In reading this novel I was struck by the similarities in style of the late great Catherine Cookson. It thrilled me to find a novelist who could write so well the sagas of common folk who rise above the repression of the wealthy and find a better independent life on their own. Reading BRIGHT DAY DAWNING will give the reader a sample of the poignancy and struggles one overcomes to awake to a newer and brighter day dawning!
In BRIGHT DAY DAWNING you are introduced to Gwynna Jones, a lovely caring young woman who having borne a stillborn child out of wedlock would be forever marked as a loose woman. Gwynna managed to find a position as a nursemaid at the home of the wealthy Hungertons through the efforts of her friend Essie. When her past was revealed to the old master, she was promptly turned out. Returning to Hedderby she was attacked but then saved by a wonderful young man by the name of Lucas Kemp.
Lucas Kemp was a talented young carpenter who had dreams of becoming independent and was determined to escape the bondage mechanisms the old master of Hungerton used in subjugating his workers to remain forever in his debt. Lucas was smarter than that and planned an escape from under Hungerton's thumb but in the process made a bitter enemy who didn't like losing. As vile as they come Hungerton would release his minions to force Lucas back to his estate and do anything to destroy the lives of both Gwynna and Lucas in the process.
This was a remarkable story and wish I had started with the previous books (PRIDE OF LANCASHIRE and STAR OF THE NORTH) to fully engross myself in this marvelous Preston family saga. Though this was a complete standalone novel it wasn't hard for me to appreciate and imagine how far everyone had come as the author does an incredible job of bringing back and entwining the lives of so many of the inhabitants of Hedderby together. You'll be able to see Carrie and Eli pick up the pieces of their lives as they begin once again to re-build their Pride of Lancashire and rejoice when the wife and children of the murderous Athol Stott are given a new chance at life and love when Jeremiah Channon comes to town to see to his new wards. The reader will embrace all the citizens of Hedderby and be waiting anxiously for the saga to continue to watch them all continue their individual struggles on the road to happiness. This novel will leave you sufficiently content and feeling good while whetting your appetite for more. I highly recommend this book and all the previous ones mentioned in Anna Jacobs "Preston Family Saga".
Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization
