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| Whispers of a New Dawn |
Whispers of a New Dawn by Murray Pura
Harvest House Publishers, 2013
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars*****
Powerful Historical Romance!
In Whispers of a New Dawn, author Murray Pura pens a powerful saga that begins
in the farm laden fields of a peaceful Amish community in Lancaster County, to
the white sands and turquoise waters of the exotic Hawaiian
Islands.
Pilots Jude and Lyyndy Whetstone have arrived back in their Amish community with their daughter, Becky, wondering if it is finally time to settle down with their families once again. Becky received her flying license when she was sixteen years old and has flown in the Caribbean and Africa, a far cry from the little Amish farming community she begrudgingly agrees to visit.
Once settled in however, Becky meets Moses and quickly falls in love with the gentle spirited Amish man, whose words flow like poetry and beautiful dark green eyes that see deep into her soul. Just as she decides to be baptized into the Amish faith and become his wife, a terrible tragedy occurs -- and when the Whetstones are summoned to the beautiful island of Oahu to train fighter pilots for the Army, Becky goes with them.
Becky's newest student, Raven, is brash and they butt heads instantly, but both are driven together by a need for inward healing. On the turbulent road to the bombing of Pearl Harbor...will love come twice in a lifetime for Becky Whetstone? Or will it be snatched away by the war's consuming fire?
Murray Pura has once again written a novel that is guaranteed to take your breath away. Only the very best writers have the power to evoke such a gamut of raw emotions in a reader during those first few pages and I was immediately drawn in--hook, line, and sinker. In the poetic prose Mr. Pura is so well known for, the romance and storyline will sweep you off your feet and cause your heart to soar amongst the clouds...literally. A powerful story of healing and God's love with a dramatic, heart pounding conclusion, this is an absolute must read!
Pilots Jude and Lyyndy Whetstone have arrived back in their Amish community with their daughter, Becky, wondering if it is finally time to settle down with their families once again. Becky received her flying license when she was sixteen years old and has flown in the Caribbean and Africa, a far cry from the little Amish farming community she begrudgingly agrees to visit.
Once settled in however, Becky meets Moses and quickly falls in love with the gentle spirited Amish man, whose words flow like poetry and beautiful dark green eyes that see deep into her soul. Just as she decides to be baptized into the Amish faith and become his wife, a terrible tragedy occurs -- and when the Whetstones are summoned to the beautiful island of Oahu to train fighter pilots for the Army, Becky goes with them.
Becky's newest student, Raven, is brash and they butt heads instantly, but both are driven together by a need for inward healing. On the turbulent road to the bombing of Pearl Harbor...will love come twice in a lifetime for Becky Whetstone? Or will it be snatched away by the war's consuming fire?
Murray Pura has once again written a novel that is guaranteed to take your breath away. Only the very best writers have the power to evoke such a gamut of raw emotions in a reader during those first few pages and I was immediately drawn in--hook, line, and sinker. In the poetic prose Mr. Pura is so well known for, the romance and storyline will sweep you off your feet and cause your heart to soar amongst the clouds...literally. A powerful story of healing and God's love with a dramatic, heart pounding conclusion, this is an absolute must read!
Giveaways: Murray has graciously offered to give away NINE sets of lovely 4x6 glossy bookmark postcards of his Harvest House book covers—one autographed card per set. On every review this week we will draw 3 winners, so make sure you comment on all reviews this week! And OWG is offering a copy of WHISPERS OF A NEW DAWN! If you have posted any reviews on Murray’s books let us know which ones and you will get an extra entry for each one posted!
Question: I learned so much about the history leading up to the events of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in this book. Have you recently read a book that taught you something you didn't know before?
Great review Diana! Would love to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity
ReplyDeletePut this one at the top of your wishlist, LORRAINE! This book was so good that it stayed on my mind for days after I read it! Thank you.
Deletethx for dropping by Lorraine & all the best with this giveaway
DeleteDIANA don't ever let me hear any complaints come out of your mouth about your reviews! LOL They are always amazing. This sounds like another Must-Read by MURRAY...but aren't they all? In answer to your question; I read MaryLu Tyndall's latest book Forsaken Dreams and learned about the thousands of Southerners that moved to South America after the Civil War. I found that fascinating because I've lived in the South for all my life and not once heard this part of history.
ReplyDeleteI was fascinated by that fact too, TERESA! I never knew such a thing ever happened. This is a definate MUST READ, and thank you for your sweet words, gf!
Deletemy guess is they couldn't bear to live in America after losing the war - cheers T!!!
DeleteWell, there was such destruction they didn't want to rebuild or simply wanted to get away from the war's harsh reminders of their loved ones' deaths. Brazil had lush, fertile plots of land they could plant their crops in and start over and a similar climate to the south, and the Brazilian government was very welcoming and helpful in getting them the land.
DeleteGreat Review! Love Murray Pura books. I try to pick something out of the books to learn from. I would love to win.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
joeym11@frontier.com
DIANA, er DANA (lol), I hope you get a chance to read this ASAP! Beautiful story!
DeleteHi Monty! WELCOME HERE!
DeleteWould love to win this contest. Loved the books of Murray's that I have already read. And these cards would be awesome to get.
ReplyDeleteJUANITA, aren't those cards gorgeous!? Hoping for a win for you! You must read this book!
Deletehi Juanita - you're such a great supporter - BLESS YOU!
DeleteWould be an honor to win this book too.
Deletewhat a well-written review! thank you Diana! blessings today & always!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, MURRAY! Your books always touch my soul. Thank you for writing them!
DeleteThat looks like a new and exciting storyline. Would love to read this. Please enter me in the give-away!
ReplyDeleteVERY exciting, heart pounding read, SONJA! Gotcha entered!
Deletecheers Sonja! thanks so much for coming by! all the best with this!
DeleteI loved this book, I knew nothing about Pearl harbour (apart from the fact that it happened) and a happy ending too!
ReplyDeleteCYMRAES, since you loved the book can you write a few sentences on Amazon and let everyone know? That is if you haven't already. :) Thank you for sharing!
Deletethank you so much for your kind and encouraging words, Cymraes! blessings!
DeleteYes, reminded about the Irish ~ not having the money to pay others to go to war in their stead and being paid to go in someone else's place ~ double-sided. They were the music-makers, and undoubtedly raised the spirits of others by their attitudes! half-Irish Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
ReplyDeleteWould absolutely love to win Whispers of a New Dawn by Murray Pura!!
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Thank you for sharing, KATHLEEN! I'm half-Dutch and there are so few fiction books written including Dutch history. :( Good luck in the draw!
Deletehi lane hill house! all the best and thanks for your enthusiasm!
DeleteVery exciting book - I love all history surrounding Pearl Harbor. I can't think of a recent book offhand that has taught me something big - but I always seem to learn more from YOU ALL than I ever did in high school history class. LOL Another great review!
ReplyDeleteSusan P
SUSAN, what a lovely thing to say! Thank you! If you love Pearl Harbor books then this one is right up your alley.
Deletecheers Susan - i hope you like the book and i hope you win a set of bookmarks and postcards!
DeleteSUSAN, I hope you come back and leave an email addy in case your name is drawn. :)
DeleteI will definitely read this one! Thanks Murray for writing it. :) Diana, I think I have gotten to forgetting my email address b/c I comment every day, lol. Since I won the Teal Gift last week I think I will let others win this time! Thanks for reminding me and thinking of me, though!!
Delete***NEWS FLASH*** If you have written any reviews for Murray and posted on Amazon or wherever, please tell us which books (we're going by the honor system here :)) and you will get extra entries for each one! DIANA, I know you have!
ReplyDeleteSOUNDS GREAT! GET YOUR EXTRA ENTRIES IN GALS!
