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14 January 2014

Murray Pura's new release LONDON DAWN reviewed by Marian Baay

London Dawn


Reviewed by Marian Baay
~5 stars ~*****

Oh, how I enjoyed this last book in The Danforths of Lancashire Series! I even think I enjoyed this one the most of all. I was hooked from the first page where I was back at Ashton Park in 1934 and from there I was thrown right into a tense political situation in Germany with Catherine and Albrecht…and that was just the beginning of the action. The many twists and turns in this book kept me glued to the pages as each time I learned something new about the Danforth family members—they never cease to amaze me.

Several of Lord William and Lady Elizabeth’s grandchildren have joined the Royal Air Force, Navy, and Army. When Hitler starts the air attack on Britain in 1940, Lord Preston cannot do much more than pray for his family while they are flying their Spitfires to defend Britain from the German fighters. But will his prayers be enough to keep them all alive?

This is one of the most powerful fiction books I have read this year. The story is realistic, vividly written, and has a strong plot.
This book touched my heart in many ways; it had my heart racing several times when I witnessed the air battles—I could almost hear the roaring of the Spitfires’ engines and hear the bullets whistle by. There was heart-pounding action in the sea battle—it was like watching a movie as I saw the white caps thrashing the battle ship and heard the seagulls cry. There was heartache when loved ones died, but also heart-stirring romance when grandchildren found new love.

London Dawn was a perfect conclusion of this trilogy, but I hate to say good-bye to the Danforths. I shared in their joy and sorrow and won’t forget them soon.
Praise to the author for writing such an excellent series. Well done, Mr. Pura!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Find Murray’s books at Amazon, CBD, B&N, DeeperShopping, and other bookstores.
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GIVEAWAY: Winners choice of a copy of one of the books in The Danforths of Lancashire series; Ashton Park, Beneath the Dover Sky, or London Dawn—paperback or ebook.
Why would you like to win? 
Leave a comment and your email address to be entered in the contest.

131 comments:

  1. Thanks MARIAN for this wonderful review! Having read the first in the series, it was really interesting to read your review. I can see from your review that the quality of this series continues on to the conclusion which is fantastic, and like yourself - the story, plots, and characters have stayed with me also - a mark of a great author in my opinion!!

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  2. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN. ANGELACHESNUT246@GMAIL.COM

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  3. paperback London Dawn
    Thank you for this offer of Murray Pura's newest novel! I would love to read of the grandchildren's lives to conclude the Danforths trilogy! Prayers do touch the sky and hearts heeding His call. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Sounds like you have enjoyed the previous books in this series, Kathleen. Good luck!

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  4. Great review - I love reading books that make me feel I'm right there and "see" the things going on. I will put this on my want list!
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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    1. Then you certainly enjoy Murray's books, Susan.

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  5. What a wonderfully, descriptive review, MARIAN! I need to get to this series, but first I have another "Murray" book that a special someone gave me for Christmas that I must read first! :)

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  6. I would like to win because I read Dover and loved it! Murray is a fantastic author and I don't want to miss out! Thanks for the opportunity.

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    1. Then you just have to read this book, Sonja! Good luck.

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  7. Sorry forgot email. Sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com

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  8. I'd love to have London Dawn in paperback, I have all the others.(I want all my Murray Pura books in paperback !! ).. Faye Simer ..xstitchgranny2000@yahoo.com

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  9. This sounds like an exciting book. I am so looking forward to getting involved again.
    wyndyc at gmail dot com
    http://wynswonderland.blogspot.ca

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  10. I would love to win either the first or second books in this series, as I have won the third and would love to read the books in order, also I have yet to convince my library to purchase these books.
    csaunderson123@gmail.com

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    1. Yes, these books must be read in order, so I wish you all the best in the contest, Miss C.

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  11. Nice review! Love Murray Pura's books!
    Kathy Faberge
    finulhour@sbcglobal.net

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  12. Book one sounds like a good place to start...
    angeldove7dt@gmail.com

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  13. I would love to win any of these books, my ebook library is very sad looking, and our library does not have these in either.
    monidick@hotmail.com

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  14. These books sound so good and interesting. Of course, it helps that Murray is the author. :)

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  15. I've read Ashton Park and now reading Dover Sky. Ahhhh. I love this series. So full of history, romance. The total package and SO MUCH BETTER THAN DOWNTON ABBEY! Great job Murray!

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    Replies
    1. I totally agree with you, Karen!

