Back in 2010, I reviewed the book The Summer Before the Storm by Gabriele Wills.  It was the first book in the historical fiction series called The Muskoka Novels.  Elusive Dawn is the second novel in the series.

In the summer of 1916, some of the Wyndham family carry on family tradition at their cottages at Muskoka in Canada.  However, many of the family members are in Europe, fighting the Great War.  Ria becomes an ambulance driver in France, a very dangerous volunteer job.  Her husband Chas is a flying ace in the war as is her cousin, Jack.  Her cousin Justin is a doctor, operating close to the battle grounds.


When her husband or cousins have any time off, they visit Ria as much as possible.  Her and Chas are having some marital problems they are trying to work through, which is especial difficult long distance.  The first chance they get, they take time off to set up their own house in the English countryside.  Chas wants Ria to stay there, in less danger but she goes back as an ambulance driver.

Many things happen, of course, but I don’t want to giveaway any spoilers.  Elusive Dawn is a very moving piece of WWI fiction and certainly as good as the first book in the series.  Really, the only thing that still doesn’t work for me, and I mentioned this in my review of book I, is Ria’s stereotypical conniving stepmother.  However, we do find out a bit more about her shady past.


Will’s prose is fresh and poetic.  She captures the period in great detail.  I could picture every scene in the book, like I was there.  Book 3 in the series, Under the Moon is now on sale and on its way to me.  I can hardly wait!

If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, trust me, you will love this series!  Be sure to start with The Summer Before the Storm first. 

Scoop: Gabriele Wills will be going on tour with The Summer Before the Storm with Premier Virtual Author Book Tours, if you are interested in being a part of the tour, let me know.  The tour will be announced soon!

4.5/5


I received this book from the author for my honest review.

Also reviewed by:


The Book Chick



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