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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (April 21, 2022)
BOOKMONGER Peril and romance in World War I Fantasy tale sheds light on historical niche Kate Breslin may live in the Puget Sound region, but the historical romance author uses European venues as the settings for her novels, many of which take place during World War I. Her latest work, “As Dawn Breaks,” is set in the misty isles of Great Britain, where Rose Graham works at Chilwell, an English munitions factory, hoping to delay her mar- riage. It promises to be a loveless match, arranged by her guardian and uncle, a weap- ons manufacturer interested only in advanc- ing his business by having his young charge marry into a family with important govern- ment connections. Nevertheless, a wedding date has been set and as the day looms closer, Graham is resigned to her fate. But just as she takes off from her fi nal day of work, an explosion at the factory rocks the entire community. When she realizes that the catastrophic blast has obliterated perhaps hundreds of work- ers, she seizes the opportunity to escape to Scotland, the land of her birth, where she assumes the identity of a friend who had perished. Under her new name, Tilly Lockhart, Rose begins work at a munitions factory in Gretna, Scotland, and fi nds lodging with the Bairds, a kind local family that has a spare bedroom to rent. Meanwhile back in London, authorities determine that the explosion in Chilwell was not an accident, but sabotage, and fear that Gretna may be the next target. They send Capt. Alex Baird, a Gretna boy who has distinguished himself as a fl ying ace during World War I, on a secret mission to ferret out any malign activities at the Scot- tish factory. Baird must pretend that he has retired from military service, but when he comes back home to stay with his family, he dis- covers that his room is occupied by Lock- hart. This doesn’t sit well, but gradually the two fi nd their feelings toward one another softening, that is until Baird hears from headquarters that Lockhart is believed to have a family connection to an infamous saboteur. Now, he is charged with surveil- ling the woman he had been falling for. Breslin’s incorporation of histori- cal detail makes this an enjoyable, educa- tional read. It’s interesting to learn more about the important role that women work- ing in munitions factories, known as ”muni- tionettes,” played in World War I, risking health and safety in their work. The author does a good job of creating characters with back stories and compli- cated emotions during this time of upheaval. The romance in this story has a bit of heat, but does not stray beyond the expectations of this faith-based genre. Biblical references inform the story with a light touch. Breslin’s development of an intricate plot line will keep readers turning each page, guessing and second-guessing who the vil- lains might be. That said, it isn’t until the denouement that the reader may feel that the author’s use of perfi dious characters perhaps strayed beyond the bounds of credibility. The Bookmonger is Barbara Lloyd McMichael, who writes this weekly column This week’s book ‘As Dawn Breaks’ by Kate Breslin Bethany House – 400 pp – $15.99 focusing on books, authors and publish- ers of the Pacifi c Northwest. Contact her at barbaralmcm@gmail.com. Coastal Living LOWE COLUM R BI BOWL A NOW OPEN 826 Marine Dr. Astoria 503-325-3321 LOWER COLUM BI BOWL A SAFE, SANITIZED, READY TO ROLL Bowling is Back! $1 OFF WEDNESDAYS • • • • 12 // COASTWEEKEND.COM Take $1 off: Shoe rental Every Game Fountain Sodas Adult Beverages ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Call us at 503-325-3211 to learn more
