Colonial American Christian Fiction: Rita Gerlach's Before the Scarlet Dawn

Before the Scarlet Dawn 

by Rita Gerlach

(Abingdon Press, 2012)

5 stars *****




Guest Reviewer: Diana L. Flowers

Colonial Fiction At Its Finest!

In Before the Scarlet Dawn (available through Christian Book Distributors), Rita Gerlach has penned an emotionally gripping saga of the harsh realities of Colonial life; replete with the constant threat of Indians, terrifying blizzards, ravages of war, forbidden passion, and sin.

The beautiful and spirited Eliza Bloome of England, finds herself alone save for her servant and lifelong friend, Fiona, after the death of her father. Told she must vacate her home quickly, Eliza comes up with a daring plan...to become the wife of the wealthy Hayward Morgan and travel to the colonies with him. Eliza has been in love with the handsome Hayward since childhood, but he makes it clear to her that he does not return her affections, and that she is beneath his station in life. After a stinging rejection, however, from the lady Hayward has proposed to, he agrees to Eliza's plan, and together, with Fiona, they travel to the colonies.

Eliza falls in love with the beautiful Maryland, but is not prepared for the harshness of colonial life, and the isolation and loneliness that comes after Hayward goes to fight for the Patriot cause. Together, she and Fiona, fight for survival in this savage, but beautiful land, and when Hayward doesn't return for two long, lonely years, she must also fight off temptations of the flesh. Her handsome neighbor, Halston, makes it no secret as to his feelings towards the beautiful Eliza. Is her love and devotion to Hayward enough to withstand the temptation of a man who, unlike Hayward, is not afraid to declare his love for her? Will Hayward return from the war or become a casualty like so many others before him?

One of my favorite things about Rita Gerlach's novels is her use of imagery which is second to none, and I could actually see the beauty of the Potomac River, the green fields and lush forests, and smell the honeysuckle in the air. This story was heartbreakingly realistic as well, with the devastation of war, and characters who were not infallable, and filled with sin and selfishness. With as many twists and turns as the Potomac, and a VERY unexpected conclusion, I found myself not wanting to let go of this story even after I was done reading. I simply cannot wait for the next book in this series, and next time I will have the tissues handy! Very nicely done, Rita Gerlach!

* I received an ARC of this novel and was not required to write a positive review! The opinions expressed are solely my own.


Guest Reviewer's Bio: Diana L. Flowers is the Senior Reviewer on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. She is a mother and grandmother and loves to read Christian historical fiction!


Before the Scarlet Dawn is also available through Amazon.
Information for other reviewers is available at the "Daughters of the Potomac" series website, including a download of the first chapter of "Before the Scarlet Dawn".


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