Refiner's Fire

With Americas' fierce fight for independence hanging in the balance, Elizabeth Howard and Jonathan Carleton are driven thousands of miles and a vast ocean apart. While the Continental Army endures a desperate winter at Valley Forge, French Admiral le comte de Caledonne secretly sweeps Elizabeth away to France out of reach of British assassins. Meanwhile General Jonathan Carleton, the Shawnee war chief White Eagle, returns to his people as General George Washington's emissary, doubting that he will ever return to the white world. But as the war between America and Britain shifts into the fragile republic's heartland at Monmouth Court House, sinister schemes draw Jonathan and Elizabeth into their own separate maelstroms. Will the Refiner's Fire tear them from each other's arms forever? From the flames of war exploding across land and sea to the dangerous intrigues of the French court and the Shawnee's bitter resistance to the Long Knives, Refiner's Fire continues the breathtaking saga of America's founding in a gripping story of heartbreak, redemption, and the unyielding constancy of love. "Refiner's Fire is not simply a story but an experience. Within its pages are all the upheaval, suspense, heartache, and romance that make the American Patriot Series unforgettable. The author's breadth and scope of our founding history is truly remarkable and each finely tuned character seems lifted from the actual historical record. Extraordinary!" -Laura Frantz, Christy-award winning author of The Lacemaker "Painstaking attention to research and detail, vivid setting, peeks into some of the most obscure corners of an otherwise familiar history, all overlaid with a grand, sweeping love story that will break your heart before it takes your breath away . . . this book (and series!) has it all. If you're a fan of historical fiction and romance and haven't yet discovered this author, don't wait another minute to do so!" -Shannon McNear, 2014 RITA(R) finalist and author of The Cumberland Bride, #5 of Daughters of the Mayflower "Refiner's Fire is an absolutely thrilling read! J.M. Hochstetler once again takes readers deep into the turbulent days of the American Revolution, bringing to life the battles, the spies, and the intrigue that belong solely to our forefathers and their struggle for our burgeoning country. Hochstetler's rich description, strong and unique characters, and impeccable attention to historical detail leaves readers wonderfully satisfied yet longing for more. Fans of historical fiction will adore this newest installment in the American Patriot Series. -Michelle Shocklee, Author of The Widow of Rose Hill "J. M. Hochstetler's in-depth research and masterful writing combine for an exceptional novel, filled with history, intrigue, and romance. Refiner's Fire is an engaging and most satisfying read. As Book 6 in the American Patriot series, Refiner's Fire can be read as a standalone, yet the preceding novels fill in much detail, making Refiner's Fire even more enjoyable. It is rare to read a series with the intensity of historical understanding that you will find within the pages of the American Patriot Series. From every vantage point-the Native Americans, to the British, to the Colonial Americans-the complexity of the political and cultural ramifications brings a greater depth of understanding to the bigger picture than you will find in most historical novels. A series well worth mentally devouring." -Elaine Marie Cooper, author of Love's Kindling