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Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac, Book 1 (The Daughters of the Potomac)
 
 
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Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac, Book 1 (The Daughters of the Potomac) [Paperback]

Rita Gerlach (Author)
3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)

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Book Description

February 2012 The Daughters of the Potomac (Book 1)
In 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father’s estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar’s daughter, Eliza Bloome. Her dark beauty and spirited ways are not enough to win him, due to her station in life.  

Circumstances throw Eliza in Hayward’s path, and they flee to America to escape the family conflicts. But as war looms, it's a temporary reprieve. Hayward joins the revolutionary forces and what follows is a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness.

"Gerlach's novel is an immensely emotional read with suprising twists I never anticipated." - FreshFiction.com

"Ms. Gerlach's unique literary prose has once again captured my heart with a stirring tale of love and loss, desperation and hope during one of the most uncertain times in American History--the Revolutionary War. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!" - MaryLu Tyndall, author of Surrender the Dawn

"Filled with true-to-life characters whose struggles will linger with readers long after the last page is turned, Before the Scarlet Dawn is a memorable story of Revolutionary War-era England and America." - Amanda Cabot, author of Summer of Promise

"Rita Gerlach has written a colorful historical with a feisty heroine on a search for survival, romance, and a place to belong." Cynthia Hickey, author of the Summer Meadows mysteries

"A stirring story of love and its consequences, Before the Scarlet Dawn will draw you in from the start and not let you go again." - Roseanna M. White, author of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland and Jewel of Persia

"While reading Before the Scarlet Dawn, you'll travel back in time--and from England to Maryland--without ever leaving your easy chair! This is a big, beautiful, well-told story of love, faith, and the struggles of war that changed lives...and  hearts. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!" Loree Lough, best-selling author of more than 80 award-winning books, including reader favorite From Ashes to Honor

"I fell into this book, thinking I'd escaped into a typical historical romance, but as I followed Eliza Bloome through heartache, sin, guilt and grief, followed by a questioning of her faith, I couldn't read it without taking a good look at my own mistakes, my own conceptions about love and romance and how faith can sometimes lead you to some very unusual places." - Julie L. Cannon, author of Truelove & Homegrown Tomatoes, 'Mater Biscuit, and Twang.

 

 

 

 

 


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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rita Gerlach lives with her husband and two sons in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland.  In many of her stories, she writes about the struggles endured by early colonists, with both American and English settings. Her new historical series for Abingdon Press entitled 'Daughters of the Potomac' was launched in February 2012, with Before the Scarlet Dawn, followed by Beside Two Rivers, and Beyond the Valley to be released in February 2013. In 2009, Abingdon Press released Surrender the Wind, which gained four and five star reviews. You can visit her website at http://ritagerlach.blogspot.com

 


Product Details

  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Abingdon Press (February 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1426714149
  • ISBN-13: 978-1426714146
  • Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rita Gerlach lives with her husband and two sons in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland. She has published four historical novels, and is the writer for Stepping Stones Magazine for Readers, an online website where readers can connect with authors of inspirational fiction, discover new releases, and read a letter posted by an author.

In 2012 Abingdon Press, one of the most respected Christian publishers in the industry, will be releasing her newest book series, 'Daughters of the Potomac'. Look for three historicals that are sure to please readers here on Amazon!

Visit Rita's website at http://ritagerlach.blogspot.com/

Her Blog 'Inspire' http://inspire-writer.blogspot.com/

From Rita: "Romantic historical fiction that has an inspirational bent, is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and inspire them to live fully and gratefully. I want readers who are considering my books to know I write 'inspirational fiction with a Christian undertone, but not preachy religious prose'. I hope you will give my novels a try."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Colonial Fiction At Its Finest!

In Before the Scarlet Dawn, Rita Gerlach has penned an emotionally gripping saga of the harsh realities of Colonial life; replete with the constant threat of Indians, terrifying blizzards, ravages of war, forbidden passion, and sin.

The beautiful and spirited Eliza Bloome of England, finds herself alone save for her servant and lifelong friend, Fiona, after the death of her father. Told she must vacate her home quickly, Eliza comes up with a daring plan...to become the wife of the wealthy Hayward Morgan and travel to the colonies with him. Eliza has been in love with the handsome Hayward since childhood, but he makes it clear to her that he does not return her affections, and that she is beneath his station in life. After a stinging rejection, however, from the lady Hayward has proposed to, he agrees to Eliza's plan, and together, with Fiona, they travel to the colonies.

Eliza falls in love with the beautiful Maryland, but is not prepared for the harshness of colonial life, and the isolation and loneliness that comes after Hayward goes to fight for the Patriot cause. Together, she and Fiona, fight for survival in this savage, but beautiful land, and when Hayward doesn't return for two long, lonely years, she must also fight off temptations of the flesh. Her handsome neighbor, Halston, makes it no secret as to his feelings towards the beautiful Eliza. Is her love and devotion to Hayward enough to withstand the temptation of a man who, unlike Hayward, is not afraid to declare his love for her? Will Hayward return from the war or become a casualty like so many others before him?

One of my favorite things about Rita Gerlach's novels is her use of imagery which is second to none, and I could actually see the beauty of the Potomac River, the green fields and lush forests, and smell the honeysuckle in the air. This story was heartbreakingly realistic as well, with the devastation of war, and characters who were not infallable, and filled with sin and selfishness. With as many twists and turns as the Potomac, and a VERY unexpected conclusion, I found myself not wanting to let go of this story even after I was done reading. I simply cannot wait for the next book in this series, and next time I will have the tissues handy! Very nicely done, Rita Gerlach!

