Facing the Dawn

Written by Cynthia Ruchti

Narrated by Libby McKnight

While her humanitarian husband Liam has been digging wells in Africa, Mara Jacobs has been struggling. She knows she’s supposed to feel a warm glow that
her husband is eight time zones away, caring for widows and orphans. But she is exhausted, working a demanding yet unrewarding job, trying to manage their
three detention-prone and needy kids, failing at her to-repair list, and fading like a garment left too long in the sun.

Then Liam’s three-year absence turns into something more, changing everything and plunging her into a sunless grief. As Mara struggles to find her
footing, she discovers that even when hope is tenuous, faith is fragile, and the future is unknown, we can be sure we are not forgotten … or unloved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705016930

Cynthia Ruchti

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope. She’s the award-winning author of 16 books and a frequent speaker for women’s ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin. Visit her online at CynthiaRuchti.com.

Reviews for Facing the Dawn

[TAMMY OBERLIN · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Powerful story! Cynthia Ruchti captured my ‘book heart’ in so many ways within this novel: sorrow, humour, frustration, anger, sarcasm, silly and random thoughts, joy, highs and lows, assumptions, the bond of friendship, fears, growth, sacrifice, and so much more. I would go from laughing out loud, to feelings of mom camaraderie, to tears — over and over.

This book made me feel challenged in so many ways. She absolutely nailed so many little things that we humans do in moments The steadfast love of God, and how He can work through all situations, were clear messages in this beautiful novel. of confusion, angst, and grief.

I had bought the paperback but listened to some of the audiobook on Scribd as well. The narrator did a great job.

I hope there is another book because I don’t want to leave the characters just yet……

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In "Facing the Dawn" Cynthia Ruchti has managed to provide a kaleidoscope of emotions. We are driven from the depths of despair and grief upon grief, to the value of friendship and love, all the way up to the goodness of God's healing and sovereignty. She sprinkles the "fingerprints of God" throughout her story. Cynthia shows how Jesus is working in people's lives through many different scenarios and in daily and forever relationships. Each of her books is better than the last. This is a book I shall reread often and give as gifts to those I know will be helped by it.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is powerful; it will take your breath away! The author captures the raw truth about parenting, grief, and just how overwhelming life is at times! She brings you through the story with a kaleidoscope of emotions and circumstances but also with humor, reminding how God is with us in every moment we face.Mara is what you might call a “single” married Mom. Her husband is a humanitarian in Uganda providing water and wells for the impoverished. She has been keeping the home fires burning with working and dealing with her 3 children. The two teenagers are in full rebellion, and her sweet preteen is always her bright spot. Everyone is missing and needing Dad. She battles resentment for him not being there for his own family and guilt because of the importance of his work.Then the real bottom falls out. She suffers 2 devastating life changing catastrophes. Her world and life are turned upside down and she is paralyzed by the events and her family’s future. Her forever best friend (as she calls her) Ashlee had moved back to town and not a minute too soon. Ashlee’s deep faith and personal journey with brokenness becomes a lifeline for Mara. One she doesn’t want at first. She continually turns Mara back to God and His truths. Ashlee never gives up, nudging her forward when she wants to give up. I sure wish I had an Ashlee in my life. Ruchti brings lightness to such heavy moments with Mara’s wonderful sense of humor. The humorous thoughts you have in serious times that are so inappropriate and tactless that you dare not speak them out loudI have not experienced these exact circumstances but I could relate to Mara’s pain and confusion. What it is like to be incapacitated emotionally, physically and spiritually to the point you are helpless. A very moving inspirational story! I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed are my own.

