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Review: A Bride At Last | $100 Memory-Making Giveaway

30 Jul

A Bride at Last

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Silas Jonesey’s life in Salt Flatts, Kansas, has not followed the course he imagined. After his mail-order bride, Lucinda, abandoned him, it was an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices and sour moods. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true; his estranged wife has contacted him after ten years of silence to tell him of her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but after realizing she had been deceived about her intended groom she never went through with the marriage. Settling into life as a schoolteacher, she’s spent her spare time the past few years helping her student, Anthony, and his sick mother. When Lucinda passes away, Kate is ready to fulfill the woman’s wish that she take care of nine-year-old Anthony–until a man shows up in town asking about Lucinda and claiming he was married to the woman ten years ago.

Silas and Kate disagree over who should raise young Anthony, who has opinions of his own about his future. After being forced to come together for the good of Anthony, Silas and Kate begin to see another side to each other and the possibility of a united future despite all that stands between them. When Kate’s past comes to light, Silas’s feelings about women who abandon their grooms immediately throw the walls right back up between them. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony’s wounded souls bind them together as a family, or will past hurts and new resentments leave them lonely forever?

 

My thoughts:

A Bride at Last is a compelling historical romance! Silas, Kate, and Anthony each endure an emotional journey filled with twists, turns, and surprises. I enjoyed each of these unique characters and the tenuous threads that bound them together. I love the Unexpected Brides series and, as it concludes, I was pleased to revisit characters from earlier stories. Rich in drama and emotion, Melissa Jagears has penned another tale that will draw the reader into her story world!

A Bride at Last is the third full-length novel in the Unexpected Brides series. Each of the books in this series can be read independently. However, I have enjoyed each of the engaging tales and recommend them for fans of historical romance and mail-order bride stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my honest opinion.

 

Celebrate the release of A Bride at Last by entering to win a $100 Memory-Making giveaway and RSVPing to Melissa’s August 4th author chat party!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A $100 gift card to Netflix (for a family movie night), Shutterfly (to create a family memory book), or TablePlayGames (for a family game night)
  • One copy of A Bride at Last

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4. The winner will be announced at Melissa’s 8/4 A Bride at Last Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Melissa and fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

bride at last-enterbanner

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

 

Melissa Jagears

Much to her introverted self’s delight, Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave her home to be an elementary homeschool teacher, day-care provider, church financial secretary, and historical romance novelist. She doesn’t have to leave her house to be a housekeeper either, but she’s doubtful she meets the minimum qualifications to claim to be one in her official bio. Her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly.

Find her online at www.melissajagears.com, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

 

Review: Blessing

29 Jul

Blessing

Blessing by Lyn Cote

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

An impetuous love swept Blessing Brightman away from the Quaker community, into the highest ranks of Cincinnati society. But behind the glitter of ballroom and parlor, her spirit slowly eroded in an increasingly dangerous marriage. Widowed young, determined never to lose her independence again, Blessing reclaimed her faith and vowed to use her influence to fight for women’s rights and abolition.Gerard Ramsay, scion of a wealthy Boston family, arrives in Cincinnati hoping to escape his father’s clutches with a strategy that will gain him independence. His plan is soon complicated, however, by the enchanting widow. Never before has a woman spoken as if she’s his equal–or challenged him to consider the lives of others.In a city nearly ablaze with racial tensions quickly dividing the country, can two people worlds apart possibly find common ground?

 

My thoughts:

Blessing, Book 2 in the Quaker Brides series, is a captivating story!

Blessing Brightman is a woman who speaks her mind and is determined to fight for women’s rights and abolition. Gerard Ramsay is man eager to escape his father’s control. Both tenacious characters, I enjoyed getting to know Blessing and Gerard and experiencing their emotional and spiritual journeys.

Lyn Cote’s dramatic portrayal of historical events really brings this story to life. Delving deep into a tumultuous time in our nation’s history, Cote blends fact and fiction creating a compelling narrative. I loved Blessing’s story and am eager to meet Faith in the final book of the series!

