In The Fire in Ember, by DiAnn Mills, Deputy John Timmons saves a young boy named Bert from hanging as a horse thief. However, John soon discovers that Bert is actually a young woman. His life is thrown into turmoil by a succession of cattle thefts, in which Bert is implicated as a main suspect. John's emotions begin to cause him trouble, as well, when he finds himself falling for Bert.
As the writer of several other western romances, DiAnn Mills knows her topic well. Her characters are initially engaging and Berts search for God is interesting. However, the plot is fairly predictable, and conflicts often have very convenient resolutions. The characters deal with intense conflicts, but they and their emotions are never fully developed, so they remain the typical heroes and heroines of western romances.
Bert's struggle with fear through most of the book demonstrates the lesson taught by John 8:32: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The Fire in Ember upholds Christian values, and its characters learn lessons consistent with the Bible. Despite its predictable plot, lovers of historical western romances will enjoy this book. Ruth Anne Burrell, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
