A Promise in Defiance

Romance in the Rockies #3

by Heather Blanton

A Promise in Defiance is a gripping tale of two men with dark pasts and the women who could make them...or break them.

The Reformed Saloon-Owner and Pimp...
When Charles McIntyre founded the Wild West town of Defiance, he was more than happy to rule in hell rather than serve in heaven. But things have changed. Now, he has faith, a new wife...and a ten-year-old half-breed son. Infamous madam Delilah Goodnight wants to take it all away from him. How can he protect his kingdom and his loved ones from her schemes without falling back on his past? How does he fight evil if not with evil?

The Redeemed Gunman...
Logan Tillane carries a Bible in his hand, wears a gun on his hip, and fights for lost souls any way he can. Newly arrived in Defiance, he has trouble, though, telling saints from sinners. The challenge only worsens when Delilah flings open the doors to the scandalous Crystal Chandelier Saloon and Brothel. She and the new preacher have opposite plans for the town. One wants to save it, one wants to lead it straight to hell.

The Reaping...
For Tillane and McIntyre, finding redemption was a long, hard road. God's grace has washed away their sins, but the consequences remain and God will not be mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap...and the harvest is finally at hand.

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Christian, Historical Fiction

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2016

About the author

“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER

I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.

A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.

I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.

I can be reached several different ways:

http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...

I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.

My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.

Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This series depicts three sisters that moved to the wild town of Defiance. Rebecca, Naomi, and Hannah, come to the town filled with sweetness, grace, and Christian love.

This installment picks up right where the first second left off. Life in the untamed west bring challenges that test their faith, especially when Delilah, a scandalous madam still madly in love with Mr. Charles McIntyre, intends to pay back the people she feels have failed her, by making Defiance once again a town of blatant evil, lawlessness, and lewdness.

This was an entertaining historical western, with a nice variety of Christian struggles and resolutions. These books captivate the reader with imperfect characters who questioned their actions and didn't always make the right choices. They knew there was room for improvement and struggled with their purpose. They knew there was room for improvement and struggled with their purpose. The compelling storyline shows how each person grows and realizes that love must be nurtured and every minute with the person you love counts

Each installment is able to stand on its own, although reading them in order provides a much better understanding. Hidden agendas and other circumstances that involve the entire cast of characters from the previous installments combine for an explosive ending. This was an excellent conclusion for the series. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys these genres.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise in Defiance is the third of the Romance in the Rockies Series. Based in the town of Defiance. I loved it. It is so sad in places that I just wanted to cry. Other places in the book made me evaluate my own relationship with God. I wasn't preached to, I was touched. The sisters from the first two books are once again featured and it is nice to know their stories and see what their lives are like after finishing their books.

The stories of the people in Defiance are gritty, harsh, and uplifting. Heather Blanton makes the people of Defiance real. They are flawed, cheats, liars, and some are forgiven.

I was so glad to see where Charles and Naomi are after reading about them in A Lady Comes to Defiance. I loved seeing Emilio again. He was such a wonderful character and that remains in this book. A kind loving man that just wants to have a family to love. A family of his own. Seeing Rebecca and her newspaper still up and going was so nice. It was like coming home to old friends.

Logan was a preacher that was called to Defiance and he had his work cut out for him. He is a reformed bad guy. He has a past that he has tried to learn from. A past he doesn't want to come face to face with, but he does. It is so hard to read the pain and hardships that have occurred in so many of the characters lives. They are each so well developed, with their histories making them who they are.
Just a lovely lovely book. I can't recommend it enough. I was so happy to receive this book as an ARC by Heather Blanton in exchange for my honest review. This book was riveting and it earned all 5 stars.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Greater love hath no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend."

There are plenty of men lying down again in Defiance, Colorado, but sacrificial love has nothing to do with it. Wickedness has blown back into town in the form of Delilah Goodnight and her houses of ill repute have destroyed many a man. This time she has an investor who vows to ruin Charles McIntyre by re-introducing a growing mining town to the worst kinds of debauchery. And it just might work.

Logan Tillane can scarcely believe that God has called him back to Defiance, a place where he nearly lost his life, a place where his rough reputation will certainly proceed him. But "that" Logan Tillane is dead, he died at the foot of his Savior's cross. Now the Lord has called Logan to preach the good news of salvation to some of the foulest souls on God's green earth.

