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Brides of Seattle #2
Refining Fire
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?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2015
256 people are currently reading
1163 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
250 books3,129 followersTracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.
pen name: Janelle Jamison
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 21, 2015
Okay so... this book was good. Definitely not as good as the first one, but still an enjoyable read.
I'm mostly reading this series because of Abrianna & Wade so I am really excited to get my hands on the final book!!
I'm mostly reading this series because of Abrianna & Wade so I am really excited to get my hands on the final book!!
July 28, 2015
I've enjoyed Tracie Peterson's books in the past and I really wanted to like this one especially since the synopsis on the back of the book sounded very interesting. Unfortunately, the back of this book is extremely misleading as the two main characters turn out to be secondary characters who's stories really are not developed very well. All the mystery surrounding both characters pasts are resolved and solved in 1 quick conversation in the middle of the book. Most of this book is dedicated instead to Abrianna and Wade's feelings for each other, Abrianna's charity works, Abrianna's courtship with the protagonist of the story, Abrianna's family crisis, Abrianna's devotion to God, Abrianna's .. well, you get the point.
What makes this even worse is while Militine is a truely interesting character with a past that really could have been felt out and made into a very worthwhile story, Abrianna is a smug, self righteous brat who seems to think her devotion to God makes her so much better than everyone else. She's very critical of everyone and far from a likable character. As most of the spiritual aspects of this book come from the thoughts or conversations from Abrianna, it almost feels as if the message is being beaten over the readers head and instead of being an uplifting message, it feels forced and snarky.
This book would have been so much better had Mrs Peterson had concentrated on Militine and Thane, developed their stories much more in depth and let Abrianna and Wade's story develop more in the background, since her third book seems as if it will be dedicated to them.
*I received an ARC from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review*
What makes this even worse is while Militine is a truely interesting character with a past that really could have been felt out and made into a very worthwhile story, Abrianna is a smug, self righteous brat who seems to think her devotion to God makes her so much better than everyone else. She's very critical of everyone and far from a likable character. As most of the spiritual aspects of this book come from the thoughts or conversations from Abrianna, it almost feels as if the message is being beaten over the readers head and instead of being an uplifting message, it feels forced and snarky.
This book would have been so much better had Mrs Peterson had concentrated on Militine and Thane, developed their stories much more in depth and let Abrianna and Wade's story develop more in the background, since her third book seems as if it will be dedicated to them.
*I received an ARC from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review*
did-not-finish
February 19, 2016DNF on page 30.
I can't seem to get into this.
I can't seem to get into this.
December 12, 2020
What a delightfully faith-filled story! I just adore stories brimming with faith and hope, and this one fit the bill nicely. I especially enjoyed the fact that a preacher was called out publicly for not teaching Bible-based sermons. What courage a couple members of his congregation displayed! It’s important that we Christians have good teachers of the Word of God in our lives, especially the preachers we listen to, and it’s just as crucial to be courageous and lovingly confront the ones who aren’t teaching biblical truths.
Abrianna stole the spotlight again. I think this trilogy really and truly belongs to her and the leads in the first two books are really the supporting cast, because they are not as fully developed as Abrianna, nor do they pop off the page as dramatically or seem to have as many scenes. However, I adore Abrianna and find that she’s delightfully passionate about her calling to serve the overlooked and forgotten folks in the city. This was an entertaining and enjoyable thread to read, because her heart for God’s work was so beautifully written and inspirational.
Militine’s search for hope and kindness was wonderful. I liked that her faith grew here and there and that her vulnerability was not shoved under the rug but was brought out into the open and discussed. Too many times our vulnerabilities are hidden away and shame us, but what if we all chose to see them as opportunities to grow stronger in who we are as people? What if we let God turn them into strengths?
Trigger: human trafficking
Abrianna stole the spotlight again. I think this trilogy really and truly belongs to her and the leads in the first two books are really the supporting cast, because they are not as fully developed as Abrianna, nor do they pop off the page as dramatically or seem to have as many scenes. However, I adore Abrianna and find that she’s delightfully passionate about her calling to serve the overlooked and forgotten folks in the city. This was an entertaining and enjoyable thread to read, because her heart for God’s work was so beautifully written and inspirational.
Militine’s search for hope and kindness was wonderful. I liked that her faith grew here and there and that her vulnerability was not shoved under the rug but was brought out into the open and discussed. Too many times our vulnerabilities are hidden away and shame us, but what if we all chose to see them as opportunities to grow stronger in who we are as people? What if we let God turn them into strengths?