[gincam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Facing the Dawn" is a beautifully-written contemporary family drama from author Cynthia Ruchti. While the characters have all-too-human faults, and are not always entirely likeable, a devastating tragedy will test them beyond their expectations. Ultimately, glimmers of hope will shine through. Mara Jacobs is an overwhelmed mother of three--two teenagers, Dylan and Chelsea, and a twelve year old, Jeremy. Her husband, Liam, is in the third year of a four-year global humanitarian mission to bring clean drinking water to those in need around the world. While Liam has earned accolades for his work, his family has suffered in his absence. Mara is stressed to the max, dealing with unhappy children and the rigors of daily life in general--can she hold on for one more year until Liam comes home? When news of a shattering accident and an unimaginable loss reaches Mara and her family, their lives are forever changed. Mara, who had already been struggling mightily, must now also deal with the crushing grief felt by herself and the children. An old friend, a new acquaintance, and a renewal of faith may just bring Mara and her family through the darkness and help them to face the dawn. I highly recommend this deeply emotional, poignant work of women's fiction, and I look forward to reading more work by the very talented Cynthia Ruchti.Book Copy Gratis Revell Books

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Facing The Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti wrecked me. And reached me. I don’t think I have ever read a novel more Spirit-filled than this one. Oh, its genre is women’s fiction, but the story that unfolds is one we all face at one time or another. I don’t mean that our lives will mirror main character Mara Jacob’s, but that we all face loss — of loved ones or security or dreams. And God can seem so far away and our lives so parched that we feel we will shrivel up. At first the story seemed too much. But as Ruchti weaves the hope through the hopeless, we see glimpses of God’s grace, mercy, and provision. I may be making this book sound super-religious. It’s not. It’s about how God can take our hurts and turn them into something useful and beautiful. Mara’s internal voice is snarky and so human. I loved that Ruchti did not shy away from Mara expressing anger and lostness. Supporting characters, and I do mean supporting, are wonderful. The transformation Mara goes through, along with that of her children, is a testimony of the faithfulness of those who come alongside us in our life journey. One particular sentence resonated with me — What we thought was pain upon pain paved the way for the work of God. See, Spirit-filled.Facing The Dawn was not an easy or quick read for me. I needed breaks to ponder and rest. If you read this book you will understand. And I do hope that you will read it because from me it is very highly recommended.Very Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Facing the Dawn is filled with beautiful words, overwhelming emotions, and characters that could be you and me. Mara Jacob's feelings are vividly portrayed as she journeys into the world of overwhelming grief. It appears that she will drown in a sea of sorrow as she copes with her husband's unexpected death, and shortly after, another tragic loss. Thankfully, she has people who love her, and they become her lifelines in her efforts to find solid footing.This book has exceptional characters, and realistic situations but faith and hope are the keys to Facing the Dawn. Author Cynthia Ruchti has created a tale that is heart-tugging and heartbreaking, but ultimately, an encouraging and gratifying story! Ruchti shares many references to God and his Word, but she also offers meaningful and eye-opening observations.Sacred and scared have the same letters. "When life falls apart, God's Plan hasn't. It's still active but adds a soul-healing component."Facing the Dawn is a hard book to read because it has all of the emotions we associate with death. It may make you cry, but it also shares a message of love and hope. It is a stunning book that will stay with me for a long time, and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. There was no obligation for a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.