Upon his arrival, Logan discovers that folks in Defiance have been praying for a preacher, the notorious Charles McIntyre has been redeemed and an alluring madam is determined to poison all efforts at citizenry. Upon gazing into "the eye of the tiger", Logan gets the impression that Delilah believes they have met before. Ultimately, it's not going to be a sermon, but a promise that will make all the difference in Defiance, Colorado.

There is everything to like about this story including deep spiritual truths that have the potential to be life changing. The only thing not to like? That it had to end. Heather Blanton has written a rather impressive threesome. It would be shame not to read them.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Noela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The worst of lawlessness and immorality encounter God and grace in ‘A Promise in Defiance’, resulting in a battle both spiritual and physical, and shaking the mining town of Defiance to its absolute core. This powerful story will rock you as well; with Heather Blanton putting the wild back into the Wild West and illustrating how although our choices have consequences, there is always grace.

Just as Jonah from the Bible was unwilling to go to Ninevah, the former whiskey-drinking, fast-shooting Logan Tillane, dreaded returning to the ungodly town of Defiance. Not being able to ignore God’s directive any longer, Tillane blows back into town with a gun on his hip and a Bible in his grip, wondering if anyone will accept this reformed gunslinger turned preacher, and whether he can make a difference.

The town’s founder, Charles McIntyre, used to be power-hungry, immoral and violent. He’s now found God, a godly wife, and has cleaned up his town best as he can. But evil in the form of Delilah Goodnight, a striking but notorious madam, is in town and promises to bring Defiance to its knees. Delilah has a past grievance to avenge with Logan Tillane, and vows to destroy McIntyre when he tries to fight against her unashamed debauchery. Tillane and McIntyre’s pasts haunt them both and threaten to catch up to them. Will they and the town of Defiance survive the trouble that’s about to be unleashed upon them?

Grittier than your average historical, author Heather Blanton paints an accurate picture of the rough mining towns of the day with bold strokes of realism, creating a fast-paced, unpredictable, and utterly compelling experience in ‘A Promise in Defiance’. There were times this story was intensely poignant, but the love, faith, and courage portrayed by the incredible cast of characters in this series, is something that will stay with me always. A mind-blowing story. Highly recommended!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic finish to an excellent series. This book picked up shortly after where book two ended. Defiance is still struggling with becoming an actual city when a new preacher and a new brothel owner arrive in town. The fireworks start shortly after the story begins and doesn’t stop until the closing pages. This book reminded me our world hasn’t changed that much. We are still dealing prejudices, all types of evil exist in our world. But we are also reminded there is grace and forgiveness through Christ.

Charles is still my favorite character. Watching him as he struggles with his past mistakes and habits as he strives to be a godly man, husband, and father. Logan, the new preacher was a close second for favorite character. He too is a man saved by grace but carries a lot of baggage from his past. They both remind us that even though we accept Christ as savior, there are consequences to our past. Delilah was a piece of work and I found myself hating and pitying her at the same time.

The story itself was excellent. The ending did surprise me and I’m not 100% sure how I feel about it. The author did a great job telling the story and giving the readers a lot to think about. This story does have an edge to it. The author portrays the mining town in its dirtiness both physically and spiritually.

I recommend reading the series in order. This gives you a full understanding of the characters and the significant changes that happen in them. If you enjoy stories that give an authentic picture of the rugged times of the 1800’s definitely recommend.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and honest 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.

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise in Defiance, written by Heather Blanton, is the third book in this series and yet another great addition to it! A Promise in Defiance is full of excitement, romance, action, not to mention promises to keep you turning each page begging to find out what will happen next, but hoping it won't end! Beautifully written!
I just love the way that Blanton writes! Each book has a theme within it...Promises...and as usual, it has at least one couple that it focuses on. A Promise in Defiance is just lovely. Logan…what can I say…bad boy turned Preacher...and I can just imagine him being pretty good looking to top it all off. He’s made the promise to come to Defiance to make up for his past…now his past is smacking him from every angle. Delilah is a piece of work. She’s the madam that comes into town to trash the possibility of it becoming a decent place for people to live. Every evil vile thing that a madam could promote, Delilah is going to promote! Oh my, Blanton takes this book to a new level by showing how the bottom of the barrel of people and scum can have the opportunity to see the love of Christ and His promise of forgiveness if they but choose to accept.
One quote I found in the book that just made it awesome is, “Grace is not an excuse to sin, but it is His love in action.” Oh so true for each person, but shown perfectly through this Christian fiction book. I strongly recommend this as a wonderful series to purchase and read of God’s promises through these fictional characters that are no better or worse than you or I.
I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil walks the streets of Defiance and her name is Delilah. As with most evil,she appears beautiful and tempting, but evil always has a high price. Logan Tillaine has also come, however reluctantly, to Defiance. He is bringing the Gospel t the worst of the worst as only someone who has been redeemed from that life can. All of or friends in Defiance are also there.
Grace, the ability and desire of G-d to forgive our sins is presented in this book to the citizens of Defiance. Can G-d forgive every sin? Is He who he says He is ? Or will evil finally triumph in Defiance? I loved a Promise In Defiance. I believe it to be the best of the trilogy, the only hard part is saying goodbye to characters I have come to care about. Although this book could be read as a stand alone novel. I recommend reading A lady In Defiance and Hearts in Defiance first.
I was given this book by the author for review purposes, but all thoughts are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced conclusion to the Defiance saga. This series is raw, gritty and edgy, but it is filled with hope in the middle of tragedy and light in the middle of darkness.
This book pulls no punches on showing how dark our world is without the Lord. This book reminds me of the book of Judges, and how evil will spread when we do not follow God. As we live in a lost and dark world, we have the hope that our God is with us and even when we fail, He is there waiting for us to repent.
Though there are times when the good guys mess up there is such a strong theme of repentance and redemption that shows that no one is beyond God's reach.

