Cassie is a kick ass hero firefighter. She rocks every thing she does. But has to move to a small town that doesn't *do* "lady firefighters. So she starts again from the bottom, with Owen, the rookie.

Totally worth reading, totally great. Fun romance, Center says in the acknowledgments that her husband is a firefighter and it shows. Good stuff.

Mystery, drama, personal growth, and a bit of romance wrapped inside the cover of one book. Things You Save in a Fire is a book that will pull in most genre readers without overload on any topic.
Katherine Center has pulled off a writing style that has you imagining things of what could have happened to the main character, what will happen and so much more.
My only warning is, you may not be able to put this book down once you open it.

Started this year with a 5/5 book 🙌🏼❤️

This book surprised me. On the surface it’s about two firefighters falling for each other. But it’s also about the women’s rights movement and discrimination in the workplace. I hadn’t given much thought to the firefighter profession as an old boys club and how it would feel to be a woman firefighter. It was a new perspective.

This book also talks a lot about forgiveness. Forgiveness for the people around you for being human and making mistakes. And forgiveness for yourself. It came up often and was explained in a way that I hadn’t thought of before.

Things You Save In A Fire is released on August 13, 2019. Keep it in mind and add it to your list. This was my first Katherine Center book, and I immediately added all her other novels to my TBR list 😂

Thank you to @netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
#netgalley #bookreview #thingsyousaveinafire #currentlyreading #katherinecenter #stmartinspress

Publisher's description: "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. "

This was my first read by Katherine Center, and it won't be my last. This is a standard romance - instant attraction between two people who believe they shouldn't (or can't) be together for one reason or another. They both have their complicated back stories. Cassie's is that her mother left and "something" horrible happened to her on her 16th birthday. We guess early on what the "something" is, and the combination of the two things is what makes her not believe in love. This was a nice change for me because usually it's the guy who doesn't date, doesn't get involved, doesn't fall in love, etc. Add to that the animosity Cassie gets in her new job, and you have all the makings of a great story.

Cassie reminded me of the character Hernandez from the "Station 19" television series - a woman in a male-dominated field who has to work twice as hard to prove herself. But this book is less about that and more about forgiveness and how it can help us heal. We have to see Cassie's toughness in order to get to the end, but it's just the vehicle that gets us to forgiveness - forgiveness of ourselves as well as others.

***SMALL SPOILER***

The thing that knocked it down to 4 stars for me was that when we get to the end and Cassie will admit she's in love, she's portrayed as soft and a little weepy, and I don't think that was necessary. Just because she's found a way to balance loving and being a firefighter doesn't mean she has to go soft. All in all, this was a quick, fun read and definitely worth picking up.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This title is scheduled for publication on August 13, 2019.

I finished this book with a huge grin on my face. Katherine Center’s books have a way of making me feel like hugging whoever is nearest to me!

I received an arc from Netgalley and even though it doesn’t come out for months, I was drawn to the bright cover and the promise of an inspiring and captivating story.

Cassie Hanwell is a badass. She’s a firefighter and a paramedic and she’s ridiculously fit and does Parkour for goodness sake (brilliant job for including that pop culture reference!) She can beat any guy at basketball and can do one handed pull-ups!

But even with all those qualities - Cassie has created a world for herself that filled with routine and predictability. She’s always in control and you’ll never see her crack.

So what happens when the universe has a sick sense of humor? When everything Cassie has built is threatened? She’s strong, but how strong? Is she stubborn or is there something in her past she’s avoiding?

Katherine Center’s characters are flawed and real and relatable. Her style of writing allows you to get in their head. Ultimately this is a story about forgiveness and family and being compassionate and real and...human. Oh, and hot firefighters never hurt a storyline!

Another great book by Katherine Center! She’s become one of my must-read authors. If you loved How to Walk Away, you’ll love this, too! Her books remind me of the style and subjects of JoJo Moyes, another favorite author of mine. The writing style and characters pull you in and flow so well that you just breeze through her books. I finished this one in a day and a half!

I absolutely adored Things you Save in a Fire! Once at the top of her firefighting career in Austin, Cassie finds herself moving across the country to help her estranged mother. The bulk of this novel takes place in a sleepy east coast town. Cassie learns to navigate her way as a female in a primarily male-only workplace, be both a daughter and a friend to a mother she wrote off years ago and develop some sort of a work/life balance. Cassie’s relationship with her mother and men are deeply connected and equally complicated. As Things You Save in a Fire continued to develop, I found myself both frustrated with Cassie’s often close-minded opinions and rooting for her heart to expand and explore. I read this book quickly and was sad to see the story close. It was romantic, heart-warming and fun. I laughed a few times, shed a few tears and spiraled down a deep reading hole of joy. As a big fan of How to Walk Away, I am really excited to add Katherine Center to my list of favorite authors.

A big thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

"Things You Save in a Fire" is another gorgeous, witty, funny, and absolutely amazing piece of women's fiction from Katherine Center. Similar to her previous book, there is a traumatic event that the character must deal with and move on from. There's also an incredible romance and family connections and so many other wonderful parts of this book that I could not put it down and loved every second I spent reading it.

Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter, primarily because she is really, unequivocally good at it, and she loves her job. Everything changes when she accepts an award from someone who changed her life forever, and when he dares to touch her again, she beats him down. Despite the fact that he deserved it, he is a city councilor and they are demanding that she apologize. Unwilling to give an apology that is unwarranted, Cassie elects to transfer to Massachusetts, where her mother, who left when she was 16 and is now blind in one eye, has been asking her to come and help her.

Facing all the sexism and difficulties of a new, previously all-male fire department, Cassie is determined to continue to do the job she loves. That includes staying away from the rookie she is finding herself attracted to. Between family, work, and potential love, Cassie finds her world changing and things that seemed so clean-cut are more complex than they originally appeared.

The primary theme of the book is about forgiveness, forgiving yourself and others (for your own good), and this really comes across through many aspects of the book. I don't know if my review can do justice to how much I really enjoyed this book- I laughed, I cried, I sighed, and I can't recommend it enough. It is not always an easy read (there are some difficult situations herein), but it is such a worthwhile read. I would add warnings for sexual assault (not described), drug addiction, terminal illness, and heavy bouts of sexism. I felt that all these topics were handled very well throughout the book, but it's worth knowing that they are there.

Overall, this was a really fantastic read, and I felt all the feels. I highly recommend for people who like deeper rom-coms- this is a book I won't forget and is such a great read! The characters are all so amazing- Cassie herself is strong, insightful, brave, and straight-forward. Owen is lovely, kind, and just a model guy all around. Cassie's mom, Diane, and her friend, Josie, are just wonderful characters that add so much to the story overall. I completely fell in love with this story and the people in it. It's amazing- you won't regret reading it!

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

An unputdownable, emotional, beautiful, and sweet novel that will leave your heart full for days!!!

Things You Save in a Fire is a truly remarkable read that has left a special place in my heart and my book shelf <3.
Katherine Center hit this one out of the park my friends! She sure knows how to write an engaging novel that will leave you truly sad that it has ended.

What I loved most about this book? The power of forgiveness. Have you ever gone through something in your life that has left you scared, pained, and intimidated to move forward? I think we all have. I have experienced this and looking back I realized how I wasn't able to move forward due to the pain and fear. This book explores the importance of the power of forgiving not only yourself but also people in your life that may have caused you hurt or pain. I loved Katherine Center's touch on forgiveness and love in this book and how truly impactful it can be in moving forward with your life.

This book felt so real and raw. Every moment of Cassie's life I was completely and totally immersed. Moments I was laughing with her, smiling for her, and aching in pain for her. And can I just say.... the romance?! Not over the top with Rookie but ever so perfect with a hint of a kiss ;).

Things You Save in a Fire is a truly remarkable read with characters that will sweep you off your feet, heartfelt writing, and in all a beautiful story that folds across these pages with ease.

Highly recommend!!! 4.5 fire stars!!!

Huge thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Publication date: 8/13/19
Published to GR: 1/1/19

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!

First of all I would like thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. Katherine Center became a favorite author after I read How to Walk Away and Things You Save in a Fire did not disappoint. Cassie who is a firefighter is good at emergencies (I loved how she mentioned the plane crash scene from How to Walk Away) but after an incident at an award ceremony, Cassie decides to leave Texas to help her Mom in Boston. Problem is Cassie is still mad at her Mom from abandoning her on her 16th birthday. This book is excellent....it's about relationships, forgiveness and seeing things from another point of view. Cassie transfers to a firehouse in Boston and while she is not a rookie, she is paired with a rookie who also makes her heart race (loved the dog scene) and being a female firefighter she is always trying to prove herself. Put this book on your to read list, book clubs you have to read books from this author. Just excellent writing and plot. I learned lots about firefighting and have a new respect for firefighters, especially women.

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.