A Brighter Dawn releases March 28th! I can’t wait for you to read this one! It’s a dual-time story with the historical thread set in 1937-39 in pre-World War II Germany. Of course, at the time no one had any idea just how horrible things would become worldwide during the next six years–but some already had an inkling of what the Nazis were capable of, including my main character, Clare (a Mennonite young woman from Lancaster County).
To celebrate the release, I’m giving away 3 copies of A Brighter Dawn. Leave a comment below about where a family member was (or another significant person in your life) in the late 1930s to enter-to-win. (In 1939, my father was a high school student in Idaho. By 1944, he was fighting in France.) I’ll choose and notify the 3 winners by email on March 30!
My grandparents were teenagers in the 1930s. One in Michigan and one in Illinois
My dad was born in 1937. I remember my grandfather telling stories about storing their perishables in the creek bed to keep food cold.
This was in southern Kentucky.
My Grandparents talked about the rationing and saved metallic gum wrappers and bits of aluminum
foil when I was young. My dad was born in 1939.
In the late 1930’s my parents were farming with two children, by 1941 I was born.
Would love to win and share this book with our book club.
My dad was born 04/01/1939. Exactly twenty-nine years later, I was born.
My parents married in 1939 in Michigan. WWII era books are amongst my favorites, so I’m looking forward to reading A Brighter Dawn!
My parents were both born in 1923. Detroit, Mi. By the mid 40’s my father’s parents had passed and he grew up in the family house with 8 brothers; two died during WWII. My father lived to 90 (2014, mom 91, till 2013) and a brother lived to 96. They all saw the two riots 1943 and 1967.
My mother graduated high school in1937.
In the 1930’s, my grandfather has helping his parents with their farm in Bangor Maine. Because he was the only son in the family, he wasn’t called up when World War two started, besides, he was already 44 – however, the workload increased: All the hired hands were called up.
I love your books
My grandparents were newly married in the 1930s and years later in the mid 40s my mother was born.
In the late 1930’s both sets of my grandparents were raising my parents who were young. My dad was 7 years old living in Cobden, IL and my mom was 5 years old living in Carbondale, IL.
My Mom was born in 1922 so by 1939 she was still in High School. She graduated and lived at home until she married my Dad in 1945.
By 1930’s My Dad was 3 years old here in Ohio on the Farm where he lived with his parents and 4 brothers and 1 sister, and later when He was in the Army He was stationed in Germany just after the War.
My Dad, who just passed in December, was born in 1939. My Mom, who passed over 20 years ago, was born in 1939.
To be honest, I really don’t know for sure where my ancestors would’ve been at that time! 😬 My Mom’s parents were from Ohio, so I’m guessing there somewhere? I think they both did 1W service, but not sure where or when…🤷🏻♀️ And there’s a good chance my paternal grandparents would’ve been somewhere around the Wayne County area in Ohio. 😊
My Dad was born in 1934 & my mom was born in 1935. I just found out 4 years ago who my biological father was so I never new my grandparents. My grandparents on my mother’s side grandpa work for the RRb and then drove a DSR Bus in Detroit my grandmother raised kids and chickens .
My Aunt Bertha was born in the 1930’s. She raised 7 children on a tobacco farm in KY, working from morning til night but I never heard her complain.
In the late 1930’s, my grandmother was busy caring for her 7 children in Dayton, Ohio!
I’m so exited about this book!!!
Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of your book. Have a blessed day.
In 1930’s my grandparents were raising their only daughter, my mom. She was a toddler, but before 1940, she was in elementary school, graduated in the 40’s from high school and was hired to work for the civil service upon her graduation.
My grandpa was born in 1922, he wasn’t able to fight in ww2. My mom was born in 1958.
I’m super excited for this series and this book in particular! My in laws have moved in with us. My mother in law loves to read WWII books/novels. I enjoy Mennonite/Amish books. This will be a great book for us to read together!
I was born in 1939. A few years after my dad was drafted into the service and served as a medic.
My father was in the CCCs for several years in the ‘30s and my mother in college.
Hi everyone,
My grandfather was 12 in 1939. He was one of 5 kids living in a small town in Pennsylvania. Astonishingly, all of the kids graduated high school, which was rare in those days. Also, the youngest son, my great uncle, is still alive today and doing great! Just two days ago, he turned 92!
Can’t wait to read your new book.
In the late 1930’s my mom was living on a farm in Missouri.
can’t wait for to get a copy. good wholesome reading is in my future. Would love to win.