Trigger: human trafficking
August 3, 2015
This was my first Christian romance historical fiction novel and I have to say I wasn't impressed.
Refining Fire has four main characters, Abrianna, Militine, Thane, and Wade. The women live in a Bridal School in Seattle with Abrianna's "aunts." Wade and Thane are friends of the Bridal School, helping escort the girls to and from wherever it is they need to go. Of course romance ensues just for these four, as you would expect. The first half of the book was a bit slow and I almost wanted to give up reading. Abrianna's character was tedious to read about. Thankfully the story picked up a little halfway through.
The synopsis for this book is about the character Militine, but her friend Abrianna is in the story more than dear Militine is. There were a couple hints that I thought would play out for Militine's character, but no. Passing through each chapter I wondered why the synopsis was solely based on Militine and her beau! I was disappointed that her character and Thane's character were not more developed. The book focused mostly on Abrianna.
I did enjoy the historical parts of the book. Reading about the fire in Seattle was interesting, as well as the mannerisms of that era. Abrianna is a servant of God and I loved how she got the food house going and I enjoyed the tidbits about the men she served.
One element of the story left me hanging, so I hope the third book will close the door on that. (*ahem* Mr. Welby - I won't post a spoiler, but you are a real slime ball.)
I was given a free copy of this book from Bethany House for my honest opinion.
Refining Fire has four main characters, Abrianna, Militine, Thane, and Wade. The women live in a Bridal School in Seattle with Abrianna's "aunts." Wade and Thane are friends of the Bridal School, helping escort the girls to and from wherever it is they need to go. Of course romance ensues just for these four, as you would expect. The first half of the book was a bit slow and I almost wanted to give up reading. Abrianna's character was tedious to read about. Thankfully the story picked up a little halfway through.
The synopsis for this book is about the character Militine, but her friend Abrianna is in the story more than dear Militine is. There were a couple hints that I thought would play out for Militine's character, but no. Passing through each chapter I wondered why the synopsis was solely based on Militine and her beau! I was disappointed that her character and Thane's character were not more developed. The book focused mostly on Abrianna.
I did enjoy the historical parts of the book. Reading about the fire in Seattle was interesting, as well as the mannerisms of that era. Abrianna is a servant of God and I loved how she got the food house going and I enjoyed the tidbits about the men she served.
One element of the story left me hanging, so I hope the third book will close the door on that. (*ahem* Mr. Welby - I won't post a spoiler, but you are a real slime ball.)
I was given a free copy of this book from Bethany House for my honest opinion.
July 5, 2015
Abrianna is really the main character in this series but in the book previous we had Lenore n Koblain story, this one we had Militine n Thane. For a start Militine's name was usual but we get to know where it came from n a little bit of her past. It is really amazing what the three elderly ladies do in having this bridal school teaching girls the basics of duties needed in life. Really like Thane n Wade as men and so glad they put the pastor in his place. (Some of the pastors attitude is still alive and well today unfortunately among some) I am only having a guess that the title had to do with these two giving over their past to God. (I fear for the 10 Chinese girls in this story in relation to those that go missing today). Didn't realise that Seattle had a big fire that destroy there city. I wonder what is install for Wade n Abrianna in the next book?
May 2, 2018
Refining Fire is the second novel in the Brides of Seattle series, mostly centered around the life of Abrianna Cunningham. There was more about Militine, the character in the blurb, in this book than there was about Lenore in the last book, but it was still predominantly focused on Abrianna’s story. For the most part this story was good. The romance was very heartfelt throughout. From the fire on was very exciting and entertaining, a good end to the book. However throughout the novel, I couldn’t help but wonder what the point of it all was. It seems to lack an overarching goal or purpose. We are reading about the lives of these people, and while entertaining, it makes you wonder what they are working toward. Usually in a story there is some achievement being sought after, but in this case it was more just hearing about their lives with different circumstances popping up along the way. So while the things happening are very dramatic, it is a flip flop off of the normal structure of a story that makes me long for some larger accomplishment as the ultimate focus. It was also severely annoying how they believed Welby’s story about the women. It makes them seem very foolish, and it didn’t line up in my mind with how astute they perceived everything else. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future and how these circumstances resolve themselves.
July 21, 2015
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC, and here is my honest review. I struggled to really get into this story, based in a Seattle School for Brides, where Militine is hiding, as she does not want to get married herself, very slow moving, and even though lots of elements are brought into this book, with some topics, I just found it difficult to grasp the characters, who were a little predictable. Sometimes too much is written in trying to attempt a conversation, that the same thing goes on for pages and seems never ending. This is first book I have read by this author and I am not sure I would read another. Maybe? I have not read the first in this series so I can't say whether or not I have missed something, though it seemed pretty straight forward. I couldn't really connect with Militine & though Thane seems likeable, his character lacked some mystery.