[Connie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third novel in Heather Frey Blanton's Romance in the Rockies Series is another winner. Heather is above most writers in that she makes you truly became a part of her story and care deeply about her characters. She presents deep truths about God and what it is to be a true Believer in the toughest situations people can face, whether the danger is physical, emotional, mental, especially spiritual, or even, all of the above. This book is full of excitement and twists that build and build until it seems the literal fires of hell are unleashed as the town and her characters face so many obstacles to creating the moral town they want to live in.

After cleaning up so much of the evil vices that had been a part of Defiance since Charles McIntyre founded the town when he started his gold mine, the main characters are hopeful that Defiance will be incorporated and laws put in place to keep morals and peace. However, the evil characters who come there are truly evil, especially the owner of the new house of ill repute, a woman who calls herself Delilah, and comes with one of the worst personal grudges I have ever read about. She and her "silent" partner bring chaos to the town and threaten to destroy any hopes of ever changing Defiance's reputation as the worst, most immoral town in the West. But, even a beautiful woman who is willing to do such shockingly debased things is also loved by God. She also has a bitter story of growing up in an extremely bad situation.

Along with her, the handsome and loving new preacher also has had a bad time as a youth that made him known as a very cold blooded gunslinger among other things. Heather is such a great writer that the reader cannot help but fall in love with this truly humble, genuine man whose greatest desire is to serve the Lord and keep evil from overtaking this town he had once lived in while he was a very different man. Just as Heather's writing talents make the Preacher a great character the audience feels they know and love so well, she also makes the reader despise Delilah and other characters who are bent on destruction and getting revenge against the most innocent in town.

Hidden agendas and other circumstances that involve the entire cast of characters from her previous novels combine for an explosive ending. On the cover, Heather says that choices have consequences - the concept that choices by unsaved people as well as saved people, who are not perfect until they are in heaven and still sin on a daily basis, affects others in ways that are obvious but also many times ways that are not obvious. In the book she ties in her theme and the biblical truth that people who don't know Christ and those who do know Him are all vulnerable to acts of sin that can become very destructive. Just because most of our major characters in this story are Believers, each one of them as well as Believers today, are still sinners who must guard their thoughts and actions with prayer and total dependence on God's grace through His gift of Jesus Christ's death on the cross. Sin always has some kind of consequence, no matter how big or small and leads us to learn and grow in our relationship with Jesus. Heather means what she says which leads to an end that will shock her fans but also shows the true sacrifice of Jesus; and how if we truly believe in Him and His word, genuine Christians must be willing to sacrifice everything for their Savior and to bring others to know Him.

I was given this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this third installment in the Romance in the Rockies series. After reading the first two , I was very anxious to see what would happen next in Defiance. The author has once again given readers a story that flows easily and has many surprises in it. The characters were amazingly well developed. It was nice to be able to revisit some of the characters from the first two books.

Is it true that anyone can change? Does God forgive everyone? This book does a great job of examining those questions with a riveting story that is at times heartbreaking and sad. I must mention Delilah as one of my favorite characters. I loved how the author handled her journey as a woman who had been hurt in the past and turned her back on anything good. She reminds me of someone who wants so desperately to be loved, but chooses to follow a dark path to destruction. She is greedy and has revenge on her mind and doesn't care who gets hurt. What happens when someone from her past comes to Defiance?