[grandmacootie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the very first page I was struck by the quality of the writing. it’s excellent. Beyond excellent. Author Cynthia Ruchti’s use of words and phrases and hidden meaning, the flow, the humor, it just grabs you and keeps you turning pages. And that’s just the writing. The story, the plot, is full of life – and death. Of faith and loss of faith, of hope and hopelessness. Mara experiences loneliness and despair and the highs and the lows of parenthood, discovers treasured friendships, and maybe, just maybe, starts seeing some sunshine where there used to be only darkness and clouds.Poor Mara. And I mean that sincerely. This woman just can’t catch a break. When we meet her she is being lectured by the school principal over birthday treats. The glimpse into the thoughts bouncing around in her head then and later is so funny. Because Mara is funny. But her life isn’t funny. Whatever Mara expected out of this stage of her life, this wasn’t it. She’s in Wisconsin with a pre-teen and two teenagers. Her husband Liam is in Uganda for four years, digging wells to provide much-needed water. Mara is proud of Liam. How can she not be? He’s a hero. She believes in what he’s doing and encouraged him to fulfill his mission, his dream and assured him they would be fine, she could cope very well, thank you. But Mara is not coping. She’s at the end of her rope. She needs a husband who’s present, her children need a father who is there for them in body as well as spirit. Her house is falling apart, her job is dead-end. She resents Liam for being gone, and the guilt over that resentment is killing her, turning her into someone who’s afraid to make a decision, a choice, afraid to make a move. Someone who is angry with her saintlike husband more often than not, who seems to always expect the worst from her children. So how much longer can she go on like this? And then just when things seem so bad she can’t imagine how they could get worse, they do. And then again.Mara is many things besides lost and afraid. She’s clever, caring and capable. She still has faith, even if she doesn’t feel it. She’s strong even if she feels weak. And she can survive, even if she doesn’t think that is possible. All she sees when she looks in the mirror is a woman who can’t cope, who is proving that yes, God can give you more than you can handle. Mara is drowning and doesn’t know how to raise her head out of the water.Mara is so achingly human you can’t help but identify with her, see yourself in her. Those funny, self-deprecating, sardonic thoughts bouncing around in her head will make you chuckle, but the overwhelming tragedy of her life will make you cry. You want to hug her, to ease her pain. You want to simultaneously shake and comfort her children. And whisper to them all that tomorrow will be a better day, have faith, have hope.Facing the Dawn was the first book I read by author Cynthia Ruchti. How have I missed out on this fabulous writing, these marvelous characters, these superbly plotted stories that tear at your heart? I received an advance copy of Facing the Dawn from Revell Books via LibraryThing. I was not required to write a positive review, but I cannot say enough positive things about this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are no sufficient words that would describe how deeply this book touched me. In the midst of reading the story, I faced a very difficult situation. A very special and dear friend was tragically killed in a car accident a week ago. I am still in shock and haven’t processed it yet. This book is about grief and how a woman faces it head on. I prayed that among the pages God would give me words to comfort me. The main character at times seemed almost bitter at the situation of her life. She was raising three kids alone as her husband was thousands of miles away. His work as a humanitarian was demanding but fulfilling. I can understand Mara’s frustration as she deals with a son who has chosen to deter from what is right to a place where he is slipping away from reality. It was hard to read the devastating news Mara receives about her husband. Oh how my heart broke for her as she now faces a life alone without her spouse. There are moments she is angry because her husband chose to live far away. The author guides us through Mara’s grief process one step at a time. I absolutely adored her friend Ashlee. She reconnects with Mara at a time that only God could have ordained. Her compassion is evident as she becomes a lifeline for Mara. I liked how the author emphasizes the importance of allowing people to walk beside you as you grieve. Just when I thought the story was starting to settle down a bit, another tragedy strikes Mara. This one was extremely difficult and I cried