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.
Click here to get your copy!
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
MY THOUGHTS
Blaze of Courage is written by Avril Swan. This is book two in the Peshtigo Fire Series. I was drawn into this book as soon as I started reading and did not want to let it go. This book is set in Peshtigo Wisconsin in the year 1871.
In the story, Charlotte Clarke has had her fair share of tragedies in her life. She was left injured and fires that devastated Peshtigo. One of the things that I really admired about her is her courage. She has dealt with so much and still manages to continue to move forward. She sets out to return it. Keepsake to relatives of a friend who died in the fire. She has to go from Peshtigo Wisconsin to Lexington Kentucky.
Along the way she meets Stefan who is actually taking thoroughbreds to his father stables in Kentucky. He has also faced his fair share of tragedy because being in the war took a toll. He wants to help save his father‘s dreams of racing horses, and I really loved his character.
I love how the author shows us how our past can sometimes cause us to stumble if we don’t let go and let God take care of it. While our characters definitely have scars that ran both physically and emotionally. They have to learn to trust God and each other.
This story is well written with very engaging characters and it definitely is a book I could not put down. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts on my own.
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, January 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25
Books Less Travelled, January 25
Simple Harvest Reads, January 26 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 27
Inkwell Inspirations , January 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30
Holly’s Book Corner, January 30
Devoted Steps, January 31
Life on Chickadee Lane, February 1
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, February 1
Betti Mace, February 2
Cover Lover Book Review, February 3
Pause for Tales, February 3
For Him and My Family, February 4
Stories By Gina, February 5 (Author Interview)
Devoted To Hope, February 5
Connie’s History Classroom, February 6
Giveaway
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! Click the link below to enter.
https://gleam.io/G0Oie/blaze-of-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway
Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. She lives in western NY with her husband and two daughters and loves having adventures, both big and small, with her family. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and playing French Horn.
