A Cinderella story only better. Better because a fairy godmother’s wand is not what transforms Robin, but the power of God working through her newfound faith and that of the man who loves her. Hallee Bridgeman writes for the glory of our God, unabashed and unashamed, yet her stories are not preachy or sermon-ish. Her tale of Robin Bartlett’s journey from poverty, abuse and hatred into the light of being loved and cherished by a wealthy yet godly man sparkles with intrigue, drama and most of all, romance. Romance to make you sigh at Robin’s fairy tale-come-true by the grace of God.
Tony is a rare find. A self made man who pulled himself out of the grips of poverty and despair into a life of wealth. And yet he pours back his God-given gifts into the lives of others where need is great and hope non-existent. Tony is unlike most romantic heroes, unique and unexpected. He is not perfect and makes mistakes as we all do, and yet he allows his mistakes to be used by God in unimaginable ways.
Robin’s life has been hard. Suffering and hardship is all she knows. And yet she embraces it willingly for love of her two sisters. Robin is stubborn and closed hearted, her inner strength an armor keeping everyone at arm’s length. And yet Tony finds the broken place in her heart that will serve as her escape route, opening herself to a love she could have never dreamed possible.
The secondary characters give us a deeper and richer view of this poverty to riches story romance. I am anxious to read Maxi and Sarah’s stories next. I have hopes for Jacqui and Derrick and the others they will encounter along the way. Barry is my favorite with Hank a close second. I am itching to read the rest of the Jewel Trilogy to find out more about them all.
I have not read any of Hallee Bridgeman’s work prior to these stories but am now a fan. What I love most about these stories is Hallee does not pay heed to the “writer’s rules” that can often stifle one’s own voice in an effort to conform to industry standards. Her inner soul is revealed in her writing leaving rules broken and battered amidst the very real life, love and faith poured into her books. Yes, it is possible to write compelling and inspiring romance that will enchant readers without regard to the “acceptable methods.” Thank you, Hallee.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.
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Sapphire Ice is the first in a series 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. This book is the story of the eldest, Robin. She was her sisters’ protector when they were children and continues this on into adult life, sometimes going overboard with her stubbornness and self reliance. It takes a handsome businessman named Tony Viscolli to soften her icy exterior and make her realize that love – both God’s and his – can give her the peace she has always craved. ( )

Title: Sapphire Ice (The Jewel Series Book #1)
Author: Hallee Bridgeman
Pages: 212
Year: 2013
Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from www.bookfun.org
There are many novels I have read already this year, with the majority being most enjoyable. Here is an exceptional novel, in fact when communicating with the author I expressed the totality of my review in one word, WOW! Fully aware that the word doesn’t help anyone to grasp the contents or various aspects of the novel here is a little teaser to whet your appetite.
Three women who live together, and are half-sisters with a background that is very distinct. Not only is each one’s background dissimilar so is their heritage, and ancestry. The actions taken on one night alter the future for all three in the years growing up. Robin is the eldest and has an overwhelming sense of being responsible for Maxine and Sarah. Robin works hard to put her sisters through college, now when they are grown with Sarah having just a couple years left, Robin feels she can rest then.
However, two men are going to come in her life each for a different reason. One wants to show her how Christ makes all the difference in the world. The other man, well let’s just say you got to read the book to believe it. Robins who life is about to be turned upside down and her sisters couldn’t be happier but what does Robin feel about all this, can she trust anybody ever again?
Sapphire Ice is the first book in the Jewel Trilogy Bundle #1 which includes a novella Greater Then Rubies, which I will share in another review. I just was so overwhelmed with the way author Hallee Bridgeman has her characters in situations that are very life like. The emotional tension I felt as the characters interacted was something I will not forget, whether the players were praying or arguing. All I kept thinking was how much a story such as this reflects what real human beings feel.
Another aspect is how some of the characters were in accountability relationships in their walk with Christ. Truth spoken from one to another, praying with and for others, and being a conduit of the love God has for each of us regardless of where or who we are today. As Iron sharpens iron was a phrase I kept thinking when sparks would fly in the plot. Repentance, taking time out to be alone with the Lord is just a part of the strong message in the plot. Well, that gets you started, go have fun discovering what else lies between the covers of the book!
My rating is 5+ stars!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )