I LOVE Katherine Center's writing! It's fun and witty and also gives such beautiful, thoughtful wisdom on the human condition. I want to know her characters in real life!

I was so excited to read this, after having read How To Walk Away by this author, and this book certainly did not disappoint. I love this author’s writing style, it almost feels like having a conversation with a friend while they take you through their personal history.

The characters are so relatable. They are flawed, and have many layers, and just people I could imagine in my own life. I loved how she gave a nod to How to Walk Away in this book, kind of weaving the stories together. I will definitely recommend this to anyone I can!

I cannot put into words how much I LOVED this book! Katherine Center has a way of writing a story that is like no other. I’m the first to admit I’m not huge on romance novels, but her novels are among the few exceptions.
There was so much feeling in this book. The feelings of love of course, but more than that. It was funny,and smart, and also I think we can learn a lot from this book too. The book deals with forgiveness in such a way that broke my heart and at the same time healed it. I believe this book will be one of my favorites of 2019, so add it to your wish lists, you won’t regret it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wanted to read this book after being pleasantly surprised with Katherine's debut How to Walk Away and was not dissapointed. Her sophmore book was even better than the first. I don't typically read this genre that often as it usually falls flat for me but this was a great read and I felt well written. I found the main character interesting and the book itself hit all the emotions. Yes, this is a bit of romance but I would it consider it more chick lit similiar to Jojo Moyes Me Before You which I also adored.

Cassie is a great firefighter in Austin, TX. She has her entire life based on this fact, until events bring her to reconnect with her estranged mother in Massachusetts. After uprooting her life to help her mother, Cassie must adjust to a new job, new crew, and rebuilding what was broken. Ultimately, Things You Save in a Fire is about forgiveness, an act that is always needed.

What a sweet story! I loved everything about this "easy reading" book. The main character, Cassie is a young firefighter with a difficult past. Her estranged mother summons her to move across the country to care for her for a year. It is during this short time that Cassie learns what the joys of life can really be, and how to deal with past issues. Forgiveness is the theme of Things You Save in a Fire.

I would recommend this book to women, young and old, who enjoy a fast, compelling read, with emotions running throughout, and a heartwarming ending.

I really enjoyed the writing of this book. The author does a good job writing a book that is a quick fun read. If you are in the market for a sweet little love story this the book for you. I also really enjoyed learning about firefighting through the description of the main protagonist's job.
This book fell slightly short for me though in a few areas. First, everything in the book wrapped up a little too neatly for me. I suspect this a personal preference, but it wasn't believable. Second, the characters were not well developed. I felt like I didn't really know Cassie or Owen beyond the surface level. Third, is the part I had the most problems with and that was how Cassie's past was dealt with. I don't want to give any spoilers here, but I think the topic was really swept under the rug, or perhaps not dealt with enough. It didn't feel real.
I think many people will enjoy this book. It just wasn't for me.

Goodreads synopsis: Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she's seen her fair share of them, and she's excellent at dealing with other people's tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to uproot her life and move to Boston, it's an emergency of a kind Cassie never anticipated.

This book was a quick, fun read with a few moments that get your heart pumping. It's Cassie's journey and she takes you on a pretty wild ride including love, firefighting, and dealing with her past. While I did not love this story, I did find Cassie's character to be quite likable and because of that I was able to look past some of the contrived and cheesy story lines.

If you like fast-paced stories with a little cheese and a little romance you will love this book.

Thank you NetGalley for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Writing the final women’s fiction post for HEA is such a bittersweet moment. It has been an honor to share noteworthy women’s fiction books with you, and I am glad that I have this one last opportunity to do so.
This blog is a hodgepodge — with books that are out now and are soon to be released and won’t be out until months later.
Happy reading …
Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg (out now)
What it’s about:
The feel-good book of the year: a delightful novel of friendship, community, and the way small acts of kindness can change your life, by the bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv
Lucille Howard is getting on in years, but she stays busy. Thanks to the inspiration of her dearly departed friend Arthur Truluv, she has begun to teach baking classes, sharing the secrets to her delicious classic Southern yellow cake, the perfect pinwheel cookies, and other sweet essentials. Her classes have become so popular that she’s hired Iris, a new resident of Mason, Missouri, as an assistant. Iris doesn’t know how to bake but she needs to keep her mind off a big decision she sorely regrets.
When a new family moves in next door and tragedy strikes, Lucille begins to look out for Lincoln, their son. Lincoln’s parents aren’t the only ones in town facing hard choices and uncertain futures. In these difficult times, the residents of Mason come together and find the true power of community—just when they need it the most.
The right stuff: Perfect for this time of year. Full of wonderful friendships and heartwarming moments. A bit bittersweet, but readers are left more with the feeling that kindness can work miracles than any sadness.
In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick (Jan. 8)
What it’s about:
When everything has gone to the dogs …
When Jocelyn Hillier is named legal guardian for the late Mr. Allardyce’s pack of pedigreed Labrador retrievers, her world is flipped upside down. She’s spent her entire life toiling in the tourism industry in Black Dog Bay and never expected to be living the pampered life of a seasonal resident in an ocean side mansion, complete with a generous stipend. But her new role isn’t without its challenges: The dogs (although lovable) are more high-maintenance than any Hollywood diva, the man she wants to marry breaks her heart, and she’s confronted at every turn by her late benefactor’s estranged son, Liam, who thinks he’s entitled to the inheritance left to the dogs.
Jocelyn has worked too hard to back down without a fight, and she’s determined to keep her new fur family together. As she strives to uphold the “Best in Show” standards her pack requires, Jocelyn finds love, family, and forgiveness in the most unexpected places.
The right stuff: Zany Black Dog Bay is back! Full of wonderful characters, sometimes adorable dogs and second chances at love. All the things we’ve come to love about this series! (See a fun Q&A on HEA with Beth about In Dog We Trust.)
The Best of Us by Robyn Carr (Jan. 8)
What it’s about:
Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.
Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.
When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.
The right stuff: Dare I say it? This feels like almost the conclusion to the Sullivan’s Crossing series, with all the loose ends tied up so neatly with two engaging romances and appearances by the cast of characters.
The Secret Life of Mac by Melinda Metz (Jan. 29)
What it’s about:
He’s the cat thief of love
MacGyver the tabby is feeling very pleased with himself. His human, Jamie Snyder, has found the perfect packmate—and it’s all thanks to Mac. By stealing personal items from the home of Jamie’s handsome neighbor David, the matchmaking cat brought these two L.A. singles together. Now, while the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon, MacGyver is ready for a well-deserved cat nap. That is, until he meets his cat sitter Briony. Like most humans, she’s hopeless when it comes to romance. And Mac can’t resist a challenge …
She’s found the escape claws
Briony feels terrible about leaving her fiancé at the altar. When her cousin Jamie offers her the chance to cat sit MacGyver, the runaway bride leaps at the chance to cuddle up with the only male creature she trusts herself around. But MacGyver has other plans. He lures Briony to a friendly neighborhood retirement community—run by a charming young hottie named Nate. Briony and Nate hit it off instantly. But Briony’s still not sure she’s ready for a relationship. And Nate’s got problems of his own—someone is sabotaging his community.
Crazy humans. Why can’t they follow their instincts and go after the love they deserve? MacGyver is on the case. And this time, he’s not pussyfooting around …
The right stuff: It seems apropos that my first post for HEA featured a book by Ms. Metz — Talk to the Paw, and so does the final one. Charming and cute sometimes get a bad name, but not in this case. Pure delightful escapism with plenty of laughs.
The Military Wife by Laura Trentham (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Harper Lee Wilcox has been marking time in her hometown of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina since her husband, Noah Wilcox’s death, nearly five years earlier. With her son Ben turning five and living at home with her mother, Harper fights a growing restlessness, worried that moving on means leaving the memory of her husband behind.
Her best friend, Allison Teague, is dealing with struggles of her own. Her husband, a former SEAL that served with Noah, was injured while deployed and has come home physically healed but fighting PTSD. With three children underfoot and unable to help her husband, Allison is at her wit’s end.
In an effort to reenergize her own life, Harper sees an opportunity to help not only Allison but a network of other military wives eager to support her idea of starting a string of coffee houses close to military bases around the country.
In her pursuit of her dream, Harper crosses paths with Bennett Caldwell, Noah’s best friend and SEAL brother. A man who has a promise to keep, entangling their lives in ways neither of them can foresee. As her business grows so does an unexpected relationship with Bennett. Can Harper let go of her grief and build a future with Bennett even as the man they both loved haunts their pasts?
The right stuff: Nicely done story of husband’s best friend to lover! Complex relationship issues will keep you turning the pages. Perfect feel-good ending.
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” And since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will?
It’s simply not in Fixie’s nature to say no to people. So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, she not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, the computer’s owner, Sebastian, an investment manager, scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?
But then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life, and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. As always, she wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. No sooner has Seb agreed than the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?
The right stuff: Sophie Kinsella writes wonderful stories about heroines going from low self-esteem to finally getting it right, and this definitely fits the bill. Humor, lots of character growth and a sweet romance.
Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper (April 2)
What it’s about:
Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.
Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.
In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?
The right stuff: Perfect blend of wacky, poignant and amusing. Escaping into one of Molly Harper’s book is pure entertainment.
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center (Aug. 13)
What it’s about:
Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she’s seen her fair share of them, and she’s a total pro at other people’s tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own.
The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie’s old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren’t exactly thrilled to have a “lady” on the crew—even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the infatuation-inspiring rookie, who doesn’t seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can’t think about that. Because love is girly, and it’s not her thing. And don’t forget the advice her old captain gave her: Never date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping…and it means risking it all—the only job she’s ever loved, and the hero she’s worked like hell to become.
Katherine Center’s Things You Save in a Fire is a heartfelt and healing tour-de-force about the strength of vulnerability, the nourishing magic of forgiveness, and the life-changing power of defining courage, at last, for yourself.
The right stuff: I know, you’re thinking, August? But this book is so good! Loved the juxtaposition of the hero’s and heroine’s roles. She’s the expert and he is the rookie. Fabulous forgiveness theme. Humorous and touching!
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.

