Things You Save in a Fire

Early this summer I read How to Walk Away by Katherine Center and loved it. When I saw that she had a new book coming out I knew I needed to get my hands on it. I am so glad. This book read like Chicago Fire. There was action, romance and strong characters.




This is the story of Cassie who at 16 had a few traumatic events that left her close off to love. After a crazy encounter, she finds herself at a crossroad. She will need to move to Massachusetts to live with her mom who can’t see from one eye. She joins a new firehouse that doesn’t welcome women.

This is a story of practicing forgiveness. We get to see it when it comes to her relationship with her mom and even a stalker. I

I love the romance in this story. It didn’t overpower the book. It felt natural that she would fall in love with the rookie.

My feels: I absolutely loved this book and I am going to rave about it to anyone who listens. This is one of my favorite books of the year. This was a feel good story. The epilogue was epic. I love the small cameo of the How to Walk Away character. I will be buying a physical copy of this book.

I will publish a review on publication date in 2019 on What to Read Next Blog.

I absolutely love Katherine Center’s writing. This book is about a strong young woman, the only female firefighter in her Austin, Texas firehouse. After an “incident” she transfers to Boston to take care of her mother, she finally learns how to forgive and to love. The only problem that I had with this book: I wanted more!
I highly recommend it!

Another great book by Katherine Center, I loved it. A tough as nails female firefighter who was abandoned by her mother on her birthday and raised by her father. She has always had an invisible shield around her so as not to get too personal and close to anyone. After many years she hears from her mother who asks for her help. She moves in with her mother and learns many life lessons from her. This book is so much more than what I’ve said here but I don’t want to give anything way. Heartbreaking and on to heartwarming.

I really love books about strong women and this is one of the good ones! I LOVED the title, premise, and cover which is why I entered, and overall it lived up to my standards!! I think it ill be a big hit soon :)

Center has mastered the art of writing about emotions without drowning in them and keeping the story moving at a snapping speed so that you can't put it down. She kept me up into the wee hours of the morning with this one.

While this book matches a lot of the features of a romance book, this is no ordinary romance, in that it has a lot more depth to it than just the love story. Center battles life's joys and sadness through her MCs with aplomb, and you could never accuse her of trivializing anything people go through with cliches or a Pollyanna perspective. She handles each thing with hope and respect, and gives us all hope that we can make our way through anything by the end..

How to Walk Away, I think, has a slight edge over this one, but this was still a great read.

This poignant, beautiful, thought-provoking, emotionally- intelligent and timely novel had me laughing and tearing up in equal measures. Indomitable Cassie and goodhearted Owen can’t help but capture your heart and your imagination as surely as they did mine. Whenever I pick up a book by Katherine Center, I know I will invariably find a story full of wit, laugh-out -loud humor and personal insight, written in a melodious, flowing style that pulls me so far in that I forget my surroundings. In Things You Save in a Fire, Cassie is a dedicated firefighter who has turned her back on love after a traumatic experience in her youth. She is all about “control” and routine. When her past comes back to haunt her, Cassie is forced to learn that only by relinquishing her anger, and finding some redeeming aspect from her suffering, can she release herself from the emotional prison she has trapped herself in. My sincerest thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an uncorrected digital galley of this truly inspiring, timely novel, by such a talented and inspiring author. I would have given it six stars out of five - it was such an enjoyable, heartwarming read!

WOW! I've found a new author to read in Katherine Center. Her writing is funny and breathtakingly honest. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this and finding a new author to follow.

Thanks to St. Martins Press and Netgalley, I was able to read an ARC for review. There is a trigger warning for this book, but as a sexual assault survivor I was able to get through it. It helped because Cassie was so strong and was a survivor, not a victim and the scene at the beginning was so satisfying. As a fan of firefighter romances I enjoyed how Katherine Center protrayed the position of female firefighters and all the obstacles that she faces. The romance was enjoyable and their journey was satisfying. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this and makes want to read her previous book How To Walk Away right now.

Cassie is a 26 year old firefighter based out of Austin, TX. After an "interpersonal conflict" she is forced to relocate to Rockport and live with her estranged mother (*gasp*). This book explores Cassie's relationship with her mother as well as her tough new assignment at a firestation that doesn't look too kindly on female firefighters. But Cassie is hellbent on proving herself and doesn't mean to fall in love in the process....

I was excited to read this book as I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. I have never read Katherine Center's books before, and I was pleasantly surprised to be pulled in by Cassie's character right away. I was rooting for her the entire journey. It's such a sweet love story while also hitting on some harder topics in the process. Overall I would recommend this book! I can't wait to read more from this author.

I loved everything about this book! I found Katherine Center last
July 2018 with Happiness for Beginners, another excellent book.
Since then I have read 5 of her books and intend to read the rest.
" Things you save in a fire," is good. Cassie has really been
hurt. The kind of hurt that can shut you down. All traces of feelings
and emotions, gone. A decade she has closed off a family member,
the one family member that meant the most. Now that member needs
her desperately. It's beautiful what she goes through to make her way
back home. This is a keeper! I will have it on my shelf next year~

Things You Save in a Fire is easily another 5/5 ⭐️’S⁣⁣ book for me! ⁣⁣⁣
⁣
Past Trauma.⁣⁣⁣
Hidden pain.⁣⁣⁣
Mother daughter drama.⁣⁣⁣
Striving to prove oneself in a male dominated work environment.⁣⁣⁣
Push and pull of a forbidden love interest.⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
This novel had all that and so much more. ⁣
This is a 2019 MUST read!!⁣ ⁣

Oh my goodness - this is one of the best books I have read in a while! I haven't read How to Walk Away Yet, though I own it, and it is moving to the top of my pile after reading this. I love the way Katherine Center writes. Her style is so simple, yet detailed, and the story line of this book grips you from the beginning. Her characters display such wide range of emotions - from confusion, to anger, to forgiveness and contentment/happiness, just to name a few. I became emotionally invested in Cassie's story and finished the book in just over a day. Definitely a must read! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I haven't written a full review of Things You Save in a Fire yet, because I'm waiting until it's closer to the publication date. I loved How to Walk Away by Katherine Center--in fact, it was my first ever Book of the Month pick! So when her next book was announced, I couldn't resist requesting an early copy. I adored this book! It made me cry, which is my benchmark for a 5-star rating, had a badass heroine who learned to be vulnerable and soft while also running into a burning building for a living. I mean, how cool is that? Overall, I love that Center showcased a woman thriving in a traditionally-male career, and I loved the little nod to How to Walk Away, too. It felt like an exciting Easter egg since I had already read How to Walk Away!

This book has it all! Strength, love, romance, courage and hurt.
"Yes, the world is full of unspeakable cruelty. But the answer wasn't to never feel hope, or bliss or love--but to savor every fleeting, precious second of those feelings when they came.".
Cassie is one "Bad-Ass" girl. She is a firefighter/EMT/ who is as strong if not stronger than her male co-workers. She prides herself on taking care of every emergency without "feeling".
She has built a huge solid wall around her that will NOT allow any emotions to enter.
This barrier has been growing since she was young and her life was shattered one night following a party at the age of sixteen.
When she is transferred to another fire company to be near her estranged mother who is now desperately ill, her protective partition will slowly begin to crumble, piece by piece.
An excellent, well written novel! I was caught in Cassie's world and found myself rooting for her to take her life back!
You will love this story!

Things You Save In A Fire by Katherine Center is a story that hit me in the feels in all the best ways. After reading my second of her books, I'm realizing Katherine Center is the kind of author who writes books that absolutely captivate me, and I love her for it. This book focuses on Cassie who is a firefighter in Texas. She relocates to Boston after an unwelcome blast from the past and need to help her mother with her ailing health. Her new fire station is full of challenge. First of all, they're not exactly excited about having a woman join their team, and they're also not shy about letting Cassie know. Second, there's "the rookie" who's started alongside Cassie. He makes her feel a certain kind of way, and she's not sure what to do with that. Y'all, this one had so much emotion. I was so into Cassie's story. At times, it was a hard read because I was so emotionally invested in Cassie's life - both personal and professional. Also, there were some twists at the end that made it so I literally had to sit down and catch my breath. I mean, y'all, my heart was racing as I was that into this one. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me get a sneak peek of this one that's not due out until August 2019. I'll be sure to remind y'all about this one as the release date approaches because I need others to feel these feels and then discuss said feels with me. Until then, find time to read How To Walk Away if you haven't already.

