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.
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.
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.
4.5/5
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