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A Life of Faith: Millie Keith #8
Millie's Fiery Trial
From the Back Cover
The A Life of Faith: Millie Keith novels follow the exciting life and times of Millie Keith, a girl of strong Christian faith growing up on the Indiana frontier in the mid-1800s. Adapted from Martha Finley's 1876 sequel to the popular Elsie Dinsmore novels, these revised and updated, modern-language books introduce readers to yet another delightful Christian heroine.
The A Life of Faith: Millie Keith novels follow the exciting life and times of Millie Keith, a girl of strong Christian faith growing up on the Indiana frontier in the mid-1800s. Adapted from Martha Finley's 1876 sequel to the popular Elsie Dinsmore novels, these revised and updated, modern-language books introduce readers to yet another delightful Christian heroine.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2003
176 people want to read
About the author
Martha Finley
504 books157 followersMartha Finley was a teacher and author of numerous works, the most well known being the 28 volume Elsie Dinsmore series which was published over a span of 38 years. Finley wrote many of her books under the pseudonym Martha Farquharson.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_F... or, http://marthafinley.wordpress.com/
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_F... or, http://marthafinley.wordpress.com/
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 20, 2022
Lovely ending to a lovely series!! ❤
(On another note, whyyyy does the Goodreads synopsis say that Charles is kidnapped? Did I miss that somehow? xD)
(On another note, whyyyy does the Goodreads synopsis say that Charles is kidnapped? Did I miss that somehow? xD)
September 30, 2014
I rated this four stars, only because it wasn't exactly the satisfactory ending that I was hoping for/dreaming of. Not that it wasn't good, but I felt that the ending left fans hanging a bit - what happened to the rest of Millie's family and the townspeople we grew to love?
Haha! I am probably one of the only people asking that, just because I am the biggest fan of this whole series, I love the characters, and really want to know what Cyril and Jasmine went on to do. The fact that the last chapter concluded the whole story in so short a time was a little disappointing, I guess, since Millie was home for two and a half pages before it ended. Was that just me!? Maybe I just didn't really want the story to end at all. ;)
Aside from that, the story was interesting...I love the Millie series - it's definitely one of my favorites! I would highly (very highly) recommend these novels to girls looking for a good, exciting, Christian read!
Millie's Fiery Trial was probably more for a little older girls, since the main theme of the book is spiritual warfare - they are fighting a witch (also called a 'bruja') in Bolivia, who has strange ways she does things, although they are completely believable, and probably how things really were - or are - there.
Overall, I love this series - it's a must-read for Christian girls!!
Haha! I am probably one of the only people asking that, just because I am the biggest fan of this whole series, I love the characters, and really want to know what Cyril and Jasmine went on to do. The fact that the last chapter concluded the whole story in so short a time was a little disappointing, I guess, since Millie was home for two and a half pages before it ended. Was that just me!? Maybe I just didn't really want the story to end at all. ;)
Aside from that, the story was interesting...I love the Millie series - it's definitely one of my favorites! I would highly (very highly) recommend these novels to girls looking for a good, exciting, Christian read!
Millie's Fiery Trial was probably more for a little older girls, since the main theme of the book is spiritual warfare - they are fighting a witch (also called a 'bruja') in Bolivia, who has strange ways she does things, although they are completely believable, and probably how things really were - or are - there.
Overall, I love this series - it's a must-read for Christian girls!!
October 25, 2024
Reread dec 2019: this book is so good.
July 7, 2016
5 stars!
November 21, 2016
I love the portrayal of spiritual forces in this book! Very cool, and a great read for girls ages 10-20.
February 17, 2017
I didn't enjoy this book a ton ... found the demon/witch thing a little disturbing. However, it wasn't bad, and it was nice to see the series come to an end. :)
September 4, 2017
I really don't know what to think about this. I really loved the first six Millie books. I mean, she was just a sweet girl. But this one... it felt different. Millie has to deal with witches, which I know is a real problem, but it felt a bit intense for a kids series.
Also, Millie's married life is kind of just skimmed over; it doesn't really change anything about her. After she's married, Millie continues on with her life as normal. I mean, when
I was so happy about where they end up at the end of the book, but it felt really rushed.
Overall, I really did not like this book. It had a different feel from all the others, and I felt like it was poorly done at some points. But I am glad I finished the series.
I would highly recommend Millie books 1-6 for girls looking for faith based adventures with fun, relatable characters.
Also, Millie's married life is kind of just skimmed over; it doesn't really change anything about her. After she's married, Millie continues on with her life as normal. I mean, when
I was so happy about where they end up at the end of the book, but it felt really rushed.
Overall, I really did not like this book. It had a different feel from all the others, and I felt like it was poorly done at some points. But I am glad I finished the series.
I would highly recommend Millie books 1-6 for girls looking for faith based adventures with fun, relatable characters.
Read
December 13, 2013I loved every single one of the Millie Books! I read them when I'm sick of reading or if I can't sleep or if I'm having a bad day. She grows up through the books so I'm always her age. :)
January 9, 2021
Rated PG
I used to love this whole series as a child -- it was second to the Elsie Dinsmore series, true, but in terms of clean, Christian novels for young women and girls, it is excellent. However, upon reading the Millie Keith series as an adult wanting to know what and how it teaches young Christian women, I did find it a bit theologically lacking. (Not surprising, but worth noting for any Lutheran girls and women wanting to know.) I should note its greatest strength, though; although I have marked the last two books in the series 2 stars because of some theological and plot development weaknesses, there is one point that is incredibly strong and powerful in these two books alone among all the Life of Faith books. That is the power and reality of Satan's work in the world, which does overpower us without Christ's help. The portrayal of his devastating influence when it is nearly unchecked is very thought-provoking--especially as, I think, we are seeing his work in different forms today in the United States.
But there are some concerns with the Millie Keith series that I would likely want to talk about with my daughter when she is old enough to read and enjoy them (and I would recommend them to her!). In particular, it tends much more to extraordinary miracles as a plot development technique. By that, I mean that the entire series portrays conversions in increasingly miraculous ways, which is definitely fun to read about, but not necessarily something that hopeful missionaries will see borne out in their lives as they seek to bring friends to the faith. The portrayal of the Landreths' call to missionary service is only one such example, when God speaks to them in dreams. This book is especially guilty of portraying miraculous conversions as the norm, although it does simply build on themes from previous volumes.
The theology of the ministry in the entire series is also interesting, with new Christians taking on the role of head missionaries by the end--which involves not only establishing and continuing churches but in training pastors. Most egregiously, faith and conversion are bestowed and proven only by a believer's confession, usually inspired by some sort of miracle (a "test" is offered to God, and its affirmative answer proves the catalyst for immediate strong faith). No mention is ever made of baptism; only one mention is made of Communion in the entire series. Which is odd because the characters seem to know their Bibles so well and have read it through front to back, and baptism is a recurring theme and is, in fact, an essential part of conversion in the New Testament.
These are, however, simply things that I would want other confessional Lutheran parents to be aware of. They do not disqualify the series from enjoyment, and I expect I will still return to all of the books in future and thoroughly enjoy them--both the Millie Keith and the Elsie Dinsmore books! They are largely Scripture-based, have much historical value (including in their portrayal of key themes and situations in the early- and mid-1800s before the Civil War), and beautifully portray faithful lives. I still highly recommend them, although I have included some disclaimers above.
I used to love this whole series as a child -- it was second to the Elsie Dinsmore series, true, but in terms of clean, Christian novels for young women and girls, it is excellent. However, upon reading the Millie Keith series as an adult wanting to know what and how it teaches young Christian women, I did find it a bit theologically lacking. (Not surprising, but worth noting for any Lutheran girls and women wanting to know.) I should note its greatest strength, though; although I have marked the last two books in the series 2 stars because of some theological and plot development weaknesses, there is one point that is incredibly strong and powerful in these two books alone among all the Life of Faith books. That is the power and reality of Satan's work in the world, which does overpower us without Christ's help. The portrayal of his devastating influence when it is nearly unchecked is very thought-provoking--especially as, I think, we are seeing his work in different forms today in the United States.
But there are some concerns with the Millie Keith series that I would likely want to talk about with my daughter when she is old enough to read and enjoy them (and I would recommend them to her!). In particular, it tends much more to extraordinary miracles as a plot development technique. By that, I mean that the entire series portrays conversions in increasingly miraculous ways, which is definitely fun to read about, but not necessarily something that hopeful missionaries will see borne out in their lives as they seek to bring friends to the faith. The portrayal of the Landreths' call to missionary service is only one such example, when God speaks to them in dreams. This book is especially guilty of portraying miraculous conversions as the norm, although it does simply build on themes from previous volumes.
The theology of the ministry in the entire series is also interesting, with new Christians taking on the role of head missionaries by the end--which involves not only establishing and continuing churches but in training pastors. Most egregiously, faith and conversion are bestowed and proven only by a believer's confession, usually inspired by some sort of miracle (a "test" is offered to God, and its affirmative answer proves the catalyst for immediate strong faith). No mention is ever made of baptism; only one mention is made of Communion in the entire series. Which is odd because the characters seem to know their Bibles so well and have read it through front to back, and baptism is a recurring theme and is, in fact, an essential part of conversion in the New Testament.