I fell in love with this book and both Cassie and Owen.

I LOVE a strong female protagonist, and man does Cassie fit the bill. She is a BADASS. But she is hurting and she has barbed wire around her heart.As Owen says, "There is a toughness about her. But the most impressive thing about the toughness is that she built it to protect the tenderness." Watching her let down her guard and expose her tender underbelly was a treasure.

Owen is a gentle, compassionate, and kind man. His respect for consent was such a refreshing touch. This love story is wonderfully wholesome and almost naive and I ADORE that. So very romantic in an honest and non-cheesy way.

It's not only a love story between a man and a woman. It's a love story between a daughter and her mother, and a woman and herself. There is a powerful lesson to be learned here, and I highlighted entire passages on forgiveness.

I loved the theme of forgiveness, survival, and the heart's capacity for change. The ONLY small problem I have is that I felt like Cassie's metamorphosis happened pretty quickly. I think I would have liked to seen a bit more of the build up. Other than that, the story won me over.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this treasure. It was a joy.

Katherine Center's latest novel features Cassie, a firefighter who fears nothing but opening her heart to love. Filled with warmth and humor, this book shines a light on all kinds of courage, both physical and emotional. Five stars!!

I received this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.

I've read close to 200 books in 2018 and not a single one compared to this book. It was so well written, the characters so believable. I fell in love with Cassie and her journey. Things you Save in a Fire is positively the best book of the year. I look forward to much more from this author in the future.

I fully admit that I have a thing for smart chick lit, and Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors for that purpose. This is up there with Happiness for Beginners as the best of her books for me. The characters were super interesting and relatable. I loved Cassie. She was complex, nuanced, flawed, and relatable. The ability to write characters whose motivations are so human and understandable is rare, and Center has it down. I appreciated the way she treated gender and feminism in this book, and made it a core issue that she addressed pretty unflinchingly. She also just writes relationships SO WELL. And I appreciated that while a potential romantic relationship was one of the main themes of the book, we also got a lot of focus on other elements of Cassie’s life, like her relationship with her parents, the way she takes care of herself and manages her life, and how awesome she is at what she does. It’s really refreshing for a book like this to focus on all facets of a woman’s life instead of acting like the romance plot is the only interesting thing to readers. And, as always, Katherine Center is a really good writer. The writing was tight, the pacing was great, there was some solid subtle humor, and the book sucked me in right away - I read the whole thing in an evening. Highly recommend.

(Side note: I also appreciated the sly reference to How to Walk Away toward the beginning of the book.)

This one just filled me with so much joy, I don't know how to explain it. But here I go...

First and foremost, Katherine's ability to create such amazing, complex, strong characters is beyond words. I've always said that a book is nothing without its characters and these people were my absolute favorite. I loved them from the very first page and I hurt with them and for them, but most of all, I rooted for them and I'm so damn content.

This book held a lot more romance than I was used to from Katherine's previous novel and just when I thought that maybe I liked it more low-key, I fell head-over-heels for these two. Cassie and Owen were so precious and Owen's kindness and patience was everything I could have hoped for for Cassie! AGH! He is what book boyfriends are made of!

But of course, while I was being all giddy over these two (and really through all of their scenes), I was also bawling like a little baby in the corner. Because I thought this story was more romance-centered, I did not see the gut punches coming my way. We start with one, but then they just keep coming. My heart broke in so many ways, tears running down my cheeks, but each story within this book was told beautifully--heartbreakingly--but beautifully with underlying messages of forgiveness that I just adored seeing. Cassie is such a strong character, but after seeing all that she goes through and all that she has been through, my heart went out to her and my respect for her was out of this world. If there's any story out there with amazing character growth, it's this one.

Also, a big thank you to Katherine for not feeling the need to be so explicit in certain scenes and yet have the reader know what is going on. I appreciate you so much for it.

This story was just everything to me and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it. If anyone is looking for a story that'll have you swooning and then in tears, but leave you with your heart full, then you must pick this one up.

Wow! I loved this book! (Women's fiction with romantic elements.)

The protagonist, Cassie, is a firefighter in Austin, TX, at a progressive, modern station. She’s honored for her valor, but at the event, she gets herself into some trouble. When the mother she’s estranged from asks her to come to a small town outside of Boston to help her because she’s ill, Cassie wants no part of it. But between getting in trouble and her beloved father’s urging, she agrees to transfer to an old-school firehouse and help her mom out.

Cassie is the first “lady” firefighter at the house, and the chief and the others don’t hide the fact the fact that they don’t believe women should be in the profession. All except a rookie firefighter who starts the same day she does.

She has to be the best at everything to prove to her male colleagues she knows what she’s doing. She won’t let her attraction to the rookie derail her.

I liked the romantic elements because there is a very legitimate reason she can’t fall for Owen. Her career would be over. Firefighters aren’t supposed to date other firefighters. A man might get away with it, but not a female. (Although here in Colorado I know a few male/female married firefighters, so that might just be a thing in certain parts of the country.)

Initially I found Cassie a little hard to like. I’ve never read a book with such an angry protagonist. But the last half of the book was definitely a multi-tissue, ruin-my-makeup-cryfest.

Read this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 13, 2019. (Which is a long time to wait, I realize, but you’ll want to put it on your to-read list and check out her other books.)

Thank you Netgalley for this read!

As a watcher of Station 19 and getting sucked into the firehouse drama, I enjoyed this book! Was fun to watch the progression of Cassie going from an expert at one station and then travelling out of state to become a newbie at a predominately male station. The book not only followed the firehouse, but it also shared the journey of Cassie's mom who left on her 16th birthday. This book helps illustrate the concept of everything happens for a reason and hopefully it all works out in the end..

This book. I had high hopes for this book since I adored How to Walk Away. But I did not expect it to fully live up to my expectations. This was a topic that I generally wouldn’t lean toward but I fell in love with this story. I felt the love, the anger, the hate, and the pain. It made me want to hug Cassie, punch others (won’t say the names to avoid spoilers) and cheer for the rookie. Overall a truly wonderful book!

I received an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

I loved Katherine Center's new book Things You Save In A Fire! Cassie is a 26 year old firefighter who relocates to another area to take care of her mom who is having trouble with her eyesight and transfers to a new fire station. There are plenty of pranks that take place in the fire house, as well as close relationships that are formed as the firemen, and women are working together saving lives. The details in the book are well researched, and keep the story flowing very nicely. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout the book, and of course a romance story emerges.... a perfect blend, and balance is achieved to keep the reader well entertained.

Another great book by Katherine Center! I loved Happiness is for Beginners and How to Walk Away, so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I said a little prayer in hope that I would be approved. I read it over the Thanksgiving weekend and could not put it down. Another 5 star book from her! She writes in a style that is so easy and fun to read and her messages are full of hope and forgiveness. Her words really make me think about ways to make life easier on myself (and others) by learning about yourself and practicing letting things go. It’s well written, funny and very witty. Definitely put this on your TBR list!

THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE by Katherine Center is a beautifully-written and emotional story of love, family, and forgiveness. The main character, Cassie, is a strong and dedicated young woman who is a rising star and lone female firefighter in her Austin, Texas firehouse. Cassie sticks to business and shuns close relationships with anyone to avoid appearing vulnerable or getting hurt as she has in the past. When her estranged mother asks her to come to Boston to help with her care, Cassie is forced to give up her strict routine and the rigid control over her life that she has always maintained. As she does so, she begins to open her heart and find release from the anger she has harbored all her adult life. The characters are wonderfully-portrayed and the story is heartfelt and inspiring. The firefighting scenes are so gripping and realistic, I felt like I was there. I truly enjoyed this engaging and heartwarming novel and highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this outstanding book.

Things You Save in a Fire is the second book I’ve read by Katherine Center. I really enjoyed How to Walk Away, and I enjoyed this one just as much. Katherine Center has a way of creating characters and stories that leave you eagerly turning the pages. Things You Save in a Fire was an engaging read that explores a woman working in a male-centered workplace as a firefighter, while dealing with family issues and learning the art of forgiveness.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book and provide my honest opinion!

