SoulFire

Guardian #2

by Robin M. Helm

In the second volume of The Guardian Trilogy, Xander Darcy, powerful Chief of Guardian Angels, adjusts to life with a dual nature. An angel/human, Xander seeks to win the love of his beautiful partner in SoulFire Ministries, Elizabeth Bennet, as they travel together across the country. While keeping his true identity hidden, Xander joins archangels Michael and Gabriel in defending and protecting Elizabeth from the schemes and trickery of Gregory, the Dark Prince, and Lucifer, his father.Though the supernaturally gifted team of Xander and Elizabeth is tremendously successful in their joint mission as they partner with evangelist Jonathan Edwards, the question remains, will Elizabeth find the strength within herself to forgive Xander for his secrecy after she accidentally discovers the truth, that he was her guardian angel, or will Gregory be ultimately successful in separating this match made in heaven?

318 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2011

About the author

Robin Helm's time revolves around music as she plays and teaches. Her books reflect that love, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction.

Her latest publication is Lawfully Innocent: A US Marshal Lawkeepers story. Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy (Darcy is Elizabeth's guardian angel) and the Yours by Design series (Fitzwilliam Darcy switches places in time with his descendant, Will Darcy), Understanding Elizabeth (Darcy must decide how much he's willing to pay to have what he wants), and More To Love (Darcy comments on Elizabeth's weight at the Assembly).

Mrs. Helm is also featured in a series of anthologies with several other like-minded authors. A Very Austen Christmas and A Very Austen Valentine have been Best Sellers on Amazon in several categories. A Very Austen Romance is being planned for February, 2020.

She lives in (usually) sunny South Carolina and enjoys playing the piano, reading, and traveling.

AWARDS:
The Guardian Trilogy
Austenesque Reviews 2013 P & P Variation/Alternate Path Award

Yours by Design series
Austenesque Reviews, Top Ten Time Travel novels
Of Pens and Pages, Top 5 Modern Pride & Prejudice Retellings

A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Books of 2017

A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Anthology, 2018

More to Love: Cover Design Gold Star Award, The Book Designer

Reviews

[Bibi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had all the makings of a 5 star read, yet....

I enjoyed this trilogy and was particularly satisfied that Ms Helm was unashamedly bold in standing by her christian beliefs. No equivocation or attempts at pandering. I, too, am a Christian and I’m thankful that God decided to be merciful to a sinner like me.

Anyway, back to the book. The plot was certainly clever. Xander is a guardian angel who was given charge over Elizabeth; however, he soon became hopelessly in love with her which was distressing to say the least. But we soon learn that nothing God does is ever a mistake, and as the forces of Satan work tirelessly to subvert God’s plans, Xander discovers he and Elizabeth are part of the Christians who must pray to defeat the satanic forces.

Truly riveting.

That said, but for the rare and occasional POC character, this trilogy was completely whitewashed. All the angels (excepting one) were blue/green eyed; likewise the human characters. I kept hoping that Robin would rectify this misstep but alas, it appears racism is well and alive in Christiandom. Hence, the lower rating.

Why Ms Helm?

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Helm's first book, Guardian, it was amazing to see the work of the spiritual world around us. SoulFire expounded upon this.

Darcy and El spend an amazing summer with evangelist, Jonathan Edwards on the SoulFire tour, traveling the country saving thousands of souls. At the same time El is falling in love with Darcy and learning his secrets, but not all of them. When she learns his last secret, will she still love him?

It was a beautiful scene when El had her first concert and all the angels were singing praise too. With dancing light beams, the angels twirled around the theater creating a awesome light show!

I love the banter between Darcy, Michael and Gabriel. It's quite humorous listening to them give Darcy dating advice! Darcy experiencing human emotion for the first time is also fun to see.

Unknown to El, Gregory is attacking them every chance he can, trying to discredit their ministry and get rid of her. Still not realizing what Gregory really is, El considers him her friend.

Although the ministry of SoulFire is amazing, I felt the story of El and Darcy moves along a little slowly. Any issues they may have are resolved quickly. Then, when the plot begins to thicken and my angst starts to build, Helm ends the story with a cliffhanger!

