An immersive, well written wartime historical story & romance. This is set in England but features the effects of the outbreak of WW2 in the US and action on the Western front. There were so many small details that made this book so realistic and achieved a significant sense of the experiences and sacrifice during this time, especially amongst the young. I adored Ruby and Sam.

It's1943, and the Second World War is raging. Ruby Mottram works for her local newspaper, the Bartonford Herald, typing up adverts and obituaries, while dreaming of a more exciting life. Between her shift as an ARP warden and caring for her ailing father, the chance for escape doesn't come often. Meanwhile in America's deep south, Sam Archer is hatching a plan to raise enough money to get his mother and sister away from his abusive stepfather. Two chance encounters bring Ruby and Sam together, giving them the chance of love, hope and freedom. This is a mixture of war and romance. We get the backstories of the main characters, Ruby and Sam. The descriptions of the era and events that took place were almost brought to life, I felt the reactions of the local people. This beautiful piece of fiction based on fact, will give you a clearer picture of the perceptions and attitudes of some people during the war. I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeadofZeus and the author #EmmaPass for my ARC of #BeforeTheDawn in exchange for an honest review.

Ruby and Sam meet during WW2 and fall in love. They hide their growing relationship because Sam is an American and for some reason Ruby’s father and Grandmother don’t like Americans. It’s a really nice love story that endures the hardships of war. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

My thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review, which I freely give. This book is in 3 sections : 1943 / 1944 / 1945. is about Ruby Mottram who works for the local paper & Sam Archer a American GI who lied about his age to join the army. They each tell there story. Basically it is a lovely story. Mixture of happy times & sad times. Ruby lives with her widowed father who was badly gassed in WWI. It is a struggle to work and look after him. I enjoyed this story however. I have a few concerns about this book and wonder if the author did any research about WWII (1) At a dance Sam asks Ruby for a dance and addressers her as Ms Mottram - the term Ms is a modern form of address for a female, not during WWII. (2) Ruby was crying and who she worked with gave her some tissues ! again this a modern invention, and the author had already stated earlier in the story that the local news paper where Ruby worked had to cut the use of paper. The eve before D. Day Richard Dimbleby reported from a air base 'somewhere in England' that aircraft had taken off to ahead of the invasion ! I think not. Reports were not given about the invasion to well into the day. Also the Germans would have heard the aircraft coming. The aircraft that took part on the first day were 'Gliders' these were huge - size wise in my estimation can be like the Lancaster bombers. The headed for Pegasus bridge. A glider can be seen here in the museum. (4) Also the author talks of just England & USA on the invasion. What about Canada ? My father a Normandy vet and British, his unit went with the Canadians to Juno beach. (5) Sam's unit - all of them left the air field and the food behind. Also when Sam is telling his story, which does not include Ruby, I did not like the constant use of the 'F' word. Sadly this is creeping in to so many books now. I can recommend - that is if you do not mind the bad language.