DeleteWonderful review. Did enjoy this very much. This book sounds so interesting on Pearl Harbor. I love any fictional history book. Thank you
ReplyDeleteDiane C.
dian429@yahoo.com
Thank you for coming by, DIANE, and good luck to you in the giveaway! :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the review -- thank you!
Deleteall the best with the contest Diane and i hope you enjoy the book when you get around to it
DeleteHow wonderful and such a great review. I have not read this book yet of Murrays but would love to win it and the postcards.. I love historical fiction... and my brother in the Lord Murray !
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Linda Marie Bradt Finn
faithfulacres7@gmail.com
Deletecheers sister! i hope a set of postcards finds its way to your mailbox!
DeleteWe all love MURRAY, too, LINDA, and this book is the BoMb! Pardon the pun. :P
Deletefaithfulacres7@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis story sounds amazing. Can't wait to read this! Please enter me into the contest for this book. Thanks
ReplyDeleteBrittany McEuen
kbmceuen@yahoo.com
Amazing it is, BRITTANY! Hoping for a win for you.
Deletecheers Brittany! all the best with this & thanks for dropping in!
Deletewow, a Pearl Harbor story with an Amish spin. The cover is gorgeous, and the storyline intriguing, Terrific review!
ReplyDeleteKATHY, welcome back! lol I don't know how MURRAY intertwined the Amish with Pearl so successfully, but he did! Thank you!
Deleteg'day, our Irish Kathleen - always sweet to have you swing by - all the best with your give-away today too
ReplyDeleteGreat review Diana.. I have got Wings of morning and would so love to win this one to go alone with it.. Loved Wings.. Yes I read Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall and learned a lot about the history part .. Was a very good book. I love to read books about the Amish. If this one is as good as Wings I know I will love it.Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
The main characters from Wings are in this one as well and I'm sure you will love the book, ELIZABETH. Thank you~
DeleteI also wrote a review of The Wings Of Morning on Amazon & Goodreads..Loved this book .
ReplyDeleteThanks & Blessings,
lizd225(gmail(dot)com
hi Elizabeth! thanks so much for your enthusiasm and all the best with this contest - yes, it's all the same characters 20 years later
DeleteExtra entries for you, ELIZABETH! I'm sure Murray really appreciates you doing that!
DeleteA very enticing and excellent review! I must admit "Hawaii" was the catch all for me in this one. Please enter me in the give-away! Sincerely, Mary Lou
ReplyDeletethanks Mary Lou - God bless
DeleteThank you for the kind words about the review, MARY LOU! Lots of luck in the drawing!
DeleteMARY LOU, without a last name or email addy we can't contact you should we draw your name. And that always makes me sad, so am hoping you will come back and see this! :)
Deletegreat review. I love to read about the Amish. i am going to check to see if the library carries his books.my email is houswife@gmail.com
ReplyDeletethanks for dropping in Ida - this book is a sequel so make sure you read the first book Wings of Morning - all the best
DeleteHopefully you will win this one here, IDA!
DeleteThis sounds like a really good book. I haven't read any of his books. I have read a lot of historical and inspirational fiction but I have yet to read one that has amish in it.
ReplyDeleteKim
LitlePokie(at)aol(dot)com
hi Kim - i always mix my amish stories with historical fiction because i love historical fiction so much - bless you
DeleteAnd I love both!
DeleteYAY--another Murray book! I can't wait to get my hand on this one as well as the earlier one and a win would help that along. I purchased two of his books so far, and I will have to check to see if I have purchased any others, that are not coming t mind at this point...
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm learning from Murray's Civil war series too!
Vicki OWG (You know my email...)
hey Vicki - super to hear from you and thanks a ton for your support and enthusiasm - God bless!!!
DeleteHey, VICKI! Yes, another FABULOUS Murray book! :) I thought about this book for days after I read it -- it touched me that much.
