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The Fire in Ember
John Timmons' life is planned and orderly. He cares for his mother and four younger brothers, and their future depends on him to keep their Colorado ranch profitable. Ember Farrar (Bert) has run away from her lawbreaking family in search of a new life. But, when she attempts to return a horse that her brother had stolen, ranch hands believe she is a thief and a boy and they plan to hang her. John, who is also a deputy marshal, breaks up the hanging. After paying for the stolen horse, he takes the boy home to work off the debt. Later he learns Bert is a girl who refuses to tell him who she is and why she possessed a stolen horse. When ranchers report stolen cattle, Bert is a natural suspect. John is touched by Bert's sweet spirit and natural gift of music. Surely she's not a cattle thief. Bert fears for their lives when she is forced to either help her brothers steal or put the Timmons in danger. When John thinks Bert has betrayed him, he ignores God and turns revengeful. Will John learn who Bert truly is? Will their lives ever return back to normal?
339 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2010
27 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
DiAnn Mills
129 books1,977 followersDiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 15, 2011
With her hands tied behind her back and a rope about her neck, Ember’s chances of living don’t look good. This is the scene that unfolds to begin this gripping story. It captured my attention and carried me on through the book until I reached the final pages. I love when I shut a book after reading the last sentence…then open it to flip through the pages again, savoring each exciting moment! That shows you what I think of the adventures tucked within its pages – I want to relive every moment over again!
John was instantly a likable fellow. I loved how hard working he was and how he always looked out for those nearest and dearest to him. I found myself easily liking this hero and cheering him on as he wrestled with the spirited Ember (or who was better known as Bert, during her ‘boy disguising’ days). Ember also was easy to grow attached to. She had such a scarred and bruised past that she so desperately wanted to keep hidden so she could keep others safe. I think that’s one thing that completely attached me to her – she kept trying to run, but it was because she didn’t want to bring trouble to those she cared about. She’d rather deal with the dangers by herself than see a loved one hurt. What a heroine!
The Timmons brothers brought smiles to my face in the way they teased and roughed with each other. And when the boys discovered that Ember was not a boy – why I just about laughed out loud at their reaction! Another character that I grew attached to as such a wonderful mother-figure was Leah. She had suffered much in the past few years with the murder of her husband, but she had a houseful of boys and one lonely, scared girl on the run to care for. She never looked down on anyone, but treated everyone equally. I always loved when Leah imparted her wisdom to her boys or to Bert. She was a very endearing character and reminded me of the Proverbs 31 woman.
There is very little in this book that I need warn you about – DiAnn wrote it exceptionally clean and teen friendly. One of the characters does confess that she had been used in earlier years, but DiAnn wrote it with such care that I almost didn’t think it need warning! Through and through, it was clean and held valuable lessons about trust and finding redemption in Christ. The Fire in Ember is a great book with lessons hidden within – I recommend it to other historical fiction adventure/mystery/suspense lovers!
John was instantly a likable fellow. I loved how hard working he was and how he always looked out for those nearest and dearest to him. I found myself easily liking this hero and cheering him on as he wrestled with the spirited Ember (or who was better known as Bert, during her ‘boy disguising’ days). Ember also was easy to grow attached to. She had such a scarred and bruised past that she so desperately wanted to keep hidden so she could keep others safe. I think that’s one thing that completely attached me to her – she kept trying to run, but it was because she didn’t want to bring trouble to those she cared about. She’d rather deal with the dangers by herself than see a loved one hurt. What a heroine!
The Timmons brothers brought smiles to my face in the way they teased and roughed with each other. And when the boys discovered that Ember was not a boy – why I just about laughed out loud at their reaction! Another character that I grew attached to as such a wonderful mother-figure was Leah. She had suffered much in the past few years with the murder of her husband, but she had a houseful of boys and one lonely, scared girl on the run to care for. She never looked down on anyone, but treated everyone equally. I always loved when Leah imparted her wisdom to her boys or to Bert. She was a very endearing character and reminded me of the Proverbs 31 woman.
There is very little in this book that I need warn you about – DiAnn wrote it exceptionally clean and teen friendly. One of the characters does confess that she had been used in earlier years, but DiAnn wrote it with such care that I almost didn’t think it need warning! Through and through, it was clean and held valuable lessons about trust and finding redemption in Christ. The Fire in Ember is a great book with lessons hidden within – I recommend it to other historical fiction adventure/mystery/suspense lovers!
November 24, 2019
Very light reading. Christian fiction. Just made me feel good.
June 20, 2022
I had hoped to enjoy this book more then I did. Upon reading the summary the story sounded interesting and intriguing. And while the romance would definitely be present, I decided to give it a go anyways, despite my not liking books with heavy romance.
There were unexpected twists or turns throughout the book that kept me hooked and questioning what was going on. The characters were unique and fairly well thought out. Each character had it's own feel and I especially like the character Leah. Some of her sayings or thoughts would make me smile or laugh throughout the book. I enjoyed the humor in the book as well. It was a good contrast with the heavier events and questions that were presented throughout the story.
I also appreciated the way Mills represented the characters' Christian faith. A lot of the time it can sound unrealistic or fake in the Christian Romance genre. But I think the author was able to keep it real and sincere in the book, without making it overbearing.
