The Fire in Ember by DiAnn Mills - a review

I selected The Fire in Ember to review for two reasons.  One, I loved the cover and two, I had heard great things about DiAnn Mills but had never read anything she has written.  Let me say I was not disappointed in my selection.

FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK:

Between one woman's life and one man's heart... A fire burns.

Bert believed returning a stolen horse was the right thing for her to do.  But she never imagined ranch hands would mistake her as a horse thief, then sentence her to hang. She couldn't tell them the truth. Neither did she want to die.

Deputy John Timmons's middle name is responsibility. He's been caring for his mother and younger brothers on his ranch for five years. He thought he was saving a boy from a hanging-his duty. But when he learns Bert is a girl, a whirlwind of emotions send his heart spinning.

Cattle rustlers have invaded the northern Colorado ranches, leaving murder in their wake. Bert is a suspect, especially when she refuse to give her real name or reveal what she's running from John knows she's afraid of something, but what? He sees a sweet spirit, not a woman who's deceiving his family.

How can John arrest her when she's stolen his heart?

Twist, turns, and unforgettable characters make this action-packed page-turner a historical romance of fire.

MY REVIEW:

The Fire in Ember starts out with an attempted hanging of what seems to be an eleven year old boy who supposedly stole a horse.  John Timmons, the local deputy, saves the young boy and takes him to his ranch where he lives with his four brothers and mother.  When it's time for their weekly bath, "Bert" admits that she is not an eleven year old boy but a 17 year old young woman.  "Bert" is on the run from her past and keeps the secret, unwilling to open up to Leah, John's mother, or even John, who she is quickly falling in love with. 

Cattle start missing from neighboring ranches and murders are discovered. Eyes start looking to "Bert", with questions that she might be involved.  As the investigations begin, "Bert", whose real name is Ember, starts revealing certain things about her past.

There are plenty of twists and turns in the story, but I refuse to give spoilers so I would just like to say, if you like Christian Romantic Historicals you'll love The Fire in Ember. 

I would like to thank Zondervan for sending me a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

On a 5-star scale, I rate The Fire in Ember an easy 5-star.  I also feel that this is a book not only for adults but for young adults as well.

Smiles & Blessings,

Cindy

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