FAVORITE QUOTE:
Something warm bloomed within him. “I could say the same of you. The world can be a cruel place, can’t it?” Charlotte smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Yes, but it can be wonderful, as well. We cannot allow the bad moments to destroy the good.”
A road trip in the aftermath of great historical events provides the backbone of the story in Avrie Swan’s A Blaze of Courage. In the aftermath of the Peshtigo fire, Charlotte, a brave heroine, fights to survive in a world changed, mirroring the chaos of the Great Chicago Fire. Having endured the horrors of the Civil War, heroic Stefan begins a long journey to Kentucky. Through divine intervention, the two are brought together, and what begins as mutual dependence blossoms into a deeper connection.
The story delves into the pain of post-traumatic stress, examining how it tests faith when people try to heal from loss. Dealing with emotional and physical hindrances, both characters found their paths to healing when they began to trust themselves and God. The story progresses rapidly, raising challenging questions about faith and suffering. As the characters’ relationships develop, the chapters really capture the beauty of seeing beyond the physical and into the heart.
A heartbeat of hope, born from the aftermath of tragedy, fuels the plot, which grips in a compelling way as it reaches its halfway point. What started off as a simple road trip turns into so much more. Younger characters, displaced twins, brought levity, which helped balance out the serious themes in the found-family trope. This book is a compelling historical fiction narrative, with elements of romance, history, and drama, perfect for fans of the genre.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for purchase link.
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.
About the Book
Book: Blaze of Courage
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.
To celebrate her tour, Avrie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway!
Final Thoughts 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
Devoted Steps 