The part that I was not able to get into was the Romance. At times it seemed unrealistic and overbearing. Occasionally there would be things said or thought that seemed better fitting for a fairytale love story, not a Historical Romance geared towards adults. My not liking the Romance genre could have made me slightly biased in this regard. But that was my opinion of the romance aspect. Sadly some of the events, thoughts, and the characters' actions seemed fake and unrealistic. They felt shallow, which sometimes prevent me from walking through the story with the characters.
I would recommend this book to lovers of Suspense and Mystery, Romance, and Christian. It is definitely intended for an older audience as there is some mature content and killing in the book. The only language is the start of a minor swear word that is cut off. And the use of a lesser form of a swear word.
There were unexpected twists or turns throughout the book that kept me hooked and questioning what was going on. The characters were unique and fairly well thought out. Each character had it's own feel and I especially like the character Leah. Some of her sayings or thoughts would make me smile or laugh throughout the book. I enjoyed the humor in the book as well. It was a good contrast with the heavier events and questions that were presented throughout the story.
I also appreciated the way Mills represented the characters' Christian faith. A lot of the time it can sound unrealistic or fake in the Christian Romance genre. But I think the author was able to keep it real and sincere in the book, without making it overbearing.
The part that I was not able to get into was the Romance. At times it seemed unrealistic and overbearing. Occasionally there would be things said or thought that seemed better fitting for a fairytale love story, not a Historical Romance geared towards adults. My not liking the Romance genre could have made me slightly biased in this regard. But that was my opinion of the romance aspect. Sadly some of the events, thoughts, and the characters' actions seemed fake and unrealistic. They felt shallow, which sometimes prevent me from walking through the story with the characters.
I would recommend this book to lovers of Suspense and Mystery, Romance, and Christian. It is definitely intended for an older audience as there is some mature content and killing in the book. The only language is the start of a minor swear word that is cut off. And the use of a lesser form of a swear word.
May 17, 2012
Title: THE FIRE IN EMBER
Author: DiAnn Mills
Publisher: Zondervan
December 2010
ISBN: 978-0-310-29330-9
Genre: Inspirational/historical
Bert had thought that returning a stolen horse would be the right thing to do… but instead she finds herself tied up, accused of being a horse thief, and sentenced to hang. She couldn’t tell them the truth—but she didn’t want to die either.
Deputy John Timmon’s has cared for his mother and brother for years—he came upon the hanging, and thinks he’s rescued a young boy from certain death—until he learns she’s a girl. And then a whirlwind of emotions sent his heart spinning.
Cattle rustlers have started murdering on these Colorado ranches and whether she likes it or not, Bert is a suspect. John is knows she’s afraid of something, but what? And why? If he doesn’t know who really is doing it, will he be able to solve the crimes?
THE FIRE IN EMBER is a book I had in my to-read pile for awhile and I finally started it. It is the basic plot of a good girl trying to protect a bad family and falling in love with the one man who could put her family behind bars. I can’t say I really enjoyed the book, I found it rather predictable, but it is very well written, and the story flowed well.
If you enjoy historicals, then THE FIRE IN EMBER might be a book you want to read. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book, making it ideal for book clubs. $14.99. 339 pages.
Author: DiAnn Mills
Publisher: Zondervan
December 2010
ISBN: 978-0-310-29330-9
Genre: Inspirational/historical
Bert had thought that returning a stolen horse would be the right thing to do… but instead she finds herself tied up, accused of being a horse thief, and sentenced to hang. She couldn’t tell them the truth—but she didn’t want to die either.
Deputy John Timmon’s has cared for his mother and brother for years—he came upon the hanging, and thinks he’s rescued a young boy from certain death—until he learns she’s a girl. And then a whirlwind of emotions sent his heart spinning.
Cattle rustlers have started murdering on these Colorado ranches and whether she likes it or not, Bert is a suspect. John is knows she’s afraid of something, but what? And why? If he doesn’t know who really is doing it, will he be able to solve the crimes?
THE FIRE IN EMBER is a book I had in my to-read pile for awhile and I finally started it. It is the basic plot of a good girl trying to protect a bad family and falling in love with the one man who could put her family behind bars. I can’t say I really enjoyed the book, I found it rather predictable, but it is very well written, and the story flowed well.
If you enjoy historicals, then THE FIRE IN EMBER might be a book you want to read. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book, making it ideal for book clubs. $14.99. 339 pages.
March 11, 2015
The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
This novel started with a hanging. Needless to say, I was immediately hooked. And the book held my attention through the rest of the story as well. If I was so engaged, why the 4 star rating?
Well, the book was great. The plot was good. The characters were developed well. The setting worked.
But there was one part I didn't care for. The book had a lot of action in it. (A near hanging, a shootout, a murder, etc.) But she could've done more with the danger. Built the tension, added more risk, and escalated emotions. (I've been reading too much Mary Connealy.)
This is the first I've read of DiAnn Mills. I'd seen her books from time to time and they looked interesting. I finally decided to just read one... and The Fire in Ember was the one I picked.
John was a sweetheart. He was strong, and confident, and protective, and kind. I agree with his mother. He was born too old. He grew up too fast. He needed to smile, and laugh, and tease more. He was still sweet, just a little too serious. That was so cute how he fell head-over-heels in love with Ember - even though he hated it half the time.
