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    Until the Dawn
    Until the Dawn
    Until the Dawn
    Audiobook11 hours

    Until the Dawn

    Written by Elizabeth Camden

    Narrated by Stina Nielsen

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners. The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land. Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateDec 1, 2015
    ISBN9781490699523
    Author

    Elizabeth Camden

    Elizabeth Camden is a RITA and Christy Award winning author. A research librarian at a small college in central Florida, she has published several scholarly articles and four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and her love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. She lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit elizabethcamden.com.

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    Reviews for Until the Dawn

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    • 5/5
      Tuesday, March 8, 2016Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden, © 2015A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.North of New Holland, 1898. Early each morning, Sophie van Riijn arrives at the Dierenpark mansion high above the Hudson River, to calculate the weather readings to telegraph to Washington to the Weather Bureau. Nine years she has been collecting the data to send each day; rain, storm, or shine. There is a groundskeeper, Emil Broeder, and a housekeeper, Florence Hengeveld, who have maintained the abandoned Vandermark estate for several decades, that it not lay in ruins.The tourists come to buy postcards and Dutch cookie treats, painters come to fill their canvases ~ Sophie comes for a respite from the clamor of the small village of New Holland where her father runs a hotel and is the local mayor. How she loves the scent of the open water blowing across the breeze, and the flowers... There is a cove where oysters bed and lilies bloom, quite unordinary for other places in the area. A quiet paradise. That is until the summer day a steamboat from Manhattan brought sightseers, and the tour guide unknowingly told his embellished tale to young Pieter, the great-grandson of Nickolaas Vandermark, the last occupant sixty years earlier.Pieter and his father, Quentin Vandermark, have arrived to stay.This is an intertwining story of the remarkable village girl who soothes the angst of these newer generations of Vandermarks, far beyond what they might have imagined. Used to hearing superstition and grave losses to their family line, they are query to her attendance to them. An excellent cook, the aromas coming from their kitchen bid them come, however wary at first. Her constant peace is uneasy to Quentin, through his constant years of physical pain and anguish.A settling comes, as Quentin begins to speak with Sophie as much as he would like to stay away. Years of turmoil is not easily left behind.***Thank you to author Elizabeth Camden and to Bethany House Publishers for sending a copy of Until the Dawn to me for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
    • 5/5
      How Quintin found faith, it was beautiful. I highly recommend this book.
    • 5/5
      The beautifully woven message of God’s love for each of us throughout this story is exquisite. Sophie and Quinton’s love is so endearing.
    • 3/5
      From a spiritual standpoint, the book is all right. I do admire stories about sharing your faith with others. Sophie is a woman of faith as well as determination.

      All spiritual matters aside, I felt that the book was lacking something. The characters were okay, but nothing phenomenal.

      I just don't see myself continuing on with the series.
    • 3/5
      3.5 starsI haven't read much Christian Fiction, but I needed a story like "Until the Dawn" at this time of year. It's a story about a bitter man (Quentin Vanedermark) who learns to love life and people again, and I adored Sophie Van Riin's character.I couldn't put the book down. I thought that Elizabeth Camden did a great job in developing the story of the paradise known as Dierenpark and the "Vandermark curse" where Elizabeth Camden has seamlessly weaved in Archaeology, Cooking, languages, travel and medical, natural and climate science- all in one book. I certainly didn't like Quentin initially, but I loved his son, Pieter. I enjoyed the understated Romance in the book and came away with a wonderful feeling of joy by the end of the story. Jack Murphy
    • 4/5
      In short, I enjoyed this quick read and was easily swept into the world of Sophie van Riijn and Quentin Vandermark. It is a classic tale of light versus dark in people and how one woman simply wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. The main character, Sophie van Riijn is a stubborn and independent woman of her time who’s only desire is to keep the beauty of Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion, alive and keep the weather station running. When suddenly the family of Dierenpark, the Vandermarks, return after 60 years with the intention of bringing the home to the ground, Sophie works to make her way into their lives. It’s a splendid story of a modern girl, love, religion and science (but not necessarily one or the other, which I appreciated), and mystery.The things that I enjoyed most about this book is that the main female character was described as more than just her relationships (or the failings of them). She came across as a modern girl set in a period of time where her actions weren’t appreciated. I loved the mystery behind the mansion in which the majority of the story takes place. The questions surrounding the Vandermark family kept me hooked through till the end.With that said, I was somewhat disappointed to learn that no part of this story took place in reality. That is, I think it would’ve added a great deal to the story if Dierenpark (by a different name) or the mystery of the Vandermark family was based in some truth but unfortunately it was not. I also felt like there were a lot of missed opportunities to continue to build on Sophie’s independent nature as she became more familiar with the family. Finally, the first few mentions of the weather station and other scientific based statements seemed out of place and were repeated rather then simplified or explained better. I understand the purpose (pushing the scientific nature of Quentin) but it came across as too much and were often the times that I ended up setting the book down to return to it later.Again, overall I did enjoy this book and quickly passed it on to my mother who greatly enjoys books of this nature. We discussed the book together and from that comes my/ our review of the book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and, more specifically, tales such as Jane Eyre (since this story did often remind us of it).Please note: I received a hard copy of this book from the publishers at Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own (with some input from my mother and her experience with the book).
    • 4/5
      Mystery surrounds the great estate of Dierenpark. Will science be able to explain the strange happenings? Or is there a supernatural power at work?Quentin Vandermark is of the belief that if you can't see it or touch it, then it doesn't exist. This includes God and the supernatural power his grandfather, Nickolaas Vandermark, believes is cursing Dierenpark. A tragedy occured 60 years ago and the Vandermark's left Dierenpark abandoned ever since. The family returns without notice, only to see it destroyed. Nickolaas is determined to tear down Dierenpark in hopes of demolishing the "curse" that seems to have haunted the family for centuries. Widowed and injured, Quentin brings his son Pieter with him to Dierenpark to tear down the beautiful home. He is just doing his grandfather's bidding when his life is drastically changed. At Dierenpark he meets Sophie van Riijn, Sophie is a volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau. For the last nine years she has used the roof of Dierenpark for her weather station, without the permission of the owners. Pieter immediately takes to Sophie, not having a mother of his own, he craves a motherly figure. While Quentin is all cynicism, doubt, gloom and depression. Sophie exudes life, hope, joy and faith in every ounce of her being. The past is finally brought to light, but is it in time to save Dierenpark and Quentin? Will science be able to prove the strange goings on? Will Quentin open himself up to love? Or will he brood in his misery until his last breath? "Above all else, love one another."The progressive era is a fascinating time period to read. So many scientific advances and discoveries take place in this era. I am currently watching Murdoch Mysteries (Netflix). It is set in the same time as this book and the scientific progress that is witnessed is incredible! Until the Dawn is a story of good and evil, life and death, hope and despair. With our main characters so completely different it is very clear to see how our beliefs affect every aspect of our lives. The main theme throughout this story is love. Through the good times and difficulties, God has called us to love one another. I have heard that this story has been compared to Jane Eyre and I do see similarities. Quentin is a horrid, miserable man and Sophie longs to see him saved. I won't expand anymore because of spoilers, but if you are a fan of Jane Eyre, I believe you will enjoy this recent publication by Elizabeth Camden.I received a free digital copy of Until the Dawn from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
    • 3/5