DeleteAre you back in the States for awhile now, VICKI?
I have read several historical novels and learn something everytime I read them as there is so much research by these novels. I haven't read this book yet but hopefully soon. Congrats on this novel, it sounds interesting!!
ReplyDeleteHelen
hmmbailey@live.ca
Hey, HELEN! MURRAY'S research for his books is impeccable and I have learned alot by reading them. Thanks for sharing!
Deletehi and welcome here Helen! blessings and i hope you get to read this book soon!
DeleteI look forward to reading this book! It sounds absolutely riveting!
ReplyDeleteBetti
bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
It is, BETTI! I had a hard time putting it down even when I was done with it. :)
Deletecheers Betz! it was a blessing to write and i'm so glad it has blessed others like Diana Flowers - and someday you too i hope!
ReplyDeleteI posted a review of Murray's book "The Wings of Morning" on my blog (http://wrensthoughts.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-wings-of-morning-by-murray-pura.html) and on several online bookstores. I really liked the book and had a hard time putting it down. OH, and have some tissues handy while reading it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book, thank you for the chance.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Have some tissues handy for this one, too, WENDY! Extra entries for you, dear friend!
Deletethanks so much for your enthusiasm and support, Wendy - we'll make sure to pass that info along to the folks running the contest - blessings, my dear
ReplyDeleteA beautiful review of a great book!! I always learn something new while reading American fiction. As a Dutchy I don't know many American historical details. I certainly learn something new in all Murray's books.
ReplyDeleteHey, I just posted my 22nd review for a Murray book. Does that give me 22 extra entries to win?? LOL
Always something new and I am an American! But I guess you know that. lol
DeleteNooo, but I think you should be in the Guiness Book of World Records for reading and posting 22 reviews for MURRAY. Oh, and thank you for your sweet words!
three cheers for Marian and Diana
DeleteMaybe just three cheers for MARIAN right now, b/c I have done only about seven so far. BUT wait til I get ahold of Rose, and I have Ashton Park waiting on me here, and all The Painted Sky reviews. Nope still won't catch up with Maid Marian. Guess I'll have to settle for second place in "Murray" reviews. ;)
DeleteNope, you will never catch up with me, DIANA - working on number 23 right now!! I'm catching up with the Seven Oaks volumes and expect my "MURRAY" review count will be 26 by the end of the week. :D
DeleteSooo.... MURRAY now you know what I'm doing when I'm not here. ;)
ACK! 26 "MURRAY" reviews! Nope, as much as I love his books I will never ever catch up! Such a feeling of disappointment. :( Second place Murray reviewer...groan, sigh. Remember the Tortoise and the Hare tho, MB. Don't fall asleep. hehe
DeleteHallo Mr. Pura, Ms. Flowers!
ReplyDeleteI think I missed the last giveaway that involved this series, which is why I am happy I could drop by tonight! :) When I first read the premise of this series, I knew it would be one that I could wrap my mind around! In recent years, I have truly nestled myself into the World Wars Era, finding classic movies, BBC series, and novels alike that share a passion for such a turmultuous period of our history.
One of the last books that I read was about Zelda Fitzgerald, in "Z: a novel of Zelda Fitzgerald" by Therese Anne Fowler - what drew me into the book inasmuch as Zelda's story itself, is the fact that Ms. Fowler was able to paint her world in a voice that contained such a clarity of thought and precison that I felt like Ms. Zelda herself was sitting across from me, telling me her lifestory, or at least the bits in the novel! I didn't realise actually, that the writing salons in France were a bit of a proving ground - if you weren't actively publishing or attempting too therein, they come off being a bit snobby. I was quite shocked to have learnt that Zelda was cast aside, as at that point in time only her husband was known as a writer, not her. And, that too, stung a bit for me, as I read the story, that Zelda's gifts in writing, art, and dance were never truly able to shine in their own light. She was overshadowed and controlled by F. Scott, and that saddened me beyond repair! :(
I love stories that grab you into their vortexes, jettison you off somewhere completely new, and you walk away with the resonance of knowing you've not only learnt something, but you've been humbled by walking through anothers' footpaths,... seeing, sensing, and feeling everything contained in their life, and sometimes, somberly wondering, how it could have been different.
Thank you for offering this bookaway!
I'd be plumb grateful for either the glossy autographed postie OR the book!
inkand-bookaways(at)usa.net
JORIE, I should have had you write this review for me, darlin'! I always love reading your interesting posts...you certainly have a way with words! This book will certainly "grab you into its vortex and jettison you off somewhere completely new!" Now why didn't I think of that! ;)
Deletewhat a thoughtful and meaningful post, Jorie - I am so glad the depth and art of good writing means so much to you - what a blessing to have you drop by - wow
ReplyDeleteMr. Pura and Ms. Flowers ~
DeleteYour words humbled me and uplifted my spirits at just the right moment! I've been working on a secret project since Easter weekend, and your encouragement about my writing and the words I use to express my passion for literature truly touched me! Thank you for giving me such a wonderful reply, and know: it's the writing of writers that have always inspired me, and through my reading, I came to ascertain
THANK YOU, your comments are a blessing to me!
And, Ms. Flowers, you honestly knocked my socks off! I was not expecting you to say what you did,... THANK YOU. I became a wordsmith at a tender age, whereupon dictionaries were amongst my 'favourite reads' next to a thesaurus, of course! I think it's the fact I fell in love with language and words at a time in my life when learning was difficult that led me to being passionate about literature!
Oh, dear, the computer ate part of my comment!
Delete... I came to ascertain that I wanted to write! Writing and reading are two of my main passions {the third is photography}, and I am thankful that they come across in such a positive way!
Hello Murray. I haven't read this book, so I didn't learn anything from it. What I learned about it I heard somewhere else. About 3 big mistakes the japanese made with the attack. Since it was on a Sunday, there were a lot less men on the ships. Most were in worship service. They also didn't bomb the place where most of the planes were, allowing them to attack back fast. And, a real big thing was they didn't bomb the place where the fuel was , which would have left us helpless. I'm still trying to win your book. Please girls, put my name in AGAIN. LOL Thanks for another chance. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMAXIE, it sounds as though this book is really up your alley! Thank you for sharing the info and bless your heart...it's time for another win for you, dear lady!
DeleteGood day Maxie - welcome and God bless you!
DeleteI hope that I win. Sharma Darby rdarby@roadrunner.com
ReplyDeleteSHARMA--thank you for showing an interest in Murray's books! I hope you win, too! I wish I was able to give away a copy of this wonderful book to all of you!
Deletehi Sharma, so nice to see you show up here! blessings today and every day!
DeleteHi DIANA and MURRAY, sorry I'm late but you know the saying.. ;) Really fantastic review Diana... and now I'm going to have push things aside to read this and discover what happens! Plus I feel like having my heart do some soaring.. :)
ReplyDeleteThe most recent book I've learnt something new from would have to be Kathy Maher's 'Bachelor Buttons' where I became aware of the impact that the Civil War had on Manhattan, New York!
I hope your heart soars, NOELA, your toes never curled. :( I'm sure it will (your heart not your toes--lol), b/c the romance scenes are written so poetically beautiful, and the characters are wonderful. I fell in love with all of them. You will def learn more of our country's history as well. Thanks, Aussie love.
Deletehello, mate - haven't heard from you in days so i'm glad you're still boiling your billy - bless ya!
DeleteMURRAY. hahahaha You're a hot mess as we say here in the deep south! :)
DeleteYep, still here boiling my billy MURRAY! :D
DeleteI've read Kathi Macias books Deliver us from Evil series...on human trafficking didn't know it was in America eye opener
ReplyDeleteHey, APPLEBLOSSOM! I haven't read the book, but have heard that Kathi did a great job dealing with a terribly sad topic that is going on under our very noses. :( Blessings~
Deletehi Apple Blossom - thanks for entering the contest and all the best! Nice to have you here!