Isn't Ember such a beautiful name? It's so pretty and eloquent. I refuse to call her by the disgusting nickname her backstabbing brothers invented for her. It's so ugly. Especially compared to Ember.
Ember was sweet, and sensitive, and shy. She was also brave, and sincere, and kind. I thought it was kind of strange how she had lived with her rotten brothers her entire life. She endured abuse and rejection. But she still quaked in fear when others questioned her. You'd think she would have built up a tolerance and wouldn't have been so scared. Oh well. I liked how they found out that she was a girl. That was definitely dramatic.
Evan - He was really sweet. He was so nice, and good with both animals and people. That's so sad how he had to put aside his affection for Ember. I hope he finds some sweet girl that loves him to death.
Leah was great. A fiercely caring mother that would lay down her life for her children without batting an eyelash. And she took to Ember so well. She was a great example.
Though I hate his name, I have to admit, Wirt's a great guy. He's sweet, and caring, and totally in love with Leah.
Simon was such a fool-brained, coldblooded jerk! How could he abuse and take advantage of his own sister?! The double-crossing, dung-eating moron!
Victor - I knew he was the bad guy! At first I thought it was just Simon, but once I realized that he was locked up and I still had a fourth of the book left, I just knew it was him.
Aaron and Mark were a lot of fun. Annoying most of the time. Boy, were they surprised when Ember ended up being a girl!
Davis was such a sweetie. He was so innocent and adorable. I'd have thought him younger than just nine.
In case you're wondering, yes, I plan to read more of DiAnn's novels.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
This novel started with a hanging. Needless to say, I was immediately hooked. And the book held my attention through the rest of the story as well. If I was so engaged, why the 4 star rating?
Well, the book was great. The plot was good. The characters were developed well. The setting worked.
But there was one part I didn't care for. The book had a lot of action in it. (A near hanging, a shootout, a murder, etc.) But she could've done more with the danger. Built the tension, added more risk, and escalated emotions. (I've been reading too much Mary Connealy.)
This is the first I've read of DiAnn Mills. I'd seen her books from time to time and they looked interesting. I finally decided to just read one... and The Fire in Ember was the one I picked.
John was a sweetheart. He was strong, and confident, and protective, and kind. I agree with his mother. He was born too old. He grew up too fast. He needed to smile, and laugh, and tease more. He was still sweet, just a little too serious. That was so cute how he fell head-over-heels in love with Ember - even though he hated it half the time.
Isn't Ember such a beautiful name? It's so pretty and eloquent. I refuse to call her by the disgusting nickname her backstabbing brothers invented for her. It's so ugly. Especially compared to Ember.
Ember was sweet, and sensitive, and shy. She was also brave, and sincere, and kind. I thought it was kind of strange how she had lived with her rotten brothers her entire life. She endured abuse and rejection. But she still quaked in fear when others questioned her. You'd think she would have built up a tolerance and wouldn't have been so scared. Oh well. I liked how they found out that she was a girl. That was definitely dramatic.
Evan - He was really sweet. He was so nice, and good with both animals and people. That's so sad how he had to put aside his affection for Ember. I hope he finds some sweet girl that loves him to death.
Leah was great. A fiercely caring mother that would lay down her life for her children without batting an eyelash. And she took to Ember so well. She was a great example.
Though I hate his name, I have to admit, Wirt's a great guy. He's sweet, and caring, and totally in love with Leah.
Simon was such a fool-brained, coldblooded jerk! How could he abuse and take advantage of his own sister?! The double-crossing, dung-eating moron!
Victor - I knew he was the bad guy! At first I thought it was just Simon, but once I realized that he was locked up and I still had a fourth of the book left, I just knew it was him.
Aaron and Mark were a lot of fun. Annoying most of the time. Boy, were they surprised when Ember ended up being a girl!
Davis was such a sweetie. He was so innocent and adorable. I'd have thought him younger than just nine.
In case you're wondering, yes, I plan to read more of DiAnn's novels.
January 4, 2015
Returning a stolen heart was the right thing to do, or so Bert thought. Being mistaken for a horse thief and being sentenced to hang was not part of the plan.
Deputy John Timmons is the picture of responsibility. He takes care of the family ranch, his brothers and his mom. When he happens upon a hanging he thinks he's saving a young boy from a horrible fate. It's not until he takes the boy home that he learns Bert is a girl.
Cattle rustlers have moved into the area in northern Colorado where Bert becomes a prime suspect when she refuses to give her real name or what she's running from. In Bert John sees a sweet spirit, or so he hopes. Because how can he arrest the woman who has stolen his heart?
The twists and turns in the book, while sometimes predictable, was still a lovely story of trust. Trusting in God, in love, in relationships and in yourself. The story was an uplifting reminder of the power of love.
The characters were interesting though some could have been fleshed out a little bit more. The plot was interesting, though again a little predictable, it was still a classic story that is always good.
Overall I would recommend the book to someone looking for a good Christian romance novel. It was a great nightstand read. The book is accompanied by a group discussion guide.
Zondervan Publishing was gracious enough to provide me with a complimentary copy of this novel for review purposes.
Deputy John Timmons is the picture of responsibility. He takes care of the family ranch, his brothers and his mom. When he happens upon a hanging he thinks he's saving a young boy from a horrible fate. It's not until he takes the boy home that he learns Bert is a girl.
Cattle rustlers have moved into the area in northern Colorado where Bert becomes a prime suspect when she refuses to give her real name or what she's running from. In Bert John sees a sweet spirit, or so he hopes. Because how can he arrest the woman who has stolen his heart?
The twists and turns in the book, while sometimes predictable, was still a lovely story of trust. Trusting in God, in love, in relationships and in yourself. The story was an uplifting reminder of the power of love.
The characters were interesting though some could have been fleshed out a little bit more. The plot was interesting, though again a little predictable, it was still a classic story that is always good.
Overall I would recommend the book to someone looking for a good Christian romance novel. It was a great nightstand read. The book is accompanied by a group discussion guide.
Zondervan Publishing was gracious enough to provide me with a complimentary copy of this novel for review purposes.
November 4, 2014
Sequel to
Murders, cattle rustling, and a girl running from a past she won't talk about...Deputy John Timmons has his hands full!
It was great to return to Rocky Falls and meet up again with favourite characters from A Woman Called Sage.
Although the main focus is on John Timmons and his relationship with Ember, I was really glad that Leah Timmons gets her happily ever after ~ and I approved of her choice too!
Murders, cattle rustling, and a girl running from a past she won't talk about...Deputy John Timmons has his hands full!
It was great to return to Rocky Falls and meet up again with favourite characters from A Woman Called Sage.
Although the main focus is on John Timmons and his relationship with Ember, I was really glad that Leah Timmons gets her happily ever after ~ and I approved of her choice too!
March 17, 2017
Made me want to read the other one
February 13, 2020
I was excited to delve into another story by this author and I did enjoy this book.
What I Liked: The Timmons were a tight-knit family—their loyalty to each other was felt consistently throughout the pages of this story. I really appreciated that character trait. Of course, they have their own family drama to deal with, but I appreciated that deep down, their ultimate goal was to put others before themselves selflessly. That is the family this main character, Bert (Ember) is introduced to. Ember quickly falls in love with this family and it was neat to see her curiosity about God grow throughout the story as the Timmons’ show His love to her.
I wasn’t sure how much I liked John, at first, which was the way I felt with this author’s male protagonist in the first book I read by DiAnn Mills. (I have a feeling she has a soft spot for gruff male protagonists. :D) Anyway, I ended up really liking John. I appreciated that this author portrayed him as not a perfect character, but one that desired to do the right thing, and realized throughout the story how very desperately he needs the Lord’s help.
Mills also does an excellent job at pulling the heart strings of her readers toward Ember’s situation. I was rooting for her the whole book to open up about her past and confide in the Timmons’. I really liked Ember’s journey and the courage God gave her as she dealt with the situation with her horrid brothers!
What I Didn’t Like: While there was nothing that I especially disliked, it started to grate on my patience (or lack thereof) that Ember’s secrecy about who was after her was kept for so long. I’m just struggling to see the reasoning behind Ember not telling the Timmons about her brother who was after her. While she did eventually tell and I do get how she was so terrified, it just seemed that it was drawn out for longer than it needed to. BUT! With that being said, this small issue I had with it kind of redeemed itself because Ember did realize her keeping it a secret was a mistake, so I applauded Ember for that.
I give this book 3/5 stars for an enjoyable story.
What I Liked: The Timmons were a tight-knit family—their loyalty to each other was felt consistently throughout the pages of this story. I really appreciated that character trait. Of course, they have their own family drama to deal with, but I appreciated that deep down, their ultimate goal was to put others before themselves selflessly. That is the family this main character, Bert (Ember) is introduced to. Ember quickly falls in love with this family and it was neat to see her curiosity about God grow throughout the story as the Timmons’ show His love to her.
I wasn’t sure how much I liked John, at first, which was the way I felt with this author’s male protagonist in the first book I read by DiAnn Mills. (I have a feeling she has a soft spot for gruff male protagonists. :D) Anyway, I ended up really liking John. I appreciated that this author portrayed him as not a perfect character, but one that desired to do the right thing, and realized throughout the story how very desperately he needs the Lord’s help.
Mills also does an excellent job at pulling the heart strings of her readers toward Ember’s situation. I was rooting for her the whole book to open up about her past and confide in the Timmons’. I really liked Ember’s journey and the courage God gave her as she dealt with the situation with her horrid brothers!
What I Didn’t Like: While there was nothing that I especially disliked, it started to grate on my patience (or lack thereof) that Ember’s secrecy about who was after her was kept for so long. I’m just struggling to see the reasoning behind Ember not telling the Timmons about her brother who was after her. While she did eventually tell and I do get how she was so terrified, it just seemed that it was drawn out for longer than it needed to. BUT! With that being said, this small issue I had with it kind of redeemed itself because Ember did realize her keeping it a secret was a mistake, so I applauded Ember for that.
I give this book 3/5 stars for an enjoyable story.
September 13, 2021
All righty....to start off, I haven't reviewed a book in months and haven't been very active on Goodreads. But anyway! Shall we adventure to the Wild West?!
SO I really enjoyed this book (the half I read). It's not that I didn't like it, I did! It had such an interesting plot point. A girl accused of theft....a handsome ranch owner...mystery AND the Wild West!? Come on guys! I wish I was born back then!
First off, Ember was great! Very brave and headstrong. Not afraid to get her hands dirty. But also haunted by her past. I mean, who isn't? I loves to see how she found her way from something horrible to something good (and a handsome rancher)!
Second off, I loved the romance!!! John a struggling ranch owner and Ember, a girl hiding from her past....you can't get anymore juicier than that! I loved to watch how John fell in love with Ember without even knowing she was a girl. Their romance wasn't fasted paced or overly forced. And a bonus, THERE WAS NO INAPPROPIATENESS! Do you know how hard it is to find a CLEAN book in this day in age!? (pulling my hair out) I loved it! Was all over it! Can't get enough CLEAN, CHRISTIAN ROMANCES! And the western themed and cowboy are just extra.
All of that said, I got to the middle of the book and basically figured out the rest (comes from years of reading and reading and reading and.....(smile slyly)...just kidding, no more "readings"). By then I was like "okay, I know what is going to happen. Let's skip to the end and see how the book turns out."
"Well, how was the ending?"
(smiles slyly) You'll just have to read the book and find out! (ha ha ha---I don't spoil books)
Sorry for the SUPER weird review. But hey (shrugs), what can I say? You can't send an author to write a review----we might be here all night! ;)
As always remember GOD LOVES YOU NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!!
SO I really enjoyed this book (the half I read). It's not that I didn't like it, I did! It had such an interesting plot point. A girl accused of theft....a handsome ranch owner...mystery AND the Wild West!? Come on guys! I wish I was born back then!
First off, Ember was great! Very brave and headstrong. Not afraid to get her hands dirty. But also haunted by her past. I mean, who isn't? I loves to see how she found her way from something horrible to something good (and a handsome rancher)!
Second off, I loved the romance!!! John a struggling ranch owner and Ember, a girl hiding from her past....you can't get anymore juicier than that! I loved to watch how John fell in love with Ember without even knowing she was a girl. Their romance wasn't fasted paced or overly forced. And a bonus, THERE WAS NO INAPPROPIATENESS! Do you know how hard it is to find a CLEAN book in this day in age!? (pulling my hair out) I loved it! Was all over it! Can't get enough CLEAN, CHRISTIAN ROMANCES! And the western themed and cowboy are just extra.
All of that said, I got to the middle of the book and basically figured out the rest (comes from years of reading and reading and reading and.....(smile slyly)...just kidding, no more "readings"). By then I was like "okay, I know what is going to happen. Let's skip to the end and see how the book turns out."
"Well, how was the ending?"
(smiles slyly) You'll just have to read the book and find out! (ha ha ha---I don't spoil books)
Sorry for the SUPER weird review. But hey (shrugs), what can I say? You can't send an author to write a review----we might be here all night! ;)
As always remember GOD LOVES YOU NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!!
February 15, 2025
A case of a book with great potential but the writing left a lot to be desired. The plot didn’t flow, the characters annoyed me to no end and certain aspects felt too unbelievable.
Bert came off as a naive, immature, dim girl. But then again, most, (if not all) the characters came off as dim. I had a really hard time believing that it took five days, plus a confession from Bert, for John and the Timmons family to realize Bert was not a boy. For this being Christian fiction some of the content surprised me. There was quite a bit of focus on Bert’s figure and several mentions of God’s name in vain. It made me uncomfortable that Bert was only seventeen. The more I read, the more issues I had with it.
Bert came off as a naive, immature, dim girl. But then again, most, (if not all) the characters came off as dim. I had a really hard time believing that it took five days, plus a confession from Bert, for John and the Timmons family to realize Bert was not a boy. For this being Christian fiction some of the content surprised me. There was quite a bit of focus on Bert’s figure and several mentions of God’s name in vain. It made me uncomfortable that Bert was only seventeen. The more I read, the more issues I had with it.
November 17, 2025
While the premise had potential, the execution of the romance fell short for me. The love story lacked depth and didn’t feel particularly realistic, making it hard to connect with the characters on an emotional level. I also found the narrative missing any real spark or tension—it never developed the kind of chemistry that keeps a reader invested.
Additionally, the book leaned heavily on themes of God and faith, which at times overshadowed the plot and character development. For readers who enjoy a strong inspirational focus, this may be appealing, but for me it felt unbalanced and weighed down the pacing.
Overall, The Fire in Ember had moments of promise but didn’t deliver the kind of engaging, layered storytelling I was hoping for.
Additionally, the book leaned heavily on themes of God and faith, which at times overshadowed the plot and character development. For readers who enjoy a strong inspirational focus, this may be appealing, but for me it felt unbalanced and weighed down the pacing.
Overall, The Fire in Ember had moments of promise but didn’t deliver the kind of engaging, layered storytelling I was hoping for.
November 3, 2025
A Colorado man saves a girl from a hanging and finds love.
Enjoyed being with the Timmons family again. John and Ember story was exciting from start to finish. Ember was running from her evil brothers. She ran into a man as his family who would care for her. But at times she felt she wasn't good enough for them. She had two men fall for her but John won out. John had big shoes to fill taking care of a ranch. He had great help in his brothers . When he needed help with evil men his uncle Parker his Ma, his brothers and the law came to his aide. All ended well for he and Ember. Hope to have a story on Evan and the rest of the Timmons boys.
Enjoyed being with the Timmons family again. John and Ember story was exciting from start to finish. Ember was running from her evil brothers. She ran into a man as his family who would care for her. But at times she felt she wasn't good enough for them. She had two men fall for her but John won out. John had big shoes to fill taking care of a ranch. He had great help in his brothers . When he needed help with evil men his uncle Parker his Ma, his brothers and the law came to his aide. All ended well for he and Ember. Hope to have a story on Evan and the rest of the Timmons boys.
March 2, 2018
I just about gave up 3/4 of the way through, but I trudged on, skimming several sections to get to the end. Then, as so often happens, high drama goes thump at the end of the book, followed by a two-page epilogue that's supposed to stand in for denouement. I gave it two stars rather than one because I enjoyed reading many of the scenes and there was some good dialog. The overall story arc was only worth one star.
April 4, 2018
2.5 stars
Was a pretty fun clean Christian historical romance;
I however didn't find the romance all that great and found everyone's lack of trust ridiculous. They all claimed to love her and doubted her at the first chance... Didn't seem genuine to me.
Almost three mostly because a lot of tropes in this story I enjoy.
Was a pretty fun clean Christian historical romance;
I however didn't find the romance all that great and found everyone's lack of trust ridiculous. They all claimed to love her and doubted her at the first chance... Didn't seem genuine to me.
Almost three mostly because a lot of tropes in this story I enjoy.
September 7, 2020
Really good book, a little unique, twists, happy ending and good spiritual parts.
Caution: After reading a few chapters I realized that there is a book you should read before this one.
If you are like me and do not like to find out after I start reading that there are many references to a prior "stand alone" book it will bother you a little. So "A Woman Called Sage" should be read first.
Caution: After reading a few chapters I realized that there is a book you should read before this one.
If you are like me and do not like to find out after I start reading that there are many references to a prior "stand alone" book it will bother you a little. So "A Woman Called Sage" should be read first.
February 19, 2023
I think this is the first historical novel I have read by this author, having read several of her modern day suspense novels. I loved it. The Timmons family was great and entertaining, and Ember and John made a great hero and heroine.......and it had a lot of suspense and drama. As I like it
May 4, 2017
Parts of this were pretty good, but parts were melodramatic.
August 19, 2018
I really loved this book! I was very satisfied with how everything was resolved. It was a very riveting book.
July 7, 2020
I enjoyed listening to this sweet christian fiction with some wild west action.
August 24, 2020
Christian fiction, also a good mystery, some murder, family issues, and romance - really a "feel good" read.
April 13, 2023
Loved it from beginning to end.
September 4, 2024
3.5 stars
January 5, 2025
This book loves Jesus. I like it for that reason.
August 22, 2014
I’ve been a DiAnn Mills fan for some time. Her novels have always delivered, and DiAnn’s latest historical romance, The Fire in Ember, is no exception. It’s actually moved to the top of the list and become my favorite novel by this author.
Some of the characters from her previous novel, A Woman Called Sage, are included in this story. It was great fun for me to be reunited with those people, but it’s not necessary to read the prior novel in order to understand or enjoy The Fire in Ember.
The story takes place in 1888. Deputy John Timmons feels responsible for his widowed mother and four younger brothers. Besides helping to keep the law in the area, he runs the ranch that provides for his family. John’s world gets shaken up when he rescues a boy, Bert, who is about to be hanged by the owner’s ranch hands for stealing a valuable horse. The boy insists he didn’t steal the horse, but the owner wants to be compensated for the time the animal was missing. Afraid the boy will be harmed, John pays the rancher and takes Bert home to work the debt off on his own ranch. It’s only then that he and his family discover Bert is really a seventeen-year-old girl.
Bert (Ember) has never been treated so kindly, and she’s happy to work as hard as she can for them. The Timmons share their faith and love for God with her—something she’s never experienced. But once her debt has been paid, she plans to leave the ranch, afraid of being found by brothers who abused her.
When cattle rustlers begin attacking the area ranches, Bert fears her brothers might be the culprits. She worries they’ll find her and hurt the family she cares for. But ashamed of her past, and not wanting to put anyone in danger, she keeps her former life a secret.
John and Bert fall in love, but she’s convinced that she’s not good enough for him. And when cattle continue to be taken from surrounding ranches, he becomes uncertain whether he can trust her.
This novel is an action-packed adventure with twists and turns. The Fire in Ember is about facing fears with courage—trusting that God will help. It’s also about sacrifice, family love, and release from bondage (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual) by sharing the truth.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a Christian world view.
Some of the characters from her previous novel, A Woman Called Sage, are included in this story. It was great fun for me to be reunited with those people, but it’s not necessary to read the prior novel in order to understand or enjoy The Fire in Ember.
The story takes place in 1888. Deputy John Timmons feels responsible for his widowed mother and four younger brothers. Besides helping to keep the law in the area, he runs the ranch that provides for his family. John’s world gets shaken up when he rescues a boy, Bert, who is about to be hanged by the owner’s ranch hands for stealing a valuable horse. The boy insists he didn’t steal the horse, but the owner wants to be compensated for the time the animal was missing. Afraid the boy will be harmed, John pays the rancher and takes Bert home to work the debt off on his own ranch. It’s only then that he and his family discover Bert is really a seventeen-year-old girl.