* I received an ARC of this novel and was not required to write a positive review! The opinions expressed are solely my own.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Eliza has no choice. Her father is dead, she has no other family, and she must be out of the vicarage so the new family can move in. A man of standing wants to marry her, but his attention is merely physical. Eliza must have love. Or so she thinks. After she overhears Hayward's proposal being rejected because it involves a one-way trip to the colonies, Eliza believes herself to be in love with him and proposes he marry her instead. He accepts, but only because he is desperate enough to want a wife to manage his homestead in Maryland while he's fighting the English. He doesn't love her, never says he loves her, but Eliza now has a home.

Life in the colonies isn't exactly easy. There are Indians about, too-attentive bachelor neighbors, and no one is happy when Eliza makes mention of His Majesty at a social event. Events in Boston hasten Hayward's departure, although Eliza convinces him to at least stay until their child is born. After he leaves, she hears nothing for more than two years. Then, one day, the local minister brings news that no wife ever wants to hear...

Eliza is a strange character. She won't marry her suitor in Derbyshire, even though she would live in comfort for the rest of her life. He is open about his physical desire for her, but Eliza is adamant that she won't marry unless love is involved. Which is why it is totally confusing to the reader that she'll willingly marry Hayward even though he makes no declaration either. At times she comes across naïve, while at others she appears coldly calculating. Hayward isn't much better. Does he love his wife or doesn't he? And when she commits a major sin, you're left wondering whether or not he has forgiven her. I don't think he knew himself.

There's no closure or happy ending to this book, but this is the first in the Daughters of the Potomac series so no doubt Gerlach intends for the story of this disjointed family to continue in future novels. For the casual reader, it means the book isn't good as a stand-alone. Still, it fills a couple of hours and yes, I did feel the emotion when Hayward rode away to war without a single look back to his wife and child.

I downloaded my free copy of Before the Scarlet Dawn from Abingdon Press on the NetGalley website. I was under no obligation to write a review.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Rita Gerlach is back with more heart-breaking drama in Before the Scarlet Dawn. While I wasn't crazy about her previous book (Surrender the Wind) I found her writing style and story plot much improved and attention-grabbing in her newest release! Be forewarned--the story within is not what you would expect from the cover! (And I mean that in a good way!)

It was easy for me to like and sympathize with Eliza Bloome and all her troubles and heartache. Not only does she lose all close relatives, but she leaves her homeland to start a new life with a man she loves...but who doesn't love her back. I really admired Eliza's courage to love him anyways, no matter if he refused to love her back. At first, I liked Hayward--and hoped he would come around in the end. But, in the end, I hated him. Abhorred him! What a total jerk! (Want to know why? Sorry, no spoilers here--read the book! ;-)

I didn't care too much for the romance, and that's what mainly kept me from giving it any more stars. It just felt too...sudden and fake. Eliza just suddenly knows she's in love with Hayward 'forever and ever'. For me, personally, I like to see more of the 'growing to love each other' stage, instead of just skipping that to dive directly into being in love.

Before the Scarlet Dawn is one of those books that I ended up having a very strong "love-hate" reaction to it. Honestly, when I finished the book I was determined to give it 3 stars and throw it across the room for good measure. But, in the end, the story grew on me--even after I had finished reading it. It has one of those memorable plots that stays with you long after you finish the last page.

So, in the end, I am giving Before the Scarlet Dawn 4 stars for a well-written story and a hopeful continuation. I don't know how Rita will work this sticky situation out, or even if she can change Hayward enough for me to even remotely like him...but I have faith in the writer! Can't wait for the next book to come out--Eliza needs a ray of sunshine to pierce her world after all she's been through.

I reviewed this book for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Thanks to the publishers, Bethany House, for sending me my review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Odd
In 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father's estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar's daughter, Eliza Bloome. Read more
Published 3 days ago by melmac
First in this series
This book is the first in a new series called Daughters of the Potomac. The year is 1775 and the story follows Eliza Bloome. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Irene's Christian Reviews
Had promise, but is lacking
I started reading this novel and it had a lot of promise. The idea behind the book was the classic girl from a lower class marries the upper class gentleman, but instead of him... Read more
Published 27 days ago by Holly
Dramatic Tragedy
A dramactic tale that left me with mixed feelings.

Eliza and her new husband face the hardships of breaking ties in England and making a new life for themselves in... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Faye
Before the Scarlet Dawn
BEFORE THE SCARLET DAWN is the most recent book by Rita Gerlach. I read Surrender the Wind and loved it so I looked forward to getting BEFORE THE SCARLET DAWN to review. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lollipops
To be continued...
This was a gripping and emotional tale that kept me wanting to read on. Miss Eliza Bloome is now an orphan and tells Mr. Read more
Published 1 month ago by elm
Before the Scarlet Dawn
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!

Before the Scarlet Dawn is somewhat different than most of the books I've read. Read more
Published 1 month ago by ibjoy1953
WWI story
I was so excited about this book because it is set in the American Revolution and there aren't a lot of books written about that time period (unlike WWII). Read more
Published 1 month ago by Janna R. Ryan
I loved Before the Scarlet Dawn up until...
I have to say, I did NOT expect to get so emotional while reading Before the Scarlet Dawn. However, I did get teary-eyed a few times and a couple hours after I finished it, I was... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Melanie
This book was a complete surpise!
I bought this book,not because I wanted it, but because I had a 30% off coupon and had already pre-ordered all the books by my favorite authors. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Susan Snodgrass
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