From the Ashes

by Claire Sanders

Fleeing a secret that changed her life forever, Judith Robertson decides she can live in the little cabin in the woods that she inherited from her grandfather. The big barn and the quaint little church just add to the allure of the four hundred acres of her new home. Within minutes of her decision, Reverend Washington asks to use her church building, and Jacob Fraser wants to cut a deal to timber the woods Judith now owns. But arsonists are burning African-American churches and threatening anyone who dares to intervene. Judith loans her church to the recently burned out members of the All Faith Community Church, which brings troubles beyond anything she ever imagined. And Jacob Fraser is everywhere, causing a heart she'd thought was stone cold dead to flutter with emotions she had lost a long time ago. But Jacob has secrets, too. Can two heartbroken people gain the courage to challenge the status quo and accept the Lord's blessings?

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2014

About the author

I love to write sweet romance - both historical and contemporary. Check out my website:
www.clairesandersbooks.com

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful book!
I love how the author doesn't shy away from the people's faith in God.
This book has romance, dealing with overcoming fear, returning love for hate... So much more.
I highly recommend this book!

[Pauline Creeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

"and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor." -- Isaiah 61:3

It is fitting that the grandfather in the story's name was Isaiah. And the just as fitting that the title is From the Ashes. Because although there is an arsonist who threatens Judith's property and life, this only touches the surface of the ashes in her life. Judith has grown up with guilt from a childhood horror that has choked the life right out of her. She prays for strength and courage, and finds that often God gives us a lesson to help us achieve what we pray for.

The author seamlessly intertwines the Christian life and biblical lessons with a suspense story that will keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens next. Add to this a romance that blossoms in the midst of struggle, and you get this engaging, heart strengthening read.

[M. Demetrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is truth in this clean romantic read. I enjoyed the chemistry between Judith and Jacob (who I pictured looked like actor Jeremy Renner), however, I truly enjoyed Rev. Washington's dialogue. Especially when he spoke of praying for the arsonist's change of heart.