Bert (Ember) has never been treated so kindly, and she’s happy to work as hard as she can for them. The Timmons share their faith and love for God with her—something she’s never experienced. But once her debt has been paid, she plans to leave the ranch, afraid of being found by brothers who abused her.
When cattle rustlers begin attacking the area ranches, Bert fears her brothers might be the culprits. She worries they’ll find her and hurt the family she cares for. But ashamed of her past, and not wanting to put anyone in danger, she keeps her former life a secret.
John and Bert fall in love, but she’s convinced that she’s not good enough for him. And when cattle continue to be taken from surrounding ranches, he becomes uncertain whether he can trust her.
This novel is an action-packed adventure with twists and turns. The Fire in Ember is about facing fears with courage—trusting that God will help. It’s also about sacrifice, family love, and release from bondage (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual) by sharing the truth.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a Christian world view.
August 23, 2012
There might be areas in our life, issues that we have to deal with individually that need work, such as a trust issue, or maybe a difficulty to accept love. Or to open up to another person enough to be in a relationship with them.
Now there are a million self-helf books out there you can read and be confused by to your heart's content. You can also choose to read a story instead, a story that deals with some of the things that are troubling you, but not through talking. Through showing. Through living.
That's why I loved this book.
It is a deeply romantic novel set in the time of cowboys and girls with bonnets, and the main characters are a family of a wodowed mother raising five sons. And Bert, of course, our heroine.
First of all there is the whole girl-in-boy's-clothes thing, that personally is a theme that I only need to hear about and by that alone I want to read the book. It was very elegantly done, I have to say.
The characters in this book are well-fleshed and complex. I particularly liked how each of the brothers had his own personal coming-of-age story, and how they were disinguished from each other, since they were completely different characters. And then we have John and Bert.
Bert with her fear, and her emotional scars and her trust issues.
And John, who can't even let himself laugh, so much does he feel the weight of responsibility of his brothers and the ranch.
They are brought together, each with the herculean tast of rescuing the other, loving and being loved by each other.
The romance was slow-building and I was able to savor it. But it wasn't the main plot point of the novel.
Its focus was God and how He is the only One who can held and rescue and restore.
I liked this book because I learned a lot about myself from reading it, and about how God works with broken, fragile people who need Him.
It amazed me to see how the author portrayed His love for each and every character, shown in a different way for everyone, according to their needs and character.
I completely recommend this book.
Rating: 4/5
I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.
blog
bookshelfstories dot blogspot dot com
Now there are a million self-helf books out there you can read and be confused by to your heart's content. You can also choose to read a story instead, a story that deals with some of the things that are troubling you, but not through talking. Through showing. Through living.
That's why I loved this book.
It is a deeply romantic novel set in the time of cowboys and girls with bonnets, and the main characters are a family of a wodowed mother raising five sons. And Bert, of course, our heroine.
First of all there is the whole girl-in-boy's-clothes thing, that personally is a theme that I only need to hear about and by that alone I want to read the book. It was very elegantly done, I have to say.
The characters in this book are well-fleshed and complex. I particularly liked how each of the brothers had his own personal coming-of-age story, and how they were disinguished from each other, since they were completely different characters. And then we have John and Bert.
Bert with her fear, and her emotional scars and her trust issues.
And John, who can't even let himself laugh, so much does he feel the weight of responsibility of his brothers and the ranch.
They are brought together, each with the herculean tast of rescuing the other, loving and being loved by each other.
The romance was slow-building and I was able to savor it. But it wasn't the main plot point of the novel.
Its focus was God and how He is the only One who can held and rescue and restore.
I liked this book because I learned a lot about myself from reading it, and about how God works with broken, fragile people who need Him.
It amazed me to see how the author portrayed His love for each and every character, shown in a different way for everyone, according to their needs and character.
I completely recommend this book.
Rating: 4/5
I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.
blog
bookshelfstories dot blogspot dot com
May 23, 2012
I love western books, I just do, but I don't read a lot of them for two reason.
1.)The women in most western are written as winey, cry-babies flat characters. They have no or very little character development, and they wouldn't know what an independent women was and I'm talking about an indepedent women for the 1800's at that! This type of Women makes it very hard to enjoy western, even if you love them like I do.
But Burt( Ember) isn't this type of character. For one; she very stubburn, throught out the whole story she stick to her guns about what information she give about herself too John and his family. Never tell them normal than she thinks is safe, know matter how much they question her. At one point in the book, she gets a black eye for noting say more about herself but that wasn't john or his family doing( Actually at that point Burt haven't even met John yet.) She very relatale; the choices Burt feels confused about, you understand and feel confused right along with her.
Also she had fears, very real fears, that don't just suddenly go away because she falls in love. Most of the books is working through Burt fears, and making her feel at home wiht John.
2.) Sometime western are brought down by too much religions. I understand the time and everything, and religions doesn't bother me but sometimes western make it feel like it's being pour down your thoat. Not this story, in the beginiging Burt doesn't even know who God is. I like how it bring and slowly explain religion, then, those making it a key element.
1.)The women in most western are written as winey, cry-babies flat characters. They have no or very little character development, and they wouldn't know what an independent women was and I'm talking about an indepedent women for the 1800's at that! This type of Women makes it very hard to enjoy western, even if you love them like I do.
But Burt( Ember) isn't this type of character. For one; she very stubburn, throught out the whole story she stick to her guns about what information she give about herself too John and his family. Never tell them normal than she thinks is safe, know matter how much they question her. At one point in the book, she gets a black eye for noting say more about herself but that wasn't john or his family doing( Actually at that point Burt haven't even met John yet.) She very relatale; the choices Burt feels confused about, you understand and feel confused right along with her.
Also she had fears, very real fears, that don't just suddenly go away because she falls in love. Most of the books is working through Burt fears, and making her feel at home wiht John.
2.) Sometime western are brought down by too much religions. I understand the time and everything, and religions doesn't bother me but sometimes western make it feel like it's being pour down your thoat. Not this story, in the beginiging Burt doesn't even know who God is. I like how it bring and slowly explain religion, then, those making it a key element.
March 3, 2011
The first line of this book is a dynamite opening “A hanging is no place for a lady”, what an attention grabber. And there were other great lines waiting to be mined from “The Fire in Ember”. There was one particular description that made me stop and read it twice, just for the sake of reading it again.
About the rocks jutting out like “old man’s knees”. There were some attention grabbers, descriptions or bits of dialogue that were fun things to find in this book.
The story itself is a good fit for those that read the western genre. The age old concept of bad guy verses good guy set in the old west. I like the characters that play out on the tapestry of the story. Ember “Bert” is extremely likeable and her story adds a deep layer to the overall plot. Waiting for bits of her story to be unearthed was worth waiting for.
Overall I thought the book is a good addition to its genre. The characters have a good arc through the story, the romance is enjoyable and the story moves at a good pace. It’s a story you can read slowly or quickly, either way I think readers of historical westerns will enjoy it.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
About the rocks jutting out like “old man’s knees”. There were some attention grabbers, descriptions or bits of dialogue that were fun things to find in this book.
The story itself is a good fit for those that read the western genre. The age old concept of bad guy verses good guy set in the old west. I like the characters that play out on the tapestry of the story. Ember “Bert” is extremely likeable and her story adds a deep layer to the overall plot. Waiting for bits of her story to be unearthed was worth waiting for.
Overall I thought the book is a good addition to its genre. The characters have a good arc through the story, the romance is enjoyable and the story moves at a good pace. It’s a story you can read slowly or quickly, either way I think readers of historical westerns will enjoy it.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
May 22, 2011
John sees a young boy about to be hung for stealing horses and races to the rescue to save him. He decides to take him back to his house and put him to work to keep him out of trouble. There's one problem, Bert turns out to be a girl. John doesn't know how to handle this, as emotions he finds foreign begin to swirl around in his head. Bert finds friendship in John's mom, which makes things even more complicated. Many other things occur on the ranch that bring trouble upon the family and make John question his choice to bring Bert to his home, but what can he do when his emotions are starting to take over his decisions. Being the local sheriff also adds to this quagmire, as the locals expect him to make the right decisions for the community.
I loved all the characters in this book. They each had facets of their personality that intrigued me. I never read a book by DiAnn Mills, but I certainly look forward to finding more of her books and reading them. This book not only contained romance but also a spiritual thread along with suspense and intrigue. This book definitely drew me in and made me want to finish it as soon as I could. I would recommend it to anyone who finds any of those details I mentioned something that would make them choose a book.
I loved all the characters in this book. They each had facets of their personality that intrigued me. I never read a book by DiAnn Mills, but I certainly look forward to finding more of her books and reading them. This book not only contained romance but also a spiritual thread along with suspense and intrigue. This book definitely drew me in and made me want to finish it as soon as I could. I would recommend it to anyone who finds any of those details I mentioned something that would make them choose a book.
February 7, 2012
I have read several of DiAnn's books and love her writing style. This one is in Colorado, a state I love. She makes the words come alive when she describes the surroundings. It is almost like you are there. And her characters are rich with personality.
John is a strong man with determination to do the right thing and provide for his mom and younger brothers. He has put off his dreams because of that and focused only on doing everything needed for others. But he is not without compassion or the sense of right and wrong. He goes about things in an honest way.
Bert (or Ember) is a young woman who has only known cruel and harsh treatment, with a minimal amount of real love from a brother who died years before. When she finds love and acceptance with the Timmon's family she dreams of what life could have been like had she been born in another family, a family like theirs. But the lies she has been told all of her life fill her head and her heart and fear keeps her from telling the truth.
Read it to see how learning about God, someone she has never known or even heard about, changes her life and how she sees and handles things. This is a great book. I recommend it if you love a great historical set in the west United States.
John is a strong man with determination to do the right thing and provide for his mom and younger brothers. He has put off his dreams because of that and focused only on doing everything needed for others. But he is not without compassion or the sense of right and wrong. He goes about things in an honest way.
Bert (or Ember) is a young woman who has only known cruel and harsh treatment, with a minimal amount of real love from a brother who died years before. When she finds love and acceptance with the Timmon's family she dreams of what life could have been like had she been born in another family, a family like theirs. But the lies she has been told all of her life fill her head and her heart and fear keeps her from telling the truth.
Read it to see how learning about God, someone she has never known or even heard about, changes her life and how she sees and handles things. This is a great book. I recommend it if you love a great historical set in the west United States.
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