Sapphire Ice: The Jewel Series Book 1

Written by Hallee Bridgeman

Narrated by Gene Rowley Voiceover

To ROBIN BARTLETT, men were nothing more than violent users. 

After a hair-raising childhood, Robin and her two younger half sisters battled simply to survive. Determined to give her sisters a very different life from that of their mother; to never have to rely on a man for anything, she worked two jobs and put them both through college, while accepting help from no one. Her heart had turned to ice and she had no use for men or God.

ANTONIO "TONY" VISCOLLI had grown up on the streets, homeless. At seventeen, he entered a downtown church with the intent of casing it, but found himself on his knees at the altar. Lovingly fostered by the youth minister, Tony learned about God. Striking out on his own, he let God lead him to eventually become a very successful businessman. In a fallen world, Tony was a gem.

When he bought the restaurant where Robin bartended, she immediately resented his intrusion into her well ordered, but exhausting, life. She suspected his special attention and constant kindness came with expectations of something from her in return, something she wasn't willing to give.

Tony knew God had led him to Robin. Would she ever allow herself to trust him? Could she ever allow herself to trust God? Or would the winter of their tragic youths rise from the shadows of the past and freeze any chance at happiness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9781681901428

Hallee Bridgeman

Hallee Bridgeman is a best-selling Christian author who writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee finally settled in central Kentucky with her family so that she could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. She enjoys the roller-coaster ride thrills that life with a National Guard husband, a teenaged daughter, and two elementary aged sons delivers. A prolific writer, when she's not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the 'heart of the home'. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food "Parody" cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture. Hallee is a member of the Published Author Network (PAN) of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) where she serves as a long time board member in the Faith, Hope, & Love chapter. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the American Christian Writers (ACW) as well as being a member of Novelists, Inc. (NINC). Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you.

Reviews for Sapphire Ice

[tracykrauss · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sapphire Ice is the first in a series by Halle Bridgeman which follows the lives of three half-sisters who rise from a traumatic childhood of poverty and abuse to be strong, independent women of faith. This book is the story of the eldest, Robin. She was her sisters’ protector when they were children and continues this on into adult life, sometimes going overboard with her stubbornness and self reliance. It takes a handsome businessman named Tony Viscolli to soften her icy exterior and make her realize that love – both God’s and his – can give her the peace she has always craved.

[sugarpeach_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There are very few major conflicts in Sapphire Ice. Most of the conflicts were intrapersonal. This book was a nice break from all the action-packed books I’ve been reading lately. It isn’t a cozy romance, but there isn’t much suspense or tension in the story. I didn’t mind that at all, especially when the storyline was enough to keep me intrigue.Initially, I didn’t like Robin, but she grew on me after awhile. She has a very strong independent personality and has so many walls built around her heart. She is self-reliant and works hard to provide for her sisters. As a matter of fact, she has been taking care of her sisters ever since she was three or four years old. Being forced into a role of responsibility – mother and father to her sisters – she definitely isn’t your typical 26-year old waitress or barmaid.As for Tony, it is hard not to like him. He has a very charismatic, likeable, and godly personality. He plots his way to success and despite all his massive wealth, he puts God first in his life. He has his moment of weakness, as we see towards the end of the story, but he bounces back stronger than ever. He also comes from tough circumstances, but the trials he went through made him a stronger person.It was interesting reading the step-by-step process of Robin’s walls being taken down by Tony. Despite the short time frame within the story, it wasn’t rushed and the process of Robin and Tony’s journey was at a “real” pace. The plot “twist” (if it could be called that) towards the end was definitely intriguing. It was unexpected. After all, the story has been going on with barely any hitches, and then the characters are suddenly thrown into a dilemma and test.Conclusion: Although there are barely any complications Sapphire Ice, I had a fun time reading it. The clean romance was excellent and the struggles faced by the characters were touching.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through The Book Club Network review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."