachery separate them, and only their faith in God - and a miracle - can bring them together again.
A gripping drama of love and triumph is set against the colorful backdrop of pre-Revolutionary America.
357 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1994
13 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Sally Laity
68 books40 followersSally Laity considers it a joy to know that the Lord can touch other hearts through her stories. She has written both historical and contemporary novels, including a co-authored series for Tyndale House and another for Barbour Publishing, nine Heartsong Romances, and twelve Barbour novellas. Her favorite pastimes include quilting for her church’s Prayer Quilt Ministry and scrapbooking. She makes her home in the beautiful Tehachapi Mountains of southern California with her husband of fifty years and enjoys being a grandma and great-grandma.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 12, 2015
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
I get a lot of flak from fans of Christian lit. To each their own, I'm not holding any grudges, but I ruffle feathers and there's nothing wrong with acknowledging the fact. I understand where it comes from and I don't mean to make waves, it’s just something that happens. I have this silly idea that religion is a theme and shouldn't overwhelm every element of the story, I have a problem with characters who can do no wrong and I think most authors in this genre have trouble with heavier material. Thing is, a lot of these stories also have historic twists, so despite my difficulties, I keep coming back.
What does this have to do The Gathering Dawn by Sally Laity and Dianna Crawford? Well, The Gathering Dawn is actually one of the first Christian titles I ever read. I loved it and it stands as proof that I don't hate every Christian title I tackle. I've actually reread it a couple of times and truth be told, I've been itching to revisit it since 2011 when I reviewed Rose's Pledge. The Harwood House series reunited Laity and Crawford and it had a lot of great things going for it, but I struggled with the similarity it bore to their Freedom's Holy Light series, particularly books one and two, The Gathering Dawn and The Kindled Flame.
So, did I discover anything interesting? Did my opinion change with age and experience? Not really. The books are scarily similar in places, but I think the older series superior in a lot of ways.
Both dig into the realities of indentured servitude, but the location of the Lyon's Den and the unique make-up of its staff and patrons provide a better platform than Miss Harwood's adventure in the wilderness. The reader witnesses the legalities of Susannah’s circumstances when she negotiates her contract, is exposed to the social consequences of her decision in various ways day after day after day, and sees the harsher truths of her position through Mary Clare and Christopher. These are things Rose’s venture didn’t afford and once again left me wondering why the authors recycled the idea nearly two decades later. Were they hoping no one would notice?
There is a considerable amount of deeply religious dialogue and reflection in the novel, but it makes sense in context of the story. Jonathon, Steven, Morgan, Robert and Daniel all study at Princeton, a college who sought to train men to become ‘ornaments of the State as well as the Church,’ so theological discussions of faith fit the situation. A cameo appearance by English Anglican cleric George Whitefield allowed Laity and Crawford to delve even further into the subject, but again, the scene felt perfectly natural within the framework of the story.
I personally love the heightened sense of drama illustrated in Susannah's relationship with Ted as the siblings find themselves on opposites sides of the colonial move for independence. Julia's story line is sad, but I couldn't help appreciating Laity and Crawford’s attempt to incorporate tragedy into their narrative, especially when so many of their peers focus on happy endings for all. Silas’ struggle echoes the same idea and at risk of sounding like a broken record, I appreciate the courage the authors exhibited in taking a fairly light piece to such a difficult place.
The writing itself isn't my favorite, but I think The Gathering Dawn a fun piece nonetheless. It's a wonderful cornerstone for the series and illustrates the balance of faith and fiction I hope to find every time I venture to into inspired lit.
I get a lot of flak from fans of Christian lit. To each their own, I'm not holding any grudges, but I ruffle feathers and there's nothing wrong with acknowledging the fact. I understand where it comes from and I don't mean to make waves, it’s just something that happens. I have this silly idea that religion is a theme and shouldn't overwhelm every element of the story, I have a problem with characters who can do no wrong and I think most authors in this genre have trouble with heavier material. Thing is, a lot of these stories also have historic twists, so despite my difficulties, I keep coming back.
What does this have to do The Gathering Dawn by Sally Laity and Dianna Crawford? Well, The Gathering Dawn is actually one of the first Christian titles I ever read. I loved it and it stands as proof that I don't hate every Christian title I tackle. I've actually reread it a couple of times and truth be told, I've been itching to revisit it since 2011 when I reviewed Rose's Pledge. The Harwood House series reunited Laity and Crawford and it had a lot of great things going for it, but I struggled with the similarity it bore to their Freedom's Holy Light series, particularly books one and two, The Gathering Dawn and The Kindled Flame.
So, did I discover anything interesting? Did my opinion change with age and experience? Not really. The books are scarily similar in places, but I think the older series superior in a lot of ways.
Both dig into the realities of indentured servitude, but the location of the Lyon's Den and the unique make-up of its staff and patrons provide a better platform than Miss Harwood's adventure in the wilderness. The reader witnesses the legalities of Susannah’s circumstances when she negotiates her contract, is exposed to the social consequences of her decision in various ways day after day after day, and sees the harsher truths of her position through Mary Clare and Christopher. These are things Rose’s venture didn’t afford and once again left me wondering why the authors recycled the idea nearly two decades later. Were they hoping no one would notice?
There is a considerable amount of deeply religious dialogue and reflection in the novel, but it makes sense in context of the story. Jonathon, Steven, Morgan, Robert and Daniel all study at Princeton, a college who sought to train men to become ‘ornaments of the State as well as the Church,’ so theological discussions of faith fit the situation. A cameo appearance by English Anglican cleric George Whitefield allowed Laity and Crawford to delve even further into the subject, but again, the scene felt perfectly natural within the framework of the story.
I personally love the heightened sense of drama illustrated in Susannah's relationship with Ted as the siblings find themselves on opposites sides of the colonial move for independence. Julia's story line is sad, but I couldn't help appreciating Laity and Crawford’s attempt to incorporate tragedy into their narrative, especially when so many of their peers focus on happy endings for all. Silas’ struggle echoes the same idea and at risk of sounding like a broken record, I appreciate the courage the authors exhibited in taking a fairly light piece to such a difficult place.
The writing itself isn't my favorite, but I think The Gathering Dawn a fun piece nonetheless. It's a wonderful cornerstone for the series and illustrates the balance of faith and fiction I hope to find every time I venture to into inspired lit.
August 2, 2011
I loved this series as a kid so I thought I would re-read them, but man is this not a good book. It's poorly written, has a predictable plot and as a Christian book is over-the-top cheesy/preachy. Not to mention the overly patriotic bent in making the rebellious cause look like the only Christian thing to do. The characters are pretty undeveloped but can be fun and I enjoy happy endings so wasn't the worst thing ever. But I wouldn't exactly recommend to anyone.
October 6, 2018
Ahhh...I’ve read this a bunch of times over the years and it never gets old. This was my first time reading the Kindle version, and there were a few hiccups (missing or incorrect words, which were more jarring than usual since I’ve read the print version so much, lol).
Still, a great story filled with plenty of history. Breathes life into the Revolutionary War period!
Still, a great story filled with plenty of history. Breathes life into the Revolutionary War period!
January 2, 2016
I absolutely LOVE this book!!! I have lost count of how many times I've read it!
July 23, 2017
I really liked the story and characters of Daniel and Susannah. Despite liking Christian fiction and historical fiction of the Revolutionary War, I greatly, greatly disliked the retelling of the colonial events leading up to the revolution--it all had a textbook feel--and the long theological mambo jumbo--again, it had a textbook feel. I finished this book at all because of Dan and Sue but don't want to read another word in this series.
November 10, 2017
Phenomenal
This was a magnificent book. I can't wait to go forward and read the next series. This book will touch and inspire you.
This was a magnificent book. I can't wait to go forward and read the next series. This book will touch and inspire you.
February 14, 2023
Historical Christian Fiction
June 29, 2016
I was thrilled when I was recommended a "Revolutionary War, colonial" romance series by someone! That era happens to be one of my favorites, and (sadly), I haven't found much on it. Anyway, I enjoyed the Freedom's Holy Light series a lot. The plots were good, the characters engaging, and enough thrill and action. The romance was sweet, except some overly sensual parts. :( If not for that, I might have felt these books earned five stars. Great otherwise! I'm so glad to have found this series!!
June 16, 2022
This story had me crying, laughing, and smiling for all the best reasons. Such a beautifully written story through its ability to include major moments of history and a multitude of characters with such individual depth. I am beyond excited to read the next book of the series.
February 24, 2008
I really liked this series. :)
June 19, 2009
A historical fiction book. The main character's story was predictable, but not supporting characters. I learned a little of American history too which was nice.
February 25, 2016
A little Revolutionary War mixed with love. I've read better, I've read worse, but it was definitely worth the time!
July 6, 2017
I've reread this series several times and enjoy the historical and romantic parts of the book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews