Through the Fire

Mystery and the Minister's Wife #1

by Diane Noble

When Kate and Paul Hanlon leave their home in San Antonio to take over the pastorate of Faith Briar Church, they are excited about embracing the small town way of life, but when they arrive in Copper Mill to see their new church in flames, it quickly becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. And when evidence shows that the fire is not an accident, Kate knows she has to discover who is behind it. As she investigates, she makes friends-and a few enemies-in town, and threatening phone calls, mysterious packages, and a life and death chase only make her more certain that she is on the right path.

Escape to the charming town of Copper Mill, Tennessee. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Copper Mill is a place of tradition and tranquility, where neighbors work together and life moves at a slower pace. But when Kate Hanlon and her husband Paul, the new pastor of Faith Briar Church, move in, they quickly find out that small town life is anything but boring. The mysteries that Kate discovers in Copper Mill are puzzling, but she always uses her quick, curious mind and the help of her friends to figure out the answer. Come see how faith can solve life's mysteries in Mystery and the Minister's Wife series.

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Contemporary, Cozy, Christian

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Diane Noble is the award-winning novelist of more published books than she can count: historical fiction, contemporary mysteries and suspense, and romance (written under the pen name Amanda MacLean).

Diane writes from a heart of deep faith that's woven into her stories and nonfiction writings. She often posts on Facebook and Twitter about her journey with Parkinson's Disease and the unexpected gift of learning to live moment by moment with humor, grace, and optimism.

With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane continues to spin tales that touch readers' hearts. Book one of her new three-book mystery series, The Professor and Mrs. Littlefield, will be in bookstores September 1, 2014. It's title? THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE MISSING FIGUREHEAD.

Diane is a professed Third Order Franciscan in the Anglican (Episcopal) Church, following the footsteps of Jesus with simpicity, love, and joy as lived out by St. Francis of Assisi. Mother to two beautiful daughters and Gramsy to two cutest-ever granddaughters, Diane lives in Southern California with her wonderful husband and two spoiled cats. Oh yes, and Diane loves

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Mom warned me that this was one of the weakest books of the series, but it sets up all the characters. It was pretty weak, but I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate and Paul leave their home to take on being the pastor for a small town church. As they drive into town they find he church is on fire caused by arson. The man who confesses and the whole town thinks is guilty is visited in jail by Kate. She is sure he didn’t do it and looks for the person who did it. The minister’s house is small with the living room as big as the whole house. It is oddly decorated also. They find out the living room is so big so they can hold services there along with all the other church meetings. Kate is also roped into taking care of a spoiled dog and a cat. 0

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet comfy read. First in the series a minister and his wife arrive at their new home only to find that the church they were to lead is a blazing inferno. Now who started the fire is the story. But this book has a lot of heart and even has some goodhearted ways of dealing with difficult to be with people. A sweet book and a must for anyone who is a Christian looking for a good clean read, this series is pretty great.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and uplifting read. This book is filled with love, faith and mystery. It even has a cute little dog and energetic ill mannered cat to add spice. Through the tale of mystery is also one of love and learning to not judge others.

[Linda Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of a series called "Mystery and the Minister's wife. It's
very important that you read this one and then can read any of them in any order. I really enjoyed this book that was brought to our church library and several gals in our church group are reading this series. They are light and simple but always have a good Christian message.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Paul Hanlon have moved to Copper Mill, Tennessee and meet the unimaginable- the church where Paul is to be the new pastor is going up in flames!
This is the first in a series from Guideposts. Ms. Noble does a great job of introducing quirky characters and having Kate forge friendships while investigating who burned down the church. The description of the parsonage brought back memories. A real flash back to the 70’s when I was first married.
Well written with an intriguing mystery that gets more mysterious. There are characters who find faith, recover their faith or grow in their faith. Entertaining and thought provoking.
*I borrowed this book from the library. All opinions are my own.*

[Mawdiay Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the faith elements of this story. There were definitely times that I laughed and cried. I got angry at some of the characters, a sign of a well crafted character. I felt like there was a bunch of showing versus telling and there were some elements of the plot that didn't make sense. For example, one scene was said to be taking place in the garage, but then without even showing the characters moving, all of a sudden the same scene was in the living room. Overall though, the characters and plot were developed enough that I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. There were parts of the story that were very encouraging.

[Sandy Duke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. As a minister's wife, I wanted to like this. However, I found the portrayal of the minister's wife to be way too stereotypical and unrealistic. In other words, she was too good to be true. The plot did pick up midway through the book and was an interesting storyline. However, I'm not sure I'll continue with the series because I found I related to some of the minor characters far more than I did the main character.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. It had twists and turns I didn't expect. I loved the character of Kate, the minister's wife. She wasn't goody-goody, but real. She had her struggles.
The character of Renee took getting used to, but I grew to like her.
The surprise was how the fire started! I didn't expect that at all!
The ending was great!
I recommend this book and will be looking for more books by this author.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul and Kate move from their beloved church in San Antonio to a small church in Copper Mill, Tennessee. As they arrive, the Faith Briar Church where they would be the Minister and wife, was on fire. It was a major fire and all was lost. Does the church get rebuilt? Does Kate figure out who started the fire? It is a very good story and I enjoyed it.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book and a great story...Every book I read based around a church congregation is interesting because I see my church and friends in the characters and it makes me smile. I am looking forward to perusing finding more in this series.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best first books in a Guideposts series I have read so far. The plot was rivoting-couldn't put it down. You figure out who the culprit is and you are shocked. A book about family, friends, and faith along with a new start. FABULOUS READ!

[Lavender · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this fiction and am hoping to buy more in the series when I can. I have read it before, so I did recall who-dun-it about half way through, but it still was a good entertaining, clean read.

[LB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first book of a the Mystery and the Minister's Wife series.

[Samantha Cornwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well honestly it was a bit slow at the beginning.. It took a lot to finally get into it, but it was a good book overall. I am eager to read the other books.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good and didn't realize who the perp was until the end.

[Sierra Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, good mystery

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Through the Fire" has some excitement to it. Who is this person who confessed to burning the church down? At least one person doesn't believe he is the one to do it. Kate, Pastor' Paul's wife, does some sleuthing along with some newly-made friends. In the meantime, the congregants and a dog meet in the rundown parsonage of the newly-appointed pastor and his wife who are quickly accepted and welcome.

Seems as though someone doesn't want them to rebuild. Items have gone missing including lumber and a bulldozer. Perhaps the fire and the missing items are connected.

An easy read, one that doesn't require much concentration. Easy to follow. Easy to like.

Favorite line - p. 122

"You won't be able to forgive yourself until you understand in your heart that you are forgiven. That God's grace is a gift, not earned."

Kate displays what grace looks like in dealing with Renee who solicits favors from Kate and then gossips about her. When Kate overhears Renee criticizing her while she steps out of the room, she could run, confront Renee, or pray for help. Kate finds herself tossing up quick prayers more and more in these situations. She later searches herself to see if there is any truth in Renee's words. We see grace displayed in other ways by Kate as well.

Some of the events came together a little too quickly and nicely than one would normally see in reality, however, I rather enjoyed the book overall.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Through the Fire" is a fun and charming cozy mystery. I liked that the mystery, for once, didn't involve a dead body.

The characters were entertaining and good humored. Kate and her friends weren't unusually clever, but they definitely were determined! The pacing was very good, and I loved how the author depicted small-town life. It reminded me of my little town. :)

There was a lot of Christian stuff (Bible study, prayer, God talk, etc.) in this book, but it wasn't preachy. I liked that Kate and Paul had a close relationship with God that was much like mine.

A few very minor nit-picks: The author's notion of what's involved in visiting someone in jail (even in a small town) was very inaccurate. Also, Ms. Noble never did actually explain how someone could send Kate an e-mail with no "From" or origin information. (To my knowledge, that isn't possible, but I admit I could be wrong.) Also, the bell went through a fire so intense that it burned the building to the ground and then the bell dropped the distance of the bell tower. I'm pretty certain the bell's structural integrity would be damaged and, at the very least, it wouldn't maintain the same tone as before the fire. I'll admit it made for a poetic ending, though.

There was no bad language or sex. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as enjoyable, clean reading.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Diane Noble's other books, this one has some very empowered women. It is also faith filled and uplifting. With so many churches and homes today facing destruction from hurricanes, other natural tragedies and hate driven acts, this book shows that the church is not a building but is made of people. When communities step out in faith and unite anything is possible. Denominations can be transcended and walls are broken down. Christians treat each other as Christ would have them. Diane brings this point home very well and brings hope and beauty from ashes.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and how the lives of a community came together for a GREAT cause. It's a wonderful read and my first book by Diane Noble. I do plan to investigate more of her stories. I really felt part of the book when the minister's wife jumps in her car to find her husband. The entire chapter was very well written. I loved the character Renee - I know we all have someone like her in our lives. :)

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah. Nearly fell asleep on it. I bought this one and it's sequel at a bargain price (no wonder there), and had to make myself finish it. The characters seem overly fake to me. I would not want someone who doesn't normally read Christian fiction to read this because they would never read any again, that's how unreal it feels.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entertaining cozy Christian mystery is the first in a series featuring a minister and his wife who move to a small town. Upon their arrival, they find the church in flames--that's the mystery. I don't think I have read a mystery as an adult that did not feature a dead body, so this was a first.

[Pastor'S Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was one of those books that I didn't want to finish, it was so good! i kind of had a suspicion about who done it but in the end i was wrong at the first. i am looking forward to reading more books from this series.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really, really wanted to like this book. I really did want to. But I didn't.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice, mellow Christian mystery. Good to read before bed.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun,, light, entertaining cozy mystery... my favorite kind! Here's my review: http://bookaholicconfessions.blogspot...

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian fiction with some mystery thrown in. It was an easy read and the mystery did keep me engaged.

[R.J. Kottke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and light mystery.