Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

 


A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land.
Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?


Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Jennifer Parker
Cover Photography: Mike Habermann Photography, LLC

Opening Verse: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."--Matthew 5:8


My Review
I'm fascinated by the unique story lines Camden brings to her books. Using her vast knowledge of history, this author takes true events from our past and weaves them with lovable characters, an interesting setting, and a beautiful romance. I can't get enough of her books. 

Melancholy Quentin Vandermark arrives at his family's estate with one intention--to demolish it. He's also determined to prove to his grandfather that the Vandermark curse doesn't exist and the tragic events throughout their family history have a scientific explanation. When he discovers that Sophie van Riijin is trespassing on his property to attend to the weather station she set on the roof without permission, he sends her away. Only there's something about Sophie that tugs at him, and he's unable to keep her away for long. 

Full of intrigue, faith, and rich history, this book will appeal to anyone who enjoys historicals, romance, and strong characters who keep the pages turning. I give this book 5 stars! 
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