One More Chapter Book Club: March Recap – Every Night Has a Dawn by Rachel Valencourt

One More Chapter Book Club: March Recap – Every Night Has a Dawn by Rachel Valencourt

Hey readers!
Welcome back to the One More Chapter Book Club, hosted monthly on TikTok Live by Define. Each month, we gather to read a new title, share our thoughts, and reflect on the characters and themes that move us. For April, we dove into Every Night Has a Dawn by Rachel Valancourt—a heartfelt historical fiction piece that sparked great discussion and introspection.

Let’s take a moment to add this read into our Define Book Booklet, the compact and thoughtful journal that comes with the Just One More Chapter Pen (yes, we used it while jotting down notes for this one!).

About the Booklet

Our Book Booklet opens with the quote:

"That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet."

It includes a space to list your TBR (To Be Read) books on the left, and a bookshelf for summaries of completed reads on the right. Now, let’s talk about this month’s entry.

Book Overview

  • Title: Every Night Has a Dawn

  • Author: Rachel Valancourt

  • Genre: Historical Fiction

  • Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

  • Read Dates: April 8–April 23

  • Reading Style: Weekly reading sprints

Although I read it slowly, this book was actually a quick read—thoughtful, moving, and surprisingly educational.

Plot Summary

Set during the Great Depression, this novel follows Dawn Jensen as she navigates hardship, finds unexpected friendship and love, and uncovers a family secret that transforms her journey. It’s a story of resilience, love, and the enduring power of hope.

Writing Style

The storytelling felt intimate, almost like a diary. Each chapter captured a specific moment in time and helped the reader get to know Dawn’s internal world. The writing was heartfelt and deeply character-driven.

Favorite Characters

  • Dawn – For her boldness and growth

  • Dawn’s Mom – For her protective and nurturing presence

  • Tally – A standout friend with a rich cultural background

Fantasy Casting

If I were casting this story for film, I’d picture Bailee Madison as Dawn—she’d bring the perfect mix of strength and softness to the role.

Favorite Scenes

  • Learning more about Tally’s culture and history (page 100)

  • The emotional moment coming home from the war

Favorite Quote

"The flowers she grew were not only a splash of color in our yard, but became a symbol of hope and a reminder that life could flourish even during times of loss and sorrow." — Page 162

Final Thoughts

This book resonated more deeply with me once I learned it was inspired by the author’s own background. The vivid portrayal of life during the Great Depression, the well-developed characters, and the twist at the end all contributed to a powerful reading experience.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely—especially if you're in the mood for a story rich in historical detail and emotional depth.

Thanks so much for reading along! If you'd like to watch the full author interview with Rachel Valancourt, it's available now on our YouTube channel.

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