Susan
I believe my Great Grandfather fought in World war 11, but as far as where above was in 1939 I have no clue.
A Brighter Dawn sounds wonderful. I love your books.
Thank you, Emma!
My Dad was born in 1926 in Ohio; my Mom was born in 1930 in St Paul, MN. My paternal grandparents moved to St. Paul in the 1930s to pastor a church and they started a Bible School in 1937; also, there were jobs in the twin cities. My maternal grandparents lived on a farm in St Paul & grandpa worked for the railroad at the depot in downtown St Paul for 50 years!
My father started his life’s career as a military man by joining the U.S. Army in 1936 at the young age of 17. He went from working in the coal mines to soldier. He proudly served during WWII, Korea and Vietnam before retiring in 1967. He loved his country only behind his love of God and his family.
I’m always extremely interested in stories of this time frame as they give me a glimpse of time when my parents were young and things they may have seen or done as well. Can’t wait for the opportunity to read and review “A Brighter Dawn”. Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy!
Kay, I’m grateful for your father’s service through WW II and all the way into the Vietnam War. Wow! He really saw a lot! I can’t wait for you to read A Brighter Dawn! Thank you!
I look forward to reading A Brighter Dawn!
In the late 1930’s my mom was living in Boise, Idaho. She was a pre-teen having to grow up fast after losing her dad during the Depression.
In the late 30’s my dad worked in the mica mine in our town and then was in the U.S. Army in Europe.
A Brighter Dawn looks and sounds wonderful!!
Thank you for the chance to win your wonderful giveaway!!
My mother was born in 1930 and Dad in 1928. I know they didn’t have a whole lot and didn’t talk about it very much.
in school
Sounds like a great read.
Marilyn
I love am book about the Amish, Thank You for the giveaway.
Marion
Looking forward to your latest Amish book. Amish books are my favorite.
Joan
My parents were born in 1959 & 1961..So I think that would of put my paternal grandmother in her early teens and my maternal grandparents in the early 20’s (I think ;)) I sure do wish they were around to ask where they were during this time.
In 1937, my parents were 26, and 24 years old, had 3 children, and had been married for 9 years! Can you imagine?! Times were so different in the past!
Yes, things really were different! So different, it’s hard for younger generations to understand!
My daddy left his young family to go to war. My mother and two sisters lived with her parents during those years. When he returned home I came along some years later. I appreciate what he and all the ones who served sacrificed.
Yes, on appreciating all he and others who served did and sacrificed.
In the late 1930’s my father (born in 1924) was in 1st grade. He’s now 98 and will be 99 this fall. How BLESSED I am! He’s still my #1 encourager!
Susan–that’s so wonderful that your father is still alive. What a blessing!
My father was 16 in 1939 – QLD, AUSTRALIA. All of the men had enlisted to fight, so my father, who had more education than most, was put in front of a classroom to teach. When he turned 18 in 1941 he signed up and was sent to New Guinea to fight.
Mary, reading this made me shiver. I can only imagine how fighting during the New Guinea Campaign was for him. What a horrible time it was when all the world was at war.
Can’t wait to read this new book. All the locations and time periods sound so intriguing. Thanks for being so generous.
My grandparents were in upstate NY in the 1930s, where I was also born.
My daddy and momma was born in 1935. So my paternal grandparents was picking cotton in Mississippi and my maternal grandparents were picking cotton in Arkansas. When my daddy got older he hitchhiked to Arkansas and ended up meeting my mom there. They married in March before they turned 18. They were married for almost 60 years before he passed away. My momma is still living and will be 88 years old this year.
That’s wonderful, Brenda. What a GREAT story!!
Aww, this is really beautiful, Brenda! My mom was born in 1935 and passed away in 2006. I’m so glad you’re momma is still alive! I’m sorry your father passed away.
I’m looking forward to reading, “A Brighter Dawn”.
Our readers in the Lakes Church Library enjoy your books and
the ones who are dual-time.
I wonder if there is a subject heading for that and what it would be?
Blessings to You and Yours.
I’m so glad your library readers enjoy my books and dual-time stories! I haven’t heard of a subject heading–there’s been some debate over what to call them. Dual-time, dual-narrative, time-slip… 🙂 I hope you enjoy A Brighter Dawn!
Oh goodness I just love to read print Amish books, They are so interesting and when I get done I always review. Then I pass the book to a 90 year old lady who loves Amish she lives in Wi and I live in Ia but my friend lives very close to her and takes them from me and then she has her enjoyment also.
Thank you for reviewing the books you read and passing them on! Speaking for all authors, we appreciate it immensely!