      Sophie van Riijn's life revolves around taking weather readings and cooking at the abandoned mansion known as Dierenpark. When Quentin Vandermark, the grandson of Dierenpark's owner, arrives unexpectedly with plans to demolish the mansion and put an end of generations of superstition and rumors about the land and its owners, Sophie's life is thrown into upheaval. Her weather station gives her a sense of purpose and the information she gathers is vital to the Weather Bureau. Willing to fight for Dierenpark, Sophie engages Quentin and sparks fly often. However, Sophie is able to help Quentin's son and hope begins to emerge. Will Quentin destroy Dierenpark and Sophie's dreams? Or will love find a way to prevail when secrets of the past are exposed?Although Until the Dawn is not my favorite Elizabeth Camden novel, I enjoyed it overall. The mysterious history of the Vandermark family held my interest. The plot moved along well. The love story between Sophie and Quentin was intriguing, but a bit unrealistic due to the extreme opposites of character. The mix of opposites attracting and light shining into the darkness is a great ideal, but it didn't quite pan out with the authenticity I was hoping for. At any rate, I still feel that Until the Dawn is worthy of reading. Camden knows how to tell a story andI found myself hoping for a sequel that would explain more about Marguerite's Cove. Until the Dawn does have a prequel, Toward the Sunrise, but those characters were barely mentioned and Until the Dawn read fine as a stand-alone novel. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
    • 5/5
      Title: Until the DawnAuthor: Elizabeth CamdenPages: 348Year: 2015Publisher: Bethany HouseSophie van Riijn is 26 years old, has been engaged three times and finds herself at the mercy of a cranky homeowner. She has spent most of her life at the local estate of a wealthy family who abandoned the mansion sixty years prior. Her town is in desperate need of a financial means to support itself, so they have started a tourism business with the mansion as the center piece. The grandson of the owner arrives on the scene and is filled with anger at how his family home has been used. He has returned to the family home at the request of his grandfather to tear down the house.Sophie intends to find out why the house is to be destroyed as well as champion her hometown as the site for a weather station. She has volunteered for the last nine years to collect weather information daily and telegraph it to Washington, D.C. She feels a sense of purpose and responsibility in this role. Now, her purpose and livelihood are in grave danger of being destroyed. Surely she can convince the grouchy grandson to stop the demolition or at least delay it until she can figure out a way to save it.Elizabeth Camden has a God-given talent for writing wonderful historical romance novels. Each of her novels is a standalone stories filled with God-centered characters. In this story, Sophie van Riijn lives her life looking for the blessings God gives her each day. She is hope-filled, optimistic and grounded in her faith. She lives each day, showing people the love God has shown her. She might be a fictional character, but the way she lives her life is not and is something to be emulated. She shows a wonderful example of compassion, mercy and love to those who are hurting and not always nice to her. What a great example for me! Don’t miss this wonderful story!!My rating is 5 stars.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
    • 5/5
      I just finished reading Elizabeth Camden’s Until the Dawn. Sophie van Riijn is twenty-five years old and living in New Holland, New York (in the Hudson River Valley) in 1898. Sophie cooks for the staff at the Vandermark mansion. The Vandermark mansion has not seen the family in sixty years (just two staff members to take care of the place). The house is supposed to be cursed (and therefore the family and anyone who works there). Sophie also sells cookies to the people that come down the river on steamboats and stop to look at the mansion. In addition, Sophie has installed a weather station on top of the mansion (without permission). She is one of the volunteers around the country that records weather information and sends it to the new Weather Bureau in Washington, D.C. Then one day Quentin and his son, Pieter Vandermark show up. His son happened to overhear the story about the mansion and the curse on the Vandermark family. Quentin comes into the mansion full of fury and fires all the staff. Sophie will have to work hard to convince Quentin to let her keep the weather station and hire back the staff. Unfortunately, Quentin has not returned to stay. He has come to blow up the mansion at the request of father. Without the Vandermark mansion, the town will dissolve. Can Sophie change his mind? Sophie is in luck with Pieter when he is taken with Sophie. Sophie seems to be able to reach Pieter (his grandfather has made him afraid and scared with his stories). It also helps that Sophie is a good cook and no one from the town will work in the mansion (thanks to the stories about the curse and bad luck). Sophie will have her work cut out for her though with taciturn Quentin Vandermark. I enjoyed Until the Dawn. It is an engaging novel that captured my interest and held it until the end. Elizabeth Camden is an excellent writer who creates characters that readers will love (or at least like). I loved the descriptions of the mansion. It sounds so lovely. I could spend days just in the library. It was interesting to read about the newly created Weather Bureau and their use of volunteers. I give Until the Dawn 4.5 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of Until the Dawn from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      We were introduced to the Vandermark family in Toward the Sunrise: An Until the Dawn Novella by Elizabeth Camden and now the story of this family continues when Quentin Vandermark returns to the family home for the first time in sixty years.Sophie van Riijn has used the mansion for her weather station, and now she finds out that Quentin has returned to tear down the home, that is believed to be cursed, and being an architect his Grandfather wants him to handle the demolition. We walk these grounds with both Sophie and Quentin and we see the beauty of this place on the Hudson River, and I hated the idea that this place would be destroyed.Quentin has also brought his troubled son with him, still suffering nightmares from being kidnapped the previous year. Poor little guy had been locked in a closet, and we watch him blossom at this beautiful place, and being around Sophie.Is there a chance of romance between these two, it seems that Quentin’s grandfather main purpose is concealing family secrets and wants the mansion destroyed at all costs.I enjoyed this look at early America and specifically the New York City Area, and how much things have changed, but this book brought out the unspoiled beauty of the area, and I loved the story and you will have to read to the last page to see how things turn out. Enjoy!I received this book through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.