Twenty-two-year-old Militine Scott is in training at the Madison Bridal School in Seattle, yet she has no intention of pursuing marriage. What respectable man would have her? But she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to keep her unsavory past hidden. Thane Patton, though fun-loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing that she harbors a haunting pain similar to his own. Will they allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of their past?
MY REVIEW:
If you frequently read book series, you probably understand the long wait until the next book is released. Tracie Peterson's books are no exception - I have eagerly awaited the rest of the story in several of her series. With the Brides of Seattle , I was so excited to start reading the next book, Refining Fire. After the first book, Steadfast Heart, I was ready to continue in the drama of the Madison Bridal School and the ladies living there.
Refining Fire is the story of a bridal student, Militine Scott, and her surprising relationship with a local boat maker, Thane Patton. I say the relationship was surprising because Militine had no interest in a husband (she was a student in order to seek shelter from her past). I really enjoyed their story in the book because both Militine and Thane had pasts filled with violence and remorse that with God's help they would overcome. Each found their refuge in Seattle and were surrounded by friends who were strong in their faith. Neither had a strong spiritual life, but together they began to grow in their faith and discovered true love. We all have something in our past that we wish to escape and the question is where and in Whom we find our refuge.
If you have been enjoying this series, it is obvious that the heroine is Abrianna Cunningham and she continues to be the primary character. Abrianna does not let you down in this book as she finds herself in several predicaments and also a love triangle. The two suitors are local carriage maker, Wade Ackerman, and the wealthy businessman, Priam Welby. I enjoy Abrianna's addition to the series due to her spunk and determination to serve her Lord and minister to those in need. What a spirit she has! Her comebacks to the new pastor, Ralston Walker, were witty and had me laughing as I read them. At first I thought maybe Abrianna and Pastor Walker might have an "opposites attract" relationship start, but I was very relieved that was not in the plot-line. Pastor Walker was definitely a character I was not sad to see exit the story. I think if I was a character in this book, I would have to give him a good "what for".
Tracie Peterson never fails to deliver a book with vivid imagery and an interesting plot-line that is rich in history. I was not aware of the 1889 Seattle Fire and cannot imagine seeing my entire city engulfed in flames. I think her choice in title, Refining Fire, was reflective of the burdensome fire in Militine and Thane that wore at their hearts. God is no stranger to overwhelming fires and He can certainly tame them and bring about a beautiful refinement. Beauty from ashes!
I was provided this book for free as an Advanced Reader Copy by Bethany House, a division of Baker House Publishing, for my honest review.
