Before the Dawn by Carolyne Aarsen
Reviewed by Pebbles Jacobo, Radiant Lit
Genre: Christian Fiction
Publisher: Guideposts
Publication Date:  2008

Upon Denise’s untimely death, her will names her estranged parents, Bob and Charlotte, as guardians of her three children. The children, having lived their entire lives in California feel as if it is punishment to have to move to a farm in Nebraska where Bob and Charlotte live.

At a time in her life when Charlotte should be spoiling her grandchildren she is becoming their new parental figure and disciplinarian. Each of the children has their own issues and has a few things to accept in transitioning to their new life without their mom – to living with family they barely know.

Aarsen did an excellent job of telling the story of a family. The story line flowed well. Though I am not yet a mom, I related with Charlotte and her struggle to get her house in order. Just because it worked for her children, it should be good enough for her grandchildren, right?

I enjoyed how Aarsen leads the reader on a personal journey, sharing about Charlotte’s faith, struggles, and victories. I will warn you, though, you may find tears streaming down your cheeks as I did. I thought I would be able to put the book down and pick it up again in the morning. WRONG! A few hours into the book and I was still reading! It made for an excellent Friday night read.

Rated: G