as she faced the grim truth of a life lost so unexpectedly. I’m sure she blamed herself at times but there in the shadows was God whispering that she was not alone. The faith element in the story is deep and shared scriptures that gives hope for a new day. I pondered over the title for quite awhile. I wanted God to show me what it meant for me as I grieve for my friend and my brother who I lost almost two years ago. I felt this stirring within me that said that though I miss those who have died, I must now face a new day. Just like Mara who found a way to get peace and close a chapter in her life, I need to do the same. I appreciate the author writing a story that digs up our hidden hurts and opens them for healing. She shows us through Mara that we can go on, we can forgive and we can find peace. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti is a Christian contemporary women's fiction story. The story focus on Mara who's husband Liam is working in Africa to provide clean water for the people there. The story takes place over a year in the family's life in which Mara loses Liam to a tragic accident and her youngest shortly after.This is a very well written story with bits of humor showing up in unexpected places. The story is so well written that at times it is hard to remember it is fiction. The story also is a very emotional story that will tug at the reader's heart. I enjoyed reading this story and enjoyed seeing how the two older children turned their lives around after the death of family members. I really hope there are more books coming to allow reader to see how the family grows after the year of mourning.That being said, I really did not like the parents as they appear very self absorbed with what they wanted, not taking into consideration how it would affect the children. Liam went to work for a company that took him away from his family for four years with only phone calls and emails. His home and family suffered greatly, yet Mara convinced him not to come and and repairs were not made to the home. Mara worked part time and found time to make unwanted school treats, yet she couldn't find time to do laundry.I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is going to make you cry and question why things happen the way they do. This will help you to rebuild your faith or make it stronger. This is a wonderful way to look at how people process their grief differently. It was hard to read this story in places because I wanted to cry so hard. I received a copy of this book from the author fir a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow, this book made me feel so many emotions! Cynthia Ruchti crafts a novel that is deep and complex, written with engaging characters that made it easy for me to feel connected to them in the story. The author does not shy away from tough subjects such as grief, depression, substance abuse, and broken faith, but she does so in a way that brings forth hope and growth in the novel. I loved the friendships in the story and liked that the focus was on Mara’s changes rather than much romance, which made for a great woman’s fiction novel. I had a hard time putting the book down the further I read and I greatly enjoyed the captivating tale. I also found myself reflecting on the spiritual themes of forgiveness and trust and identifying areas I could grow in my own spiritual journey. I definitely recommend this novel and look forward to reading more by this author!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[maggie.chavarria · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Facing the Dawn is about Mara and her shocking losses, and her journey to heal. I honestly think this book should come with a disclaimer, and this would probably be considered a spoiler. The loss of her husband is not the only loss she encounters. The second loss, almost immediately after that of her husband, is of her child. Her very young son either accidentally overdoses or commits suicide. I was so shocked reading this and felt very uncomfortable not knowing this would happen. I think for people who may have personal experience with this, would probably have liked to know this before reading it. I also did not realize how much “faith” would be in this book. It is definitely a Christian novel, which would be fine, if that’s the sort of genre you are interested in. It was very heavy on the Christian faith.I overall liked the story of the book, but the story was a very small part of the book and I wish more had happened. It was lot of internal searching and talking with her “forever friend”, Ashlee. I also thought there was too many instances when referring to Ashlee as her “forever friend”. I think saying this once is enough, not multiple times.I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

[pamelabarrett · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Facing the Dawn is about Mara, a woman who has convinced herself and everyone else that she can take care of herself and her family, with no help from anyone. She has even convinced her husband who is on a mission in Uganda to dig wells in remote villages. It’s been years since he has been home. The problem is that two of her three kids are acting out, getting into trouble, and she doesn’t want to admit that things are more than she can handle. But that is about to change when multiple tragedies force her to recognize her need for other people to walk in dark places with her. There is much to relate to about Mara and how she handles life, I could relate to how she deflected getting in touch with her feelings by using sarcastic humor, but even that got to be a little too much. What really touched me was towards the end when she got out of her comfort zone and walked into the unknown. I don’t want to spoil it, but this part brought me to tears.

[mpmills · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mara was home alone with three children while her husband was in Uganda helping small villages find safe water. She was barely handling her life when tragedy struck in Uganda. I was put off at first by all the religious undertones, but soon changed my mind. This was a journey through Mara’s first year of grief, and I believe it was beautifully told. Yes, her friend, Ashlee, who just happened to pop back into her life after years was very convenient, but wouldn’t we all like to have an Ashlee in our lives? And her teenage children did not respond like I know most do. But, it was a story I both laughed and cried through. A surprisingly good book!

[carolee888 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The author writes with skill and makes the pages turn. I do not agree that Christian faith is the only one to draw strength from, and I tend to back away when I read the "hard sell" approach. Cynthia Ruchti does faith selling in this book but there is a two-way split here. I embrace the idea of the value of friendship, support from others and learning to ask for help. The part I back away from is that you need to put your troubles in God's hands and then feel relief. That may be why that even though I am a believer, I have trouble fitting in religiously.The argument that this book is too depressing to read does not hold for me. I have been through much sorrow in my life, so I know that there are times when one terrible thing or problem comes one after another or sometimes several problems emerge at the same time. This is the way life is. But I do know that it will pass.A part of the book intrigues me about dyes in fabrics being developed to withstand the hot and relentless sun. I used to be in an African dance group and I have a costume that is strong and vibrant. I would like to know more.Even though I do not agree with everything in this book, I did enjoy it and the chance to think about things that I have ventured into before.My thoughts and feelings in this review are entirely my own.

[sherripo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book even though it was very depressing in places, especially the beginning. There was so much tragedy but some very uplifting moments also. Mara's faith gets her through a lot of the tragedy along with the support from her friend, Ashlee. This was the first book I have read by this author and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Facing the Dawn awaken my longing for a better understanding of the Bible. Many times, the story stretched the perimeter of feasibility. Mara Jacobs enters the narrative as a harassed mother of three children and a husband working in in Uganda. Financial woes, uninteresting work, and troublesome children throw Mara into a bottomless pit. Then Liam, the husband, suffers a partial drowning and then an inferno of no return. A child believes himself to be the cause of his father’s death, and overdoses. Light shows at the end of the tunnel, as Ashlee enters Mara’s world to give her the strength and courage to face the problems. Where was Mara when Ashlee needed help? Mara’s conversations with God and herself are very poignant. But sometimes, the story seemed to sugar-coat the tragedy of Mara’s life.

[draak_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Facing the Dawn was a hard book to read because there really is so little joy in it. It's just one depressing thing after the other. The fact that her husband Liam was so consume with saving the world and little concern for his own wife and children was enough to turn me off. I'm as religious as the next person but this is page after page of quotes from the bible. I'm sure that some will embrace this book and Mara's journey but to me it just left me depressed. I received this from LibraryThing Early Reviewer for an honest review.

[koalamom_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Tragedy seems to come in bunches for Mara. Everyone in her family seems to be touched and yet their faith takes over and somehow the dawn comes.

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Christian fiction is a genre that I don't normally read but I won a copy and thought that I'd give it a try. I found it a bit too religious for me but the story was fantastic. In fact, parts of it really got to me and there were a lot of tears.Mara is at home with her three children while her husband is on a four year assignment to Uganda to help build wells for the poorer areas with no water. She encouraged him to take the job and assured him that she could handle the home front. Now he's been gone for several years and she finds herself very resentful of his life while hers is falling apart. She isn't honest with him or with herself because she refuses to ask for help from anyone. When a tragedy happens and he is killed and then his death is followed by even more disaster in her life, she is broken and needs help. Her best forever friend, Ashley, moves to town and is her motivator to get her life back in order and to remind her that God has control of the situation and is always there to help her. The friendship is what really helps lead her back to her Christian life.I really enjoyed this book - seeing the growth and changes in Mara and her children as well as the fantastic friendship with Ashley made it a very emotional book for me. I think it's time to read more Christian fiction.Thanks to LibraryThing and Revell Books for a copy of this book to read and review.

[cyncie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received Cynthia Ruchti's new book, Facing the Dawn, as an Early Reviewer giveaway. She is one of my favorite authors and this new book is just as powerful and well-written as her previous ones. Mara Jacobs, the main character, is in crisis as the book begins. Her husband, though well-meaning, is absent on a four-year term of service in Uganda to bring wells to its impoverished communities, while his teens at home implode. Mara has led him to believe that she can handle back-home, but home is falling apart. Then comes unspeakable tragedy. Mara's life journey is forever changed as is everyone around her.