While Blessing is a stand-alone story, it does revisit beloved characters from Book 1, Honor. Both of these novels, as well as the series prequel, Where Honor Began, are recommended reads for fans of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Lyn Cote

In 1997, Lyn Cote’s first book, Never Alone, was chosen for the “new” Love Inspired romance line. Since then, Lyn has had over thirty-five novels published. In 2006 Lyn’s book, Chloe, was a finalist for the RITA, and her book Her Patchwork Family was a finalist for the Carol Award in 2010 and Her Healing Ways won in 2011. These are two of the highest awards in the romance genre.

Lyn’s brand “Strong Women, Brave Stories,” always includes three elements: a strong heroine who is a passionate participant in her times, authentic historical detail and a multicultural cast of characters. Lyn also features stories of strong women both from real life and true to life fiction on her blog http://BooksbyLynCote.com.

 

Review: Among The Fair Magnolias | Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway

28 Jul

Among The Fair Magnolias

Among the Fair Magnolias by Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Igkc7H

“During the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history, four Southern women – their destinies forged by birth and heritage – face nearly impossible choices on their journey in life…and in love.”

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.

An Outlaw’s Heart by Shelley Gray
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers she’s very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily has a secret: She’s in love with one of the freedmen on her family’s plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.

 

My thoughts:

Among the Fair Magnolias is a lovely novella collection! The authors deftly convey the history and essence of the South, and each of their stories boasts wonderful characterization and vivid imagery.

I can easily name To Mend a Dream as my favorite story in this collection. Tamera Alexander is a fantastic storyteller, and Savannah Darby’s story has been begging to be told! This was my first time to read Dorothy Love and Elizabeth Musser, and I enjoyed their writing voices very much. Shelley Gray always delights readers with her stories and An Outlaw’s Heart is no exception. I enjoyed the drama and romance of each of these stories and recommend this collection for fans of historical romance and Southern fiction!

Speaking of Southern fiction, it just wouldn’t be complete without the mention of good ‘ole Southern cooking! In addition to the novellas, each of these talented authors has shared a delectable Southern recipe. The mouth-watering fare includes:

Molly’s Southern Spoon Bread from A Heart So True
Savannah’s Truly Southern Peach Cobbler from To Mend a Dream
Mrs. Derracott’s Lemon-Filled Coconut Cake from Love Beyond Limits
Texas Sheet Cake from An Outlaw’s Heart

Among the Fair Magnolias is a lovely collection that sweeps the reader into the history and romance of the South!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review.  I appreciate the opportunity to read these stories and share my thoughts.  

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/fairmagnolias

 

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

magnolias-enterbanner

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!

 

Authors

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance. She is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee. website, Twitter, Facebook

Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. website, Twitter, Facebook

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. website, Twitter, Facebook

Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams. website, Twitter, Facebook

Review: A Heart’s Promise | Take It To The Beach Giveaway

27 Jul

A Heart's Promise

A Heart’s Promise by Colleen Coble 

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Gc4QeO

Emmie makes a promise to her friend that, if fulfilled, could mean the end to her dreams of a future with Isaac.

Emmie Croftner let Isaac Liddle go to avoid telling him about her past. But Isaac remains determined to win Emmie’s heart and hand. Though Emmie resolves to keep her heart in check, it hurts when she sees that another woman has set her bonnet for Isaac.

Then Emmie’s dear friend extracts a costly promise: if anything happens to her in childbirth, Emmie will marry her widower and raise the baby herself. And it seems Emmie may have to fulfill that promise. But can she live happily without Isaac?

 

My thoughts:

A Heart’s Promise is another compelling story in the Journey of Heart serialization! After meeting Emmie Croftner in A Heart’s Betrayal, I was eager to continue her story, as well as the stories of Rand and Sarah and Jacob and Amelia. Secrets and surprises in this fifth installment set the stage for a dramatic conclusion. I love the intrigue and romance of this serialization and am eager to read the final story, A Heart’s Home!

The Journey of the Heart serialization begins with A Heart’s Disguise and includes six installments that will release monthly from March through August. These stories were originally published in two books, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise.

A complimentary copy of A Heart’s Promise was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my thoughts.

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble

 

Will the promise Emmie makes to her friend mean the end to her dreams of a future with Isaac? Find out in book five, A Heart’s Promise, of Colleen Coble’s A Journey of the Heart series. 

Take a day off and head to the beach with a new giveaway from Colleen: Five books (Books One–Five in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and a beach bag to tote your new books in!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of A Heart’s Promise
  • A Lands’ End beach tote
  • A copy of A Heart’s Betrayal
  • A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
  • A copy of A Heart’s Danger

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced August 3rd on Colleen’s website.

heartspromise-enterbanner

 

Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble’s addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Review: Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

23 Jul

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor- Buzzing About Books

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1HuCCkT

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.

Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.

 

My thoughts:

“Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.”

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is an atmospheric tale that sweeps the reader away to another time and place!  I was immediately captivated by the beauty of the setting and enchanted by the manor, cottage, and gardens. This multi-generational narrative boasts elements of drama, suspense, and romance and a compelling story line that kept me turning the pages. While I found the multiple points of view to be a bit cumbersome at times, I enjoyed the characters and their journeys.  Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a unique story that won’t soon be forgotten!

I received a complimentary copy of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/mdobson

 

Melanie Dobson

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.

Find Melanie online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Review: Goodbye, Magnolia

21 Jul

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00064]

Goodbye, Magnolia by Krista Noorman

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Wedding photography is Maggie’s passion. The art of capturing a moment forever in time is magical to her, and she’s worked hard to become the best of the best. Week after week, she works with couples as they plan their happily ever afters, but she hasn’t been so lucky in love.

Behind the camera, it’s easy to hide from the pain and rejection of her past. The life she has made for herself is safe and predictable, until the owner of a rival photography studio sets up shop in her small town and comes to her with an unexpected proposal. Suddenly, everything she has worked so hard to build is threatened and her simple, controlled life is thrown into chaos.

As she travels the state of Michigan photographing weddings, she struggles to keep her business afloat and the wall around her heart intact. But along the way, she learns more about loyalty and love than she ever imagined.

 

My thoughts:

Goodbye, Magnolia is a heartwarming story that will leave a smile on your face! The story line is refreshing, engaging, and filled with endearing characters. I especially enjoyed the chemistry between Maggie and Simon; their banter was quite entertaining! Goodbye, Magnolia is light-hearted story, but it also shares a deeper inspirational message. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful tale and look forward to reading more from Krista Noorman!

I received a complimentary copy of Goodbye, Magnolia from the author in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Krista Noorman

KRISTA NOORMAN is the author of the young adult novel, The Truth About Drew, and the contemporary romance, Goodbye, Magnolia. Most of her life has been spent scribbling away in journals, honing her writing skills, while documenting her every day life. But it wasn’t until she took part in National Novel Writing Month in 2008, that she found her true calling and turned her pen (or rather her computer keyboard) to fiction.

Krista studied music education at Cornerstone University. After college, she turned to her love of photography and spent nearly a decade running her own wedding photography business. She is constantly inspired by books and movies, enjoys beautiful instagram feeds, and loves a great cup of coffee. Krista makes her home in a small town in western Michigan with her husband, Jacob, and their two children.

She writes about life, family, faith and whatever else comes to mind at bykrista.com.

Review: The Innocent

20 Jul

The Innocent

The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit?

 

My thoughts:

The Innocent is a compelling story! I was immediately drawn to Carlyn Kearney and had such compassion for her and all she had endured. Carlyn’s canine companion was a beloved character in the story, as was Sheriff Mitchell Brodie. The intrigue of the plot kept me engrossed as I read and beckoned each time I set the book aside. Ann Gabhart is a gifted storyteller, and I loved the drama and romance of her latest tale!

I received a complimentary copy of The Innocent in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Ann Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. She’s published over twenty-five books for both adults and young adults. Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as a Top Ten Christian Fiction Book by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year and was a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine. Ann writes about Kentucky history and small town life.

Ann lives on a farm in Kentucky not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann loves hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dog, Oscar.

Learn more about Ann and her books at www.annhgabhart.com.

Review: The Cactus Creek Challenge

18 Jul

 

The Cactus Creek Challenge- Cover

The Cactus Creek Challenge by Erica Vetsch

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like a little sister. When they are picked to swap jobs for a month as part of the annual Cactus Creek Challenge in their Texas hometown, the schoolhouse is thrown into an uproar, the jail becomes a temporary bank vault, and Cassie and Ben square off in a battle of wills that becomes a battle for their hearts.

My thoughts:

Humor and hijinks abound in The Cactus Creek Challenge, as does romance! Erica Vetsch writes with a great voice for western fiction, and I was delighted by her imagery, details, and dialogue. I really enjoyed the unique story line and loved the challenge participants and their spirited determination to tackle the jobs they were given. I also enjoyed the other colorful residents of Cactus Creek and would love to revisit this Texas town. The Cactus Creek Challenge is an entertaining tale that is sure to tickle your funny bone!

 

The Legend of Obadiah Wilder

Also, don’t miss The Legend of Obadiah Wilder!  This short story prequel to The Cactus Creek Challenge is a great introduction to Cactus Creek and its residents!  

Plus, it’s FREE on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

 

I received a complimentary copy of The Cactus Creek Challenge in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Erica Vetsch

Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.

To learn more about Erica and her books, please visit her website

Review: To Capture Her Heart | Gift Card Giveaway

16 Jul

To Capture Her Heart

To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

 

In an uncertain time, Heather Flower faces a choice that will change her life forever.

It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die—until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren.

Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice—stay true to her friend or follow her heart.

 

My thoughts:

With a beautiful title that promises a story of love and romance, To Capture Her Heart delivers that and more! Well-researched historical details bring this story to life, as do its many meaningful characters. I enjoyed the dramatic story line and the romances that develop as the story unfolds. Rebecca DeMarino has penned another compelling story in The Southold Chronicles!

While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order. Reading Book 1, A Place in His Heart, allows the reader a better understanding of the characters, their history, and their journeys. I was fascinated to learn that the author’s own family history inspired this series and eagerly await the release of Book 3!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 Giveaway-graphic-300x300 - Copy

Join Rebecca in celebrating the release of To Capture Her Heart!  Click the graphic above to enter the giveaway!  

Grand Prize: $75.00 gift card of choice (Amazon, Target, iTunes or Google play) & signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart 
First Runner Up: $25.00 gift card to Barnes & Noble & signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart
Second Runner Up: Signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart

 

Demarino-291Rebecca DeMarino writes love, legends and lore as a historical romance author and lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother, a love of horses, reading and writing from her dad, and the wanderlust gene from both parents. Her travels have taken her from Alaska to Nebraska and Florida, from Long Island to England and Italy, and from Washington DC to Texas, California and Guam. But usually you can find her at home, enjoying her grandchildren and baking crisp little ginger cakes. From Publisher’s Weekly ~ DeMarino’s … strong suit is recreating history and relating it to readers.

Connect with Rebecca on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Review: Refining Fire

14 Jul

Refining Fire

Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Militine Scott, twenty-two, is in training at the Madison School for Brides in Seattle, Washington. Though she has no intention of pursuing marriage–believing no man will have her–she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to hide her unsavory past.

Thane Patton, though fun loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing a haunting pain similar to his own.

Will they finally allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of the past?

 

My thoughts:

Refining Fire is an engaging story rich in history! Although it is the second book in the Brides of Seattle series, I believe this story easily stands on its own. I have not read the first book, Steadfast Heart, and had no trouble following the story line.

Tracie Peterson’s love of research is evident in her stories, and the imagery and details she included in Refining Fire allowed me to envision the setting and the events that transpired during this time. I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the story, as well as the spiritual messages that were included. I also enjoyed visiting the Madison School for Brides and getting to know the well-crafted characters and experiencing their stories. With elements of drama and intrigue, Refining Fire is an enjoyable historical romance. I look forward to continuing the series in the next book, Love Everlasting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Reviewer program in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com