London Dawn

February 15, 2014

In this final book in the "Danforths of Lancashire" trilogy, the first rumblings of Hitler's atrocities are beginning to reach Lord Preston and his family, making them aware of the effects of war. Catherine and Albrecht are in hiding owing to Albrecht's incendiary writings but manage to make it to their chalet in Switzerland with the help of the baron. The household ultimately reunites in England, but the Battle of Britain and the Blitz loom on the horizon. Can the clan make it through the war unscathed? Prayers and faith in God may not be enough to keep these horrors at bay. The plot keeps winding until the satisfying finale. VERDICT Pura's engrossing historical account of a British family struggling with the uncertainties of war and an out-of-control dictator with seemingly limitless power makes for a heartfelt conclusion to a family saga reminiscent of Downton Abbey. Fans of the first two books (Ashton Park; Beneath the Dover Sky) and of period fiction will take a shine to this one.

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