The town reminds me of the old west where saloons were filled with smoke, men gambling , drinking and ladies walking around trying to catch the eye of one of them. I thought about the show Gunsmoke. Just like in Gunsmoke, Defiance has its unsavory characters but the law is there to protect the people of the town. The town is growing and trying to make a place where everyone feels safe and welcomed.

I enjoyed the footnotes at the bottom of some of the pages. It gave readers a glimpse of the past and really added to the story. The story is filled with subjects like survival, grace, mercy and forgiveness. It also touches on how some people in the old west didn't care for Native Americans. I'm glad that was included because it was a vital part of history. I am part Native American and have always been interested in their stories. I haven't mentioned a lot of the characters in this book because I don't want to give anything away. Thank you for writing such an emotional story that had me on the edge of my seat. The ending is explosive and quite surprising. I will say that it leaves you with a clear understanding of grave, forgiveness , mercy and unconditional love.

"Grace is not an excuse to sin, but it is His love in action."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Romance in the Rockies series continues the story of the gold mining town of Defiance. Book 1 shows us the town filled with evil, debauchery, murder, and mayhem. But 3 sisters, Rebecca, Naomi, and Hannah, come to town filled with sweetness, grace, and Christian love. The town begins to change. Book 2 continues to show the change and growth in the townspeople and the town as the town begins to clean up its image and move toward a more Christian atmosphere. Book 3 brings a new lady to town, Delilah who intends to pay back the people she feels have failed her, by making Defiance once again a town of blatant evil, lawlessness, and lewdness.

Blanton brings to life the grittiness and reality of the old mining towns of the west without being graphic. Her story is a story of real life and real faith. Back again as main characters are the 3 sisters, Emilio, Charles, Naomi's husband, and Ian, Rebecca's husband. The new man in town is Logan, an ex-gunslinging, whiskey-drinking, hard-living man, who has been saved by faith and grace and is now a preacher. He never intended to come to town. But, like Abraham with Sodom, feels he has been sent here to save the few who have been strong believers as well as gather more to his flock. Little does he know what lies ahead of him. I absolutely loved Logan. He is so realistic and like the rest of us sometimes falls from temptation. Delilah is the character you loved to hate as her single minded focus drives her to more and more evil. She is a blackguard at heart; but just like the others she surrounds herself with, Logan knows that it is never too late for God to change hearts, minds, and souls.

Perhaps the best thing about Blanton's writing is the wonderful faith thread that wends its way throughout the story. It is never out of place but always incorporated beautifully. Her books are always captivating, inspiring, and elevating; never preachy. Her words of wisdom stay in your mind for a long time after the last page is read.

I have so enjoyed this series and hope there will be a book 4. But if this is goodbye to the town of Defiance. I hope a new series will soon begin.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Promise In Defiance," by Heather Blanton is book three in the Romance In The Rockies series. A Promise in Defiance can stand alone, but you will enjoy it more if you read the first two books. This story again takes place in the small, old time, mining town of Defiance, where we meet some old and new characters.
Logan, a preacher with a past, returns to Defiance. He is doing his best to live as God would have him live, trying to make good choices, and spending lots of time in prayer, he truly desires to lead the rough and tough miners to God. He wants to save the prostitutes. He wants to help the whole town live a God honoring life. Delilah, owner of the town brothel, likes to push Logan's buttons. Why doesn't he recognize her from the past? How can he hurt her so much? Delilah will never stop or back down as she pushes the limits in her brothel. Can Logan help her understand how very much God loves her?
I will say that while this story has no sex, it does contain crass talk, prostitution, drinking, brief talk of a lesbian show, and the selling of virgins. The author does a good job of portraying these things as wrong. And many of the townsfolk are trying to make laws to stop these things from happening in their town.
I love the theme throughout this book, that God's grace is enough. That there is nothing you can do that God can't forgive! Will God forgive the prostitute? Absolutely! Will He forgive a murderer? Yes! This story contains some humor, mystery and faith. The ending was definitely a surprise to me! But I won't give it away. You will have to read it yourself!
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Promise In Defiance, Romance In The Rockies: Book Three by Heather Blanton

This book is a historical, Christian Fiction set in the gold rush days. I did not read the first two books in the series, and that was fine, but I know I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the previous two. The characters are well, but not fully developed, in my opinion. I didn't fully connect with any of them. This may have been because I did not read the previous books, I'm not sure. But, they were developed well enough to feel you sort of knew them and the way they thought.

The book was well edited, though I did notice things like a missing word, or mis-spelling every once in a while. This did not greatly detract from the book, but it is something I notice a lot. The story flowed along well, it kept my interest through out. The ending left it so it could continue on if the author so chooses. It was definitely a Christian book, and I truly appreciated this. So many times they say Christian and you cannot see it at all. This shows God's mercy and love in a very real way.

I would recommend this book to any who want a good Christian book and/or like historical western books. I received this book from Bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the last book in the series Romance in the Rockies, A Promise in Defiance was a bittersweet read. I grew to love most of the characters and hate to see them go. I do feel there should have been more interaction between Charles McIntyre and his son Two Spears, but that wasn't the main premise in the story.

Again, I was on an emotional roller coaster with this book from mad to sad and happy to frustrated. Only an author as good as Heather Blanton can make that happen. I had a hard time putting this book down to go to bed at a decent hour. LOL

I hope you will read this final book in the series and suggest you start with book one, A Lady in Defiance and follow that up with book two, Hearts in Defiance. Both are extremely good reads and have a message if you just open your heart to the message. You won't regret it. Enjoy!


This book was given to me for my honest review. The opinions stated are my own and I was not paid or compensated in any way for my review.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of the saga of the town of Defiance. This story is primarily about God's grace.The third book in this series and yet another great addition to it! A Promise in Defiance is full of excitement, romance, action, not to mention promises to keep you turning each page to find out what will happen next. Beautifully written!
Logan is a preacher that's called to Defiance and he has his work cut out for him. He is a reformed bad guy. He has a past that he has tried to learn from. A past he doesn't want to come face to face with, but he does.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Laura Van Nice · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there was a somewhat heart rending nature to the end of the series, this installment did have me thinking about what I would be willing to sacrifice for Christ. And I have to say, due to the nature of the story, it could have easily slipped over the edge into preachy, but the raw honesty of the characters prevented any kind of self-righteousness and left, instead, a sense that these could easily be people just like ones I know, people like I could be, given the right circumstances. A Promise in Defiance isn't for the faint of heart, so if you're looking for a sweet read that will leave you feeling like you just ate a warm chocolate chip cookie, this probably isn't it. If, however, your looking for a book that reaches a little deeper, challenges you a little, give it a try.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review on Faithfully Bookish http://www.faithfullybookish.com/revi...

Defiance is making great strides towards respectability when preacher Logan Tillane and madame Delilah Goodnight arrive with very different goals for the town. All our favorite characters from the previous books are back and tenaciously building a future for their families. They say the darkest hour is before the dawn. A Promise in Defiance is packed with action and compassion.

I received a copy of this title from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Tammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Romance in the Rockies series by Heather Blanton. They are the only books I've read by this author, but I do know that Ms. Blanton writes incredible Christian Westerns. These books are well researched, well written, and impossible to put down once you start reading. I read over 100 books per year, and I've never found Christian Westerns like this. The books are gritty and I wouldn't advise them for younger readers. With that being said, living as a Christian in a fallen world is gritty. I highly recommend these books and this author.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one is perfect but anyone can be forgiven... even the most degenerate wretch. God's Amazing Grace is powerful and clearly presented in and through His people in the wild but struggling to reform western frontier town of Defiance. The Preacher with a Past that comes back to bite him is an unforgettable character that makes a tremendous impact on many lives in this community even though he "fails" on numerous occasions.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Heather always makes me sit on the edge of the seat, biting my fingernails, and this was no exception. I have read all her books, but I think this one may be my favorite. The characters are well-developed, they do things that make sense for their personality, and the message of God's relentless love for us shines through the entire story.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise in Defiance is book three in the Romance in the Rockies series, but easily read as a standalone. I haven’t read books 1 or 2, but the author sprinkles information from the previous stories throughout to prevent confusion. This book had me turning pages late into the night, and I set aside chores to finish it. Vivid description effectively evoked the sights, sounds, and smells of this boomtown in the Old West. There are episodes of violence, but they’re not graphic or gratuitous. Difficult topics like prostitution, prejudice, and alcoholism are dealt with realistically but sensitively. The message of salvation is woven into the story through people’s actions as well as their dialogue, but is not preachy or dry. I appreciated Logan’s honesty with God that he didn’t want to be where God called him to serve, and liked how the author handled his development into acceptance of the situation. The subtitle indicates A Promise in Defiance is a romance, but not everyone gets a happily ever after which was surprising. A well-written, well-researched story that I will re-read.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This outstanding historical romance is a great Christian fiction read. The characters are mostly ones that we’ve met in previous books of the series and I feel like I know them pretty well, which is part of the appeal. The Christian themes are ones we all deal with at some point in our lives and are very realistic. The author does a great job in that aspect of the novel. I appreciate that the Christians, although wonderful people, are not perfect, which is the way it is in our lives on earth. We often struggle. Although this book can stand alone, you will enjoy reading prior books in the series. I highly recommend A Promise in Defiance to everyone who enjoys historical romance in the Old West.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me a really good book is going to be about good times and bad times and this book is that. It is a page turner that will not let you put it down. It speaks to the greedy and shameful things people will do for money and power as well as what the blood of Christ will accomplish in changing people lives. I have read most of the defiance books and this is the best of the lot in my opinion. You will not be disappointed in this book as it will stir your soul and leave you wanting to read more of Ms Blantons books.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues......

Charles McIntyre is trying his best to make Defiance was better community.

He and his wife run the hotel along with her sisters. The Chief of the Utes brings Two Spears
to Charles - Two Spears is Charles's son.

Charles and Naomi are hoping for a teacher for the town. Logan arrives and becomes the teacher in Defiance.

Deliaha arrives and bring with her - young ladies to work in her brothel.

Many events occur that that seem to upset the community McIntyre was hoping to make better.

Looking forward to the next book - Daughter of Defiance.

[Kathleen Daruda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing storyline!

This author has written an amazing series in this storyline. These books have more twists and turns than a snake, keeping the reader mesmerized. I love that each book carries on from the last as the story unfolds. The tale is extremely well written and the proofreading is excellent. It is such a treat to read a series without mistakes and blunders. I am so taken with the evolving storyline that I immediately start the next book at the detriment of my sleeping hours. So very well done Heather!

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise in Defiance

I this story of the demons and devils that plagued Defiance and the faith in God and Jesus that was brought there by a sinful past filled Preacher was a unique and exciting story. I do hope you continue and write more about the futures for Naomi, Charles an Two Spears. Also about Emilio and Mollie and Hannah and Billy. Rebecca and Ian, and Mary Jane and the Marshall have more to tell as well. Don't end with unanswered questions.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, guys, Delilah's arrival threatens secrets & challenges faith - this is one fantastic read!

A Promise in Defiance takes readers to the rough-and-tumble mining town of Defiance, where former saloon owner Delilah Goodnight arrives with a mission to destroy the lives of two men: the town's founder and Logan Tillane, who abandoned her years ago. Delilah's arrival threatens to drag the town back into sin, setting the stage for a riveting tale of revenge and redemption. Logan, a former gunslinger-turned-preacher, has fled from his past and sought solace in his faith. But when his church is burned to the ground, he returns to Defiance, facing not only the town's chaos but also Delilah, the woman he left behind. As Delilah pushes her destructive agenda, Logan struggles to reconcile his faith with his unresolved feelings for her, resulting in a powerful and emotionally charged narrative.

The novel masterfully weaves themes of love, faith, and redemption amidst the gritty backdrop of the Old West. The characters are vividly drawn, with Delilah's rage and Logan's quest for atonement driving the story forward. Their complex relationship adds depth to the narrative, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read. Overall, A Promise in Defiance is a captivating addition to the Romance in the Rockies series. Heather Blanton delivers a gripping tale filled with drama, emotional conflict, and the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. Fans of historical romance and Westerns will find this novel a must-read. So don't miss out! Pick up your copy today!

• ASIN: B0DSWMZTWQ
• Publisher: CKN Christian Publishing
• Publication Date: 2/19/2025
• File Size: 4243 KB
• Print Length: 345 pages
• Genre: Christian Westerns - Classic Historical Fiction

[Pamela Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story!

This third book in the series continues with outstanding writing! Heather Blanton shows her her character's growth and struggles in underGrowth faith. Such well-written plots being her stories and people to life. Truly wonderful! Biblical truths are woven throughout the story.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ever brilliant Heather Blanton does it again with this heartbreaking yet inspiring story set in Defiance! The redeeming abilities of God are far reaching and never limited! The sin of man is abhorrent, but God..! The narration was very good but a few of the women (and even a man or two) seemed to whiny to me. But cadence was great and the story flowed very well!

[One Sentence Audio Critic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of the ongoing story of three Christian life-unlucky sisters who end up in Defiance, Colorado in the 1870's. This portion of the series sees them, and their associates from the previous books in the series, battle Delilah Goodnight who has come to town to open a saloon, burlesque theater and auction captured virgins into prostitution.