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Wyldhaven #3
Beauty from Ashes
Liora Fontaine wants nothing more than to help mistreated women escape from brothel owner, John Hunt. She understands the desperation and manipulation that force many women into his employ. But when she rescues a young girl, she is shocked by Hunt’s ruthless reprisal. Now as she cowers in her cabin, hiding from Hunt’s men, who are determined to kill her, she can’t help but think how much this day is a picture of her whole life. Ashes. Nothing but ashes.
Deputy Joseph Rodante can’t believe Liora took on a mission so dangerous without asking for his help! He arrives at her cabin to make sure she’s safe just as Hunt’s men start shooting up the place. Now they are stuck together inside with a long night looming. The Wyldhaven gossips are going to have a heyday over that! The only way to fix this is to make Liora his wife. But the stubborn woman turns him down flat.
Despite her protests, Joe vows to protect her—no matter the cost.
And it just might cost both of them everything!
Take the next stagecoach to Wyldhaven,
where the coffee's perked hot,
the sheriff likes his apple pie fresh from the oven,
and adventure invariably waits just around the next river bend.
Deputy Joseph Rodante can’t believe Liora took on a mission so dangerous without asking for his help! He arrives at her cabin to make sure she’s safe just as Hunt’s men start shooting up the place. Now they are stuck together inside with a long night looming. The Wyldhaven gossips are going to have a heyday over that! The only way to fix this is to make Liora his wife. But the stubborn woman turns him down flat.
Despite her protests, Joe vows to protect her—no matter the cost.
And it just might cost both of them everything!
Take the next stagecoach to Wyldhaven,
where the coffee's perked hot,
the sheriff likes his apple pie fresh from the oven,
and adventure invariably waits just around the next river bend.
338 pages, ebook
Published February 13, 2019
445 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Lynnette Bonner
65 books394 followersLYNNETTE BONNER, the daughter of missionaries, was born and raised in Malawi, Africa, graduated high school from Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school in Kenya, and attended Northwest University in Washington, where she met her husband, Marty. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Pierce, Idaho. While studying the history of their little town, Lynnette was inspired to begin The Shepherd’s Heart Series with Rocky Mountain Oasis.
Marty and Lynnette have four children and currently live in Washington, where Marty pastors a church.
Marty and Lynnette have four children and currently live in Washington, where Marty pastors a church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 8, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better. Beauty from Ashes was a lovely story of hope and redemption. The author does a great job of creating realistic characters and situations that engage readers from start to finish.
I was intrigued by the story in this book from the very beginning. I think the author did a fantastic job of showing readers what it was like for women without the best of reputations and jobs in the time period of the story. I liked how she conveyed to readers the difficulties the women faced when trying to break free and start a new life. She did this in a way that wasn't too brash yet wasn't sugarcoated either. It all seemed very realistic and believable to me.
I love the author's writing style and the way she paints pictures with words. It was so easy to visualize the settings and events taking place in this book. While reading the author's books I always forget where I am as I am whisked away into a very real feeling fictional world.
This book could be read as a standalone but I wouldn't recommend it. This is a fantastic series and I think readers will get more of each story if the series is read in order. This is a quick, easy read and one that shouldn't be missed! Happy reading!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
I was intrigued by the story in this book from the very beginning. I think the author did a fantastic job of showing readers what it was like for women without the best of reputations and jobs in the time period of the story. I liked how she conveyed to readers the difficulties the women faced when trying to break free and start a new life. She did this in a way that wasn't too brash yet wasn't sugarcoated either. It all seemed very realistic and believable to me.
I love the author's writing style and the way she paints pictures with words. It was so easy to visualize the settings and events taking place in this book. While reading the author's books I always forget where I am as I am whisked away into a very real feeling fictional world.
This book could be read as a standalone but I wouldn't recommend it. This is a fantastic series and I think readers will get more of each story if the series is read in order. This is a quick, easy read and one that shouldn't be missed! Happy reading!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
June 9, 2023
Ok, I'm officially a huge fan of Lynnette Bonner. She consistently writes God-honoring, faith-filled novels. I hope I can read each book in this series. The first three books have been so very good!
I will work on a detailed review of this book (and the first two). I'll also share quotes. :)
I will work on a detailed review of this book (and the first two). I'll also share quotes. :)
December 9, 2023
Turmoil and chaos turn Beauty to ashes
What a wonderful story of God’s redemptive love. The reminder that God washes us white as snow by His blood. Will keep you enthralled in the story all the way through.
What a wonderful story of God’s redemptive love. The reminder that God washes us white as snow by His blood. Will keep you enthralled in the story all the way through.
November 27, 2022
I am so glad I accidentally found this author and this series! This is the third book in the series and with each book I get to know the citizens of Wyldhaven a little bit more, which just make me hunger for even more!
This story revolves around sex-trafficking and its victims and heroes. It’s about beauty from ashes, as the title states, and how even the most broken person can become whole again with God. Lynnette Bonner does a wonderful job of making scripture come to life in her characters. As they grow, as they face hardships and challenges, even as they rejoice and celebrate, she slips in scriptural lessons expertly, smoothly, and naturally.
The characters and the way they interact with each other, along with their own personal stories, has me hooked on this series. I really love the author’s style of writing and the way that she is able to handle the many different stories that are going on in each book without overshadowing her main story or causing any confusion, slipping back and forth between characters seemingly effortlessly and skillfully. I’ve read books with less characters that I’ve actually had to write down a character list because I’ve gotten so confused. But I have no problem keeping track of all the characters and their stories in this series because the author is very talented at knowing how and when to introduce them and give them attention. And their stories pull me in and make me look forward to the next book so I can find out more.
On to book #4!
This story revolves around sex-trafficking and its victims and heroes. It’s about beauty from ashes, as the title states, and how even the most broken person can become whole again with God. Lynnette Bonner does a wonderful job of making scripture come to life in her characters. As they grow, as they face hardships and challenges, even as they rejoice and celebrate, she slips in scriptural lessons expertly, smoothly, and naturally.
The characters and the way they interact with each other, along with their own personal stories, has me hooked on this series. I really love the author’s style of writing and the way that she is able to handle the many different stories that are going on in each book without overshadowing her main story or causing any confusion, slipping back and forth between characters seemingly effortlessly and skillfully. I’ve read books with less characters that I’ve actually had to write down a character list because I’ve gotten so confused. But I have no problem keeping track of all the characters and their stories in this series because the author is very talented at knowing how and when to introduce them and give them attention. And their stories pull me in and make me look forward to the next book so I can find out more.
On to book #4!
February 21, 2019
I was excited to read Loira’s love story and see how she came into her purpose. Joe is a great match for her and watching their romance unfold was wonderful
Beauty from Ashes has a blend of adventure and romance in a Pacific Northwest,historic small-town. I love continuing with all the people I have gotten to know from the Wyldhaven series. Bring us more days in the lives of this pioneer town 🙂
Law enforcement action with evil human traffickers, rescuing people caught in the vicious system and coming into knowing personal value that is unshakable, all this and more in Beauty from Ashes. Enjoy!
Beauty from Ashes has a blend of adventure and romance in a Pacific Northwest,historic small-town. I love continuing with all the people I have gotten to know from the Wyldhaven series. Bring us more days in the lives of this pioneer town 🙂
Law enforcement action with evil human traffickers, rescuing people caught in the vicious system and coming into knowing personal value that is unshakable, all this and more in Beauty from Ashes. Enjoy!
February 26, 2021
Liora and Joe
This third book in the series continues the stories of this pioneer logging town, with a focus on Liora and Joe. As in the previous books, the story centers around a verse in the Bible and carries that faith message throughout. Like a has changed her life with Joe's help, but still feels unworthy. Joe must convince her that God makes beauty from ashes and accepts her as she is. My favorite scene is when Liora explains to Tess why everyone in the town won't accept them, because people aren't perfect like Jesus. This book included violence and tension, but a clear message of God's grace and deliverance from evil.
This third book in the series continues the stories of this pioneer logging town, with a focus on Liora and Joe. As in the previous books, the story centers around a verse in the Bible and carries that faith message throughout. Like a has changed her life with Joe's help, but still feels unworthy. Joe must convince her that God makes beauty from ashes and accepts her as she is. My favorite scene is when Liora explains to Tess why everyone in the town won't accept them, because people aren't perfect like Jesus. This book included violence and tension, but a clear message of God's grace and deliverance from evil.
