ZORKA — Renee Riva

When an early 1900s love story makes its way from revolutionary Russia to a small town in America, a young girl's life begins to change. Clara Bradley moves from the city to a remote farming town in Eastern Washington-with nothing to offer a young cheerleader but miles of snow-covered wheat fields. She now has no cheer team and nothing to cheer about. But that move brings her an unusual neighbor: an elderly Russian woman who has a love story she is translating into English. Clara's love of books draws the two together and she becomes immersed in the lives of Nina and Pasha. Nina sat beneath the tree, winding a bright yellow ribbon through her dark, shiny mane, then wove it all into a long, thick braid. Catching her reflection in the pond, she had to admit she felt pretty. As she filled glasses from a water pitcher, Pasha appeared in the orchard walking toward her. He was wearing a clean white tunic shirt contrasting his dark hair and tanned face. The instant his soft gaze caught Nina's, her heart fluttered. For the first time, she had an acute awareness that Pasha was not her brother, or even her best friend. He was someone far more endearing. Dawn's Gentle Light transcends two Countries, two different time periods, and three hearts in need of friendship, hope, and the goodness of God.