This was an absolutely incredible book -- 5 stars from me. The character development was so well-done, the story was so beautifully told, and I literally held my breath the last 50 pages of so. Fan. Tas. Tic. work by Katherine center

What a fantastic read! All the feels in this one and more, had great input on forgiveness!! Even shed a few tears. A definite must read for 2019.


Thanks to net galley and the publisher for an early release of this book

Oh how I LOVED this book. One of my favorite books of 2018 was "How To Walk Away" by Katherine Center. Things You Save In a Fire was just as wonderful, just as engrossing and just as hard to put down. This is a book that will grab your attention from the first page, you will fall in love with the characters and you will not be able to put this one down until the last page. Great great read!

A good story transports you to places and people you wouldn't know otherwise, but a great one brings the story to you-makes you see what the characters see, and feel what they feel-you become so immersed in the story you're not just reading it, you're actually part of it. Things You Save in a Fire is that kind of novel. And it's a timely one, in this era of the #MeToo movement that brought harassment in the workplace to the forefront of our collective conscious. This is no small feat for such a simple premise-Cassie works in one of the last bastions of a male dominated world-as a firefighter-and she has to prove herself to co-workers who don't think she is brave enough, strong enough or worthy enough to be in their midst. It's like the quote- "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels." But Things You Save in a Fire is a not a one dimensional story-woven in the plot are themes of love, loss, forgiveness and redemption-subjects that Katherine Center has masterfully explored before (look for the clever connection to her previous novel, How to Walk Away, in the early pages of Things You Save in a Fire). Miss Center's husband is a volunteer firefighter, and she wisely sought his counsel on the more technical aspects of the job-this adds credibility and a personal touch to the book. I showed some passages to my stepson who is Battalion Chief of Palm Beach County (Florida) Fire and Rescue- (yes, I'm bragging!) and he said "yep, that's pretty much what a station house is like." Things You Save in a Fire is sweet and sentimental, but also difficult to read in some places-you want to believe discrimination like this no longer exists-but it does-hopefully that's something that won't be saved in a fire!

Cassie, the firefighter, EMT and paramedic, had an incident as a 16 yr.old that colored her life. Now 10 years later the past has shown up. She must learn to forgive. Forgiveness is about a mindset of letting go said her mother. Then accepting that the person who hurt you is flawed. And then looking at the aftermath of what happened and find ways that you benefit. This is a tale of learning to let go and let love into your life.
A bonus for the reader is the details of the firefighters life....how they cope.

Katherine Center has done it again! Five stars all the way!

Life is messy, uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful. Cassie should know. Her mother left her and her father when she was 16 years old. Cassie learned how to take care of herself becoming an award-winning fire fighter in Austin, Texas. She works with hot, muscle clad firefighters who treat her like one of the guys which is perfect because romance couldn’t be further from her mind.

An unexpected event occurs as her job and her past collide putting Cassie’s career in jeopardy. Simultaneously her father insists that she move to Massachusetts to live with her estranged mother for a year. She isn’t quite ready to deal with her mother and transferring to another firehouse is anything but easy as these men don’t want her there. A rookie starts the same day and Cassie immediately feels a desire that she knows can only cause her trouble.

The resounding theme of this book is forgiveness and it comes in all shapes and sizes. Katherine Center’s creates fun likable characters and her writing style is so enjoyable. I didn’t cry while reading this novel but I sure smiled a lot.

Before I begin my review, let me say thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this advanced reader's copy of Things You Save in a by Katherine Center in exchange for an honest review. This novel will be released on August 13!

Things You Save in a Fire landed in my NetGalley shelf as an anticipated romance "chick lit" novel. Little did I know, I had my hands on one of the most realistic feminist characters I've read so far.

Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter in Austin, Texas and seems to have it all figured out. Great colleagues, a trailblazing captain to look up to, a routine to live by, and the results of her lieutenant’s test looming. But when an incident at an award ceremony (honoring her heroic deeds, of course!) occurs at the same time her estranged mother reaches out for help, Cassie has no choice but to uproot her life and moves to a Massachusetts town....where female firefighters are not easily found. Surrounded by hazing, lack of funding, and a serious target on her back as the “lady” of the crew, Cassie remembers her captain’s sage advice to keep her focus, the most important rule being: never date firefighters. Clearly the rookie that is starting the same day as Cassie didn't get that memo, because he has a "stunning, heartbreakingly appealing face," and is unavoidable as Cassie has been assigned to train him. Cassie knows all about strength and courage in the face of danger, but she doesn't yet know how much strength and courage it takes to open yourself up and learn to love, forgive, and be completely vulnerable.

Cassie is emotionally hardened, but I really appreciated that Cassie was not guarded and numb to her feelings because she was a woman in a man's industry. She has some serious past trauma that explains how she has developed this steady hand and clear mind in crisis, which makes her a phenomenal firefighter.

We all know in romance novels - it has to happen: the main characters share their most personal stories, and learn to appreciate the experiences and layers of their partner. In a lot of romance novels that I've come across those moments are very forced. All of a sudden, the main characters are pouring their heart out to each other....moments after they just met. Well, not in this novel! Those key, intimate stories are not told at the same time (AMEN! HALLELUJAH!) and they are situationally relevant!!!!!!!! That's right!!! No random word vomit of personal secrets while simply conversing!!!  That sealed the deal for me that the main couple here were legit, and I should care about them. It was unexpected, necessary, and graceful writing.
It has also been a while since I laughed - out loud - at exchanges in a novel. And I laughed at quite a few! 

The only thing that holds this book back at 4 stars for me, is the end. The climactic scene where a lot of the odds are stacked against Cassie, was too much for me. The epilogue was substantial (to say the least) and answered every question I possibly had...but I wanted some mystery in the end. As this is the first novel of Katherine Center's that I have read, I don't know if this is how she ends all of her books. Nevertheless, Cassie's story is absolutely one I will pick up again. And Katherine Center is absolutely an author I will be reading, following, and learning from in the future.

“Things You Save in a Fire” is the story of 26-year-old Cassie Hanwell, a rising star female firefighter in Austin. When Cassie’s basically estranged mother asks her to come home to the Boston area because her mother is having health problems, it seems like a major setback for Cassie’s career. But, as the saying goes, there’s so much more ahead than anything Cassie is leaving behind.
Katherine Center weaves an enthralling tale — a multifaceted love story that takes a few twists and turns. I read this book quickly because I was genuinely interested in Cassie’s story: what was going to happen to her? To her career?
Center does a great job of developing her characters — Cassie is so likable. I was just as impressed by the vivid descriptions of the crew on the C shift; it felt like I knew every firefighter on the shift.
Center’s husband is a volunteer firefighter, which is why I think the firehouse and crew feel like a place and people you’d meet in real life.
This book will be available Aug. 13 — and it will be absolutely perfect to devour beach or poolside. It is the first book of Center’s I’ve read, but it most certainly won’t be the last.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from St Martin’s Press via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a hugely enjoyable, quick read with the happy ending a reader wishes for in a rom-com. The non-traditional situation of a female firefighter and her rookie love interest made this even more engaging, I plan to look up and read her other books.

Things You Save in A Fire is a story that will not leave me for quite some time. I expect no less from Katherine Center. If you have read "How to Walk Away", you know how fantastic this author is. This novel is fill of love, loss, anger, and most importantly forgiveness. The author explores forgiveness not only forgiving ourselves but forgiving others that have wronged us.

This wonderful story contains romance, family drama, as well as some topics that are very timely right now including addiction and assault.

Cassie , the protagonist, is a firefighter and I so much enjoyed her very personal journey to move beyond and overcome a traumatic event that happened to her at the age of 16.

This book is EVERYTHING! I am so thankful to have received an advanced copy from St. Martins Pres

I enjoyed this book immensely. The theme of forgiveness was touched in just the right way. It combines humor and romance in a way that makes it fun for those of us who don’t often read romance. The tears to laughs ratio made it one to finish at home, and not, in the vehicle with your whole family. Thanks netgalley, for giving me the chance to read a book outside my normal genres.

I’m so lucky to have read a 5star read four days into the new year! I actually think this will end up being one of the best books I read all year.

Cassie was everything I like to see in a female protagonist: complex, strong but not invincible, independent, intelligent, and together. She was flawed, but her flaws didn’t define her. She was vividly written and was such an authentic, nuanced character that she felt perfectly real to me.

The novel sounded good; instead it was absolutely wonderful. It’s always nice when a book is such a pleasant surprise and is even better than you expect!

I felt completely drawn in to the world of the Lillian FD. This was my first Katherine Center novel but will not be my last. Highly recommend.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I haven’t been so excited to write a book review in such a long time! Katherine Center has quickly become one of my favorite authors over the past year with her deep messages and relatable characters that leave me drooling for her next book. Things You Save in a Fire is a five star across the board story. It has humor, it has pain, it has edge of your seat suspense, but above all it has an underlying and powerful message about forgiveness. It touches every emotion and makes you feel it deeply rather than just touching lightly on it and moving on. I was laughing, I was crying, I was even stressed and nervous. Only the best authors can take you to so many places and leave you satisfied. Things You Save in a Fire is not a story you ever forget. If we were all just half as empathetic and wonderful as the main character, Cassie, the world would be a much better place.

Things You Save in a Fire is yet another great offering by Katherine Center. Her previous novel, How to Walk Away was a sampling of the novels to come. There is humor amid all the tension in the life of Cassie, fire fighter from Austin banished to the small town where her estranged mother lives when an explosive incident at Cassie’s award ceremony takes place. In the fire department of her new town, Cassie faces a foe determined to destroy her career simply because she is a woman in a formerly all men’s work place. Plus, everything for her changes when she falls in love for the first time ever with her rookie coworker. The story is not all about love and flowers. It is about Cassie’s transformation from a closed off heart to one that learns to embrace life with all its good and awful parts.

Things You Save In a Fire was a compelling novel about Cassie, a firefighter who needed to leave her beloved firehouse after an incident that put her in hot water, and a request from her estranged mother to come visit her, which turned out to be a plea to spend time with her during her last days. She manages to get a job at a firehouse in Boston, which is much different from her old one, an old boys' club which has no patience or empathy for a female firefighter. As she struggles with both her feelings for her mother and her difficulties at the firehouse she learns a great deal about herself, her strengths and her tolerance for what she will take from others.

Katherine Carter has written a very interesting novel that took me into the mind of a person who I would have nothing in common with, which for me, makes it that much more compelling. Cassie has so many choices to make as she navigates the changes in her life and how she makes those decisions determines what kind of person she becomes. Another great novel from a best selling author!

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!