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Refining Fire #1-3
Refining Fires
A ruined nurse. A disfigured veteran. A tormented child. A kept woman. Strangers whose paths cross, bringing redemption into each other’s lives in ways none of them could have predicted. Her career in ruins, a desperate nurse answers an ad to care for a disabled veteran. Disfigured in the war, the antisocial businessman can’t get his mind off the nurse he had tossed out of his home. A young child who never leaves the confines of her mountain home must make a treacherous journey alone to save her mother’s life. A woman kept by men all her life learns through an old love that she has been kept all along by Someone else. Three stirring episodes. One magnificent Love story. Discussion questions included for book groups.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2010
20 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Erin Rainwater
7 books3 followersErin is Pennsylvania born and raised. She served as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War, and is now a disaster nurse as well as an author. Her passion is historical fiction, and for her one of the most fun elements of writing is the research. Her nursing experiences also have found their way onto the pages of her novels, including war injuries and treatments, and the struggles of POWs. She and Texan husband Keith now live in Colorado. Erin invites you to visit her virtual fireside at www.erinrainwater.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 8, 2019
New to me author, not new book. According to my digital purchases I bought this about 9 years ago, but just now found it in my Kindle library. I wish I had found it earlier. Sadly, the cover might have been a deterrent, but it’s what's inside that counts. This was really good!
Set in 1957, Claire and Peter are stuck with each other as a down-on-her-luck live-in nurse and a badly burned, extremely bitter Korean War vet. Claire needs this job so she has to put up with his rude, arrogant, spoiled behavior. His butler Leopold is a sweetheart and helps Claire understand the master of the house. Time and patience during months of rehab, physical therapy and a heart bent toward God could soften that hardened heart.
This part of the story was delightful and eventually reached an "aaaah" sort of love story. Then there were two smaller stories tacked on (at least that’s the way it felt) the characters of which eventually came together to form a whole story. They were good stories, for the most part, just not as good as the Peter and Claire storyline.
4.5 rounded up to 5.
Set in 1957, Claire and Peter are stuck with each other as a down-on-her-luck live-in nurse and a badly burned, extremely bitter Korean War vet. Claire needs this job so she has to put up with his rude, arrogant, spoiled behavior. His butler Leopold is a sweetheart and helps Claire understand the master of the house. Time and patience during months of rehab, physical therapy and a heart bent toward God could soften that hardened heart.
This part of the story was delightful and eventually reached an "aaaah" sort of love story. Then there were two smaller stories tacked on (at least that’s the way it felt) the characters of which eventually came together to form a whole story. They were good stories, for the most part, just not as good as the Peter and Claire storyline.
4.5 rounded up to 5.
November 29, 2017
Well worth it!
Wasn't sure about the storyline. However, the more I got into the story the more it pulled me in. The lead into part 2 was awesome. Quick read but enjoyable.
Wasn't sure about the storyline. However, the more I got into the story the more it pulled me in. The lead into part 2 was awesome. Quick read but enjoyable.
March 13, 2018
This is a heart touching read of love, forgiveness, and allowing God into our lives. This is actually three stories of hope, love and redemption. Great read.
September 27, 2010
This is the most beautiful, most heart-touching collection of stories I've read in a long time and they will stay with me forever!
The first story begins when Clare Canterbury applies for the position of Home Nurse which she saw advertised in a newspaper. She had 3 years experience as a military nurse caring for wounded soldiers returning from the Korean War. She was also an employee at a hospital in Denver where she cared for other soldiers as well as President Eisenhower after he suffered a heart attack. But unfair circumstances have left her homeless and without money. She really neeeded this job.
The interview starts out well enough but ends in disaster. Ultimately she secures the job by trickery.
As the story progresses Clare does wonders for Peter's body, soul and spirit. Peter believes God is punishing him but Clare tries to explain that God doesn't punish His children for sins Jesus already paid for. He does discipline, though, like any loving father. Peter tells Clare that God can: "...keep his love and His discipline..." But during a Thanksgiving prayer that's been forced on him, Peter is under pressure to say something. He begins a half-hearted prayer comitted to memory as a child then suddenly stops, realizing it isn't working. He then began anew and addressed God in a prayer that was five years in coming.
Through his growing love of Clare, Peter begins to think back over conversations he and Clare have had regarding God. For Peter, Clare represents the unconditional love that God has for Peter because she was able to look past his horrible wounds and see Peter from the "inside". This entire revelation hit Peter like a ton of bricks and he learns a valuable lesson that his relationship with God was truly "refined by fire!"
The second story opens with 9-year-old Susannah who is blind and her ill mother, Ellie Carver. Ellie is gravely ill with pneumonia, and Susannah realizes she must make the terrifying journey down the mountain alone and into town to get the doctor. That journey is only the beginning for Susannah, who must then wait out her mother's illness with strangers, not knowing whether her mama will live or die. After witnessing her mother having a horrible coughing fit and seeing doctors and nurses rushing from every direction toward her Mom, little Susannah is frightened beyond belief and runs down the hallway and bumps into a man in a robe who listens to her story and speaks very kindly to her and tells her: "I'll pray for your Mama, Susannah". Little does Susannah or her Mama know that this chance encounter with this kind man will turn out to be the best thing that has ever happened to them. You will be totally blown away by the rest of this story!
The third and final story introduces us to Miss Duchene who is admitted to the hospital after a car accident. Miss Duchene is a very angry woman who is uncooperative and throws a few tantrums, then decides to escape the hospital on her own. During her escape, she finds herself in front of the windows to the baby nursery, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Once again, you will be blown away by what happens.
Refining Fires is a book that you MUST read!! It's a book that will stay with you forever and remind you that no matter what your circumstances, God is ALWAYS there. Even when we think He is silent, not listening and not responding, trust me, HE is there as He has always been from the beginning. I've never been one to be stumped for words before but this book has done just that, I simply don't know what else to say except PLEASE READ THIS BOOK you'll love it, you'll be touched, you'll be hooked from the first page to the last page, and will be sad to see the end come. This is a book you'll want to read again and again and share with your friends and family. I hope Ms. Rainwater will pen another novel such as this one! Just a beautiful, beautiful book all round.
The first story begins when Clare Canterbury applies for the position of Home Nurse which she saw advertised in a newspaper. She had 3 years experience as a military nurse caring for wounded soldiers returning from the Korean War. She was also an employee at a hospital in Denver where she cared for other soldiers as well as President Eisenhower after he suffered a heart attack. But unfair circumstances have left her homeless and without money. She really neeeded this job.
The interview starts out well enough but ends in disaster. Ultimately she secures the job by trickery.
As the story progresses Clare does wonders for Peter's body, soul and spirit. Peter believes God is punishing him but Clare tries to explain that God doesn't punish His children for sins Jesus already paid for. He does discipline, though, like any loving father. Peter tells Clare that God can: "...keep his love and His discipline..." But during a Thanksgiving prayer that's been forced on him, Peter is under pressure to say something. He begins a half-hearted prayer comitted to memory as a child then suddenly stops, realizing it isn't working. He then began anew and addressed God in a prayer that was five years in coming.
Through his growing love of Clare, Peter begins to think back over conversations he and Clare have had regarding God. For Peter, Clare represents the unconditional love that God has for Peter because she was able to look past his horrible wounds and see Peter from the "inside". This entire revelation hit Peter like a ton of bricks and he learns a valuable lesson that his relationship with God was truly "refined by fire!"
The second story opens with 9-year-old Susannah who is blind and her ill mother, Ellie Carver. Ellie is gravely ill with pneumonia, and Susannah realizes she must make the terrifying journey down the mountain alone and into town to get the doctor. That journey is only the beginning for Susannah, who must then wait out her mother's illness with strangers, not knowing whether her mama will live or die. After witnessing her mother having a horrible coughing fit and seeing doctors and nurses rushing from every direction toward her Mom, little Susannah is frightened beyond belief and runs down the hallway and bumps into a man in a robe who listens to her story and speaks very kindly to her and tells her: "I'll pray for your Mama, Susannah". Little does Susannah or her Mama know that this chance encounter with this kind man will turn out to be the best thing that has ever happened to them. You will be totally blown away by the rest of this story!
The third and final story introduces us to Miss Duchene who is admitted to the hospital after a car accident. Miss Duchene is a very angry woman who is uncooperative and throws a few tantrums, then decides to escape the hospital on her own. During her escape, she finds herself in front of the windows to the baby nursery, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Once again, you will be blown away by what happens.
Refining Fires is a book that you MUST read!! It's a book that will stay with you forever and remind you that no matter what your circumstances, God is ALWAYS there. Even when we think He is silent, not listening and not responding, trust me, HE is there as He has always been from the beginning. I've never been one to be stumped for words before but this book has done just that, I simply don't know what else to say except PLEASE READ THIS BOOK you'll love it, you'll be touched, you'll be hooked from the first page to the last page, and will be sad to see the end come. This is a book you'll want to read again and again and share with your friends and family. I hope Ms. Rainwater will pen another novel such as this one! Just a beautiful, beautiful book all round.
June 21, 2016
"Refining Fires" is a nice series of three connected stories revolving around a disfigured Korean War veteran and the nurse he reluctantly hires who ultimately saves him through her own grace and by leading him to God.
Peter had everything: money, charm, good looks, a pretty fiancée -- but in his last act in Korea, he runs back into a burning plane to try to save the other soldiers. Unfortunately, he gets badly burned and injured. And the burns not only ruin his good looks (and self-image), they lead the pretty but shallow fiancée to decide that his money alone is not worth putting up with his new appearance. Five years further on, he's become a surly curmudgeon, acidic and demanding in his relations with others, especially his staff.
Enter Clara, a former army nurse who has been wrongly accused of poaching drugs and who therefore badly needs a job. She manages to convince Peter that he needs her to help fix his atrophied muscles -- and incidentally, his demeanor. A large part of the book is the healing (external and internal) of Peter and the growing relationship between the two.
The second story involves the inspirational strength of a young blind girl (Susannah) who heroically leaves her home and walks to a faraway town to find a doctor to save her mother. Their story connects with the main story when Susannah runs into Peter, and later Clara, at the hospital, after which they offer her mother a job and the two of them a place to live.
The last story is a short look into the rapidly disintegrating life of Peter's former fiancée, who is finally starting to recognize the poor choices she's made and tries to take her own life -- and fails, but is ready to try again. Clara manages to convince her that she is on her side and leads her toward God. I enjoyed the book overall and give it 4 stars.
Peter had everything: money, charm, good looks, a pretty fiancée -- but in his last act in Korea, he runs back into a burning plane to try to save the other soldiers. Unfortunately, he gets badly burned and injured. And the burns not only ruin his good looks (and self-image), they lead the pretty but shallow fiancée to decide that his money alone is not worth putting up with his new appearance. Five years further on, he's become a surly curmudgeon, acidic and demanding in his relations with others, especially his staff.
Enter Clara, a former army nurse who has been wrongly accused of poaching drugs and who therefore badly needs a job. She manages to convince Peter that he needs her to help fix his atrophied muscles -- and incidentally, his demeanor. A large part of the book is the healing (external and internal) of Peter and the growing relationship between the two.
The second story involves the inspirational strength of a young blind girl (Susannah) who heroically leaves her home and walks to a faraway town to find a doctor to save her mother. Their story connects with the main story when Susannah runs into Peter, and later Clara, at the hospital, after which they offer her mother a job and the two of them a place to live.
The last story is a short look into the rapidly disintegrating life of Peter's former fiancée, who is finally starting to recognize the poor choices she's made and tries to take her own life -- and fails, but is ready to try again. Clara manages to convince her that she is on her side and leads her toward God. I enjoyed the book overall and give it 4 stars.
October 9, 2010
Are Some Wounds too Deep to Heal?
Sometimes, a person has been wounded so badly that they build a wall to keep everyone out. That’s when God often sends someone with the strength to scale that wall. In her book, Refining Fires, Erin Rainwater pairs two such characters. Resistance reigns and sparks fly until it seems there is no hope for a resolution.
The author draws on her own experiences as a nurse who served during the Viet Nam War and cared for wounded soldiers to create this tale. She has crafted a story that speaks to the physical and emotional scars of one such injured veteran and the woman who dares to reach out to him with compassion, mercy, and love.
The second phase of this three part story tells of a young girl with a physical handicap who confronts her uncertainty and fear to save the life of her mother.
The satisfying conclusion of the book tells the sad story of a young woman who has a bruised and battered heart. She finds a healing balm to soothe her broken spirit.
Erin Rainwater cleverly weaves three stories into one with characters that face real life weaknesses and overcome them with strength that comes from the most unexpected place.
Sometimes, a person has been wounded so badly that they build a wall to keep everyone out. That’s when God often sends someone with the strength to scale that wall. In her book, Refining Fires, Erin Rainwater pairs two such characters. Resistance reigns and sparks fly until it seems there is no hope for a resolution.
The author draws on her own experiences as a nurse who served during the Viet Nam War and cared for wounded soldiers to create this tale. She has crafted a story that speaks to the physical and emotional scars of one such injured veteran and the woman who dares to reach out to him with compassion, mercy, and love.
The second phase of this three part story tells of a young girl with a physical handicap who confronts her uncertainty and fear to save the life of her mother.
The satisfying conclusion of the book tells the sad story of a young woman who has a bruised and battered heart. She finds a healing balm to soothe her broken spirit.
Erin Rainwater cleverly weaves three stories into one with characters that face real life weaknesses and overcome them with strength that comes from the most unexpected place.
March 31, 2016
Shockingly Good
I seldom ever write reviews- either because books are so good they don't need my approval (as in the case of Tamera Leigh's books), or they're so pitiful I can't say anything positive, but this book is so surprisingly well done=writing style, characters, spiritual themes-I can't refrain from voicing my shocked support. The blurb and cover illustration are both ongferior to the writing. Indeed, in this case, please don't judge this book by it's cover.
I seldom ever write reviews- either because books are so good they don't need my approval (as in the case of Tamera Leigh's books), or they're so pitiful I can't say anything positive, but this book is so surprisingly well done=writing style, characters, spiritual themes-I can't refrain from voicing my shocked support. The blurb and cover illustration are both ongferior to the writing. Indeed, in this case, please don't judge this book by it's cover.
September 15, 2010
A very quick read, couldn't put it down. A sweet story of God's Grace. There are three parts to this story. One folds into the other and each is a good as the other! Thank you Erin...I loved this book!
April 29, 2016
I enjoyed these short stories. Wish they had been a bit longer.
January 5, 2014
Book is about overcoming satan's obstacles. Clean romance too.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews