Book review: Before the Dawn

Dean Hughes, popular LDS author of more than 90 books, has created a book unlike any he has written: "Before the Dawn." This tragic, yet heartwarming novel follows Leah Sorensen, a strong and stubborn woman living during the Great Depression.

As a widowed mother of two, Leah has plenty of work to do. From plowing the dry fields in hopes of a large harvest to scrimping to save money to send her teenagers to college, she is very aware of the trials in life. But when Bishop Bowen asks her to be the new Relief Society president, Leah faces the largest obstacle of all: forgetting her pride and serving other women, who may or may not like her.

It is a humbling experience to watch Leah and the other Relief Society sisters soften their hearts and allow past wounds to heal. As the women struggle to survive as a group—and survive the Depression—they learn what it means to be sisters, and that charity, indeed, never faileth.

This novel is a great pick for women of all ages and provides a deeper look into everyday life during the 1930s.

Deseret Book; $22.95