Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson

 

Militine Scott is at the Madison Bridal School, yet she has no intention of every marrying.   Thane Patton is a very loyal friend but he, along with Militine, both hide deep dark secrets.  They slowly find themselves drawn to each other and learn to talk about what has happened in their past and they learn to open up.

Abrianna Cunningham is still working at serving at other people.  She has started a soup kitchen to help food those that struggle.  Through her work she learns a secret that comes as a complete shock and surprise to her!   She also agrees to court Priam Welby as he said he would find her a bigger place to help better service the poor.

Abrianna loves to help other people and talk to them about her believes, including her friend Militine.  However, Militine is not wanting to hear what her friend has to say due to her past she has experienced.  Abrianna also confronts the new pastor of the church, Pastor Walker.  Through everything, Abrianna's friend Thane is there watching everything and right there by her side.

Tracie Peterson has done it again!  Another book I couldn't put down until the end.  I loved the interation between all the difference characters.  I enjoyed seeing the closeness of Militine and Thane as they grew closer to each other.  When Abrianna wanted to stand up and argue with Pastor Walker so did I!!! When Thane was devastated over Abrianna agreeing to court Priam, I was wondering what she was thinking at the same!  I so loved the ending!!! Those lost few paragraphs, that last page put such a smile on my face.  I so can't wait for book three!!!!

I received this book from  Bethany House Publishers and Baker Group for the sole purpose of this review.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Exploring Christian Theology: Creation, Fall and Salvation by Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel

 

 Nathan Holsteen and Michael Svigel wrote this book to help others understand why learning Christian theology, and they keys doctrines are important to learn.  This particular volume talks about creation, the fall and salvation.

The book is divided into two parts.  The first one is about creation and the fall and the second part is about salvation.  In each section they give a high-altitude survey, passages to master, a section in each on retrospect (where they cover each period in history, the Patristic period, the Medieval period, the Protestant Period and the Modern Period), facts to never forget, dangers to avoid, and principles to put into practice.  They end each section with quotes from famous people throughout each of the time periods.  They also give several recommendations of books to add to our library. 

Through most of this book I found it very difficult to understand, which makes a little hard to write a review.  They explored so many different areas in each view, that I had a hard time pinpointing exactly what they believed and why the believe in the way they do.  I think this would be a great book for a Bible student but for someone like me, I need something a lot more simple to read and understand then this book.

I received this book from  Bethany House Publishers and Baker Group for the sole purpose of this review.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

The Inheritance of Tanning Masters by E.R. Nicodemus

 

This is the first book of E. R. Nicodemus. For his first book he did a great job!

The Inheritance of Tanning Masters tells the story of Tanning Masters.  Tan had been taken in by Sir Wilfred Masters when he was young and was trained to be an accountant.  He had the best training money was able to offer.  He is eventually sent to work for Hudson's Bay Company in the Canadian West.  Many of the skills Tan has gained, including a gunsmith, blacksmith (and what sounds like marshal arts!) is proven to be skillful and useful.  An old enemy of Tan's has arrived and is not only after him, but many others as well.  Tan encounters many new friends who are able to help him, and he is able to help them in return.  

When an unfortunate accident happens to Tan, he meets some great new friends are able to help him learn more.  They also teach him to survive in the wilderness.  Tan continues to learn a lot about surviving in the Canadian wild west, especially in winter!  

The most important lesson Tan learns is about his own salvation.  Tan becomes friends with the captain of the ship he sails on from England.  The captain and his daughter Maggie (especially Maggie!) teach him about the love of God.  When they part ways Maggie gives Tan her Bible, and he begins to read it and understand.

For his first novel, Mr. Nicodemus did a great job.  The characters feel real and he draws you into the book from the very beginning.  I enjoyed the personal aspects of the story where we read from Tan's journal and what he has written.   The writing writing of the story is told in first person as if it's his own personal story.  He did a masterful job on his first book and I can't wait to read more about Tan!