This book tells the story of three sisters who while travelling in America to a new life are struck by tragedy and are forced to rethink their destination. They end up in a small mining town called Defiance which isn't sure what to make of refined Christian ladies being more used to the 'flowers' who 'entertain' the miners.

Along the way the realise that living a Christian life in this environment is nothing like what they have previously experienced and constantly come up against opposition, not least in the shape of McIntyre who runs the local saloon and makes money from it and his flowers.

I was greatly moved by this book which had me in tears on more than one occasion when the sisters realise how much God is working in their new-found home and how much they were destined to be there.

Defiance seems like an allegory of the world today and we as Christians must try in our own small way to be light and salt in what can be harsh times.

At times I felt it was a little simplistic but I liked that no-one including the sisters was perfect but all had flaws.

A great read and I look forward to more by the author. ( )

Title: A Lady in Defiance (Romance in the Rockies #1)
Author: Heather Blanton
Pages: 282
Year: 2013
Publisher: Rivulet Publishing
My rating is 4 stars.
A Lady in Defiance can best be described as a raw look at the Old West with a multitude of themes. As I read, I sensed the spiritual warfare, evil, hate and yet the blossoming of hope for those who knew none. On some pages scenes were described with too much detail that embarrassed this reader/reviewer and I thought unnecessary to the story.
The western genre is one of my favorites. Authors who write sometimes put material in their story that detracts a reader’s attention. Other authors seem to go out of their way to be too descriptive, but really for me the whole issue is forgetting readers have wonderful imaginations. Authors shouldn’t feel obligated to describe scenes between men and women as people. Not only are readers aware of what goes on, but in God’s eyes it is a holy moment.
Now, overall, I thought the story brought out some of the best themes of all which is redemption and obeying God even when it requires humbling oneself or unconditionally loving others and reaching out to them with His love and message of restoration. I think the author did a great job of showing too how other people can tell a believer isn’t being honest or truthful because it shows up in their actions.
I loved how the characters wrestled with God; they spoke openly with Him whether with thanksgiving or anger. The Scriptures in the story were well connected to what the fallen women in Defiance needed to hear. The two main men who ran the town of Defiance each had a spiritual journey that was for one returning to God and the other…well, readers will have to wait and see.
Just beware these novels aren’t for youth or teens; they are best for adults who aren’t put off by an occasional short scene that could have been left out. Above all though I hope readers come away from the book with thoughts of hope, restoration, redemption and knowing how well God knows each of us very intimately.
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.” ( )

And then come three “holy-rolling” sisters to settle in Defiance, the mining town Charles McIntyre runs—mostly on brothels and booze. But it’s the hot-tempered, gritty, widowed middle sister, Naomi Miller, who may give McIntyre a run for his piles of money in A Lady in Defiance by author Heather Blanton.

I wound up getting a tad more emotionally involved in this western tale than I expected I would, feeling my own triumphant “There ya’ go! Tell ’em!” over here and an almost heart-torn “Aw...gee” over there.

I most empathized with Naomi, as she isn’t the more predictable feisty heroine, who’d be unbridled and brashly unapologetic. No, even with all of her fire, Naomi is battling to become a more compassionate person. Besides Naomi and McIntyre, a number of characters take the spotlight at different times, and none of their storylines seem like just an “extra” subplot.

I’ll admit I never came to fully trust one male character, after seeing his level of violence toward a woman. And the novel’s chief villain didn’t completely pull me in, as it takes a different layer, besides his or her vileness, to make a villain truly intriguing to me.

Still, this is a substantive novel where heart, spirit, and deep faith permeate untamed territory, something fans of historical and western ChristFic can thoroughly enjoy.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I was so excited about getting the opportunity to read this book. It was definitely worth the wait! I couldn't put it down and loved it. I can still remember my mom watching John Wayne as a kid and all the westerns. Heather Blanton did an amazing job capturing the historical western genre. I just couldn't believe that this was her first book. She writes like a seasoned writer full of detail and vision. I can't wait for book two.
This story starts out as an adventure of a lifetime and necessity for three sisters, Rebecca,Naomi and her husband John, and Hannah. Unfortunately tragedy strikes and John is killed. They decide to settle in Defiance, a mining town full of lawlessness, gambling, and prostitution. Not a place for three Christian sisters but you never know what God has in store for them. Will they be able to handle this new place???
I loved everything about this book. It has it all, faith,forgiveness,romance, as well as page turning suspense.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. ( )

The story starts with a bang from the beginning and doesn't stop til the end. Three sisters on a journey in the Old West find themselves stranded . They must detour from their original plans and travel to a town that wasn't quite on their agenda. The town is a typical Old West town where you can find alcohol freely flowing, women who are looking for love in all the wrong places and greed that abounds plenty in the town.

The sisters must band together and seek what God has called them to do. They will face deceit, hurt and many surprises. The author has written a story that reminds me of the great show "GUNSMOKE." The characters are diverse and each sister has their own battle they just must face. I loved how the author gave readers a well written story filled with hope, determination and His unconditional love. I loved this quote from the book which says, "Maybe, now and then, we have to give up a portion of our kingdoms-the things we hold dearest -to find what it is God wants for us."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. ( )