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    2. Wow!! Better than Downton Abbey???? Off to order book 1 NOW!! :)

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  16. Would love to have the opportunity to win this book The covers are just so beautiful and I know Murry's books are great! Thanks
    Kathy Milburn
    bearangel0@yahoo.com

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  17. I would love to win so I can check these books out! They sound really good and I need some new reading material!
    amandatonar@netzero.net

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  18. I sure hope that I win. Sharma Darby

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  19. I would love to win Beneath the Dover Sky, I have Ashton Park. thanks for doing this. p_cowans@yahoo.com

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  20. Ashton Park-I would love this in Paper. Love your books! Keep writing!
    mandn@wisper-wireless.com

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  21. London Dawn
    mgolden78@yahoo.com

    If I Win can I get my copy autograph please
    TY

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  22. I love Murray's books and if I win I would love to have paper back of Beneath The Dover Sky . I have Ashton Park.
    Hey there Murray. Thanks for the giveaway.
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. I would greatly appreciate any one of these books. Murray's writing inspires me to life and to writing. I want to encourage others as I see Murray encouraging people. PG PS. An autographed copy would be special, but the content is what really counts!
    patgerbrandt@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks for dropping by. I agree that Murray is a great encourager.

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  24. I should add, I would like London Dawn or Ashton Park. Please enter my request in the contest. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. If you win then you can let us know what copy you'd like to have. Good luck!

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  25. Although I love the Amish genre the most, Murray Pura has done an excellent job at reeling me in to his other works....including The Danforths of Lancashire series. I love Downton Abbey and find it to be a similar type of story line. I adored the first book in the series, Ashton Park and have been chomping at the bit for a chance to win Beneath the Dover Sky. That would just be fantastic!!!
    Thanks for the opportunity!
    Susan Ferrell
    susan828(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. For me it was the other way around--I'm not a great fan of the Amish genre, but I loved Murray's Amish books. :)

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  26. I don't think that I have ever read any of Murray's books. Thanks for the chance to win!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  27. This series is on my TBR list for 2014 so I would be happy to read any of them - thanks for the chance to win :)
    Stimmer@familylife.com

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  28. I would love to win Beneath The Dover Sky! I already have Ashton Park!
    wrldtraveler101@gmail.com

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  29. Would love to win Ashton Park - sounds like a great series to start reading!

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  30. If I won, I'd like to have "Beneath the Dover Sky" as I already have Ashton Park. Thank you Murray for more chances to win your books!
    teamob4@gmail.com

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  31. I would like to win one of Murray Pura's books because I love to read historical novels and every book I've read of his has been worth every minute spent. And I haven't read any of this particular series. Thanks for the chance to win!

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    1. I love what you said about reading his books, Carol. Good luck.

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  32. I love books from that time period of World War II. My grandfather fought in that war and though he's gone now, I feel closer to him when I visit that time period. Miss you, Opa. My email is ljgarrity80 at gmail dot com. Thanks!

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    1. That's good to hear, Lisa. Opa -- sounds Dutch. That's what we say here too.

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    2. Also German:-)

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    3. Of course. I've also learned that language. :)

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  33. I have read the first book in the series, and according to the above review, they keep getting better. I would like to win a paperback copy of the second book, Beneath the Dover Sky. I love Murray Pura's books, especially this series! My email is: domanca@hotmail.com
    Thank you!
    Cathy Doman

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    1. Great to hear you love Murray's books. You're entered!

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  34. I would love a copy of the second book, Beneath the Dover Sky. I love the art work on the books so much that even tho I prefer to have a book this is one book that I. Would like to own the paper version of, klemmk.c@gmail.com

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  35. Great review. I love Murray's books.
    Tammy Hudson
    HUBTIVOLI1@YAHOO.COM

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  36. Enjoyed your review, Marian! I've read great reviews on his books and I've tried to win, but haven't been successful. Since I've become disabled, I cannot buy all the books that I use to buy when I could work. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  37. I thank you for your wonderful review, Marian. thanks for the contest. I loved" Ashton Park and would love to win "Beneath the Dover Sky" . Believe it or not, our library, Bayne Library in Pgh, PA does not carry any of Murray's books so I would love to read this 2nd in the series. I will ask the library to invest in his books. Thanks!
    flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com.

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    1. It would be great if the library would invest in Murray's books. Good luck in the drawing.

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  38. Marian, I have not read any books in this series. However Murray is among my favorite authors. I enjoyed your review and look forward to this series of books . will add to my TBR list. Thank you .
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I'm sure you will enjoy this series as well, Jackie.

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  39. It's a fascinating time period with the world on the brink of war. The trilogy sounds marvellous.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  40. I enjoy Murray's writing and would love to win one of these books.

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  41. Please put my name in the pot, would love to win! Looks like a great read! bsparkplug3@gmail.com Blessings!

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  42. My favorite Male author !!!! I would love to win and read one of the books from this series, prefer to start with book 1...smile
    Blessings
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

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  43. I would love to win because I've been really wanting to read this series. Downton Abbey is okay, but I would LOVE a more Christian base so this sounds GREAT! :D

    Blessings,
    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

    amada_chavez(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

    P.S. I read about the changes and I wasn't sure I should leave my email or not since I'm a regular. But I went ahead and put it this time just in case.

    Hugs~Amada

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    1. It's always good to leave your email, but some people don't like to do it, so it's okay you've done it, Amada. Good luck in the contest.

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    2. Okay good! :) I don't mind leaving it. Thank you!

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  44. I'd like to win because I don't own a book by this author.
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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  45. ASHTON PARK is Book 1, I think, and a hardcopy please when I win! ha! I would like to read them in order. I have not read this series and would love to win it I enjoy historical fiction and about Germany in the war, as well. sharon wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  46. I would love a chance to read any of the books centraleast2 at gmail dot com

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    1. Then you'd best start with book 1 if you win. Good luck.

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  47. What a lovely review, Marian! Thank you for sharing with us!! I would love to win either Beneath the Dover Sky or London Dawn(in paperback form) for the simple fact that I would like to finish this excellent series. Once I started reading the first one, I had difficulty in putting it down. ;) ~ Juli
    emeraldelena@hotmail.com

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    1. Great to hear that, Julianna! Yes, you must finish this series. The books get better and better!

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  48. I would love to win the book, London Dawn. I love the cover picture !!! Winston Churchill & London Blitz. Servants /maids in a high society with a rich & powerful family in a big mansion or a castle. Mothers & Sweethearts wrote love letters to the soldiers overseas.
    JKTerrazas09@aol.com

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    1. Then I hope you have read the previous two books, Kim. It's hard to read them out of order. Good luck.

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  49. I can't wait to read this last book in the series! I have read the other two books in the series, and I loved them! I am glad there are some awesome Christian writers out there that write such great books, books that capture us and pull us into the wonderful stories! Thanks also for the review-Marian, it was a great sneak peek into the book!! cardgirl-andjesusfreak@hotmail.ca

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    1. You're welcome, Emma. It was fun to write this review. Glad to hear you enjoyed the other two books in this series. Good luck.

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  50. This series has been on my TBR list for quite a while and your review only served to intrigue me even more! This sounds like just the sort of series I love!
    Thanks for a great review and for hosting this giveaway!

    amyputney89 [at] gmail [dot] com

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    1. Time to get started on this series, Amy. :) All the best in the drawing.

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  51. Wonderful review Marion.
    I love to read historical Christian fiction and this one sounds great. The cover is beautiful.

    I have not read any of this series and would love to win one. Thanks for a chance to win.
    Blessings,Tina
    tfrice@comcast.net

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  52. I love your reviews Marian. Very well done. My brother fought in this war. Also other kin and friends. I know of two brothers out of four who never returned. One of the survivors turned out to be a brother-in-law. I love to hear stories of this war of WW ll. My last husband 's squadron was in the home of Hitler's mom and sister, when they took it over for a base. I sure hope I can win this book to complete this series. Thanks for the opportunity to win it. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Hey Maxie! You are full of great stories--you would make a great writer!! :)

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  53. We have the series in the church library. I would love to win this book to complete the set. Thanks for the opportunity to do so.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  54. I would love too win the first book in the series looks interesting and I love reading about World War Two stuff

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  55. I've heard a lot about this series and would love to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  56. Not sure if I commented to win the book or not.

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  57. I love books set around the WWII time period and well, anything intriguing like Downtown Abbey catches my attention. Thanks for the chance to win one of Murray's books!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
    OWG

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  58. Your review makes it sounds like a great series! Thanks for the chance to win!
    Nancycooks4u(at)gmail(dot)com

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  59. A new author for me! I would love to win the first one in the series in paperback.
    Thanks for the give away :)
    neadnitromom@aol.com

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  60. Thank you for sharing a great review! I would love to win ASHTON PARK and begin this wonderful series!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  61. Thanks for a wonderful review, Marian! This certainly sounds like an exciting book - I love stories of war, and romance!

    I've never read any of Murray's books - but would love to! I've read so many wonderful reviews of his books, and the large number of comments here confirms them! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of one of the series books!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
    OWG

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    1. I hope you get a chance to read one of Murray's books soon, Bonnie. All the best in the draw.

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  62. This series is getting wonderful reviews. I can't wait to read this series! Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  63. Great to read your review about London Dawn. I have read the firs two in the series and LOVED them. I can't wait to see how the trilogy comes to an end...although that also makes me very sad! Please enter me in your drawing. rckymtngirl17@gmail.com

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  64. Thank you for your great review about London Dawn! I love Murray Pura and have not had a chance to read any of this series yet so it would be awesome to win one of these books! Thanks for the opportunity!
    kcrouse1950 at verizon dot net

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  65. I would love to win because the book sounds absolutely great
    Also please have a terrific,wonderful,blessed week
    Chris Granville
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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