Blaze of Courage Tour & Giveaway
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 REVIEW
The opening pages ripped my heart into two as a devastating fire destroys a town. You can feel the flames as they brush against skin and hear the screams of those desperate to survive. The author captures a moment that will change the lives of many.
Surviving the fire, Charlotte wonders where her family is. Can you imagine losing everything? Charlotte is brave and determined to fulfill her friend’s dying wish. The plans Charlotte has now find her on a trip to Kentucky. Her promise to bring a locket to her friend’s mother will test her courage and faith. This locket has meaning which I found heartwarming. A dying wish that will bring forgiveness will soon find Charlotte on a journey she never expected.
Stefan is a delight to have in the story. His time in the calvary has cost him in many ways but he wants to move on with his life. I like that he is determined to take his father’s racehorses to Kentucky. Hw wants to help save his father’s dream of racing horses but at what cost will it be for Stefan? I loved how Stefan took Charlotte on as a fellow companion even though they don’t know each other.
With an emotional story of redemption, restoration and mystery I couldn’t stop reading till I finished the book. The author illustrates how our past can cause us to stumble in our walk with God if we don’t let go of bitterness. Charlotte and Stefan have scars physically and emotionally that need to heal. Will they learn to trust each other and God?
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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
1870 Switzerland. One year. A mountain of ideas. And a menacing railroad forging the barrier between dreams and reality.
Marguerite Martin Gray is an award-winning author of a dozen novels and novellas. She enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her young and up-to-date.
When fifteen-year-old Ellie Wilder discovers a contraband journal hidden in her attic, her decision to read its contents rather than turning it over to TEAMMATE officials will destroy any chance of living a normal life. The good news? Andy Jacobs, the most popular boy in her school, now realizes she exists. The bad news? She might not exist much longer if TEAMMATE has anything to say about it. Now that she’s awakened from the encompassing lie of the world she lives in, how can she possibly warn others who are content to remain in a blissful Neverland? She’ll need to challenge her own beliefs, embrace her destiny, and put everything on the line or else the dying spark she’s uncovered in this hostile future will be extinguished—along with her life, forever.
S.C. Terlecky lives in Northeast Ohio with his two daughters and herd of cats. He enjoys a multitude of outdoor activities and reading stories each night to his girls. His previous works include American Relic and Canticle of the Spear. He loves strong storytelling, interesting characters, and concepts with lasting impact.
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.