This is a delightful story. While at first glance it appears to be about the trials and tribulations of a feisty female firefighter, it goes beyond a lighthearted tale and gets into what it means to really trust someone and what it takes to open your heart to the truth, which truly does set you free, and true, deep, love.

I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC.

I loved this book from Katherine Center, I loved the main character, Cassie, who is a boss lady firefighter who has to move across the country to start a new job and live with her mom who she hasn't had a great relationship with for the past ten years. I loved the pace, characters, writing, and focus on forgiveness. Thank you for the ARC!

I absolutely adored this story. The characters are so lovable and the story is so touching. This story has a little bit of everything: friendship, betrayal, love, heartache, and forgiveness. Cassie is first appears as a tough firefighter that has made herself "one of the boys" at her Austin firefighter. But you soon learn that Cassie has built walls around her heart in response to a traumatic experience or two in her teenage years. Throughout the story, Cassie learns to forgive and love all over again. Wonderful read.

Another fantastic beautifully written Katherine Centers novel. Drew me right in I’m a fan of books with strong women featured add to that a complex literary.novel a book I highly recommend. #netgalley #st.martins

Things You Save in a Fire is a beautifully written story about love and forgiveness.

Firefighter Cassie is forced to leave the comfort of everything she has known in Austin to care for her estranged mother in a Boston suburb.

Throughout the book Cassie learns what it is like to love and more importantly, forgive.

This book should definitely be added to any TBR list for 2019. I couldn’t put this down.

Thank you St. Martins press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my third title by this author, and I think it was stronger than her last book, How to Walk Away. The lessons in this one may be a little heavy handed, but I can forgive it for how moving the story truly is. A story of a female firefighter, I really appreciated that the focus is just kept to a few characters and the supporting cast if firefighters is small enough to be distinct without much detail, because I think flushing out the secondary characters more would have diluted the book's impact. Five stars for this quick fun read with heart!

I could NOT put this book down! I loved it beginning to end. The characters were well developed and likeable. The plot was engrossing, with real lessons throughout. After reading Katherine Center’s “How To Walk Away”, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed and this book proved that. I will be recommending this one for sure!

This is a fantastic well written novel about learning to love. It's the story of someone very strong who needs to learn to live life more fully by accepting the softer parts of life and learning to accept others.

Cassie is a fire fighter in Texas. She's tough as nails and can keep up with the male fire fighters in every way - from winning obstacle courses to playing pranks on other firefighters. She's tough and totally accepted as part of the fire team and she wants to stay that way. Her dad raised her after her mom left when she was a teenager and she feels that living her life without love is the best way to live. Until...her estranged mother calls and asks her to move to Boston for one year to help take care of her. She reluctantly agrees and gets a job at a very traditional fire station in Boston, where there has never been a woman fire fighter and she is not accepted until she is able to prove her worth to male firefighters. She is faced with blatant discrimination from everyone but a rookie who started at the fire department the same day she did. As she begins to have feelings for the rookie, she has to decide if she wants to continue her tough loveless life or open herself up to love and caring about other people.

This is a fantastic novel about love and life and family. I really enjoyed the character of Cassie and her attitude and determination are what I'll remember about her. I highly recommend this novel.

Thanks to netgally for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own,

I’m so glad I requested this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s press for read and review. A big thank you to both of them for the opportunity.

Things you Save in a fire by Katherine Center was a wonderful book on so many levels. It dealt with themes I love: forgiveness, moving on, and how we become who and what we are, and did so in a very easy writing style that just had me pouring through the pages without stop.

Firefighter and EMT Cassie Hanwell has a bit of darkness in her background. When she runs straight into one of those pieces of darkness – and hits it square in the jaw, she’s given the choice to apologize or be fired. But she comes up with another option. Seems her estranged mom ( another dark piece of her life) is sick and requesting Cassie come and help her, so she takes a job transfer to an all male, reportedly chauvinistic firehouse in Massachusetts.

Cassie now has to navigate through her feelings about her mother, try to tow the line and not cause any trouble in the firehouse, and avoid the Rookie who could just threaten her heart.

This book was filled with so many dynamic and thought-provoking elements, a simple review doesn’t do it justice.

Five well deserved stars from me!

I found this novel to be beautiful, thought-provoking, emotionally intriguing and heart-warming, it had me laughing and tearing up from one moment to the next.

<b>*A huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the egalley*</b>

In Katherine Centre's latest book "Things You Save in a Fire" - readers follow Cassie Hanwell as she uproots her life (that she loves) to move to a different state to look after her mother for a year. The move, her relationship with her mother, her new job and co-workers leave her wondering why she made the decision to leave Austin. Cassie's struggles to fit in at her new station - and things don't get easier when love enters the equation.

Forgiveness is a strong theme in this book - forgiving parents, forgiving people the horrible things that they have done to you, and forgiving oneself. This book even made me - a huge grudge keeper - start to think that maybe forgiving people might not be as bad as I initially thought.

Overall this was a great read, and I feel that those that liked "How to Walk Away" will also enjoy the newest book by the same author.

This book was very captivating. I was hooked from the first chapter. Five starts. I enjoyed the characters and the story so very much.

Love love loved this book!!!! Wonderful, complex characters and such a strong female protagonist. Cassie is a firefighter who leaves Texas to go take care of her mother in Boston. She joins a new firehouse, falls for someone unexpected, and begins a path of forgiveness. This book was just wonderful. I read it in half a day! Couldn’t put it down.

Absolutely loved this story. Katherine Center always gets the heroine right in her books.

This tough girl firefighter has no interest in love until it finds her. The twists involved at the fire house and those in the relationship with her mother made this book one I could not put down!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2601943543?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

I absolutely loved this book. Katherine Center’s “How to Walk Away” is one of my favorites. Cassie is a female firefighter in her Texas town and has fought to be accepted. But when her estranged mom calls and tells her she’s sick, she feels the need to go take care of her. She now has to prove to her new crew that she’s worthy, even the new hot rookie, Owen. I couldn’t get through this book fast enough. The storytelling is superb. The characters are relatable and deeply developed. I will be recommending this book to everyone!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Put this on your TBR list for Aug 2019. I’m loving this author. She gets better and better. Loved the characters! Loved the story! Did not want to put this down or want it to end. I loved her last book. This was even better.

Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter and with the words "You're not a girl, you're a firefighter" the book begins. She is the only female firefighter in the Austin, Texas fire house, one of the best. But when her estranged mother calls her for help, and an incident at an awards ceremony honoring her goes in the wrong direction, life as she knows is about to change. Her next challenge is moving in with her mother, leaving Texas and going to New England

Still hurt when her mother walked out on Cassie and her father, the reunion was a difficult one. There were further complications, as Cassie had a protective shield around her heart, and for her relationships were difficult. Living as an independent woman, wanting nothing to do with romance, she has also lived a life as a solo female, giving her all to being a firefighter, a person of strength and endurance. But Cassie was hurt on many levels, painfully so. Who could she trust, would she trust anyone, ever? She lived her life in the only way she could, protecting herself from any further pain, pushing herself to be the best.

After moving to be with her mother, she is hired at the firehouse in Lillian, where she was the "newbie" along with a "rookie" who, as it seemed were both out of their element. In the firehouse, where they never had a female firefighter before, she had much to contend with and quite a bit to prove. As for the "rookie," Owen, she had to show him the ropes. However, that was just the beginning.

So what are the things you save in a fire? Material things, some of which can't be replaced? Life is what you save, the memories that are always with you. The act of forgiveness, the act of love, all those things that bind you as a human being.

I read this book in one sitting, and it wasn't what I thought it would be, it was so much better. The writing was so on-point, it was both heartwarming, a bit humorous and at times quite serious. Yet through it all, it gave me pause to think about human frailties, the good, the bad and even the ugly. Highly recommended. My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Delightful and poignant, everything I have come to expect from a Katherine Center novel. In THINGS YOU SAVE In A FIRE, Cassie is an impressive, award-winning firefighter - strong, confident, and completely shut down emotionally. Cassie hasn't been able to overcome the bitterness she feels over her mother leaving on her sixteenth birthday. So when her mother calls and asks for her help, Cassie doesn't want to oblige her, especially because her mother lives halfway across the country. But when Cassie's life in her hometown goes to hell, moving in with her mother suddenly seems more attractive. So Cassie starts her firefighting career over amid a group of men who cannot, or will not accept her as an equal while fending off her mother's efforts to reconcile with her. When outside circumstances force Cassie to confront her past, she is frightened and vulnerable and forced to grow. THING YOU SAVE IN A FIRE reminds up that the past is never dead; it isn't even past. I also recommend Center's earlier works HOW TO WALK AWAY and THE BRIGHT SIDE OF DISASTER.

Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter, she is the best at it, and it’s her entire life. At a banquet to win an award, She is devastated to see the man who is presenting the plaque, and when he touches her ass , she publicly and rightfully clobbers him. Her career is uncertain, and her estranged mother, who walked out on her and her father ten years ago is begging Cassie to move to MA to help her with health issues. So Cassie moves to her mom’s house determined not to forgive her, and to show the sexist firemen they should not underestimate her.
But not everything goes according to her plan and Cassie learns how to let people into her life and open her heart to all its possibilities.

THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE by Katherine Center is a wonderful book, from an amazing storyteller! This story had me laughing out loud and crying real tears. It's 4:55am and I just finished the book, I couldn't wait to review! If you only read one book this year, you need to read this one. You'll then want to do what I'm doing, look for more books by Katherine Center! Enjoy!

I loved How to Walk away, so it left me eagerly anticipating Things You Save in a Fire. I was not disappointed. Katherine Center does it again with her creation of a strong, female protagonist - Cassie. Forced out of a job she loves and back home with a mother who abandoned her, Cassie is forced to confront emotions from the past that she’s sealed off for many years - ones that have the potential to make her combust. Add to the mix a rookie coworker who affects her a bit too much, and Cassie is in for an interesting year. This is a book about relationships and the things you want to hold close when the fires are raging. Spoiler alert: those things are not material. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
There's something about firefighters and I don't know what it is but I love reading about how they put out fires and save others.
Book starts out with the firefighter award ceremony and she's been propositioned from her partner, she sees it as a prank.
She also in her downtime runs a defense class, volunteers at Big Sisters and helps her dad build his house...
She was the most honored one: a female, a firefighter and the youngest ever...
Cassie has to face the Counsel Man before getting her award-we learn their past and wow! you can tell how nervous she is...she does ok til he pinches her butt...we learn about what she wanted to be when she grew up and how things changed.
When her mother calls for help it's a very touching moment for me as I am blind myself and don't have many who help me so for her to ask Cassie to come is huge.
Diane is an artist-so devastating. Like the choice she has and takes. Have visited Rockport for a few hours one day and found it a close community on the ocean.
Love hearing of the crochet club, I would fit in perfect in this environment-we have visited and enjoyed the area years ago.
Like how she conforms to the new firehouse and is alert for the other rookie...
Love hearing about the grants, to better the firehouse She is in fear of losing her job then captain informs them of cut backs and it's either her or other rookie...
Everybody has a secret that would alter their lives and has... Love when they each open up, makes so much more sense to have others support.
This book has something for everyone: adventure, action, romance, travel, mysteries and secrets.
I received this review book from St. Martins Press via Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am highly impressed with Katherine Center's writing. I got so wrapped up in the emotion of the book. This story is about love, family and even forgiveness including self forgiveness. The characters are well written and I became emotionally invested in in the story and the characters. One of the best books I've read in a while. Put this on your TBR for 2019.

Another winner from Katherine Center!

Cassie is a minority in her chosen field of work. She's a firefighter. When she has to leave the job that she loves and transfer to another fire station out of state, she is expecting the worst. Little does she know, her tough girl attitude is about to be uprooted when she meets the other new guy at her new job. The girl who doesn't believe in love is about to fall head over heels for the rookie firefighter. Cassie's life is in for major changes as she explores this new relationship and attempts to rekindle her rocky relationship with her mother.

This book was instantly a page turner. I couldn't put it down. I loved the relationship between Cassie and the rookie. Also, the female firefighter spin was something fresh and exciting. The camaraderie between the characters was natural and humorous. The love story was so sappy and sweet in a good way. The other aspects of the story blended nicely and resulted in a well-rounded and interesting read. I really liked the theme of forgiveness throughout the book as well. I didn't like the bad language throughout. The story would have been much better and sweeter without all that. I just don't feel that vulgar language is ever necessary. I probably would have given 5 stars if not for that. I also loved the little reference to Katherine Center's last book. This was a great branch off of that story. Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for the chance to read this book! This will be another bestseller for Katherine Center!

You can't help but root for Cassie as she excels in a male-dominated field. When her life turns upside down, she not only has to fight battles at work, but within herself. The frequent staccato-like sentences were a bit jarring, but this was such an enjoyable read that I finished it in less than two days. It's also a great look into what it's like to be a firefighter.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

WOW!!! Another 5 star read by Katherine Center! She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

I don't want to give too much away but the story follows Cassie as a firefighter. She has a situation that leads her to move back in with her mom and she starts working at a fire station that doesn't think women should be firefighters. She meets Owen, who is one of the most well written characters I have ever read about. Things happen, and you will laugh, cry, swoon and fall in LOVE.

That's all I'm going to say about the plot. I've read some reviews that didn't like Cassie being so angry. But I can relate to this story because I was Cassie years ago and the same thing happened to me that happened to her so I understood and justified why she was so angry. I get why she came across as off-putting to some people, but I've been there and totally related to her that way. Owen was AMAZING. His character was so genuine and so sincere, that I truly felt for him and fell FOR him.

Katherine Center has a beautiful way of writing. Her writing flows effortlessly. When Cassie would say something, I thought to myself "that's totally what I would say." Or how she was feeling. I just felt like I was Cassie and going through all of this and that's what makes an amazing writer. When her readers FEEL like it's them in the story.

The last chapter and Epilogue was pure perfection. ALL. THE. FEELS. I am so honored to have gotten an early reader's copy of this book that doesn't come out till August of 2019. All I can say, is read this book and I can't wait to see what Katherine Center writes next! My top favorites of the year and of 2019!!


Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for sending me an early reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review, and thank you to Katherine Center for writing such an amazing book.

I adore Katherine Center. I've loved every book of hers I've read, and she's a wonderful human being as well. If you ever have a chance to see/hear her speak, take it. She's such a delight and such an uplifting and inspiring speaker. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a library conference in the spring and then had her come speak at my library this fall.

As with her other books I've read, I loved Things You Save in a Fire. Katherine does a great job of showing how people face trauma, heartbreak, and the challenges life throws at you with grace and hope. Our protagonist Cassie has hardened herself and thrown herself completely into her life's calling as a firefighter to wall herself off from the trauma her teen years dealt her. Her story and how she has coped with it are written realistically. All of the details of her life as a firefighter are done so well and show that Katherine really did her research. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of that life/profession and learning more about it. The writing is excellent here, with realistic and engaging dialogue and interaction between characters. You care about the Cassie and the people in her life. Owen/Rookie (the main male character in the book) is such a good man who you will absolutely fall in love with. I highly recommend this book, along with others by this author. She truly has a gift for writing, and I always love supporting authors who are wonderful people as well.

Sharp, incisive and fresh, this book should be required reading for book clubs. Katherine Center tells a story with grace, ferocity and conviction.

I don’t even know if I can put into words how much I loved this book. This was a 5 star read for me! Katherine Center’s writing is pure heartwarming magic, if you’ve read any of her books you know exactly what I’m talking about. This beautiful story of female firefighter Cassie made me laugh and cry, I was so absorbed in the story I started tearing up again during the ending. And oh my, the firefighting scenes were intense! Cassie’s badass courage and perseverance just got to me, she’s such a fantastically well-written character.

This is a story about heartbreak and love, but mostly about forgiveness. From her strained relationship with her mother, to being the first female firefighter in an old-school Boston firehouse, to coping with her traumatic past, this story takes you alongside Cassie’s journey in the best way possible. I highly recommend reading this one!