I LOVED this book. If you enjoyed any of her previous books this is a must read. She has the perfect balance of growth, family, friendships and romance. I really liked reading from the perspective of a female firefighter. I loved how her romantic interest isn’t intimidated by her. I also loved seeing her grow and let her softer side show through. Such a sweet book that left me feeling happy.

How To Walk Away has been one of the most discussed books lately in the online book space, and it's being RAVED about, so I was excited to receive a copy of this ARC.

This story was really, really good. I haven't ever considered what goes in to being a firefighter, and this book describes the job, the relationships, and the firehouse vibes all really well. It was intricately detailed, but not in a way that bogs you down from the actual story.

Cassie was relatable AF (certainly there are more eloquent ways to say that, but truly, relatable AF just feels right). Is there anything MORE obnoxious than actively not wanting something, then having the universe force you into it anyway? Just amen, girl. We've all been there!

<spoiler>I also really enjoyed watching the relationship between Cassie and her mom change as more details came about surrounding the circumstances of her mom leaving. I appreciated that the characters weren't stagnant, and were allowed to grow throughout the story. Sometimes I feel like storylines are shoved in for more content rather than actually giving the reader anything, and that so wasn't the case with this!</spoiler>

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Katherine Center's How to Walk Away so I came into this book with fairly high expectations and it did not disappoint. Center has a way of really engaging the reader and writing realistic characters that you really empathize with. I felt for Cassie and was thoroughly engaged in her journey. There are a couple of predictable elements to the story, but it doesn't hinder it in any way. I'm so pleased with this book and am planning to read Center's other novels.

Chick Lit. Romance. Women's Literature. I don't know why, but I vehemently deny my interest in these genres. Often times I won't give these types of novels the time of day. I will read the back of the book and roll my eyes and immediately pass it up. Not even an ounce of consideration given to adding it to the TBR pile. Why? Because its about love and I'm obviously still a 10 year old girl who can't help but think ew! when the subject arrives. However, if I pick up a Katherine Center story, I find a sort of love haze enveloping my senses and something mystical happens. And I can't really fight it, but even worse, I don't want to fight it....

Things You Save in a Fire starts off with a hit. It is a shocking opening, I actually had to pick my jaw up off of the floor. So in Center fashion, she just thrashes you into the story. And I can't help but eat that shit up. Next, she receives a call from her kind of estranged mother, Dianna, who needs help for a year at most. Given certain circumstances, Cassie (our protag) finds herself leaving behind Texas and relocating to a small Massachusetts town. Due to the move, she must essentially start over with a new group of firefighters who have a fairly insular view on women in their field. Cassie is hell bent on proving herself to be one of the guys. Luckily, there is one guy on her shift who she doesn't have to prove anything to, but he is just the Rookie. So how much does he count?

So after finishing my second chick lit novel from Center, I've thought long and hard about why these romance stories resonate with me so well. Center's main theme often is love. But it isn't necessarily love with a significant other. I find that Center's main characters often find love with themselves first. They come to grip with big issues in their life and learn how to accept themselves despite their issues or flawed history. For me, I find that she reinforces the importance of being in love with yourself first and foremost before embarking on a secondary love with a man or woman. And after careful thinking, I know this is why I find myself loving Katherine Center's love stories. She her priorities straight in that regard. I like when love is sensible.

This novel aside from the important lesson on love is rather enjoyable. Cassie was a character that I found myself relating to quite well. Cassie is a routine, focused, stay-on-track type of woman. While she has built great relationships with her fire department crew, her personal life is a bit more focused on solitude. She has walls and a hard time knocking them down. Which while reading this, I found myself relating greatly to her view points and reactions to feelings and emotions. I found this sentence hilarious, I could have written this line myself:

I, in contrast, was doing that thing where I decide I'm not going to have feelings.

I just think that Cassie is my favorite type of character to read about when it comes to chick lit. Because she is hard, but has an ability to soften if pushed. She is a girl who offers hope to readers. Additionally, the supporting characters were rather great. They truly added to the overall story from the banter and teasing to the hazing. These crew men really added a certain something that I think readers will highly enjoy.

Center does touch on some trigger warning situations. She handles it very delicately, so I think many will be able to handle it. But I just really wanted to compliment the author on how she handled the assaulter. She didn't really give him a face, if that makes sense? When big tragic events happen on social media, many talk about not giving the aggressor "glory". Meaning we want to make it more about those assaulted, they should be the story. And this is how Center handled this story's situation. We were offered enough about Thompson, but nothing more. I found myself really appreciating this approach, it was a breath of fresh air this way. I highly praise Center's craftsmanship with a heavy topic.

This is going to be a big novel in 2019. But this is hardly a surprise, Center's novels are usually highly anticipated. That is why I was shocked to be approved for this novel. So I want to give a huge Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for approving my request!

If you adored Katherine Center’s How To Walk Away, get ready for Things You Save in a Fire!

Big thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for an eARC of this lovely book.

Our main character, Cassie, is a firefighter who reluctantly moves to Boston to help her estranged mother. Her new firehouse isn’t thrilled with their new addition even though Cassie is tough, competent, and hard-working. She soon develops a crush on one of the firefighters and has to work extra hard to conceal that. And then it appears that someone at the firehouse wants her to leave—and will do anything to make sure she does.

Cassie is a fantastic character, funny, sarcastic, tough as nails, but vulnerable and sweet. I loved her. The entire book is just delicious, honestly. The romance is adorable, the mother-daughter relationship dynamics are well drawn, and I loved learning about life in a firehouse and seeing that world through Cassie’s eyes. I tore through this book in 24 hours and highly recommend it to readers who love heartfelt women’s fiction with family drama, delicious romance, and strong heroines.

Releases August 13, 2019 so put this one on your lists for the late summer.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review!

I was THRILLED when my request was approved for this book. At the time, I had not yet read, How to Walk Away, so I made it my mission to read that first. After having read it (loved it), I really looked forward to seeing if Ms. Center could repeat the success of the previous book. Being the Christmas season, it took me a little longer to get to this than I would have wanted, but I am so glad I was forced to wait. I have NO IDEA how I'm going to make it until her next book. Katherine Center has cemented herself as a go-to author for sure and I definitely plan on adding this to my bookcase full of 5 star books!

I think what I admire so much about Center's work is that she writes feel good stories (and I'm sure some could say they have predictable plot points), but you are still glued to it from cover to cover. Her female characters are vulnerable, but fiercely capable and while things unfold you absolutely root for them to succeed. I like how there are flaws (we all have them), but there is plenty of growth in her characters to become better human beings. I also appreciate how well researched each book is. I come away with learning a lot and know that she put thought into every last detail. I think Things You Save in a Fire, was slightly better. I really liked how even though you could kind of guess the defining moment in the main character's life when she was sixteen, you wanted so desperately for her to share her story and learn to get past it. I also really liked how the romance wasn't the center of the book and it wasn't at all cheesy. It's totally believable and something you root for.

I cannot recommend this author enough. Her novels are perfect for any type of mood you may be in. Some people may have issues with the ending, but I think if you take it for what it is - you can't help but love it.

This book is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. It is incredibly engaging, interesting and heartfelt. It is very moving at times and very funny at other parts. I am so glad I read this book. I cannot recommend it strongly enough—it is incredible.

Thank you to NetGalley. Katherine Center and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

This was my first Katherine Center book, and I LOVED IT. The story was fantastic, and illustrated how women can succeed in male dominated careers. Just because we're women, doesn't mean we can't do the same jobs as men.

The only thing I didn't like about the novel (and it's a very minor thing) is how Owen was called "rookie" through most of the book. Halfway through the story, I actually forgot his real name!

Overall, this was an amazing book. If you like the show "9-1-1", you'll love this book.

I received this advance copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

I've read a few of Katherine Center's books in the past and I really like her writing style. She's funny, intelligent, and creates great insight into her characters. In this one, was the love story a bit mushy? Yes. Predictable? Yes. Did I care? Nope. I unabashedly found myself rooting for the fairy tale happy ending. This was not just a love story, however. It was also the story of Cassie's challenge to soften a heart hardened by a couple of tough events in her past. Mix in a bit of education about the life of a firefighter, and you've got yourself a very worthwhile read.

3 1/2 stars.

Well, I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. It starts out well and I've got to say, I found myself really getting into the characters and the storyline. Cassie is determined, strong willed and most importantly she is a character that is open to change. I loved her and became quite fond of her because I realized she reminds me a lot of myself. Not the 'love doesn't exist' Cassie but the Cassie that tries to keep everything together so she can preserve herself. She's purely trying to survive not necessarily thrive...at least in the beginning.

I admired what Center was trying to do with Cassie's character and because of that, I gave the book a higher rating. However, I had a few problems with the book as a whole. It felt a little disjointed, rushed and often times way too cheesy for the subject matter at hand. There were many scenes that felt too predictable and the theme (forgiveness) felt forced. I think the story would have been better served if either the light love story was the focus or Cassie's relationship with her mother and in turn herself were made more of a focus. I personally would have loved to read more of the latter.

I'd recommend if you're a rom-com type. Thank you to Netgally and St Martins Press for the advanced copy.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley, for the advanced copy of Things You Save in a Fire. It was my first book by author Katherine Center, and it was fantastic.

Cassie Howell is a firefighter in Austin, Texas who loves her job and her city. She receives a call from her estranged mother asking for her for a favor. A big one. Cassie’s mom wants her to relocate to the suburbs of Boston because she is ill. After an altercation at her job, she is offered the chance to relocate to a MA fire department that has never once had a female firefighter. Soon, Cassie is trying hard to forgive her mother. Her bond with her fire crew is extraneous at best. And to her utter dismay, she is falling hard and fast for the newest rookie fireman. The chaos allows Cassie to reexamine what is important to her and learn to forgive the people who have hurt her.

Things You Save in a Fire took me less than a day to read. I loved how Center created a female character that was smart, independent, and her own person. She was working on her career and embracing her role as the only woman at the firehouse. She was so confident and passionate about her job. As Cassie’s story unfolds, she balances being soft and hard and she learns how to embrace her feminine side. I thought the character development was phenomenal. I also loved that even with heavier topics, TYSIAF was Laugh Out Loud hilarious. There is charm here that makes the characters endearing and relatable. I highly recommend.


Instagram post date: August 13th @ www.instagram.com/tesstalksbook