Horda, the chief’s daughter, is in love with Mach, a handsome young warrior. Unfortunately her mother, Meiran, doesn’t share her enthusiasm and feels Bear Claw would make a better choice. When Horda hears this, she is none too pleased. She believes her mother has no say in her choosing of mates. Since Meiran is the number one mate of the Chief of the People of the Frozen Earth, and Horda is her eldest daughter, it is only right she consider the perfect preference in men that would increase her father’s powers as Chief. Bear Claw, Chief of the People of the Tall Grass, may seek violence on occasion but he is a good selection for Horda. Mach shares a love with Horda. To become Father of the Frozen Earth, he must make preparations for the Mating Ritual to Horda, but others intend to stop their blessed event. Horda and Mach are inundated with many obstacles as they suffer trials that will not only afflict their Mating Rituals but events with their people. As Mach prepares to undergo many tests to prove his worthiness, evil enemies, along with the forces of nature, seek destruction on the People of the Tall Grass and the People of the Frozen Earth. Horda must decide her choice in life as she calls upon Mother Life for help, but as things grow more intense for all, Horda would rather choose death over Mating Rituals to a man she doesn’t love. It is a time of growing, unnecessary hurt and much repair as everyone learns to survive while undergoing difficult challenges and lessons learned the hard way for the People of the Frozen Earth.

The New Day Dawns is a most heartfelt story. I loved the interaction between Horda and her mother when it came down to choosing her a mate. The ongoing conflict between Mach and Bear Claw that surrounded Horda was intense and the dialogue wonderfully scripted. I enjoyed the slow, encasing love that grew between Horda and Mach. Ms. Schaefer pens a thoroughly delightful tale that transports the reader into a time of love, frustration and new self-discoveries of a great people. The customs, along with the history of the people, many other facets, and ongoing rituals, as well as the list of in-depth characters, blend in such harmony that makes this one incredible read. It is a time where survival becomes essential in one’s life but through all the lessons learned, everyone develops strength with the conflicts. I liked the way she made the women strong throughout all the turmoil. This is one fantastic page-turner.

Reviewed by: Linda L