I love to read, but I am rarely moved to tears by a story. Katherine Center's How to Walk Away was the exception to the rule as I was 'tearing up' again and again(in a good way). When I reviewed the book, one comment I made was that I was excited to see what would come next from this author and Things You Save in a Fire did not disappoint.
Cassie is a young firefighter in a predominantly male profession. She is strong and brave at work, but in her personal life, well, let's just say, not so much. Unexpectedly, she gets a call from her mother asking Cassie to give up her job and relocate from Texas to Massachusetts. Her initial reaction is that isn't going to happen, but an incident along with some prodding from her father changes Cassie's mind.
The story revolves around her new job in a fire station with colleagues who do not embrace her with open arms(except for one rookie) and her very fractured relationship with her mother. Cassie learns there is more to life than just being good at your job, it is also about shaking off your past and opening your heart to forgiveness, love, happiness, and hope.
I don't want to say much more and risk entering spoiler territory. If you love well-written characters and a plot that can make you laugh and cry, you will want to add this book to your TBR list. The author knows how to write complex characters and I so enjoyed going on Cassie's journey.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.

If you are a fan of Katherine Center, definitely grab yourself a copy of Things You Save in a Fire. This is sure to make you laugh hysterically and also tear at your heart strings, in true Center fashion.

Katherine Center can do no wrong!! She keeps better with each book I read so please do yourself a fever- add anything and everything she has written to your wish list this holiday season and pre-order Things You Save In A Fire!!!!!

This was one of my favorite books this year! Great characters and story line- I could not put it down yet I did not want it to end.

Huge thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and of course, Center herself!!!!, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this book, which might be my favorite Katherine Center to date. I was hooked from the very first chapter and couldn't put it down. Center's characters are like my real life friends - you see their struggles and flaws, but you're rooting for them to break through the tragedy in their lives. Now to go reread my other Katherine Center books!

I was thrilled to death for the opportunity to read an ARC of his new book. I was drawn in from the first chapter and could hardly put it down! Highly recommend!

I would rate this book 4-4.5 stars. It was a quick, entertaining read! There were some predictable parts, but between the humor, secret romances, revenge schemes, fire adventures, etc, it was a fun story!

This book is absolute genius. The characters are so compelling you get completely drawn into the story. The details ring true and the reader gets completely engrossed in Cassie’s story. Center has a way of creating storylines that just make you want to keep reading. And I did. And I’m glad.

Cassie, the only female firefighter likes to see herself as a firefighting machine. In reality, she is separated from her emotions since childhood. She is forced to return to live with her mother and to start working in a new fire station and she has a lot of learning to do. This is a story of coming to terms with hurt and emotional pain. It also a story about forgiveness; forgiving yourself and other people and forming connections. The story is well told there are enough plot lines and while it is certainly not an easy path for Cassie she is a more complete human afterward. This was a very enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an advanced read in exchange for this review.

Katherine Center does such a good job writing books with strong female leads.  TYSiaF is no exception.

Cassie is a strong and vulnerable character.  She takes a chance to leave her firefighting job and go to Boston to care for her estranged mother.  Her new firehouse is old school and not used to a female firefighter.  Will she end up risking everything, including the hero she has become?

Enjoyed this one.  How to Walk Away is my favorite, but this ranks up there.  I liked Cassie and thought she was a good combination of courage and vulnerability.  Center does it again!

I read Katherine Center’s How To Walk Away, and loved it. This one didn’t disappoint! Her characters are so likable, although with many flaws. This is a story of a broken family that left a 16 yr old daughter with emotional scars that were deep and painful. Her mother left her and her father, on her 16th birthday, and in ten years, Cassie still couldn’t move on.
Cassie is a tough firefighter, respected by all who work with her. Her ailing mother needs her help, as she loses her sight, and Cassie reluctantly leaves her home and job to help. She must learn to forgive her mother, before she can adjust to her life changes, and she finds that a challenge.
This is a story of emotional and personal growth, learning to trust, love and live life, while letting go of the losses and heartbreaks of childhood. I rarely read a book in two days, but this one kept pulling me in, a authentic page turner.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s press for the ARC!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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 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.

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>

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

This book was amazing!!! I devoured How to Walk Away AND now Things You Save In A Fire. This book took me 2 days and only that long because it was the holidays. And honestly, I don’t usually like endings like this one but for some reason this worked amazingly. I love the dynamic between characters. And, as someone that went to school and worked in a male dominated field, I totally understood Cassie’s struggles! Such a great book. Will definitely be a best seller in 2019!

I absolutely loved How to Walk Away so I was very excited to see that Katherine Center has a new book. Fans of Center will not be disappointed.

Cassie is a firefighter and is faced with having to relocate from Texas to Massachusetts to help her mother with her medical problems. She quickly discovers that her new department is not nearly as progressive and female-friendly as Austin’s, which even had a female chief. Cassie finds that she has to prove herself again and again to be accepted as “one of the guys.”

Cassie lives a very predictable and regimented life. She likes it like that. She needs to to be in control of her life at all times after two unpredictable and tragic events traumatized her on her 16th birthday

Because of these traumatic experiences, Cassie has successfully insulated herself from getting close to others, but now she finds herself craving companionship and love. You see, Cassie has a big crush on the rookie firefighter at her new department but she knows that if anything were to happen between them, she would lose her job and career. But sometimes, as hard as one may try, you can’t stop love.

Center has a talent for creating characters with such depth, that you truly feel like you know them. Cassie is believable, relatable, genuine, and admirable. At the same time, she faces major psychological struggles that you or I might have encountered as well — emotionally blocked and isolated, estranged mother, doesn’t believe in love, etc.

Things You Save in a Fire is about Cassie’s journey to psychological maturity and confront the issues holding her back from love and enjoying life. Her biggest obstacle and lesson she needs to learn is forgiveness of others and of herself. I was rooting for Cassie and experienced her transformation.

We feel so many different emotions along with Cassie, such as joy, anger, trust, surprise, etc. I was particularly moved when she experiences empathy and compassion for her mother.

“For the first time, I understood. In all the times I’d remembered that story, I’d experienced every single part of it from my own perspective, standing in my own sixteen-year-old shoes. Now, for the first time, I saw it unfold from a new angle. Hers. And it changed the story.”

This book has all the elements — drama, love, suspense, heroism, a little humor, and secrets! It is well written with three-dimensional characters. We get to know the inner struggles of these characters and the motivations for their behavior.

The first line of the novel grabbed me and it never let me go.

“The night I became the youngest person—and the only female ever—to win the Austin Fire Department’s Valor Award, I got propositioned by my partner.”

I really enjoy Katherine Center’s writing (see examples below) and am looking forward to reading her earlier books while I wait for her next one.

“...two ladies pulled out dress after dress, holding them up in front of me, then tossing them in rejection piles on the bed. Too purple, they’d decide. Or: Too bright. Too dark. Too flashy. Too plain. Too stiff. Too floppy. Too many pleats. Too teenagery. Too old-lady. Too much cleavage. Not enough cleavage. And on and on.”

“Down in Texas, everybody had been robust and tan. Here, they looked like ashtrays.”

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Loved Things You Save In A Fire! This was my first Katherine Center book and I can't wait to read her others.

While the storyline was predictable it was a cute, quick read and I enjoyed the main character and how she was a fire fighter and pretty awesome!

Cassie has so many layers and between each one, she wrestles with forgiveness. As Cassie evolves, the reader evolves as well. I don't know how to explain the depth and empowerment that I find in Katherine Center's novels. Certainly, I read for the story and characters, but she pushes emotional boundaries. There can never be enough books by Katherine Center and this does not disappoint. This novel is well written and emotionally intelligent, a must read.

I Cassie is one of the toughest firefighters there is, she has saved many lives and has the highest medal the department has to give, so why give that all up up to help her ailing, estranged mom in another state ?
Cassie has a rigid schedule, be the best , no friends or love at anytime !
Cassie was so many, many things but her bravery and strength hooked me from the first page, her layers of hurt had me turning the pages long into the night !
This is my second book by this author and I must say , she now has a permanent place on my TBR list!
I laughed and cried and will carry this book and it’s true lessons of forgiveness, compassion, and moving forward in my heart and in my life from now on!

This was my first Katherine Center book and I will most definitely be back for more! She has such a great way of writing that is easy to read but doesn’t feel like just another light read.
This book was great! iIt opened the window to a world I knew nothing about- the world of firefighters. The different setting (a woman in a mans world for sure!) along with some twists you will not expect set this book apart from every other chick-lit, light, romance book you are used to. I highly recommend picking it up!

Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors and I believe that I have read everything she has written, novel wise. I was beyond excited to see she has a new book coming out this summer and was thrilled to get an ARC from Netgalley to read in return for an honest review.

This book, for me, started out a little slow. I didn't find the main character, Cassie, overly appealing and felt a bit disappointed as I read the first couple of chapters or so. Was this going to be the first Katherine Center book I didn't like?

As the book progressed, however, I found my way into the story and the characters and from about a third of the way in, I was sold. I very much enjoyed the story and the themes of forgiveness, of softening the hard spots and letting love in and of gender equality and respect in the workplace.

Katherine Center is just a solid, enjoyable author and I am so glad that she writes and shares her stories with us!

Thank you again to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC!

Katherine Center has a knack for creating realistic, relatable, down to earth female protagonists. Cassie's journey was a fantastic reminder for all of us. We need people!

Amazing. Couldn't put it down. Somehow, every single book, Katherine Center sucks me in from the first sentence. It's like I've been dropped into a conversation and I want it to go on forever.

I loved it. The characters, their lives, their loves. Just beautiful. I would like this author to continue writing forever. She's remarkable.

This was such a great story, and the author does a fantastic job of making you fall in love with and root for the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

This is my first Katherine Center novel; I’ve had How to Walk Away on my To-Read list for awhile. And now that book is moving straight to the top of the list! This book was actually lovely. I stayed up for hours finishing this book; it was such a beautiful blend of love story, mother daughter story, tiny mystery, coming of age, feminist hear me roar - you will root for this girl with pride in your heart and tears in your eyes. Highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review!

Things You Save in a Fire is an emotional story about vulnerability, forgiveness, love and the life-changing power of courage. It’s about a strong young woman, the only female firefighter in her Texas fire station. To avoid being fired, she transfers to Boston where her mother lives. As she tries to adjust to her new life, while also taking care of her mother, she finally learns how to forgive and to love. Great storyline. Awesome characters. I was fortunate to receive this novel from Netgalley as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.

This book was really good. There were moments when I was upset with the self-deprivation and at Diana bc I mean she was a crap mother, but read it through. Take the messages to heart and learn that there is so much messiness and parents are humans and life isn’t abt the revenge or the journey sometimes, but abt the forgiveness we give ourselves and others in order to get to happiness. Bonus star for a total of 6 for using my all-time favorite word: yentas! Thanks NetGalley for my ARC!

I just discovered Katherine Center this year when I read "How to Walk Away" (which I enjoyed very much) and I think I loved "Things You Save in a Fire" even more. I adore that the main character is a female firefighter and we are able to see the difficulties and discrimination she faces in such a male dominated career. As a physician with a husband who has been an EMT for over thirty years, a lot of the scenes were familiar and Center did a good job making most of them realistic. I also enjoyed learning about the details of firefighting and the risks inherent in that world. The characters are well drawn and likable. I especially loved that "The Rookie" was almost always called by this nickname, even in Cassie's mind. He is a great character and I fell in love with him right alongside Cassie. For anyone looking for a delightful romance with interesting quirky characters, this is the book for your. And kudos to the cover designer...it's gorgeous!

Cassie is the only female fire fighter at her Austin, Texas fire station. She is tough as nails and is as strong as any of the men in her station. After an incident happens, Cassie's only choice is to move to Massachusetts and transfer to a new station. Her mother, who abandoned her on her 16th birthday, lives there and has been asking Cassie to move there and help take care of her for one year. It's there that she meets the rookie firefighter, who started the same day as her. She feels an instant connection to him, which freaks her out.

This is a story about forgiveness. Cassie needs to forgive her mother and herself, allow herself to feel things, and trust others.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy in an exchange for my honest review.

I "found" this author when I read How to Walk Away and was so grateful to receive an ARC of her newest book. It was another fantastic one! I loved everything about it! If I start, I will ruin the book for others. This story has everything - drama, suspense, romance, complex relationships. I can't wait for her next book and you should read this one!

Katherine Center does it again after her massively successful "How To Walk Away." She still manages to capture the same magic and depth as she did in her previous novel with this new one. This will definitely be a 'must read' in 2019!

The lead character in this book is one I found to be unbelievable at first. She just seemed too good to be true; that is, until she showed her humanity. The depth of the character continued to grow and I connected with her. She was written with such feeling and grace.

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!
That was an amazing book! I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in a few hours!!!!!
The story is captivating, Intriguing, Entertaining, but it will also pull at your heart strings a lot (have tissues handy!!!)
It's a beautiful story about heartbreaks, the power of forgiveness, and second chances! The characters are outstanding i love the chemistry between the two main characters Cassie and "Rookie" .. but i also enjoyed the sense of family and camaraderie between Cassie and her crew that she works with! The book is amazing and the author did a wonderful job writing it! It has all the right elements and it's a book you can find yourself reading over and over again!!!

*Was given an ARC via Netgalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was very welcoming to see a female firefighter be so respected by an all make department. When Cassie Hanwell was given an award for saving a child's life, someone from her past was the man handing out the award. Thinking that he was being cute, he groped her in front if 300 of her colleagues. So, then Cassie bashed her award in his face and used all her self defense lessons she knew on him.
She had to apologize, which she refused to do and that led to her losing her promotion. But it worked out in a strange way. Her estranged mom called her to ask if she would move to Boston to help take care of her. She first declined, but now welcomed the opportunity.
Moving to a small, outdated firehouse in the suburbs of Boston, the firehouse there didn't welcome Cassie with open arms. And she did everything she could to not let it bother her. The same day she joined, a new Rookie joined the house as well. But he's a legacy so he had a step up that she didn't.
Slowly the men came to appreciate her quick thinking and gave her the respect that she deserved. Until she started receiving threatening notes in her locker, on her car, her tires were slashed. But the final act that made her lose it was having a brick thrown threw her half blind mother's home at 5 a.m. She turned in papers to quit. The captain wouldn't let her.
When she git set up for running into a massive fire after telling the Rookie and another guy she wasn't going in. The other guy framed her.
Great story.

Katherine Center is an author that never disappoints. Her ability to write romance, and create strong, dynamic female characters is one that I love. Although she can be cliche at times, and just a tad predictable, sometimes we need a feel-good book that doesn't require us to follow every twist and turn and instead allows us the opportunity to be mindlessly happy.

The story followed that of Cassie, a female firefighting badass with a bit of a troubled past that inflicts internal pain on her, and keeps her closed off to a lot of people, from her mother, to romances, to herself. When Cassie finds herself living with her estranged mother and working at a new fire department, training a handsome young rookie, she realizes that maybe all of the things she has been pushing away are actually the things she needs to cling to in order to resolve her past and move forward.

If you're looking for an optimistic, light read, then this book is for YOU!

Something I thought extremely notable is that Center tied in her past novel, How to Walk Away. Though it was a quick reference, fans of Center will jump for joy when they see how she utilizes her past work to make her present work all that much better. It makes me wonder if we will see references in the future about Cassie and Owen. Only Center has the power!

First off many glorious thanks to St Martin’s Press, the author and Net Galley for the ARC. I start with a disclaimer: I am not a fan of romance novels. I did find my self totally immersed in this one and it was a great read! The female characters were so strong and independent especially Cassie. I laughed out loud, fell in love with the rookie as well as the book.
5 sappy stars😍

Thank you NetGallery, the publisher and Katherine Center for the opportunity to read and review a arc of "Things You Save in a Fire."
Wonderful story with a plot that contains romance, family drama and learning not only to forgive others, but how to forgive yourself.
The story revolves around Cassie, a firefighter and her personal journey to overcome things that happened to her at the age of 16.
Enjoyed this book....put it on your tbr list for 2019!

This was the second book I have read by Katherine Center. I liked this one as much as I did How To Walk Away. Center has very interesting characters that you quickly fall for and would love to be friends with. I loved the Massachusetts setting and I would love to see Diana's quaint cottage by the sea. You first meet Cassie, a hard-core, female firefighter. You quickly learn some about her past and what has lead her to her current place in life. Overall, great lessons learned in this book and a great little love story thrown in, too. You find yourself rooting for Cassie the whole way through this book. Center has a great way of building great female lead characters and Cassie will not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially if you are a fan of How to Walk Away. This book is a great, easy read that I finished in a few sittings. Special thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

#NetGalley

Add Katherine Center to the list of authors I've discovered this year whose work has utterly wowed me. Between her newest book and How to Walk Away, which I read earlier this year (see my review), I've become a big fan while becoming emotionally unglued. Because that's how I roll, y'all!
4.5 stars, rounded up.

Cassie has always been tough as nails. As one of very few female firefighters at her Austin firehouse, she knows that she has to do everything better, be stronger, faster, and tougher, and never show one ounce of emotion. It's something she's been comfortable with since her mother abandoned her and her father on Cassie's 16th birthday. Cassie has never really let anyone get too close to her, because vulnerability means weakness in her book.

But on a night that should be one of her proudest achievements, Cassie's carefully constructed façade cracks, and the results are shocking, to say the least, to those who know her best. She creates quite a mess for herself—so much so that when her estranged mother calls and asks her to move to Boston for a year to help her through some serious health issues, Cassie ignores her gut instincts and agrees. But she makes it perfectly clear that she's not there to reminisce or be friends with her mother, she's only there to help.

"I reminded myself again that she was only Diana. Of course, our parents get an extra dose of importance in our minds. When we're little, they're everything—the gods and goddesses that rule our worlds. It takes a lot of growing up, and a lot of disappointment, to accept that they're just normal, bumbling, mistaken humans, like everybody else."

Cassie takes a job in the small town of Lillian, a town which has never had a female firefighter and isn't interested in one. In fact, the captain thinks female firefighters may very well lead to the decline of Western civilization. So once again, she's bound and determined to do everything better than any of the men on the squad, and not allow them to treat her like a girl. She ignores the hazing, the teasing, and those who want to see her fail, and she outdoes them at every turn.

The one thing she can't seem to ignore, however, is the rookie—Owen Callaghan, son of a retired firefighter, who joined the squad in Lillian the same day Cassie did. Sure he's good-looking, fit, and can cook like nobody's business, but Cassie knows she is a better firefighter and EMT than he is. But why does her stomach flip every time she seems him? It's not like she hasn't worked around gorgeous men before, but for some reason, she can't get him out of her mind, and it doesn't help that they get paired up for everything.

Cassie came to Lillian to work, not to date, and besides, dating a fellow firefighter is career suicide. That's the one main thing her captain in Austin told her before she left—Never date firefighters. So no matter what, she's just going to ignore the rookie and treat him like one of the guys. Because in Cassie's eyes, love equals vulnerability, which equals failure.

If you've spent your entire life guarding yourself from any sign of weakness, keeping everyone at arm's length, can you be truly happy? Which is harder, forgiving someone for hurting you or forgiving yourself? How do you decide whether it's worth risking everything you've built your life around to pursue something that might not work out, and might hurt you?

Things You Save in a Fire is one of those books where you can probably guess most (if not all) of what will happen, but it doesn't matter one iota, because you're totally hooked. Once again, Center creates vulnerable, likable, relatable characters and makes you care about them, makes you root for them, makes you angry when roadblocks occur, and makes you fearful that something bad will befall these characters you've come to know.

This is a book about how the walls we build to protect ourselves often keep more people out than we realize, and before we know it, we're safe but alone. This is a book about realizing that being a little vulnerable doesn't mean you're still not tough or brave, and it's also a book about when you know it's right to sacrifice what you want for those you care about.

Like any story where matters of the heart, family issues, and relationships are dealt with, Things You Save in a Fire is moving at times, a little poignant, and you might find something is in your eye once or twice. But this is one of those books that wins you over from the very first page, and doesn't let up, so it's worth a few tears (at least).

NetGalley and St. Martin's Press provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!

Cassie is the only female firefighter in her Austin firehouse. And she is a super star. Cassie is fearless, smart and a natural born leader. As she is climbing the ranks for promotion, her very distant mother calls with a dire emergency. She is having health issues and needs Cassie to abandon everything she has worked for and come help her in Massachusetts. It is the last thing in the world Cassie wants to do and the only thing she can do. She finds a job with a small, old fashioned fire station. They never had a “lady” fire fighter. Cassie does everything in her power to show them all how hard she can work. But the one thing she would never ever allow may be her downfall. The rookie she is training, the same one who may steal her position away is melting her heart. No matter how hard she tries to avoid him; where there’s a spark, there’s a flame. Loved this absolutely adorable, delicious, unputdownable story about family, friendship, love and most interestingly - firefighting. Author Katherine Center is a wonderful writer. As I near the ending of her books I find myself slowing down, not wanting to turn that last page because then it will sadly be over. Thanks for the early read Netgalley! This one is a winner.

After experiencing two traumatic events at 16, Cassie spent the next ten years shutting herself off from emotions and relationships. Throwing herself into her work as a firefighter, Cassie was able to convince herself she was coping, until her estranged Mom asks her to move in with her for a year to help her at the same time her job is at risk. Cassie’s developing relationship with her Mom, and the guys in the firehouse, contribute to making this novel a good read. Recommended.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cassie Hanwell thrives on emergency situations and as one of only a few female firefighters, she has dealt with all kinds. She is excellent at her job and steadfast in a crisis. But even with all of her training and natural ability, Cassie is not prepared for the type of emergency her estranged and ailing mother springs upon her—she wants Cassie to move from Texas to Boston to assist her with day-to-day living.

Taking a transfer, Cassie now works at an old-school firehouse. Even though Cassie is more than competent, they are less than thrilled to have a woman on their crew. The only one that is not bothered by Cassie's arrival is the handsome rookie who started on the same day. But Cassie needs to stay focused and stick to the advice that her old captain gave her which is to never date a firefighter. She has worked incredibly hard to be taken seriously and can't risk jeopardizing her career over falling in love.

Things You Save in a Fire is a story of relationships, love, the power of forgiveness, and how to be brave against all odds.

This is my first foray into Center's wrtiting and it won't be my last. She has an effortless style that completely captures the reader. The pace and flow of the narrative was spot on, and it was an absolute pleasure to read this story.

I don't want to mislead anyone by pigeonholing this book as "chick lit" because apparently this is a genre that turns off/alienates readers and I'm not sure why. Is it because it is deemed as fluff or badly written? Or perhaps trashy? Anyway, this book is so much more than how it is perceived. Obviously there is a romantic element going on, but there are different relationships being explored that offer value to the narrative. There is also a strong female lead in a male-dominated industry that deserves recognition—Cassie is a complex and interesting character that holds her own without compromising her integrity and sense of self doing so.

After reading the book, I feel like I came away with learning a thing or two. I also, if possible, have more of an appreciation for those that put their lives on the line every day for their communities. Many women, not just those that work in professions that have traditionally been male (fire, police, sports journalists, mechanic, etc.), face incredible obstacles and sexism in their workplaces and this story shined a small light on what these women endure on a daily basis and for that, I applaud the author.

This was my first time reading this author! WOW! I have a new FAVORITE Author! I loved the storyline and especially the beginning scene where Cassie smacked the Council member with the award she won! The book had depth, understanding of complex relationships, and above a great plot.
Loved the book from the first page to the last. BRAVO!

I absolutely LOVED this book! I read "How To Walk Away" this summer and have been highly recommending it to friends and family who ask for a book recommendation. "Things You Save in a Fire" will absolutely be recommended once it is released. I read this book in a couple of days and just couldn't put it down. I began highlighting passages in my kindle app almost right away, because I knew there were such powerful passages that I was going to want to refer to again, especially when writing this review. Without spoiling any of the story, I will say that this is a book of hope, a book about life and the stuff that happens, not TO us, but FOR us... for us to learn, to grow, to enjoy life more. Near the beginning of the book, Captain Harris says, "your struggles might even lead you to your strengths." I feel like this is the perfect setup for what happens in the novel and this book presents a message to the reader without it ever feeling preachy or cheesy. I also love an early moment when our protagonist, Cassie alludes to the story line in "How To Walk Away" and it is revealed that she is the firefighter who was on the site at the accident./fire. On thinking how one moment can change a life, she says, "That's how life is. Things happen. Lives get broken. Some people never can put themselves back together." Although this idea is proven false by the end of the book through the story lines of many characters. A better line to exemplify the beautiful journey in this novel is the following: "Maybe everybody was just foolish and doomed. Maybe nobody got a happy ending in the end. Maybe all happiness could ever hope to be was a tiny interruption from sorrow".

