This was my first time reading Amy Leigh Simpson and although I wish I would have read When Fall Fades, it wasn't absolutely necessary in order to enjoy and understand From Winter's Ashes. I adored Jocelyn and Finn and the sweet chemistry between them. There was also enough suspense to definitely hold my interest. The characters were relatable and the romance seemed honest and real. I wasn't expecting the religious/faith-based aspects of the book but it worked while steal having some steamy moments. Although I would not typically gravitate towards this genre of writing, it was enjoyable.

Second Chance Romances are my absolute favorite and Simpson hit a homerun with this one between Finn and Joeslyn.

Although this is book 2 in a series, I hadn’t read the first, and so it was nice that this book could be read as a stand-alone. The author did a great job of planting me right in the setting as though I was there. I loved the combination of the heroine being an heiress and the hero being a fireman. Great clash of worlds.

One word persistently leaps to my mind as I read and reflect on this delightful story... HOT! Literally hot fire, figuratively hot attraction, and all while an arsonist is hot on their trail! I am a melty puddle of happy reader, here!

Joselyn Whyte has spent years perfecting her cool and collected façade of indifference. Finn Carson is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fighting fires but he can't catch a break in his own inner turmoil.

When these two rivals are forced together by circumstance and imminent threat, SPARKS most definitely fly. There is nothing dull, cool, or mediocre about this story! It is a blazing FIRE of brilliance!!! I love this book just as much as the first in this series (maybe even a little bit more!) and I can't wait to get my hands on book 3!!!

I purchased this title. The opinions expressed are my own.

A very readable book with good story and interesting background.
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Incredible story! There wasn't one thing to not like about it. Thinking about it after I remembered the line where we speak those words, "things done and left undone." They reminded so much of the relationship between Finn and Joss.
The story like a loose thread that once you start pulling unravels, yet there is so much mystery and the twists and turns. The barbs between Finn and Joss. Joss never knowing what family was. Finn's family was close, obviously. His dad spoke some remarkably wise words to him.
Finn is a firefighter who is given leave after saving Joss from her home during a horrendous fire, he however is suffering from PTSD after what he sees as a failed rescue during a recent house fire.
Joss now homeless is staying with her best friend Sadie, who is Finn's sister. Sadie's new boyfriend is an FBI agent and it soon becomes apparent that someone is threatening Joss' life. Her father is cold as a stone, never available and he's too focused on making money to bother with Joss. He enlists Finn to look after her, let the games begin. It was refreshing to read a book where there was no sex. That some affection was displayed and that while the faith and grace aspect wasn't overdone, it was an obvious undertone in the book, which made it even better. The author worked that in seamlessly. While Joss struggled with her's at times, it was good to see her fall back on that at several pivotal points.
I can't say enough good things about this book. The plot was fabulous, the characters were so well done and fully developed, and while Sadie and Archer were there, clearly this book was about Joss and Finn. It was a joy to also see Finn finally wake up. I like books that have well developed characters that have at least some depth to them, this one covered all the bases for me. Nice work Amy !!
I highly recommend this book.

**arc from Net Galley and WildBlue Press in exchange for a fair review**