DeleteI hope to read this novel very soon, I love history! I read the novels Ashton Park and The Face of Heaven. I posted my reviews on all four of my blogs, people love to read novels with history. I love that the author writes his characters with such heart and faith...
ReplyDeletethank you for your sweet words, Lisa - God bless you!
DeleteThank you for coming by, LISA! I'm convinced you love this one as well. And extra entries for you, dear!!
DeletePlease remember to leave your email addy everyone -- unless we are familiar with you here on OWG. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm back!!! thanks for entering everyone!!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like another awesome book from and awesome author!! Can't wait to get it!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous without a name or an email, you really are anonymous! :( Pulleeezze come back and leave your email so we can enter you in the drawing. Hope you can get a copy asap!
DeleteCHEERS & THANKS FOR ENTERING! NEED YOUR EMAIL THOUGH!
DeleteGreat Review Diana,
ReplyDeleteI would like to win this book.
CarolynJ.
ALL BLESSINGS CAROLYN! THANKS FOR SWINGING BY!
DeleteCAROLYN, thank you! Need your email, dear! :)
DeleteSounds like another great book ,Very much enjoying Ashton Park love the education in there keeps me challenged and interested and wanting to keep reading Murray's books, although i have this one on my nook i would love to win a paperback copy so i can pass it on to my brother he is a great civil war fan and loves the battle of Gettysburg books.Diane Cunningham .nursedi808@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDIANE, thank you for letting us know how much you are enjoying Ashton Park. I hope you get the chance to read this one asap. Murray's books are a treat, to be sure!
Deleteblessings Diane - thanks for making it in here - light and life to you
DeleteGood review Diana, I have read Wings and would so love to win this book to go with it. Love the cards and I also collect postcards.. I have also got Ashton Park ,but have not got to read it yet.. Got it today.
ReplyDeleteI also did a review on Wings of morning on Amazon and Goodreads.. Loved Wings of Morning.
Thanks for the contest
Blessings,
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
ELIZABETH-thank you! Extra entries for your reviews! The same characters from Wings are in WHISPERS as well, so you are bound to enjoy it. Blessings~
Deletethis is wonderful, Liz! glad you like the books and i hope you win yourself some postcards! blessings!
ReplyDeleteI reviewed The Face of Heaven....wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteRHONDA
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
I reviewed The Last Waltz...also moving book!
ReplyDeleteI learned a great deal in Casa de Naomi as I did not know a lot about Jewish faith.
RHONDA
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
I also enjoyed and was touched by those two books, RHONDA, and you get extra entries for reviewing them!
DeleteBTW--when I read the post about Murray's postcards, I remembered--I had won those postcards earlier--where did they go? So, I got out all my mail from when we were in Italy, and sure enough--there they were--looking mighty fine, and yes, one was signed. So cool. (I also found some other items that I had been wondering about--it really helps to go through all your old mail--LOL)
ReplyDeleteVicki
That is cool, VICKI! All I find in my mail is bills! Not true...this awesome book was in my mailbox and I almost leapt to the ceiling. Not true either, but my heart leapt and I did let out a WOOT! lol
DeleteI just finished A Heartbeat Away by Harry Kraus and learned that some heart recipients have memories from the donors or their tastes can change to that of their donor, such as music and food. I love learning new things when I read! I've reviewed Ashton Park for my blog and amazon and really enjoyed it. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming by, VERONICA, and for reviewing MURRAYS' book!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Vicki Marney for winning Whispers of a New Dawn, and to Veronica, Ida, and Maxie for winning the lovely postcards! All winners were selected by random number.org.
ReplyDeleteThis is just for my review---others have won books and postcards on the other two "Murray" reviews and will receive emails. God bless and Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDelete