Fiction, Peoples & Cultures - Fiction

First Dawn

Name: First Dawn
Author: Judith Miller
ISBN: 9780786289202

by Judith Miller, Judith McCoy-Miller

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Overview

Lured by the promise of "real" freedom and a new town to call their own, sharecroppers Ezekial Harban and his three daughters leave behind remnants of slavery in the war-torn south and set off for Nicodemus, Kansas. When they arrive, they are shocked to see that little of what they were promised actually exists. Many head back home, but Ezekial and his daughters are determined to build a new life in the stark territory. Dr. Boyle, a newly arrived doctor in neighboring Hill City, is called to deliver a baby in Nicodemus. He and his family are moved by the plight of the settlers there and vow to help. But the white pioneers of Hill City face problems, too. When the lives of these two families intersect, neither town will ever be the same. Freedom's Path Book 1.

Synopsis

Bestselling author Judith Miller's first solo effort is a rich, textured saga set amid sharecroppers on the Kansas prairie. Freedom's Path book 1.

A Romance Review

"This is a bold new series by a wonderful author, Judith Miller.... If you have read any of Judith Miller book s, you will most certainly want to read this book as well."

About the Author, Judith Miller

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.

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Editorials

W. Terry Whalin

"Part of the elegance and beauty of historical fiction is how it transports the reader to another time period. Judith Miller has done a masterful job of capturing the mood, dialogue and setting of this period of history on the plains of Kansas. The rich characterizations and moving dialogue combine with a fascinating story of changed lives with a constant reliance on faith and trust in God. This combination provides the reader with a remarkable reading experience and something highly recommended."
—Faithful Reader.com

Romantic Times

"Miller reveals an extraordinary slice of history... fans of Gilbert Morris will enjoy this one."
—Aug. 2005

A Romance Review

"This is a bold new series by a wonderful author, Judith Miller.... If you have read any of Judith Miller book’s, you will most certainly want to read this book as well."

Christian Book Previews.com

"The author does a good job of staying true to the time period, as well as to her characters."

Parables Magazine

"A story of human friendship and triumph over diversity, First Dawn proved a most satisfying read. I look forward to the next book, and with the open-ended ending, I am sure you will as well. Be sure to add this one to your library. You will want to read it again."

Publishers Weekly

Miller, coauthor with Tracie Peterson of the popular Bells of Lowell series, offers a historical novel all her own. In 1877 Kansas, prospectors have developed two new towns: Nicodemus is to be settled by former slaves, and Hill City will be inhabited by white folks. The Harban family, hard-working African-Americans, are disappointed when they arrive in Nicodemus and find that it boasts only "wretched" lean-tos and eight small campsites. Similarly, Samuel Boyle, a white physician from Kentucky, moves his family to Hill City and is stunned when he finds that the supposed "town" is really just "a few houses and several sad-looking buildings." The womenfolk, especially, yearn for the comforts of civilization, and a few unmarried gals pine for beaux they left behind. But sustained by a strong work ethic and a firm faith in God, the pioneers begin to settle into their new environment. Boyle finds that his medical services are badly needed in Nicodemus, and as he shuttles between the two towns, he and his family begin to develop relationships with some of the black settlers. The novel has its share of implausible coincidences (apparently the sine qua non of CBA historical fiction), but these usher the story to its climax and a reasonably satisfying conclusion. (July) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.