These are, however, simply things that I would want other confessional Lutheran parents to be aware of. They do not disqualify the series from enjoyment, and I expect I will still return to all of the books in future and thoroughly enjoy them--both the Millie Keith and the Elsie Dinsmore books! They are largely Scripture-based, have much historical value (including in their portrayal of key themes and situations in the early- and mid-1800s before the Civil War), and beautifully portray faithful lives. I still highly recommend them, although I have included some disclaimers above.
November 8, 2023
Well. I have ended this series with tears in my eyes. It is such a bittersweet thing to finish a beloved book, let alone 8 part series, with raw characters who teach and inspire.
This is probably the 5th time I've read through the Millie Kieth series and always feel like I'm saying farewell to a friend when it's over. There's such a bittersweet moment in closing the last one.
I have always felt a little disappointed by this particular book--- not because there's anything terribly wrong, but because it ends so quickly and I'm not ready! Over the series we trickle away from fan-favorites like Rhoda Jane and Gavi and Gordon... what happened to Minerva and Emmeretta, too? We heard from Helen in the second to last book, but not from Claudina?? And I always had a soft spot for Damaris after book 2... and even tho we get a snippet of her in the last book, it's just sad that we don't see as much from characters we might want to know more about. Not to mention what really happened to Luke and Laylie?? The Rhoda Jane one will forever upset me the most, tho. :( I expect reality to have relationships we may never fully know what happened or where they are currently at in life... just never wanted it to be that way in my books.
Enough of that--- Now time to cry a little more and pray I can be like Millie in her faith, adventurous ways, and love
This is probably the 5th time I've read through the Millie Kieth series and always feel like I'm saying farewell to a friend when it's over. There's such a bittersweet moment in closing the last one.
I have always felt a little disappointed by this particular book--- not because there's anything terribly wrong, but because it ends so quickly and I'm not ready! Over the series we trickle away from fan-favorites like Rhoda Jane and Gavi and Gordon... what happened to Minerva and Emmeretta, too? We heard from Helen in the second to last book, but not from Claudina?? And I always had a soft spot for Damaris after book 2... and even tho we get a snippet of her in the last book, it's just sad that we don't see as much from characters we might want to know more about. Not to mention what really happened to Luke and Laylie?? The Rhoda Jane one will forever upset me the most, tho. :( I expect reality to have relationships we may never fully know what happened or where they are currently at in life... just never wanted it to be that way in my books.
Enough of that--- Now time to cry a little more and pray I can be like Millie in her faith, adventurous ways, and love
February 2, 2024
From a storytelling perspective, it was better than the previous one. I'm glad we mostly glazed over the travel pieces this time and focused on the relationships throughout the book.
However, there were obviously still a lot of problematic things happening here. The white savior complex is really blatant in the protagonists, the insistence that their version of Christianity was the only correct one, teaching the local children that their customs and gods are satanic and demonic, and pitying the poor people but not ever loving among them just felt icky.
Some positives: at least Charles made a concerted effort to learn the language and correct inflections for the area. Millie and Charles clearly respected the intelligence of the locals and felt foolish for showing up unprepared and unable to speak any of the local languages.
Would not recommend this at the end of the day. I'm glad I read it to see how far I've progressed as a individual since I put these down years ago, but good grief was it a rough read.
However, there were obviously still a lot of problematic things happening here. The white savior complex is really blatant in the protagonists, the insistence that their version of Christianity was the only correct one, teaching the local children that their customs and gods are satanic and demonic, and pitying the poor people but not ever loving among them just felt icky.
Some positives: at least Charles made a concerted effort to learn the language and correct inflections for the area. Millie and Charles clearly respected the intelligence of the locals and felt foolish for showing up unprepared and unable to speak any of the local languages.
Would not recommend this at the end of the day. I'm glad I read it to see how far I've progressed as a individual since I put these down years ago, but good grief was it a rough read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2018
I don't know how many times I have reread this whole series, I love it so much. The thing I love so much about this series is that, unlike many books written by Christian authors, there is no doubt that God is at the very core of this book. Yes there is a TON of adventure, a decent amount of good, clean romance, and many funny and heartwarming moments. But when I read these books there's never any doubt that I am reading a book about Christian characters, and I always learn something new from them every time I reread them.
May 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book overall and loved the entire series. The ending left me wanting more explanation for certain things, and I was hoping Charles and Millie’s missionary days would have been longer term, but it was good. I still recommend this book and the rest of the Millie series for girls to read.
