Thursday, July 30, 2015

Refining Fire

GIVEAWAY
PETERSON, TRACIE
REFINING FIRE


     
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 Review:
 
This is the second book in the Brides of Seattle series which centers around the young women enrolled in the Madison Bridal School in 1889.  The crazy aunts are back, running the school, and I adore them! Their scenes are hysterical, their dialogue witty as they bring wisdom and chuckles to the story in measured doses. Best quote in the book comes from Aunt Miriam:
 
"Abrianna, it is not our job to win converts. It is our job to show people the love of God and share the truth of the gospel. You can hardly do that hitting them over the head with the cross."
 
You will note that Aunt Miriam is speaking to Abrianna and that's because, once again, she (and her potential love interest, Wade) steal the show. As in the first book, this one is all about them. Militine and Thane are relegated to secondary character status which makes the back blurb very misleading. This was the same problem with Steadfast Heart.
 
Abrianna is larger than life and in nearly every scene. She's like a revved up Anne of Green Gables and so over the top she can be annoying. But she's endearing as well. She's the heroine who makes things happen. All the action revolves around her and her scheming. Sometimes she comes across as holier than thou (hence the above admonishment from Aunt Miriam) but her heart is in the right place so I found myself forgiving some of her impetuous statements.
 
Militine is a pale shadow in comparison -- and there's a reason for that. She can't shake free from her unsavory past and lives in fear of discovery. Thane is dealing with his own troubled past as well. There was such scope for depth and emotional connection in their storyline but after an intriguing build up everything was resolved in one anti-climatic scene.
 
On the other hand, the relationship between Abrianna and Wade heats up with definite promise. I am hoping the third book finally brings them resolution -- along with a suspense thread (carried on from the first book) that has been left hanging most precariously.
 
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Refining Fire please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 2 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

32 comments:

  1. Refining Fire sounds quite intriguing...a nice bend of romance, humor & suspense. I loved Anne of Green Gables, so when you likened Abrianna to her, that definitely caught my attention & was a great word picture...another book to add to my "Must Read" list. :) Thanks for the great review, Kav, & for the opportunity to win this book!

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You'll definitely like Abrianna then. Good luck agboss.

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  2. I am interested in reading this one. I'm glad that you mention the difference between the back blurb and the story so I will know what to expect. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. I know -- the back blurb really threw me. I always read it because I like to know what the book is about. I hate going into a story blind. Good luck, Loraine.

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  3. This sounds like another great book by Tracie, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  4. Tracie Peterson is my daughter's favorite author. Count me in, Kav! :)

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. Consider yourself counted, Cheryl. Good luck.

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  5. Tracie's my favorite! Can't wait to read this book - hope I win!!

    kleehar[at]gmail[dot]com

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  6. LOL! I LOVE that quote! Maybe because I've needed to hear that a time or two! (deep sigh) Sometimes you just want to bash someone about the head with the cross or a Bible! But I'll think of this quote from now on, it is SO RIGHT! I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this one, but after your review I'm gonna just have to! ;) You always do that to me Kav LOL!

    Hugs, Amada (a.m.a.th.a)
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

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    1. LOL -- it's worth the read just for that quote. Good luck, Amada!

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  7. I haven't read any of Tracie's more recent books, but enjoyed many of her earlier books. Might have to find a copy of the first book in this series!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. She's written an impressive number of books, hasn't she? Good luck, Patty.

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  8. We have all of Tracie Peterson's books in the Church Library except this one. Even if I don't win, I will be buying this book.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You'll definitely want to keep the series current. Good luck, Janet.

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  9. What a beautiful cover! I would love to read this one, Kav, and I thank you for the opportunity!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  10. I love any book by Tracie Peterson so this one would be no exception! Although, I love series books but not those ending in cliffhangers....I'd have to invest in the first book & third once it comes out. Thanks for the heads up on this one, Kav! Enjoy your reviews as always :-)
    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  11. Don't you just love Tracie Peterson books, Kav ? Wow, I have read many books of hers over the years. She is so talented ! I would love to read this one. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity !
    Deanne
    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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  12. Gonna be good if she's like Anne of Green gables. Your review makes it sound interesting. Please put my name in. Thanks!
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  13. I really like Tracie's books, she is so talented in her writing. I have been reading her books starting when she was under her pen name for Love Inspired.
    karenskrayons(at)gmail(com)

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    1. Oh, I didn't know Tracie wrote for Love Inspired. Very interesting. Good luck, Karen.

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  14. Sounds very interesting. Me like some feisty women! And the cover is beautiful.

    Count me in, please.

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. Being from the Seattle area, I love this series. They are very rich in history. Good luck to everyone. Kav - I'm not entering the giveaway for this book.

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    1. You'll love the historical aspects in this one, trosado. Good luck.

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  16. I am reading Tracie Peterson's Heirs of Montana series now and it is so good! I think she is a great author and Refining Fire sounds so good!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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