I would love to win a copy of this book.
In the late 30’s my parents were in PA. My father had a position in a steel factory and my mother was a school teacher.
Greetings from OR! We’re back! Can’t wait to see what new horizons & treasures await in A Brighter Dawn. Therese
Oops! My father was born in 1935 in Brooklyn, NY. He was a bit reckless and got into all kinds of mischief; skipping school, hopping trains, etc. He eventually lied about his age and got into the navy at the age of 17.
Your father sounds like a go-getter!
Thank you, Therese!
My father was born in 1938 my material Grandmother who I was very close with was living on a farm in the late 1930’s
My Dad and Mom wasn’t borne until 1937 so I am assuming my grandparents were working to make a living for their families please enter me in this book contest as I love reading Amish books!
Sarah, you are entered! My mom was born in 1935–a Depression baby for sure with memories of WW II. I really loved her stories.
In the late 1930’s, my paternal grandfather owned a bakery. We still have one of his pie cutters in our family.
That’s really cool you have one of the pie cutters. I really love those little treasures that families keep through generations.
My grandma was in the great smoky mountains of East Tennessee . She was living in a small cabin on a creek that is now part of the tourist town Gatlinburg.
That is so interesting. I discovered my birth mother’s family came from a tiny community in West Virginia.
Aww, that’s really cool that her cabin is part of Gatlinburg! That’s on my bucket list.
In the 1930’s my mother, Blythe, and her sweetheart, LaVern (Vern), rekindled their acquaintence and were married after a romance that began in Montana. Blythe wore a beautiful “Gone With The Wind” rose colored gown that I STILL HAVE. Blythe’s family hailed from Pennsylvania and were there during the civil war when a battle was fought on their farm. Her ties there ran deep. Vern’s mother emigrated from Norway and his father’s family was right off a Norwegian fjord.
Loris, I love this account of your mother! What a beautiful story. And I love that you still have your mother’s wedding gown!
My mom was born in 1930, lived through the Depression, married to same man for almost 50 years, raised 7 children, and practiced sewing skills with eldest daughter for
over 30 years. She enjoyed a full Catholic life teaching her values to her children, grandchildren and great grand children.
I love this! The faithful influence of a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother can make all the difference in children’s lives!
I LOVE to have this new book to my collection
THANK YOU.
My grandparents were a strong influence in my life, being Mennonite they taught me to have a strong faith in God. They also taught me honesty and charity towards all peoples. My grandparents immigrated to Canada from Russia with 2 small kids in the 1920’s.
Linda–how fascinating! Do you know where in Russia they immigrated from?
My grandmother was in Detroit, Michigan having my mom in 1936, My Uncle in 1938 and amidst the depression.
Both of my parents were in college. My mom was studying to be a beautician and my dad was becoming an optometrist.
In the 1930’s my dad was farming in North Dakota. The farm was failing so he moved to the northwest and worked in logging. He then enlisted and spent four years serving as a medic in the Pacific. He had met my mom at a USO dance just before the war and they corresponded all four years. They married only weeks after he returned home.
What a great story, Jan! Thank you for sharing it!
My grandmother was born in 1933, she just celebrated her 90th birthday. She is actually living with us. She lived in Bucks County PA and we still live in Bucks County County.
My father was 17 in 1937, he joined the Navy soon after. He was an airplane mechanic, which once he got out of the service he put to use as a car mechanic.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Debbie. I’m struck over and over with what I DIDN’T know growing up. Blessings to you and yours.
In the 30’s my parents lived on farms in NC. Large farming families!
In the 1930s my Poppa was
a farmer. He was a good man.
My grandpa Huber was in the Army around the 30s.. then my dad was in the Army in WWII, then oldest son was in the Army for 1 yr. He developed health issues and got an discharge.
In 1930, my grandparents were farming and raising their young family in central Virginia. They were tobacco farmers and quite poor but always had food from the garden and farm animals to eat.
Thank you! Would love to win a copy of your book!😀
My grandparents were getting married in Indiana
My Mom and dad were born in the 30,s Mom 1930 Dad 1931 they always joked Mom was older than him but only by a few month LOL
My parents are both deceased as well as my grandparents. I was born in 75 so I have no one to tell of where they were but I would like to share about my 9 year old son. He doesnt like to read but in our homeschool lessons he chose books called Great Battles for Boys and the battles he chose are all about WWII
My dad was born that year in Markle Pennsylvania.
My dad was just a boy working on his dad’s farm. His dad was a traveling preacher and had a small sheep farm