I just need more closure for all these characters that I grew to love so much! 😭
I just need more closure for all these characters that I grew to love so much! 😭
February 10, 2020
It was pretty good. I don't believe that God still sends real angels so that part was kinda trippy but other than that it was an engaging story about Bolivian culture, witch and all.
October 16, 2022
I read the whole series!!
And..
Absolutely amazing!
Great ending, but I wish they were missionaries for longer. I love millie soooooo much
Amazing!!
And..
Absolutely amazing!
Great ending, but I wish they were missionaries for longer. I love millie soooooo much
Amazing!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
Great book, especially how it addresses witchcraft/spiritual things, as that is not usually talked about in books, and it's a great reminder of what's really going on in the world.
I was a bit sad about the ending, as it was pretty abrupt and short, but overall, I still loved it.
I wish the series could go on forever; the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith series is definitely my favorite series to read.
Recommended for girls ages 10+
I was a bit sad about the ending, as it was pretty abrupt and short, but overall, I still loved it.
I wish the series could go on forever; the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith series is definitely my favorite series to read.
Recommended for girls ages 10+
August 26, 2012
The Millie Keith series was one of my favorite series to read. It's written by Finley, the same woman who wrote the Elsie Dinsmore. However, I found that I was more discouraged reading the Elsie series than I was with the Millie series. The reason being that Elsie is SO perfect in the books, always in the right, etc, etc. I'm not like that, so I was discouraged reading the books. However, when I read the Millie Keith series, I was encouraged by who Millie was. She was just like me! She had her problems with wanting to pinch her brothers right away when they wouldn't listen to her, or being content with what her parents told her to do. But, throughout the series, you get to see her grow in the Lord, and eventually those problems began to go away. She no longer feels the urge to pinch her little brothers, no longer struggles as much to be content with her new life. So, it was more encouraging, to me. The Dinsmore books are good, too. But perhaps I just felt better when I thought I could 'grow with the characters', per se. :)
The last book was my favorite out of the series. Yes, it does deal with witches, but it's when Millie is in another country as a missionary. It is neat to see how God triumphs in the end, so I do recommend this book. Witches are definitely viewed as a bad thing and are not encouraged in any way, shape, or form. :)
The last book was my favorite out of the series. Yes, it does deal with witches, but it's when Millie is in another country as a missionary. It is neat to see how God triumphs in the end, so I do recommend this book. Witches are definitely viewed as a bad thing and are not encouraged in any way, shape, or form. :)
April 2, 2014
wow......I just love these books! they are filled with wonder, excitement, laughter, sorrow, and joy. Martha Finley did a fantastic job in writing the Elsie Dinsmore and Millie Keith books!
when I read this book, I was amazed at how I grew in my faith as Millie grew I hers. this was the first series in which I felt as if I was there, a part of the Keith family.
I highly recommend this book for 10+......and when you're done with them, you can put them in your hope chest for your future daughters to enjoy :)
this is 8 out of 8......so don't miss reading the first seven books!
when I read this book, I was amazed at how I grew in my faith as Millie grew I hers. this was the first series in which I felt as if I was there, a part of the Keith family.
I highly recommend this book for 10+......and when you're done with them, you can put them in your hope chest for your future daughters to enjoy :)
this is 8 out of 8......so don't miss reading the first seven books!
January 12, 2026
What a great ending to one of my favourite series if all time! I really can’t decide whether I like Elsie or Millie better, I also really like the Violet series, but I definitely like either Elsie or Millie❤️
I would definitely recommend this for Christian girls like myself ( I am 12 nearly 13) who want to learn about God in an with an exciting story at the same time. The way Millie trusts God, reads the Bible, and prays, is really inspiring. I never get tired of rereading the A Life of Faith series!
I would definitely recommend this for Christian girls like myself ( I am 12 nearly 13) who want to learn about God in an with an exciting story at the same time. The way Millie trusts God, reads the Bible, and prays, is really inspiring. I never get tired of rereading the A Life of Faith series!
January 18, 2012
Millie and Charles are in Bolivia, and they face new and strange challenges. Spiritual warfare is one of the main themes in this book, which makes it a bit scary in some parts for young readers. However, Millie's faith in God is evident throughout, and she realizes that God is stronger than any evil power.
October 13, 2024
What a mix of emotions. Sorrow and joy, fear and hope, and so much darkness. I can't imagine and yet, so much of the world still lives this way. This book reinforces the need to pray for missionaries. They need strength for faithfulness and perseverance.
January 21, 2010
This is an excellent series. I recommend it for girls 11 and older, even grammas!
July 12, 2020
Read Feb 18, 2013
September 14, 2013
Probably my favourite book in they series.
Read
March 25, 2010F FIN lof: mk bk. 8
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews