Blaze of Courage | Devoted Hope

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: Blaze of Courage

Series: The Peshtigo Fire Chronicles, Book 2
Author: Avrie Swan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: January 13, 2026

A mysterious locket brings a fire survivor and a wounded veteran together, but their growing feelings might be more dangerous than the men pursuing them.

Charlotte Clarke survived the flames that destroyed her town and took her family, but at what cost? Left injured and alone, she seizes the chance for a fresh start when a dying friend asks her to take a locket to a relative in Kentucky. But she has no means to reach her destination until she meets a handsome horse trainer headed south and convinces him to let her travel with him.

Haunted by his years in the cavalry and desperate to save his family’s failing stables, Stefan Roberts is focused on transporting his father’s racehorses to Kentucky for the spring races. He isn’t looking for complications—especially not in the form of a determined young woman with secrets of her own. Yet as they travel together, Charlotte’s courage and determination begin to crack the walls he’s built around his heart.

When a shadowy pursuer closes in, Stefan and Charlotte must face the pasts they’ve been running from, and the faith they thought they’d left behind, before their fragile hopes for the future go up in smoke.

Devoted to Hope's Review of Blaze of Courage

Blaze of Courage by Avrie Swan follows two wounded souls on a journey where survival demands courage and faith must be chosen again after everything familiar has burned away.

Charlotte’s courage is born from survival and the steady choice to keep moving forward after unimaginable loss. Stefan’s strength is quieter, shaped by war and a heart that has learned to stay guarded. As they travel together, trust forms slowly, and faith is no longer assumed but chosen again, step by step.

The twins become amazing gifts along the road, evidence that God still places life and innocence in the midst of broken journeys.

The Christian foundation in this story is rich, clear, and Jesus-centered. One of the most powerful moments comes when Remus speaks truth Stefan needs to hear: “Job certainly grieved and even cried out in frustration. He questioned God’s reasoning, much as you are doing now. But, though Job questioned God, he never stopped believing.” Later, Remus reminds him, “I assure you, it is not needless suffering. God is building you up, preparing you for something you can’t yet see. God has a plan for you …” and “The Bible holds more wisdom than I could ever hope to give.”

The pastor’s words anchor the soul: “Romans 8:39 …. To think that God in His glory will always love us, regardless of what may come, is the greatest assurance we will ever have.” And Ilona’s clarity is unmistakable: “…God loves us, but because He is just, He calls us to repent of our sins. If we are to love Him back, we have to cast off our sins. And the only way to cast off our sins is through Jesus.”

Blaze of Courage is a story rooted in survival and the restoration God brings. It will resonate with readers who love clearly Christian historical fiction rooted in Scripture and who long for stories where faith is reclaimed and lived out before God.

I received a digital version of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Avrie Swan is a Christian author and avid reader with a love for all things historical. Having grown up exploring antique stores and museums, she eventually decided to combine her interest in history with her love for writing and began working on her first full-length novel at the age of fourteen. She especially enjoys writing stories that focus on themes of family, faith, and growth through difficult times.

When Avrie is not writing, she is watching old movies, collecting antique books, and hunting for agates.
A native Wisconsinite, she enjoys spending the cold winters indoors with her cat on her lap and
a good book in her hand.

MORE FROM AVRIE

Hello, folks!

When I wrote Blaze of Courage, I wanted to create a story centered on three things I love: adventure, faith, and horses. I adored horses as a kid, and although my family didn’t have the time, space, or money for a big animal, my mom managed to enroll me in a horseback riding camp when I was around nine or ten. I was over the moon! Since then, I’ve had more chances to interact with and learn about these loyal, graceful (and sometimes ungraceful) creatures. Blaze of Courage wouldn’t be complete without them!

In addition to everything related to horses, Charlotte and Stefan’s journey in Blaze of Courage centers on the theme of returning to Christ. Unlike Carina, who held onto her faith despite her struggles, the fire and its aftermath severely challenged Charlotte’s beliefs. Have you ever felt like hiding from everyone after being hurt? It’s often easier to hide our feelings and blame others rather than face what truly bothers us, and in Charlotte’s case, this includes trying to hide from and blame God. Of course, hiding from God is a strategy doomed to fail. What happens once Charlotte realizes this is something for you, dear reader, to discover.

The characters in Blaze of Courage are some of my favorites, and I thought it would be fun to create a little game based on them! Feel free to check out the link below and take the quiz to see which of the four group members you resemble most. If you play, share your results on social media or leave a comment on my Instagram! I’d love to see what you get. As always, God bless!

https://take.quiz-maker.com/QNUD28ZQX

Sincerely,

Avrie Swan