March 15, 2022
I just got done listening to this story, and I just loved it. This is the third one in the series, and I've been blown away by them all.
Beautiful story. Well written and excellently narrated. I don't want to give any spoilers; you need to listen (or read) the first two books to know what's going on, but I just loved how Lynette Bonner showed how God makes beauty from ashes.
The only caveat I'd add is that the word "whore" is used a few times. I mean, Leora WAS one, but it isn't a word I want to explain to my young children, so I wasn't comfortable listening to it around them.
Beautiful story. Well written and excellently narrated. I don't want to give any spoilers; you need to listen (or read) the first two books to know what's going on, but I just loved how Lynette Bonner showed how God makes beauty from ashes.
The only caveat I'd add is that the word "whore" is used a few times. I mean, Leora WAS one, but it isn't a word I want to explain to my young children, so I wasn't comfortable listening to it around them.
February 20, 2019
I just finished reading Beauty From Ashes. This book has a great story line. I am invested in the characters and look forward to the next book. Beauty From Ashes is a historical novel. The plot is full of suspense, love, humor, fear, mean spirited people and..... Gods love for all. I highly recommend this book to all fans of historical fiction. One note.... if you read the short excerpt of the next book be prepared to squeal when it is over. I want the next book NOW!
February 18, 2019
It was nice to have a little conclusion with some of the characters from previous books while reading this one. I loved seeing how she was willing to sacrifice herself for others to save those that had been in position.
February 27, 2019
Since I had not read the previous books in this series I really did not know what to expect but I was not disappointed at all. Although I think it would be better to start at the beginning of the series so you would be acquainted with all of the characters and know their story still this book worked fine as a stand-alone. I fell in love with the two main characters, Liora and Joe, as they worked out their faith and their feelings for one another as they faced dangerous situations. This has all the things I love...a western setting, romance, danger and suspense. It will keep you tense until the end and then you can read an excerpt from the next book in the Wyldhaven Series. This ebook was given to me by the author with no requirement for a review. All views stated are my very own honest opinions.
December 21, 2023
The schoolmarm and the sheriff are about to get hitched. But what about the deputy and the redeemed lady who lights up his eyes? Will he ask, and if he does, how will she reply - from fear or faith?
John Hunt, primo bad guy and all around devil, lies, cheats, kills, steals, and destroys - but there are judges who turn a blind eye to entrepreneurship even when it means enslavement in a life of sin and abuse. Can he be stopped?
Is the Pastor's ward going to end up like his pa, or can he straighten our and fly right?
And just how many folks may be getting hitched in spite of the goings on with bad guys?
Rejoin Wyldhaven's townsfolk for the answer to these questions and more adventure, romance, and assorted mayhem.
John Hunt, primo bad guy and all around devil, lies, cheats, kills, steals, and destroys - but there are judges who turn a blind eye to entrepreneurship even when it means enslavement in a life of sin and abuse. Can he be stopped?
Is the Pastor's ward going to end up like his pa, or can he straighten our and fly right?
And just how many folks may be getting hitched in spite of the goings on with bad guys?
Rejoin Wyldhaven's townsfolk for the answer to these questions and more adventure, romance, and assorted mayhem.
May 24, 2019
Great story!
Just when I thought everything in this novel was all neat and tied up , a new twist came along and upset the apple cart,so to speak, I could not put book 3 down anymore than I could put book 2 down. Now I am woefully behind in my work. I love how the author takes a story set in the past to illustrate principles I need to pay attention to in my life today. God’s willingness to forgive and how He brings beauty from ashes is the central theme. That being said the plot line was solid and the loose ends taken care of. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better and am looking forward to the next novel in the series.
Just when I thought everything in this novel was all neat and tied up , a new twist came along and upset the apple cart,so to speak, I could not put book 3 down anymore than I could put book 2 down. Now I am woefully behind in my work. I love how the author takes a story set in the past to illustrate principles I need to pay attention to in my life today. God’s willingness to forgive and how He brings beauty from ashes is the central theme. That being said the plot line was solid and the loose ends taken care of. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better and am looking forward to the next novel in the series.
April 20, 2022
Liora Fontaine had several strikes against her: her father was an outlaw and her mother had been enslaved in a brothel. Liora herself worked as a prostitute for a while. But that was some years ago. Now she wants to follow a new plan that she believes God has mapped out for her. But will her past trip her up? This third book in the Wyldhaven series is thoroughly entertaining, while causing the reader to do some thnking. I very much enjoyed it and can't wait to start reading the next book in the series!
July 23, 2024
Beauty From Ashes by Lynnette Bonner
Oh my! Never a dull moment in this series!!! This is the third book in the series and I can’t wait to start on the fourth! Meeting and getting to know the different residents of the newly formed western town of Wyldhaven has been fun! Bonner creatively intertwines life lessons with very relatable people and how they find God’s direction and answers to meet their needs. Never dull, so enjoyable to read! Thanks and keep these stories coming!!!
Oh my! Never a dull moment in this series!!! This is the third book in the series and I can’t wait to start on the fourth! Meeting and getting to know the different residents of the newly formed western town of Wyldhaven has been fun! Bonner creatively intertwines life lessons with very relatable people and how they find God’s direction and answers to meet their needs. Never dull, so enjoyable to read! Thanks and keep these stories coming!!!
February 17, 2019
A wonderful read
I love how Bonner blends a story of love and suspense together. There are always Christian morals to the story. I found this story was well balanced and not preachy. Yes, faith is involved, but just a part of who the characters are. I liked the way Bonner developed her characters, setting, and the dilemma of the novel. I highly recommend her historical Christian novels.
I love how Bonner blends a story of love and suspense together. There are always Christian morals to the story. I found this story was well balanced and not preachy. Yes, faith is involved, but just a part of who the characters are. I liked the way Bonner developed her characters, setting, and the dilemma of the novel. I highly recommend her historical Christian novels.
October 27, 2021
Love, especially God's Love, and love for each other, not just romantic love, is so apparent in this book. Liora cares about the girls she is trying to help; Tess cared so much about David, a child she didn't really know and whose step mother was not very nice, but that didn't stop her. Sharing God's Love, His Word, changed peoples lives and helped them. As with the first two books in Wyldhaven, an excellent book that I couldn't put down.
January 29, 2022
I absolutely love this series by Ms. Bonner! Beauty from Ashes is Liora's and Joe's story. So rewarding to see the transformation Liora (a former prostitute) goes through, and then her desire to help others in the same circumstances. Her heart is closed to men from former experiences, but Deputy Joe helps her just be caring. Love soon blooms, as does danger, suspense, and so much more! I highly recommend this clean romance. Can't wait to start the next book in this series!
November 14, 2024
God truly makes beauty from ashes
Lynette Bonner has crafted a wonderful story about redemption in "Beauty from Ashes". Liora, Tess, and Aurora were pushed into lives they never wanted to live. Aurora barely escaped the life of a harlot, thanks to God's protecting hand. Tess was rescued by Liora from the clutches of John Hunt, an evil, cruel despot. Liora and Joe's story is a lovely picture of how the ashes of one's life can be turned into a thing of beauty.
Lynette Bonner has crafted a wonderful story about redemption in "Beauty from Ashes". Liora, Tess, and Aurora were pushed into lives they never wanted to live. Aurora barely escaped the life of a harlot, thanks to God's protecting hand. Tess was rescued by Liora from the clutches of John Hunt, an evil, cruel despot. Liora and Joe's story is a lovely picture of how the ashes of one's life can be turned into a thing of beauty.
March 12, 2025
I have enjoyed this series so much! Lynette Bonner’s writing style incorporating her faith in Jesus and His love for all who will open their eyes and hearts to him in subtle and forthright ways for her characters, uplifted my spirit. She is able to weave interesting stories of our country’s early western towns with detailed descriptions of the country’s beauty along with the good and bad characters who settled it.
April 14, 2025
While Joe and Liora aren't my most favorite characters in this series, this was still an enjoyable read. I especially loved the part where both Liora and Aurora were able to outsmart that HORRIBLE man John Hunt! When Aurora plunged the knife into his leg and provided the opportunity for Liora to throw both bacon grease AND hot coffee right into his face, man, that was satisfying!!! I'm MUCH more excited to read the next book, because it's about Zane Holloway and Jacinda Callahan!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2019
Great book 3
Love love love this series and book 3 is no exception. When Liora decides to rescues teenage girls who are being sold for pleasure against their will, trouble follows big time. The ‘owner’ of the girls vows for revenge even if it means he has to kill Liora or the man who vows to protect her.
Love love love this series and book 3 is no exception. When Liora decides to rescues teenage girls who are being sold for pleasure against their will, trouble follows big time. The ‘owner’ of the girls vows for revenge even if it means he has to kill Liora or the man who vows to protect her.
March 2, 2019
I am so happy to have read this amazing book! The storyline is so touching and full of faith that my heart was so touched! Even knowing this was the third in the series, it truly can stand alone...although I am planning to read the two previous ones now, lol. There is a great suspense in this novel as well, had me staying awake to finish!
September 3, 2019
I read all three books in the Wyldhaven series and another, "My Blue Hayven," written by Lynnette Bonner. I loved them all so much that I can't wait to read the next series, "The Shepherd's Heart." I'll read every one of Lynnette's books before I'm finished. Her writing is refreshingly good. She's articulate and has wonderful compassion for humankind. Well done!
Jeanette Freidberg
Jeanette Freidberg
August 15, 2020
Best in the series...and that is saying a lot!
The last is usually the best, and this one did not disappoint! Once I laughed at myself because I was getting so excited! A great story with Christian values taught freely in a "non-preach-y" (is that a word?!) way. Can't wait for the next!
The last is usually the best, and this one did not disappoint! Once I laughed at myself because I was getting so excited! A great story with Christian values taught freely in a "non-preach-y" (is that a word?!) way. Can't wait for the next!
August 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this historical romance. I won a set of this series from this author and I have really been enjoying them. Because of some violence and sexual reference, this is not suitable for under 18 readers. This has a lot of action and feels in it along with plenty of bad and good guys. I've given this a 5* rating. I'm on to the next in this series which is "Consider The Lilies".
May 25, 2022
Beauty from ashes indeed
The verse Lynnette Bonner uses as the theme for Beauty From Ashes is one of my favorite Bible verses. I have been studying ways God turns the horrors of our lives into something beautiful, so this book was a wonderful, fictional version of God's amazingness. I enjoyed Joe and Liora's story very much. 🤗💛
The verse Lynnette Bonner uses as the theme for Beauty From Ashes is one of my favorite Bible verses. I have been studying ways God turns the horrors of our lives into something beautiful, so this book was a wonderful, fictional version of God's amazingness. I enjoyed Joe and Liora's story very much. 🤗💛
October 18, 2022
DRAMATIC!!
I found this 3rd story to be quite intense and it had my stomach in knots most of the time. Well written with faith moments throughout. I'm looking forward to the continuing saga.
I purchased this eBook from the author's website. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
I found this 3rd story to be quite intense and it had my stomach in knots most of the time. Well written with faith moments throughout. I'm looking forward to the continuing saga.
I purchased this eBook from the author's website. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
October 30, 2022
Beauty from ashes indeed!
I couldn't read this fast enough! Love, betrayal, big adventures, new lives, shame, deliverance, fear and how God can restore broken hearts while using other broken people. This gives hope to those feeling hopeless. Think you will never find yourself in these circumstances? Hopefully not, but thinking about them may allow you to offer mercy.
I couldn't read this fast enough! Love, betrayal, big adventures, new lives, shame, deliverance, fear and how God can restore broken hearts while using other broken people. This gives hope to those feeling hopeless. Think you will never find yourself in these circumstances? Hopefully not, but thinking about them may allow you to offer mercy.
January 16, 2023
great story
I hesitated starting this book, just because I was worried it would be too sad. No worries. It is a wonderful, uplifting story. A great story of God’s Love and the miracle of His forgiveness. Through our Savior’s Atonement, we can be washed clean and become new. It is a fun story of romance and danger. Absolutely, highly recommend.
I hesitated starting this book, just because I was worried it would be too sad. No worries. It is a wonderful, uplifting story. A great story of God’s Love and the miracle of His forgiveness. Through our Savior’s Atonement, we can be washed clean and become new. It is a fun story of romance and danger. Absolutely, highly recommend.
March 20, 2023
Wow, just wow. Liora’s story is one of forgiveness that we all need to learn. In the story of the determined romance of Joe and Liora is an example of God’s love and how we are supposed to respond to those who have more obvious sins and have asked for forgiveness. We can only hope we don’t follow Mrs. Hines. I really loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews