*** Best Inspirational Novel of the Year Finalist for 2012 RONE Award ***A terrifying past imprisoned Maxine Bartlett all her adult life, shackling her with fear anytime a man even touched her.In a spontaneous weekend, she unintentionally elopes with an unlikely groom. After a magical wedding night filled with love and passion, “Maxi” finally discards her dreadful chains.She doesn’t know that her … doesn’t know that her new husband has turned his back on God. Worried over how the world might see the completely unexpected – and some would certainly say inappropriate – marriage, in his pride he promises Maxine a quiet annulment.
Unwilling to let their marriage disappear as if it never happened, Maxine refuses to cooperate. Seeking God’s will, she moves in with him and informs him that when he decides to act like her husband again, he will find his loving wife waiting for him right there in their home. As the days stretch into weeks, the newlyweds slowly begin to trust and even love each other.
Then, just as they begin to live the “happily ever after” love story that neither of them ever dreamed could come true, a sudden and nightmarish catastrophe strikes that could wreck everything. Will her husband realize that he must trust God once more? Can he find peace and strength enough to carry them through the flames?
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A sweet read. It was so nice to read Maxine’s story. I certainly didn’t see the accident coming, but I really loved the way she wooed her husband, just as he had tried to do with his first wife. Maxine and Barry’s love grew to be so very precious. I really enjoyed this story!
I look forward to reading Sarah’s story! I highly recommend this series!
I adore ALL of the books in Hallee Bridgeman’s Jewel Series, but this one, I think, is my favorite of favorites. I loved getting to know Maxine better—to learn more about what makes her tick and discovering that things aren’t always what they seem. As hurting human beings we often put up a front that really isn’t us in an effort to protect ourselves. Maxine has definitely done that and I really enjoyed being allowed to see what was under that front as the book progressed. The romance between Maxine and Barry, though it’s not all cut and dry and nicely packaged with a pretty bow, will make you melt. I love their story and the power of redemption it shows and I was so glad to finally see them both begin their HEA.
Emerald Fire by Hallee Bridgeman
This book starts out with dedication, TOC and prologue where Maxime had just watched the cops take her sister away from her. Her parents are out of the picture and things get confusing as to what really happened.
Story starts with Maxine waking up with her wedding ring on.
Story goes back in time to what happened when she was very young, abuse, her mother dying from drugs, her father in prison where he teaches other about God.
The plan was to get all the girls together and that is accomplished over the years and we find some are married and expecting. Like that you don’t feel left out, you are brought up to speed with the characters even though you are just meeting them.
Past books in the series will discuss them in more detail.
Love how Maxine makes her money-at the job where she uses her pencils and drawings and paints and sells ads to the customers.
She also enjoys spending time with Barry but he’s married so they just spend time when it comes to sports. His wife is not interested in that at all and she’s a trophy wife
Story also follows Barry and what he goes through with his wife and her pregnancy and the funeral where Max helps him just disappear. When he does return she’s there for him, attending games
watching sports on TV, heading to Vegas with the other friends.
So much occurs in just a short time and we find her in the hospital with severe injuries.
Love how he asks God for help and he gets his answers. So painful to listen to both sides of each of their stories to know it just has to get better.
Hoping to catch up with them as life goes on, in further books in the series.
Love this one-emerald, such a beautiful color.
Ends with translation of words used in the book, luncheon menu and recipes and discussion questions.
Personal note from the author, other works from this series, excerpts from the series books and listing of other works by the author.
About the author is included at the end. and social media links to contact her and link to sign up for her newsletter.
I loved this whole series!
Good uplifting read.
Enjoy reading her books!!
Sweet book
Very well written
Well-crafted story line, romantic but not crude. Third in the first “gem” series: I will be going back to read the other two!