Before the Dawn and Sweet September Two Book Review

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About the Book

Charlotte Stevenson's world is turned upside down by the death of her daughter Denise. Denise ran away from home as a teenager and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise's three children are coming to live on Heather Creek Farm. Is this Charlotte's chance to make things right?

The three kids arrive on the farm: Sam fiercely protective of his younger siblings; Emily, desperately missing her friends; and young Christopher, a sweet soul who wants to fit in. While Charlotte helps the grandchildren she barely knows adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief. Well-meaning friends offer heartfelt advice but what if Charlotte makes the same mistakes this time around?

But small joys remind Charlotte that God gives grace freely, even in trying times, when Emily discovers her mother's horse in the midst of a difficult birth, the whole family comes together to save the animal that Denise loved. The miracle of new life, along with God's healing touch, reminds all of them that it's always darkest just before the dawn. (Goodreads)

My Review

I was excited about this book because my husband is a farmer and the cover is beautiful. Sometimes Guidepost books can be a bit bland but this one was very good. Charlotte's guilt from her past of her daughter running away pulls up into the present as she is raising Denise's children. Not until recently had I ever thought about how many grandparents are ending up parenting their grandchildren and what it would be like. I can't imagine what it would be like to be raising little ones when your body is wore out-huge life change. 

Anyway, this topic is a huge part of the story line. Grandparents raising kids on the farm and the difficulties it brings. These kids are from the city and can't believe there is no phone service, they learn to ride horses, and many other life experiences. 

I love how real this story is to real life and the characters are created beautifully. I highly recommend for a good solid read.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

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My Review

As the sequel to Before the Dawn I was interested to see where the rest of the story would go. I enjoyed this book, though I like the first book better. This takes you to after the children having been living with their grandparents awhile and the difficulties that ensue with a new school and community. While some are doing good in school some are messing around and it is almost too much for grandma to handle. 
This gives a great glimpse into life after much conflict but a lot more day to day real life antics. 

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Guideposts Books is thrilled to announce their brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, by Kathleen Bauer. The first two books, Before the Dawn and Sweet September, launch this month and Guideposts Books is celebrating with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)