Every Night Has a Dawn is a heartfelt family drama and love story based on the journal of the author’s grandmother.
Every Night Has a Dawn by Rachel Valencourt
Genre/Categories/Setting: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance (closed door), Complicated Family Drama, Great Depression, Coming-of-age, Washington State, Oklahoma, California
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
My Summary of Every Night Has a Dawn:
Thanks Marmont Publishing and the author for a complimentary e ARC of #EveryNightHasADawn upon my request. All opinions are my own.
A tragic event causes young Dawn Jensen’s family to flee their cozy cabin in the woods of Washington State. Because of the Depression, the only work they can find is that of traveling farm workers. For a time, they find refuge and support with the people of the Makah reservation in Neah Bay, WA. Here, Dawn becomes best friends with Talie. Their friendship transcends cultural barriers and lasts a lifetime. WWII looms and Dawn meets a young man. They are married after the war and live for a time in Oklahoma before settling in California to raise their family. Her husband’s PTSD raises concern for their marriage.
My Thoughts:
Survival and Sacrifice
A strong theme that permeates the story is survival. Dawn’s mother and father model a life of sacrifice, hard work, and courage that keep the family together in challenging times. Even as an adult, Dawn always experiences the unwavering support of her family. When Dawn faces her own challenges, her survival instinct is strong. I may not agree with one of her choices but I can certainly understand her desperation. Part of survival for this generation often involved keeping secrets, but they also honor their commitments and are willing to make sacrifices.
Based on a Family Journal
I imagine that this was an emotional story to write for the author as it’s based on her grandmother’s journal. Don’t miss the author’s notes. I thought many times of Inheritance by Dani Shapiro as I read this story. This generation took secrets to their graves and the modern world of DNA leaves their children and grandchildren to make sense of it all. I have first-hand experience with this intrigue in my own family!
Themes
Thoughtful themes include coming-of-age, life during the Great Depression, survival, family loyalty, romance (closed door), PTSD, betrayal, second chances, secrets, friendship, second chances, and reconciliation.
Content Consideration: alcohol addiction, PTSD, infidelity
Recommending Every Night Has a Dawn
If you’re a fan of complicated family drama, I recommend this tender-hearted debut. It’s the first in a planned trilogy.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Meet the Author of Every Night Has a Dawn, Rachel Valencourt
Rachel Valencourt is the award-nominated author of ‘Every Night Has A Dawn’ and the much anticipated ‘Twilight’s Hidden Truth.’
Wife, mother, and an unapologetic lover of books, Rachel is a native Californian, and now resides in San Diego County with her British husband and two teenage daughters.
From the cobbled streets of London to the vibrant markets of Bangkok, Rachel’s passion for travel has inspired the thrilling escapades in her novels, creating a window into far-off places and the depths of human emotion.
QOTD:
Are you a fan of complicated family drama?
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