Sarah Thomas is a nurse who is in it for the mission, not the money. She seeks to help those who are in terrible positions. She had a horrible up bring up through the age nine. After the last traumatic event that led her to social services and immediate adoption, she blocked out all of her earlier memories. Starting over in a loving, Christian home, she was provided for and more than content.

Her sisters have reunited with her, but being older, they didn’t get the luxury of forgetting the horrible start in life they all received. If Robin’s memories are presented to her, will her faith stay firm? How will that affect her life?
Derrick DiNunzio, brother-in-law, also had a horrible past. He doesn’t hide it, but neither does he flaunt it by any means. Yet, Robin met Derrick before his transformation from street rat to respectable business man. That memory stays at the forefront of her mind and Derrick wonders if she will ever be able to move past that. In the mean time, his past threatens to ruin him, and his family.

I hope I haven’t revealed to much of this novel, because it is an amazing story of overcoming the pain others have inflicted upon you, and how you decide your future, not your past. How God loves you. YOU, not what you have or have not accomplished, or what social class you are.

I highly recommend this book, and the others in the series. Especially if you love Inspirational Romance novels. And not just for the great story, but the reminder of all that God really is.

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 . ( )

This is part of The Jewel Trilogy by Halle Bridgeman. The books follows the lives of three half-sisters who rise from a traumatic childhood of poverty and abuse to be strong, independent women of faith. I really enjoyed reading this series about Robin, Maxine and Sarah. Topaz Heat chronicles the life of the youngest sister, Sarah. She unconsciously blocked all her childhood memories and only has her sisters' testimony about the horrors they faced. She comes off as a bit self righteous in previous books, but by this time the reader is totally invested in the characters. We find out that beneath the surface she is just as broken as her siblings. When she finally falls for the man of her dreams, accusations from his shady past threaten to keep them apart forever. ( )

Sarah Thomas has always shunned Derrick DiNunizo. Her brother-in-law, Tony, helped Derrick get off the streets, clean up his life and gave him a home. Most of all, Tony introduced Derrick to the Lord. Derrick has loved Sarah from the first time he met her, but instead of seeing the new person he's become, all she sees is the unkept, street kid who has lots tattoos. Derrick even left town thinking distance would shake the love he has for her. Now several years later he returns home to run one of Tony's hotels. He realizes that his feelings haven't changed but Sarah is just as stand-offish. When she gets sick and Derrick sweetly nurses her back to health she begins to see him in a different light. But just when things look kinda hopeful Derrick's past returns with a vengeance. Before all is said and done, they will be stretched to the very limits of their faith.

Topaz Heat is an excellent romantic suspense! Hallee Bridgeman is a new author to me so I wasn't sure what to expect. Wow! What a wonderful surprise! The story was very well written and seemed to have the perfect blend of suspense, romance and intrigue, with some splashes of humor along the way. I fell in love with the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the interaction of the 'family' and the closeness they shared. I really appreciated the underlying message that, as believers, we are new creatures in Christ and that our old self is done away with. Derrick was a great example of how God can change a heart and when He does He changes a life as well. That's always an encouraging message to hear. Sarah was a very relateable character and though we don't like to admit it, I'm guessing we probably all have a little 'Sarah' in us. You'll find Derrick to be very romantic. There were several toe-curling moments between him and Sarah. And I must say, the Epilog was totally sigh-worthy! Topaz Heat is Book 3 of the Jewel Trilogy but I didn't feel lost not having read the other two books (Sapphire Ice & Emerald Fire) first. I will, however, be reading those very soon. I think reading them in order would be beneficial in gaining the family history but not necessary for understanding the story. Topaz Heat is a great romantic suspense and one I would definitely recommend. Great job, Hallee!
Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press (May 21, 2012)

*This complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.* ( )