Until the Dawn

 Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

If you have never read a book by Elizabeth Camden you are certainly missing out.  One thing I love about her writing is her ability to create the most amazing characters and plot out of some of the most mundane things. Who knew a volunteer for the Weather Bureau would become one of my favorite characters that she has created.

Sophie van Riijn has spent her entire life in New Holland where the abandoned mansion Dierenpark is located.  She is a  volunteer for the Weather Bureau and needs an ideal location for her weather equipment to take accurate readings.  Since the owners of Dierenpark have been gone for decades, she sees no harm in using the roof of the Dierenpark as her weather station.  

Quentin Vandermark comes to Dierenpark, the home of his ancestors, with plans to tear down the mansion when he discovers that Sophie has been trespassing on his family's land.  Quentin, a self-proclaimed atheist with a mission, and Sophie, a sweet and kind believer, are instantly at odds.  All that changes as Quentin sees her ability to reach his young son.  

My take:

I truly enjoyed this book from the very start.  There was no slow beginning and I was instantly in love with the character Sophie van Riijn.  She is a young lady who has had her share of loss and pain, but hasn't allowed it to make her bitter as she draws on the Bible for her strength.  I truly enjoyed seeing the transformation in Quentin throughout the book.  In addition to the main characters, Elizabeth Camden created some amazing supporting characters that make this book exceptional.  

Aside from spiritual growth and romance, Camden weaves in some mystery and will have you trying to solve what really happened in the Vandermark family so many years ago.  The ending was not what I expected, but a pleasant surprise.  

Elizabeth Camden is a master at story telling and creating dynamic characters with delightfully intriguing story lines. Until the Dawn gets 4.5 stars.