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. ( )

As in Sapphire Ice and Greater than Rubies, Hallee Bridgeman takes us deep into the lives of the three sisters and the men they love. Enjoyable is not a strong enough word. Enthralling is more accurate. I couldn’t stop reading until I found out how it all ended.
Emerald Fire, Maxi’s story, offers unexpected plot twists causing a rollercoaster of emotion. Sarah’s story in Topaz Heat is full of excitement and suspense. Combine these with the continuing saga of Tony and his sweet Robin, the Jewel Series characters will live long in my mind. Hallee’s way of writing from the depths of the characters hearts and souls make them real, like friends I’ve known all my life.
Cinderella stories at the finest, the transformation of Robin, Maxine and Sarah from a childhood of poverty and abuse to one of love and spiritual fulfillment are captivating, leaving me wanting to know them more, better, and share them with others. I forget I’m reading fiction. It’s more like real-life.
Hallee, you surprised me. I guessed what Sarah’s story might be like but Maxi’s? What a great plot twist. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with readers through this series. What a treasure.
I received this book from Book Fun Network in exchange for my honest opinion
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Maxine Bartlett has had a worse than hard life, yet she overcomes the terrible start and makes something of herself. Great job. Great friends. Great sisters. Dates a lot of guys, but can never find herself to trust them. Then when one comes along she can trust, one thing after another threatens their relationship. She has to learn to fully trust God and how to listen to Him before things start to turn around.

This story takes you on a journey from pain and survival to hope, forgiveness, faith and love. It is a beautiful Romance that is very difficult to put down. The characters are so real, it is a fun trip to get to know them. Their lives are connected in such amazing ways, it’s neat to see and realize in our own lives how God brings us together.

I read it in just over one day. Beautiful story. Had to get to the end, it was that good! I highly recommend it to Romantic Fiction fans.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks . ( )

Emerald Fire is the second in the The Jewel Trilogy by Halle Bridgeman which follows the lives of three half-sisters who rise from a traumatic childhood of poverty and abuse to be strong, independent women of faith. Emerald Fire is Maxine’s story. This was my favorite of the series, probably because I like Maxine’s character the best. She is fun and feisty, despite her traumatic childhood. The book starts off when she jumps into an unplanned Vegas wedding and the ride continues from there. With lots of complications, and plenty of disapproval from friends and family, can she and her new hubby make a real marriage out of this impulsive act? ( )