Uncovering The Truth

Shine Like The Dawn by Carrie Turansky is a Christian historical mystery romance and one that had me gripped from start to finish.

The novel has the theme of faith. Faith in God can keep one going through the darkest of times. When life is tough, handing control over to God is best. “I’ve chosen to let Him carry that load.”

Prayer goes hand in hand with faith. Sometimes events happen and we pull away from God instead of running to Him. We build a wall around our hearts to protect us but all that does is keep us prisoner. We mistakenly believe that God does not hear us or even care. “I don’t think God hears or answers my prayers.” We need to return to God. “She had ignored His voice and hardened her heart.” We need to break those walls down and return to God.

The destructive power of secrets, lies and deceptions are seen within the novel. When one stumbles in the dark, an inevitable downward spiral occurs. We need to step out into the light.

The past can intrude on the present if we keep one eye on it. “We can’t change the past but the future is an open door.” We need to deal with our pasts, forgive any wrongs and step into the future.

There is the topic of grief within the book. “Grief had a way of distorting events. Grief can also keep us trapped in the past. We need to hang on to our memories and let God guide us into the future.

The theme of prejudice arises. We are all guilty of making snap judgments but we need to obtain all the facts and never judge another. We are all sinners in need of a Saviour.

The novel is set in the early twentieth century when new inventions and new problems are emerging. With a new century, expectations are raised. The reader witnesses what happens when these expectations are unfulfilled in the workplace.

Society was very much divided into the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots.’ It is interesting to note the differences in relationships above and below stairs. It reminded me of the TV program Downton Abbey.

I thoroughly enjoyed Shine Like The Dawn. It was a most engaging novel and my first by Carrie Turansky. I found her style to be open, warm and welcoming, drawing me in from the start.

A fabulous read.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON

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