Helm has just published the last book of this series, Legacy. I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on this! I must know what happens!


Disclaimer: I was provided a book for honest review.

[colleen churm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Fire: The Guardian Trilogy, Book 2.

Wow, what a story! Romance , mystery, Angels and Demons, along with regular everyday Christians on a nationwide revival Mission with Angels along to help the Ministry, and Demons trying to destroy the whole Mission. And trying to destroy Xander Darcy, A Human and Angel United in one Man, according to God's Will, to work with his Beloved Elizabeth in the SoulFire Ministry, with their amazing Musical abilities! Never a dull moment in his Touched by an Angel Story! A Great Read!

[Jakki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balance is an important component in any novel. Balance is also where author Robin Helm excels In Soulfire, she creates a perfect combination of wit, humor, angst, romance and scripture, fused together to gain and maintain the reader’s attention.

Throughout the book, the balance between humor and angst moves the plot along nicely. Helm weaves them together so cleverly; there is a natural ebb and flow to the storyline. The banter between Gabriel, Michael, and Darcy is witty, while also providing the comic relief needed to offset the angst-filled parts. Also helping to offset the tension created by Gregory and his minions are the affectionate scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth. After Elizabeth tells Darcy she loves him, he quotes the Song of Solomon to her, creating a tender scene. However, Gregory, Lucifer and their demons will stop at nothing to break up the couple and the SoulFire tour. After being tested time and again, will Darcy and Elizabeth’s love be strong enough to overcome deceit and betrayal?

The clever way Helm alludes to events and popular quotes from Austen’s text only serves to draw the reader in by making those connections. As Darcy is not one to easily converse with those with whom he is not intimate, he remarks how it was easier for him, as Daniel’s guardian angel, to close the mouths of lions than it is to strike up a conversation with Elizabeth. On the other side, there is the charming Gregory who tells Elizabeth that Darcy cannot be trusted as he has known him for years. These parallels continue throughout the novel, and it was rather fun trying to pick these out and see Helm’s spin on them.

Another area where Helm shows expertise is her ability to incorporate scriptures into the text. Whether it is through direct quotes of scripture or through scriptural references, it is well-placed and applicable. If the reader is open, he can hear God speak through the pages. It is truly amazing how many names God has and how each one is specific to one of His attributes. Though there are scriptures in the text, the reader does not have to be a Christian in order to enjoy this Pride and Prejudice variation.

While I enjoyed most of the novel, there were times when Helm’s exposition seemed superfluous. While Elizabeth is performing a piano concert in Toronto, Helm expounds for several paragraphs about the concert. It seemed a bit unnecessary, as I could not see its purpose to the story.

I have said before in my reviews that I love it when an author can evoke an array of emotions from me. That holds true with SoulFire. From the joy felt by the lighthearted banter to the agony felt from characters being hurt both physically and emotionally, the reader’s emotions are fully engaged.

Helm leaves the characters and readers with many questions at the end of the novel. I have to say I am anxiously awaiting Helm to publish the third and final book in the Guardian Trilogy, Legacy.

[Vondetta Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this part of the series, we see that a special gift has been granted to Xander and he is beyond happy of being with Elizabeth. The pursuit is fast and furious. However, the plan of Lucifer to destroy her is rampted up on several sides. Friends she has wanted to trust plot to bring her down. The boy she was growing to love is tricked beyond measure. A plot is even waged to break the bond that Xander and Elisabeth are forming. The trickery and deceit of Lucifer and Gregory to destroy Elizabeth is in full effect.
However, in this sequel we see part of the plan for Xander and Elizabeth. We are able to witness through their eyes a revival and outpouring of the Holy Spirit that moved me to tears.
I am a believer in Jesus Christ and I would long to be apart of the type of revival that is spoken of in these pages.
Yes, I realize this is fiction but the world is in turmoil, and much is written in these pages. Instead of a Marvel comics movie, I would love to see this brought to cinema to make the world aware, of Satan's plan and deception.
Thank you Ms. Helm for writing this series.. I am team Xander and Elizabeth 100%. The supporting cast of angels are fierce and funny all at the same time. Great read and moving on to book 3.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing! A well-done, well-written, unusual read. I honestly don't know how the author kept up with all her characters and their guardians, and I look forward to reading more about Xander and Elizabeth in Book #3. I suspect she must have a guardian on each side of her. :) If we only knew how many times our guardian has lifted us out of the way of harm, and how the prayers of other saints have powerfully pulled us through the tough times in life. Thank you, God, for your watchful eye over us. Thank you, Robin M. Helm, for using scriptures and fiction to make us aware of our powerful protectors.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

SoulFire, book two in Robin Helm's magnificent trilogy, recommences with our hero, Xander (Darcy), acclimating to his newly manifested dual nature as he attempts to win the heart of Elizabeth Bennet. One obstacle Darcy must contend with is Gregory Wickham, Satan's son, who is also vying for Elizabeth's attention. Another trial for Darcy is that he must from Elizabeth the fact that he has been her guardian angel for the past eighteen years. Darcy knows he will eventually need to disclose his true nature to Elizabeth, but he also knows that the beginning of their relationship is not the time to do it.

There has been some changes to the roles of guardian in this novel. Since Darcy spends most of his time in human form, another angel is assigned to guard Elizabeth. Who better than Gabriel, the same archangel who visited the Virgin Mary? And who guards Darcy while he is human form? Oh, nobody special, just the Captain of Hosts, Archangel Michael! What a formidable and eminent trio these three angels make!

While volume I, Guardian, sets the stage, introduces the characters, establishes the conflict in this trilogy, volume II accentuates and develops the characters' relationships with each other, primarily the relationships between Darcy and Elizabeth and Darcy and his angel brothers. I took great pleasure in seeing Darcy and Elizabeth's blossoming love, so tender and powerful, yet at the same time, innocent and pure. In addition, I loved seeing Darcy experience everything that a typical guy experiences when he is in love: trying to determine if a girl likes you, navigating awkward conversations, planning the perfect date, initiating the first kiss... I was completely endeared to Darcy as tried to figure out the dating rituals of today's society and felt that Ms. Helm illustrated his feelings and experiences perfectly!

Playful boasting, witty retorts, gentle ribbing, unmerciful teasing – Darcy and his angel brothers do it all, and it is immensely entertaining to see these three heavenly beings behaving like competitive and childish boys! Because all three are angels, they can communicate telepathically – and their witty repartee, that no one but angels can hear, is where Ms. Helm's clever sense of humor really shines:

To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one day - a real page turner. Although I do love the series I have several remarks as a lay person. One is that there only seem to be superlatives in describing physical attributes, skills, events, houses, clothing, cars, etc. The good are all "angels" and seem to rarely experience day-to-day trials and tribulations that life gives us human beings. When they do suffer it, again, is catastrophic, i.e., brain fever, Atlanta burning, falling from a rope suspension bridge, etc. And their talents - faith healing, speaking in tongues, etc. I do not see any connection to P&P other than the names. Don't get me wrong: I love this as a romance, as science fiction (no where does my faith have angels becoming human), and as a reminder of God, his word in the Bible and the fact that he can and does perform miracles. I expected Gregory to show up more frequently and to make more attempts, large or small, to foil this romance. Frankly, I expected his "father" to dispatch him in the failed attempts on Elizabeth and Darcy but there is another book. Ms. Helm also does something that I question when I read it in other books (name dropping) - listing songs, etc.performed in detail, when probably most of us do not know what these songs sound like. Yes, I know she taught music, but don't make me feel so inferior in my knowledge of classical or spiritual songs...unless you are putting together a CD we can buy and to which we can listen. I know Amazing Grace, I know Handel's Messiah, as I sang in it in college, but there were so many I do not know. A few mentioned would have sufficed. The story line has been explained in the previous reviews so I won't go over that...now to buy and read the last installment in this series.

[Beth Leaird · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could care less what happens to Elizabeth, Xander or Gregory. BORING!

[Jennifer greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was a breath of fresh air . It really was a beautiful story . I love every book in this series.