August 19, 2015
I have enjoyed reading stories from this author for several years and love it when what she writes is a part of a series. Refining Fire is part of the Seattle Brides Series and is a great read. It gives you insight into not only what it is like for her characters, but what Seattle was like during the time frame.
Militine is attending the Madison Bridal School, not to become a bride, but to escape from her past. She finds herself learning to trust with the help of her friends Abrinna and Wade as well as with help from Thane who is seeking answers himself. Each learn to work together and trust God to make it all work out.
More from the author can be found at http://www.traciepeterson.com/
I received a copy of the book free to review from the publisher.
Militine is attending the Madison Bridal School, not to become a bride, but to escape from her past. She finds herself learning to trust with the help of her friends Abrinna and Wade as well as with help from Thane who is seeking answers himself. Each learn to work together and trust God to make it all work out.
More from the author can be found at http://www.traciepeterson.com/
I received a copy of the book free to review from the publisher.
July 6, 2015
I have read many of Tracie Peterson's books and I know she is a great writer. This book was so terribly slow for me and really hard to get into. I felt like there wasn't very much character depth or really a strong storyline. It was so predictable and I wish I could say otherwise. I didn't really like Militine's character though I did like the setting. Who knew there was a Madison School for Brides?! I love the historical setting I just wanted more out of the storyline.
Four stars.
Four stars.
February 17, 2019
Much like the first in the series (Steadfast Heart), I had difficulty getting interested in the beginning of the tale. Even though I was already familiar with the majority of the characters (since they all featured in the first Brides of Seattle novel), I still felt that the first chapter or so moved slowly. However, once I began reading it and the story began to take shape around Militine and Thane, I couldn't put the book down. I read the Refining Fire in one night.
We are learning more about the Madison Bridal School and the inhabitants of Seattle during the late 1800s. The characters face many hardships including the death of their beloved pastor, a new venture, blossoming relationships, and a devastating fire.
I would recommend Refining Fire to those interested in Christian fiction. If you enjoyed the first in the Brides of Seattle series, I do not think this will disappoint you.
We are learning more about the Madison Bridal School and the inhabitants of Seattle during the late 1800s. The characters face many hardships including the death of their beloved pastor, a new venture, blossoming relationships, and a devastating fire.
I would recommend Refining Fire to those interested in Christian fiction. If you enjoyed the first in the Brides of Seattle series, I do not think this will disappoint you.
September 20, 2020
This was a very enjoyable book with a strong Christian theme. It continues on from book #1 in this series based in Seattle around the Madison Bridal School. As in the first book, the main character seems to be overshadowed by Abrianna, an opinionated and very outspoken young woman. The book supposedly chronicles the life of Militine, Abrianna's friend who has come out of a very abusive home situation. Although residing at the Bridal School, she has no intention of marrying anyone and has no time for God. Then, she meets Thane, a hurting soul like herself and they both begin to rethink their lives. However, like I said, it is Abrianna who is the star of the book. If you have any of those same characteristics (opinionated, outspoken & very frank), you will love her. I listened to the audio-version and the narrator gave her the perfect voice. I see the 3rd book in this series supposedly centers on Abrianna but she is a very prominent character in all of the books.
May 10, 2020
Captivating story and characters
I've always loved Tracie's writing and this series is no exception. Once I started reading I had hard time putting it down. I found myself immersed in the history of the time period; simpler times but with the same basic dilemmas of modern times. Love, overcoming your past and finding peace with it, overcoming obstacles and reaching for your dreams. The eloquence of the language also appeals to me; people don't speak that way anymore. I also like the incorporation of historical events to enrich the story even more.
Tracie is a fabulous author and has a way of incorporating faith without preaching. I have read other authors with more 'adult' themes but find myself coming back to Gracie and the simpler romances. I would definitely recommend any of her books as a great read.
I've always loved Tracie's writing and this series is no exception. Once I started reading I had hard time putting it down. I found myself immersed in the history of the time period; simpler times but with the same basic dilemmas of modern times. Love, overcoming your past and finding peace with it, overcoming obstacles and reaching for your dreams. The eloquence of the language also appeals to me; people don't speak that way anymore. I also like the incorporation of historical events to enrich the story even more.
Tracie is a fabulous author and has a way of incorporating faith without preaching. I have read other authors with more 'adult' themes but find myself coming back to Gracie and the simpler romances. I would definitely recommend any of her books as a great read.
