Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
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.
Review: Cassie Hanwell may be a female firefighter, but she's one of the most talented in her Texas firehouse. When her estranged mother calls her and give up her life and move to Boston to help her through some medical issues, Cassie is opposed. But then a crisis of her own forces her to move to her mother's home anyway. She earns a spot at an old-school Boston firehouse who are less than thrilled to have a girl on the crew. The only one who seems to really be ok with Cassie is the other newbie, the rookie, who Cassie is very drawn to but knows she can't act on because she doesn't do love. But her resolve is slipping, and time finds her letting down many walls to love of all kinds and forgiveness of things that happened in the past.
I was surprised how much I loved this book! Very gripping with sharp writing and an engaging storyline. Despite having little personal interest in a firefighting career, Center somehow reeled me, and I was hooked on Cassie's story with a vested interest in her career. While this is technically labelled a romance, I loved this book because it was so much more than just a love story! Cassie's tale is nuanced with many layers and interest points: her traumatic past, her complicated relationship with her mother, her dedication to her career. Yes, it is in part a love story and yes, I loved that part of the book, but it so much richer than that alone. This is the first book I've ever read by Katherine Center, but it will not be the last!
Stars: 4
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