Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson is the second book in the Brides of Seattle series. It takes place in Seattle, Washington Territory in 1889. Abrianna Cunningham and Militine Scott attend the Madison Bridal School. Militine is attending the school, but she is not serious about finding a husband. She has secrets in her past (she is only twenty-two) and does not think anyone will ever want her if they find them out. Thane Patton knows something about secrets. He is attracted to Militine and would like her to consider a future with him. Can these two overcome their past to have a beautiful future? Will they be able to survive Abrianna and her ideas?

Refining Fire can easily be read without having enjoyed the first book in the Brides of Seattle series. I have read just about every book ever written by Tracie Peterson and this is the first one that I have not enjoyed. I found it to be very preachy. It is over the top, in your face, shove it down your throat preachy (I prefer it to be more subtle). The story is cute though predictable. It is a normal, Christian romance book. I did not like Abrianna. I found her to be an unlikeable character (very pushy). I give Refining Fire 3 out of 5 stars. The writing is good (as always), but I just did not enjoy the story.

I received a complimentary copy of Refining Fire from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

A historical fiction book, Refining Fire is the second in the Brides of Seattle series, set in Seattle Washington 1889. This book is about the Madison Bridal School, where young women come to learn the etiquette to run a household and the hopes of finding a husband. Militine Scott has come to the school, not to a life of marriage, but an escape from a pain past no thanks to her father. Due to her lack of trust in men, Militine is not quick to realize that she has caught the eye of Thane Patton. He too has a past to hide. Together they begin to trust in God and follow His path, causing them to grow in their love and to heal from the past in their lives.
Tracie Peterson's beautiful use of historical periods, along with the deep struggle her characters face, really makes me continue to love and read her books. As I have been a fan of Christian fiction books for quite a few years, I believe that Mrs. Peterson has always done a remarkable job introducing her readers to their faith at just the right time in her books. She did not disappoint me with Refining Fire, and I am anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. The book I found was a very quick read; that kept me engrossed all the way to the end. ( )

I have enjoyed reading stories from this author for several years and love it when what she writes is a part of a series. Refining Fire is part of the Seattle Brides Series and is a great read. It gives you insight into not only what it is like for her characters, but what Seattle was like during the time frame.
Militine is attending the Madison Bridal School, not to become a bride, but to escape from her past. She finds herself learning to trust with the help of her friends Abrinna and Wade as well as with help from Thane who is seeking answers himself. Each learn to work together and trust God to make it all work out.
More from the author can be found at http://www.traciepeterson.com/

I received a copy of the book free to review from the publisher. ( )

Title: Refining Fire (Seattle Brides #2)
Author: Tracie Peterson
Pages: 320
Year: 2015
Publisher: Bethany
My rating is 5 stars.
Tracie Peterson is a favorite author of mine from way back when I read her series of stories set in Alaska. There is romance in Refining Fire, but what is more captivating is the faith exhibited by one young woman named Abrianna. Abrianna could be referred to as a spit-fire of a woman, who has deep convictions based on the Word of God. Now occasionally she gets herself into trouble, but her impulsiveness at times brings out the desire to act in the hearts of others.
Militine Scott is a young lady who lives at the Madison Bridal School with no living relatives. She is woman fraught with nightmares and questions. Militine is afraid to get near any one person for fear of being hurt, but especially men due to the abuse she suffered at the hands of her earthly father. Militine seems like her character is a little bit skeptic with a whole lot of seeking. I think that is probably true of many real people who have suffered abuse of all kinds.
Militine’s life is ordered and she tends to erect walls around her heart; she fears that if anyone knows her secrets they will abandon her in a heartbeat. As I read further into the tale, it was enjoyable to watch the change that slowly came into the heart of this young woman. Militine is not impulsive like Abrianna, but she sticks close to her side and ventures into many escapades that are dangerous.
Tracie Peterson’s writing is captivating because it isn’t all romance nor is the ending wrapped up nice and neat in a tidy bow. There is action, adventure, questions expressed externally by characters and contemplated internally and not always easy to answer. Throughout the book the author has the characters point to God whether they understand how God or even why God is allowing experiences to come their way. I liked how answers weren’t always quick or spoken without any thought. If her characters did not know the answers to inquiries, they shared their personal experiences or pointed to the Bible. At times they even said they didn’t have the answers to some of the questions raised by other characters and isn’t that the truth for real people?
I hope you enjoy reading Refining Fire as much as I did and will share it with someone you know who loves a good story!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )

Second book in the "Brides of Seattle," by Tracie Peterson. A historical fiction set in Seattle, Washington in the 1890s. Abrianna and Militine are friends who live at the Madison Bridal School. Abrianna is adventurous and feisty while Militine is quiet and withdrawn, trying to hide her past. Throw in one or two unsavory characters and it makes a great summer read! ( )