REVIEW: 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.

 

 

My Thoughts: Things You Save in a Fire grabbed me right away. Cassie had fought her whole life to achieve her goals and to leave behind the pain of her mother’s abandonment. Something else happened to her just after her mother left, something that would leave deep scars. Something that would come back to haunt her just when she had earned an award of valor. On the heels of the award and the haunting memories of the past, her mother pleads with her to come help her with some medical issues.

An emotional storm pushed Cassie toward Boston, despite her resistance. Will she find a way to reconnect with her mother? Can she finally put the past behind her?

I thoroughly enjoyed Cassie’s challenges and her willingness to move forward. 5 stars.

***My e-ARC came from the publisher via NetGalley.