May 12, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Tracie Peterson and have read almost all of her books.
The 2nd book took longer to get into than the first book. It didn't get that interesting until around the 15th chapter, after that, it flooded with lots of chaos and became very intense that I finished the remaining of the book all in one day. I love the 3 old Aunts, they are quite funny and I think Tracie could have spiced up things by adding some disputes among the three sisters. I haven't read the scene for the next book, hopefully there will be some silly and fun disputes among the 3 older sister trio.
The 2nd book took longer to get into than the first book. It didn't get that interesting until around the 15th chapter, after that, it flooded with lots of chaos and became very intense that I finished the remaining of the book all in one day. I love the 3 old Aunts, they are quite funny and I think Tracie could have spiced up things by adding some disputes among the three sisters. I haven't read the scene for the next book, hopefully there will be some silly and fun disputes among the 3 older sister trio.
April 25, 2021
This book was more about Wade and Abrianna than about Thane and Militine. The book itself was alright, but I could not get over the fact that the main characters, according to the synopsis, seemed more like secondary characters in their own book. This entire series is catered more towards Wade and Abrianna's romance than anything else.
If you like to read for adventure, this is an okay book. But if you like to read for romance, I wouldn't recommend it.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE- Tracie Peterson's books are wonderful reads, however, this series was not up to par with her usual standards.
If you like to read for adventure, this is an okay book. But if you like to read for romance, I wouldn't recommend it.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE- Tracie Peterson's books are wonderful reads, however, this series was not up to par with her usual standards.
September 12, 2022
A good story about the Maddison Bridal school, friendships and Militines story of love and her friendships. The aunts sure have their hands busy with all of the girls and the house with making the most of the gardens. The characters grow within their faith as Militines story comes to life as you read it, through everything Militine finds someone she loves, trust and together their love and love for God grows overtime. Not without life’s twists and turns though all of the events that happen etc it’s jammed back with everything that is happening.
July 8, 2023
This book really really was great. But the main character it tells you about in the discription didn’t get as much attention as another character. It felt more like the other characters book than the one discussed. It was action packed and had a great time line but was brief in events except for the other characters. Instead of reading it in three days it took me six days. Would still recommend to read and would read again.
April 20, 2025
This book was ok. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Militine. She was a good friend but I didn’t like her story that much. I really liked Thane though. Him and Wade’s friendship was really interesting. I wish this book gave me insight on the faith of Militine and Thane as the book progressed though. The fire was a huge plot twist though and was a really good addition to the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2017
I love Tracie's books, and this is on par with the rest of hers. It started off a bit slow, but by a third of the way in, I was hooked and couldn't wait to find out what happened. Definitely recommended!
July 9, 2020
Nice little story but didn't few like all of the lose ends were tied up. If she had written a little more what happened in the future - I would have been satisfied. Really wanted to know if the bad guy ever got caught.
January 12, 2022
Love wins!
I really enjoyed this story and am excited to read part three in the series. This is a love story - not just romance, but family and friendly love too. And it has suspense and mystery! Great combination!
I really enjoyed this story and am excited to read part three in the series. This is a love story - not just romance, but family and friendly love too. And it has suspense and mystery! Great combination!
December 11, 2024
I get the point of christian historical romances is to make one member struggle with their faith for one reason or another but for some reason the main character's struggles kind of threw me off. I don't know why. But it did
May 28, 2017
Loved this book! After reading some reviews I was going to skip it but I decided to try it and enjoyed it even better then the first one! Great story line!
July 20, 2017
Boook2
Enjoyed it very much. Would recommend it to anyone. It kept my interest and made me want to see what was going to happen.
Enjoyed it very much. Would recommend it to anyone. It kept my interest and made me want to see what was going to happen.
July 5, 2018
Really good book. Liking this series and first time I have read this author. Will check out more. There is a storyline underlying on human trafficking. Wish it was stronger and developing fast.
January 7, 2019
This book had a slow start; but, it was excellent after that.
August 28, 2019
A historical romance set in old Seattle Washington written within a Christian setting. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel within a school for future brides.
October 5, 2019
I loved the development of the characters . I am looking forward to the next book in the series .
April 4, 2020
Great historical Christian romance
Such a wonderful clean Christian romance, and even though the story ended too suddenly, I did enjoy reading a true Christian romance.
Such a wonderful clean Christian romance, and even though the story ended too suddenly, I did enjoy reading a true Christian romance.
May 16, 2020
I actually really liked this book and series. just a lovely read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews