The Jewel Series Bundle 1: Sapphire & Rubies

Jewel #1-1.5

by Hallee Bridgeman

This is the complete story of Robin Bartlett, the eldest of the three half-sisters readers around the world have come to know and love and Antonio "Tony" Viscolli, the man she is destined to marry. Sapphire Ice is a story of redemption and transformation that ultimately leads to a love that will span all eternity. Robin's heart is as ice cold as her sapphire blue eyes. After a terrifying childhood, she trusts neither God nor men. With kindness and faith, Tony Viscolli prays for the opportunity to shatter the wall of ice around her heart. What is a good wife worth? In Greater Than Rubies, Robin plans a dream-come-true wedding. Anxiety arises when she starts to realize the magnitude of change marriage will involve. Forgotten nightmares resurface reminding Robin of the horrors of her past. She gives in to her insecurities and cancels Boston's "Royal Wedding." With God's guidance, will her bridegroom convince her of her true worth? Sapphire Ice, the complete contemporary Christian romance novel and Book 1 of the critically acclaimed Jewel Trilogy, is bundled with the novella inspired by the Jewels -- Greater Than Rubies -- for the first time ever

Genres: Christian Fiction

348 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2013

About the author

With nearly a million book sales, USA Today bestselling author Hallee Bridgeman writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real-world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy.

An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled in central Kentucky so they could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. Hallee’s oldest daughter is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, her middle son struggles as a hexagonal “autism spectrum” peg in this round world, and her youngest son fills the house with wooshes and bangs as he fights imaginary bad guys while wearing a Spiderman costume and wielding a Ninja sword.

When she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the ‘heart of the home’. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.

Hallee has served as the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, President of the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the American Christian Writers (ACW), and Novelists, Inc. (NINC). An accomplished speaker, Hallee has taught and inspired writers around the globe, from Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and all places in between.

Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you. You can reach Hallee at hallee@halleebridgeman.com

Reviews

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that if I saw this book on a shelf, I probably would not have picked it up. The cover just does not appeal to me. But I received this book from Bookfun.org for reviewing purposes. Boy was I pleasantly surprised. This was one of the best books I have read in a while. It is basically a modern retelling of Cinderella.
Robin Bartlett is working herself to death with 2 jobs. She waits tables at Benedict's, a high scale Boston restaurant by day and tends bar at Hank's place at night. Only 2 more years and her younger sister Sarah will be done with college, then Robin can think about herself. The three sisters live together in a cheap apartment. Maxine has graduated but Robin refuses her help.
Tony Viscolli has pulled himself up from poverty and homelessness. He is a selfmade millionaire.
Now he notices the beautiful Robin Bartlett and decides she is the one. This is the story of their courtship.
I really enjoyed this tale and look forward to the next book in the series. Hallee did a wonderful job of revealing the depth of Robin's fears and the awesome wonder of G-d's desires for us. I found myself cheering Tony on and at times wanting to shake Robin. Sapphire Ice and Greater Than Rubies will bring out many emotions and leave you wanting more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. These thoughts are my own.

[Larik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jewel Trilogy
Sapphire Eyes and Grater than Rubies
Believing in a man is not what Robin would call safe, especially after experiencing a harsh childhood with her two sisters. Fighting hard against God, love, and against what she thinks is right, Robin is stuck.
In her journey of love Robin helps you discover that true love is not about a handsome man, money, or all that but about God, Loyalty, Faith and much more. Unlike many other books I have read this one stands out and I am sure it will leave you with so much more than a typical love story.
Tony is playing a huge role in Robin’s life by helping her rediscover God and realize her true worth. I loved him for his patience with her straggles and insecurities. His caliber is rare find.
I truly enjoyed this book!!! It is so much more than just a fun romance, it is an example of love and much of it needs to be taken as a lesson.
I want to thank Hallee Bridgeman for a signed copy. Hallee, keep on writing, your stories touch heart strings and make a melody of life worth living even after all odds.
Disclaimer: I got a signed copy of this bundle after meeting Hallee Bridget through our book club at www.bookfun.org thank you Fred for the privilege of being part of your fun group.

[Mary Host · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was riveted to this story by the prologue. I had to find out what happened to these frightened girls. The story was so real to life. I look forward to reading the rest of their story.
This book begins the story of Robin Bartlett and her two half sisters. They were taken from an abusive home as children, and the youngest was adopted while the other two stayed in the foster system. When Robin left the system because of more abuse, Hank befriended her and gave her a job. He helped her gain custody of her sister Maxine. When she learned that her sister Sarah's adoptive parents could not afford to send her to college, Robin took over. She worked two jobs to support all of them and to pay for her sisters' college education. She was not trusting anyone for help, God or man. Robin was wearing herself out, but then she met Tony Viscolli. He fell in love with her, showered her with gifts and introduced her to God. Through Tony's love and learning to know his church friends, Robin is finally able to trust God. Can she trust Tony, too? And what about the future for her and her sisters?
I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest review.

[Donna Mcginnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I started this book I was captivated. I was so glad it included the Novella Greater than Rubies as I did not want the story to end. Want to read the other two books in the trilogy.
Well written and loved the characters.
The main characters Robin and Tony had both endured terrible childhoods. Robin has two sisters and fought to be reunited with them after being in the system and the younger sister being adopted. Her love for her sisters was her drive in life. Working two jobs to put them both through school so they would not have to depend on a man for their livelihood. She was bitter not only towards men but also God. Tony found Faith at an early age and built an empire of wealth and used it as a ministry and helping others. The love Tony had for Robin was strong and he did not give up on making her his wife.
Robin found Faith in God and overcame her fears.
A wonderful story of love and Faith.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved my introduction to Hallee Bridgeman's writing in The Jewel Trilogy Bundle 1: Sapphire Ice & Greater Than Rubies. These books caught my interest in the prologue and wouldn't let go. The main character is a young girl who grew up in horrible conditions & is determined not only to take care of herself but also her younger sister's. She captures the attention of a self-made billionaire who turns out to have started out in similar circumstances. With much patience he works to gain her trust & share his faith. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the Readers Only Group at BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received as a result of my review. Thank you to Fred St Laurent, BookFun.org.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Favorite Scene:

How to approach him, though? She thought about it while she transfered clothes from the washers to the dryers. A direct approach would be best. He wasn't the type to play games, obviously. It had to be soo, too. She had his attention now. Who knew what tomorrow would bring.
Tonight. She would catch him before he left. Leaving everything where it was, she burst out of the laundry room and took the first flight of stairs two at a time. She hit the first landing and rounded the corner, only to slam right into the chest of the man she was in such a hurry to see.
"Whoa, slow down," he said, gripping her arms to keep her from falling backwards down the stairs, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah." She pulled away out of habit and cringed inwardly at the brief slash of resignation in his eyes. "You're leaving?"
The corner of his lip tilted up in a mocking smile. "Yes. Please, though. There's no need to beg me to stay. I can't bewayed."
Oh, no. The sarcasm was so obvious. Maybe it was too late."Um, listen, could I talk to you for a minute?"
Tony's eyebrows rose a fraction on an inch. "Of course." He turned his body slightly, as if to go back upstairs, but stopped when she put a hesitant hand on his arm.
"No, not up there. I knid of wanted to discuss something, uh, private." She turned, started walking down. "We can just talk in the laundry room, if you don't mind. My clothes are almost dry, and if I leave them there, I risk someone throwing them on the floor."
Tony couldn't help but feel intrigued. Without a second thought he followed her until they reached a little room on the rfirst floor crammed cwith machines that had to be as old as he was. Something on nthe chipped tile floor stuck to the bottom of his shoes, but it was so dingy gray that he could not identify the scource. Two of the three fluorescent lights were burnt out, and a bulletin board was layered with advertisements.
Robin turned to face him as soon as they entered the room and stood there with her hands shoved into the pockets of her jeans while she rocked back and forth on the soles of her feet. "I guess I didn't really plan how I wanted to say this," she said. He thought that maybe her face reddened, but with the low light it was hard to tell.
"Saying something outright usually works," he said. She'd been civil to him for about fifty-seven seconds. He wondered if he should begin to worry.
She huffed out a breath and looked over his shoulder. "I want to sleep with you."


Meet The Characters:

Robin Bartlett: Strong, stubborn, pig-headed. Do you get the idea? LOL Robin was self-sufficient, never needing anyone's help. She did things by herself, on her own. She was loyal to those she loved and fiercely protective. She was driven to fulfill her goals and go it alone.

Antonio "Tony" Viscolli: Tony is a former street rat-turned-billionaire. He started with nothing, living on the streets, then he found God and everything changed. Tony is Loyal and generous to a fault. He is determined, ambitious and just an all-around sweet and loving guy.

Maxine Bartlett: Maxine is Robin's step-sister. She is an advertising exec and one of Robin's biggest fans. She is vivacious, spunky and funny. She is an artist and uses her painting as an outlet for the bad memories she has of her childhood.

Sarah Thomas: Sarah is Robin's youngest step-sister. Sarah is so much different than Maxine. Sarah is a tiny thing, very quiet, a little shy. She is very faithful to God and has often tried to draw Robin to Him as well.

Barry Anderson: Tony's attorney and best friend. Barry is usually the one that tries to make Tony see things from a different angle. He is very trustworthy and dependable and devoted to God.

Craig Bartlett: Robin's long-lost Dad. Carig goes from being a murdering drug addict to a loving dad that has come home to God, the prodigal son.


My Thoughts:


Sapphire Ice

Robin Bartlett knows what living a hard life is like. She and her two step-sisters grew up living in a drug and alcohol infested apartment with their mom and a constant rotation of boyfriends. Robin had to keep her sisters safe and fight to survive. When her mom was murdered, Robin and her sister Maxine went into the system while her youngest sister Sarah was adopted by a Christian family. She made a vow to gain custody of her sisters and support them and put them through college with no help from anyone. Eleven years later Robin is tired and over worked but she is accomplishing her goals. She lives in an apartment with her two sisters. Maxine has graduated from college and Sarah has two more years to go and Robin did it all on her own. the last thing she needs is Antonio "Tony" Viscolli interrupting her life.

Tony Viscolli grew up roaming the streets and fighting to survive after his mom died. Then one day he walked into chruch and his whole life changed. Peter and Caroline O'Farrell took him in and taught him all about the God who loved him. Tony got a job and saved every penny. He took the money he saved and eventually amassed a fortune. Tony had become one of the richest men in the country by buying businesses and turning huge profits but the day he decided to buy Hank's Place was the day he met Robin and set his life on a course he would never regret.

Sapphire Ice was a very good book. The way Robin fought for those she loved showed a strong family bond that you would expect given their childhood together. She worked tirelessly and sacrificed so her sisters could have the things they needed. Robin and Tony had similar childhoods and, because of that and their love of God, formed an unbreakable bond of love and mutual respect. Robin was a little rough around the edges at first, afraid to be in a relationship, but she soon warmed to Tony's tender words and loving spirit. There were some twists and turns that kept you guessing and I loved the way they always sought God's council in important matters.

Greater Than Rubies

After accepting Tony's proposal, Robin finds that she is overwhelmed. Tony is one of the richest men in the world and the fact that he is always in the spotlight is something Robin's not sure she can handle. She begins to have second thoughts about whether she can live up to the expectations she feels will be imposed upon her. She also fears their wedding night and their first night spent together. Memories from the past are haunting her. Memories of being molested by her mom's boyfriends. Can she go through that again even with someone she loves as much as Tony?

Tony knows something is wrong. He knows Robin is holding back but he's not sure why. When she tells him she can't marry him he is devastated. When Tony regains his composure and his senses, he realizes everything he has means nothing without Robin in his life. Tony knows what he must do to win her back. Would you give up everything for the woman you love?

I'm glad Hallee Bridgeman continued the story of Robin and Tony in Greater Than Rubies. I like it when things are sewed up all nice in a neat little package. I'm not one for loose ends so I was glad to see the happy couple get married. This book also re-introduced a character from book one named Derrick DeNunzio. A street kid with a hard life, Derrick personified a young Tony. Tony took him in and helped him straighten his life out. Do I smell another romance coming up with Derrick? Yes, I certainly do! I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to books three and four.

**I would actually give this book 4.5 stars out of 5 but Goodreads won't let me give half stars for some reason.**

**A copy of this book was provided by Bookfun.org for my honest review**

[Cherie Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking through the Refiner's Fire -
The Jewel Trilogy Bundle 1: Sapphire & Rubies by Hallee Bridgeman – paperback
This book includes Sapphire Ice (a Novel) and Greater Than Rubies (a Novella).
Because these two stories are in the same book I am reviewing them together, also, both stories are about Robin Bartlett.
The prologue captures your attention so quickly, and won’t let go. Three sisters, Robin (15, blonde and blue-eyed), Maxine (12 and blue-eyed), and Sarah (9, brown curly hair with red streaks, she could pass for 6) are living with their mother, each of them does not know their father (all different ones). The girls’ lives are filled with terror, abuse, hunger, different men in their mother’s life, and now – murder.
Robin, being the oldest feels it is up to her to protect and raise her sisters. She goes through the system until 18 and then finds a father figure, Hank and works for him. She not only works that job, but a second one as she finishes raising Maxine and putting her through college. Then, when Sarah is 15 Robin works to get visitation for them all to see each other. When Sarah is ready to go to college she moves in with the other two girls and Robin again pays for all the college. Robin and Maxine have terrible memories of men from their past lives treating them horribly. They do not trust men at all, and could never even think of listening to anyone who wants to talk about God or Jesus.
In walks Tony. Antonio Viscolli is a self-made billionaire. What most people don’t know about him is that he came from the same area as the three girls. In fact, the large church in their area is where Tony went when he was a teenager and found God. What a lot of people do know about him is that he is a devout Christian. He lives what he talks. He helps in every area of the town’s needs as he can and a lot out of town also. When Tony first sees Robin her blue eyes are what draw him in. What keeps him there is what he feels God leading him to do to has Robin in his life. Robins sisters, especially Maxine, are all for Tony teaching Robin about love.
What I like about this book is how the author writes into Tony’s character his every thought and feeling. We can see how his words and his prayers affect others in the story to help them come to Christ. The way to God is spelled out in big letters all through both books. And, the author also shows how a devout Christian can be tempted to do evil because of his love for another, then she shows the steps to forgiveness.
These two books together are the most beautiful of love stories I have read in a really long time and I believe that’s true because of the relationship to God that the characters have, a personal relationship. I recommend this to all who love a good love story and also want to see Christ in the everyday lives of the characters. I could not put the book down until I finished it, read through the night.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Janice Garey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough Gemstones Polished By God (review of Sapphire Ice & Greater Than Rubies bundle by Hallee Bridgeman).

Hallee Bridgeman brings to life the characters of Robin Bartlett and her sisters who have suffered a horrible childhood of neglect and abuse. Robin, being the oldest, has sacrificed any enjoyment in life by working double time to support her sister's college educations.

A totally unexpected character, Tony Viscolli, enters Robin's life. He is wealthy and Robin does not trust him at all. She is afraid to trust anyone because of her past experiences. Tony is immediately taken by Robin and thinks she is the one God has chosen to be his wife. The story of this couple, who are from the world's standards a most unlikely match, fills the reader's heart with wonder at how the determined are able to overcome some of the worst circumstances the world has to offer. Realistic struggles and some grating personalities are entertwined to add conflict as a decision is made about if they are meant by God to become a married couple.

Those who enjoy reading about physical displays of affection of a wholesome nature in their Christian fiction will not be disappointed by Hallee Bridgeman's handling of the male and female interactions. The book and novella both draw the reader in quickly. At first there is a question about how sincere Tony will be, especially given his level of wealth and the power that goes with it. Will he use Robin for his gratification or is there more to his inner being than Robin can discern from his outward appearance?

I started reading the novella, Greater Than Rubies, first because I had gotten it for the Kindle. I do not suggest that order of reading because I was a bit put off by the level of oppulence described and needed more of the background to appreciate its description. Reading Sapphire Ice first gives the background to advance the storyline smoothly.

The two stories together in the bundle are engaging and God honoring as they show miracles of life change available to those who are willing to walk humbly with the Lord. The priorities of life come into clear focus as the conclusion of the stories draws near. The ending is a surprise I was unable to forsee. You will be glad you spent time with Robin, Tony and the supporting characters after you read their story.

The last pages of the book contain a section of suggested recipes to use for a book discussion group luncheon. The recipes all look good and are based on foods that appear within the story.

I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for a review after reading.

[Beverly Lytle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jewel Trilogy Bundle 1 consists of two books: Sapphire Ice and Greater Than Rubies. When I finished Sapphire Ice I was elated that the books came as a bundle so I could dive right into Greater Than Rubies. The first book had me eager to read on to learn more about Robin and Tony. Closing the book was not an option--I continued to turn the pages and kept right on reading.
Sapphire Ice is a story about two people who came from similar backgrounds but live very different lifestyles. It is a delightful story of how you can chose to live as Christ intended you to live—free of your past. Tony has allowed God to heal him from the inside out, but can he teach Robin to do the same? Robin is dealing with many things in her past that has made her heart as cold as ice. She wants nothing to do with any man, and especially not Tony who is an influential man who seems to have it all together. How will he ever convince her to trust him with her heart?
Greater Than Rubies picks up the story right after Robin and Tony become engaged. They are so in love and Robin is mesmerized by the way Tony showers his love on her. They are planning a beautiful wedding, but Robin’s past begins to haunt her leaving her feel unworthy of the man who has done so much to win her over. Can she be Mrs. Tony Viscolli? Can she overcome these haunting thoughts of rape and disgust? What is Tony willing to sacrifice to prove her worth from his viewpoint? This is a beautiful story that reminds us of how God see us through His eyes and not our own.
Hallee Bridgeman has woven both scripture and prayer within the pages of her story to effectively remind us of the beautiful truth that we are made worthy through Christ. Neither our past, nor our present defines us. We must choose to step out, with Christ as our guide, to break the patterns of our past and move into a life that is all God intended it to be.
This book deals with many sensitive issues. These issues can often cause us to allow our past to define who we are. These topics include rape, adoption, foster care, alcoholism, poverty, and abuse.

I have been provided a copy of this book by BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphire Ice & Greater Than Rubies, the Jewel Trilogy Bundle 1 by Hallee Bridgeman
Sapphire Ice introduces Robin Bartlett as the oldest of the three half sisters. She is a hard worker, working two jobs to support her sisters and put them through college. They have all had a hard childhood, from being raised by a drug addict to being home when her mother and her boyfriend were murdered. Robin has hardened her heart toward God and everyone else, until she falls for Tony Viscolli. Both Robin and Tony grew up dirt poor. But Tony has managed to go from a hooligan to a wealthy businessman with a love for Christ and giving back. Tony struggles to win Robins trust and lead her to a relationship with Christ. Greater than Rubies finds Robin planning her wedding to Tony. It is to be Boston’s Royal Wedding. The more she plans the more overwhelmed she becomes. Her old insecurities come to life and nightmares of the past resurface. Can her new found faith and love for Tony bring her enough redemption and transformation to overcome a life of trials. Read the Jewel Trilogy Bundle to find out. This book is well written and will pull at your heart strings. The author Hallee Bridgeman did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life. She intertwined faith into all aspects of these books. Showing that with God’s love and obedience you cane overcome the many obstacles before you. Thanks to The Book Club Network Inc. for this book. And thanks to the author Hallee Bridgeman and Olivia Kimbrell Press for writing and bring good clean Christian books to readers like me.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this a eBook from "The Book Club Network"
My first time reading any of Hallee Bridgeman's book. I found her to be a excellent author. She brought her characters to live for you. I felt like I knew each of them.

We meet Robin who is raising her two sister and putting them through school. Robin feels an obligation to them and has put her life on hold. She and the girls have had a rough life and was abused. Robin is working two jobs to support them all. Life has been so bad for her that she has built a wall of ice around her and will not let anyone in.

Tony has bought the restaurant that she works at. Robin does not like him and thinks he is a spoiled guy that has never known what it is to be poor. The minute Tony see Robin he feels something that he has never felt before for anyone. Tony and Robin can not see eye to eye. When around each other sparks fly. Tony is a man of God and feels that God has brought Robin into his life. Now the thing is to get Robin to see this. She does not believe there is a God if there was why has he let
bad things happen. Tony prays for God's guiding had to find a way into Robin's life and show her God's love.

Miss Bridgeman show us how with faith and God's love all things will work. Tony's faith and trust in God leads him to show Robin how wonderful God's love is and the life they can have together. Just loved this.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers who love Lori Wick's unique characters will fall in love with Hallee Bridgeman's heroes as well. The first two stories in the Jewel Anthology, Sapphire Ice and the novella Greater Than Rubies are very close as one, and actually can be bought as one book. A cozy series of novels that are a delight to read and leave a joyous, happy feeling when done. The world around me seemed brighter, and the tasks before me not as dreary. The men are super sensitive to their women, and if they for some reason fail to understand them, they know just what to say and do to make things alright. Fairy tales where happily ever after is a given is always a great way to end the day.
I was sorry when the book came to an end, and am anxiously waiting till I can sit down with the next books. I would recommend this book to everyone, with a small disclaimer, especially to younger readers – not all men are this sensitive and attune to women's wants and needs.

I received this book free from the author, Hallee Bridgeman through her Hallee's Allies and Fred at The Bookclub Network for the purpose of promotion through reviewing. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own.

[Rhonda Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by my introduction to author, Hallee Bridgeman, with Sapphire Ice & Greater Than Rubies. Tony meets Robin, and a spark is ignited! The sparks definitely fly towards Tony from Robin. She is broken, bruised, wounded from past abuse and does not want ANY MAN in her life until Tony comes in and touches her in a gentle way to wipe a stray tear from her cheek. Mesmerizing would be a great adjective to describe my feelings as I read these two pieces. I love how Hallee used her words to show God's love for us. She used scripture and prayer appropriately through the two works to give readers hope and the news of salvation. I love how Robin's sister, Maxie, said that "Stands with Two Fists" would be a better name for her.....she, too, suffered cruel abuse at the hands of others and is in need of a tender love.
I received a kindle version of this book from bookfun.org (The Book Club Network) in exchange for my honest review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful set of books, Sapphire Ice & Greater Than Rubies. and I am definitely hooked on this new author to me, Hallee Bridgeman. The beginning had me thinking this was not the book for me but it certainly didn't last long and I was reading, not wanting to put it down for anything. The main characters, Robin and Tony, were certainly an interesting pair, and I loved how Maxie, sister of Robin, was used to bring these two together when Robin wanted nothing to do with Tony. Hallee brought all the characters to life, and God was very much a part of the story from the beginning. Prayer, scripture and sharing of faith were intertwined in the story as it should be in every day life. And I am so glad that Hallee's daughter asked for the wedding, as it really added so much more to the story, and brought up more issues that abused ones face. Great series that I would highly recommend.

I was given these books by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Betti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ebook was received from The BookClub Network in return for a candid review. I enjoyed this book very much, and the novella as well. This author was new to me, and I certainly would like to read the second and third story in this "family" story. Robin, as the oldest of three girls, feels very responsible for her younger sisters. She does her very best to care for them, often at the expense of caring for herself. As the author gently introduces Robin to a personal relationship with the God of love, she also introduces how God can change one's life. A beautiful story of overcoming your past and moving into a future that almost seems like it only happens in books!

[Angela Hohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greater than Rubies by Hallee Bridgeman
This second book in the Jewel bundle had me sitting on the edge of my chair as if I was present in person. The story came to life I could feel the writers emotions. I have been inspired and uplifted. It has been such a rewarding experience to read and review this book without any bias. Thanks Hallee we need more books like this. Stop by Bookfun.org for more good reads like this.

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphire Ice is book one and is bundled with the novella Greater Than Rubies in The Jewel Trilogy by Hallee Bridgeman.

Sapphire Ice introduces three half-sisters that had been abused and separated in their younger years. The focus of this book is on the oldest sister, Robin, and a man, Tony, who had come from being a street kid into a confident, wealthy businessman. Robin doesn't trust men or God. Tony falls in love with Robin, but he must win her love and convince her to trust him. Tony wants Robin to have the wonderful relationship with God that he had found.

In Greater Than Rubies, Robin is planning her wedding with Tony, but old fears and insecurities arise. Tony must find a way to convince Robin they are meant for each other.

The first part of The Jewel Trilogy is a beautiful love story. I was hooked from the beginning. The book has its tragedies and trials, but their faith in God and the love they found overcame everything. Sapphire Ice and Greater Than Rubies is an excellent book. I'm looking forward to reading book two and three. If you like Christian Romance, you definitely need to read The Jewel Trilogy by Hallee Bridgeman. I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.

[Rachel Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of two people who came from difficult childhoods. One has already found God and the plan for his life. He

falls in love with, and witnesses to, Robin, who is relying on just herself to better the lives of herself and her sisters.

She does not trust Tony or his God. As the story progresses, she begins to learn more about and trust both. The Christian

witnessing, prayers, and life examples ring true and honest, without being "preachy" which I consider a fine line to

produce. I really enjoyed the story, and look forward to the next two about Robin's sisters. I received a free ebook copy

from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! I love the romance, the obvious love between the characters. At times, A reader could easily ask what Robin had to complain about, but she did have some very real concerns with marrying Tony and fitting inti his lifestyle. When she broke up with him I cried. I so enjoyed this Christian fiction that was happy, not depressing or tragic. I want more Hallee Bridgeman.

[Karen Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loves the book. Of course I had to read the next one

[Tima · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've posted a review for these books separately. I received this book free from Book Fun in exchange for a review. While I enjoyed having them both together since they were a continuation of the same story, I would have bought two separate books if purchasing for myself.