@katherinecenter you did it again! I loved this book so much and I cant wait for it to hit shelves in August. It’s equally as good as How To Walk Away, which I recommend to everyone. A story about forgiveness, courage, and resilience. “Choosing to love—despite all the ways that people let you down, and disappear, and break your heart. Knowing everything we know about how hard life is and choosing to love, anyway.. That’s not weakness, that’s courage”. This book is the PERFECT romance drama. I'm not a fan of the romance genre, but this one really pulls at your heart strings, in an effortless way.

Is it possible for a book to be adorable and urbane?

Things You Save in a Fire is so gooey, sticky, sweet, and glossy in some ways (especially by the end) that it could easily be mistaken for a Hallmark movie. However, it's not—because you’d have to leave out all this gritty and brilliant characterization of the narrator, Cassie Hanwell. Somehow this rides such a fine line between being undeniably a RomCom of the book world, while still digging deep and punching me in the heart with the raw, painful emotions that Cassie attempts to keep at bay, that I'm nothing but stunned by how good it really was. How is a romantic comedy unputdownable? Simple—give it some substance.

Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter living in Austin, Texas. We're introduced to her while she's waiting to receive an honor award for her bravery in the line of duty. There's a prank played on her to loosen her up because she's so nervous, and her internal and external dialogue throughout this small section was such a fantastic way to get to know her. She proceeds to pummel a man on stage, reasons for which we find out later, which is completely out of character for her, and once she gets home she receives a call from her mother.

Her mother is having health problems and needs Cassie's help for a year while she adjusts to life with one eye. These two aren't close as her mother is a woman who left her husband and her daughter, Cassie, ten years before when Cassie was 16. While they haven't avoided talking completely, they have never recovered from this divide. Cassie struggles emotionally with any and all people—but especially with her mother. Reluctantly, out of some sense of duty and because of the aftermath from the aforementioned pummeling, Cassie transfers to a small town Massachusetts firehouse with high recommendations from her Captain, and a long list of what not to do as a female firefighter in a place just like the very place she's headed. High on that list is direct orders to not fall for or have any type of fling or flirting with a fellow firefighter. This isn't a problem for Cassie—she doesn't do relationships or even love. Obviously.

Just as obvious, she falls hard for the other new firefighter there—a rookie named Owen Callaghan. They start on the same day, and to distance herself she calls him Rookie—truthfully, just like the others there do. Meanwhile, the typical hilarity ensues. Pranks and training, and along with that we have the typical romantic comedy situations and tension. That's fun and entertaining and adorable.

But mixed in were these fantastic introspective moments with Cassie—about herself, her mom, and life in general. Honestly, I don't know how this was so engrossing; it just was. It was everything you want from a lighthearted entertainingly and satisfyingly predictable romantic comedy, but it also had a heart bruising and tear-inducing rawness with which I really connected. I was completely taken in. This is one of those books that I will highly recommend, try to explain why, and then just insist that it's just that good.

I am a huge fan of Katherine Center’s books (especially “How to Walk Away”), and I’ve enjoyed all of the books I’ve read by St. Martin’s Press. That continues with this book. This book has it all—romance, humor, suspense, family issues, and a strong female heroine. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself emotionally connected to all of them. I couldn’t put it down, and I hated to see it end! I highly recommend this book, along with Katherine’s other books.

A happy read with some laughs, some romance, and lessons of forgiveness.

Cassie is a firefighter in a man's world. She reaches milestones in her career and then has to make the decision to move from her comfort zone and current career to live with her mother and become a newbie on a new crew. There are some laughable moments as Cassie meets her new crew, tries to fit in to her mom's life. Things aren't always easy as ghosts from her past come back to haunt her as well.
This was a quick read and the end was much more fast paced.

Loved this book! Read it very quickly. Yes it is predictable in every possible way but that doesn’t make it any less engaging and well written. Enjoyed the quick call back to Center’s last novel—How to Walk Away.

I absolutely loved this action packed romance. It was natural and not forced or overdone. I appreciate an author that can keep me wrapped up in their world, long after I have turned the last pages. This is a delightful read and a good one to escape reality into!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the first time I have read a novel by Katherine Center and I fully intend to read her previous books. The characters were likable as well as believable, and the story flowed very smoothly. It was also a trip down memory lane as my dad was a fireman when I was a child. Cassie, the main character, is navigating a male dominated career in the fire department and doing a great job. When her mom falls ill, she makes the decision to move to a different state and start all over again in a much less friendly environment. I loved the feistiness of the character and her ability to adapt and grow. Thank you St. Martin Press for allowing me to have the ARC on this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Perhaps not a 5-star read for everyone, but as a firefighter’s wife I was immediately drawn to this book after reading the synopsis and it did not disappoint. Everything regarding firefighting was right on par with what I’ve learned from my husband and the camaraderie and antics at the firehouse were believable.

Cassie was a strong, sassy female lead who never failed to stand up for herself, and I enjoyed seeing her softer side come out as the novel progressed. I loved Owen, but would have enjoyed learning a bit more about him as he felt a bit one-dimensional. I like how the author managed to balance out the drama, romance, and mystery throughout. The theme of forgiveness played out nicely and I loved the throwback to Center’s previous book, “How to Walk Away.”

Overall, a well-balanced and fantastic book, one that I plan to purchase after its release.

This is one of the sweetest, most uplifting stories that I’ve read all year. First, imagine a female firefighter who has the tenacity of a wild cat! That's Cassie and she must give up her old life (and job) to help out her estranged mother. She's been asked to move across country, not knowing that this just might be a new beginning of her own! I purposely am not giving details of the the story because you will just have to experience it on your own. I'm giving this book five stars for realistic, lovable characters and the fabulous story that kept me reading late into the night.

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center will be available August 13, 2019 from St. Martin's Press. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Hello 👋🏻 Where do I sign up to be the president of the Katherine Center fan club? I loved How to Walk Away and thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press I was able to get an ARC of Things You Save in a Fire so now I’m officially obsessed. The main character Cassie is a complete bada** and now I’ll be over here dreaming of being strong enough to do a one armed pull up 💪🏻 Review below!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Cassie is a firefighter who has worked hard to prove herself both physically and mentally capable to serve in the fire service. She’s disciplined and independent, living a life that’s completely in her control. That is, until a ghost from her past reappears and sparks a chain of events that sends her life careening in another direction. I thought this was a beautiful story about love and forgiveness combined with a unique look at being a woman in a male dominated industry. You’ll love the cast of characters, and like Cassie, a few of them may surprise you. I highly recommend reading this book when it comes out August 13th 2019!

Review can also be found on my instagram @kels.reads

Although this book started out a little slow I hung in there and I absolutely loved it. It is a novel about sexism, romance, forgiveness and friendship . There were so many characters involved in this book, yet they were all well developed. A great client with lots of twists and turns. Kept me up reading till midnight. It is a light romance novel, yet very good and very well written. I would highly recommend it to any of my friends and family and look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press for my honest review, which, needless to say, is nothing short of a rave review.

I first discovered Katherine Center last year when through The Girlfriend & St. Martin’s Press, I received a copy of her book in the mail. I loved the story. You can find that review here.

Things You Save in a Fire, had me laughing and crying, and then upset when someone interrupted my crying. It’s such a wonderful story about love, forgiveness and the power of healing from the things that try to break us as we go through life. Cassie was such a relatable character for me, as I had my own set of issues with my parents growing up, my father to be more specific, and I could understand her anger and how through the years, that resentment becomes your safety blanket, that wall that keeps people out, it really does become your prison while you believe, its here to keep you safe. It’s not.

Katherine does such a wonderful job of giving us characters to relate to and love, she gives us such a realistic and yet wonderful world to take part it, and then she takes us through an entire emotional roller coaster. I knew I would love this book. I knew because with some authors one book is all you need to know that you are always going to love their work. How to Walk Away was that book for me, and that little cross over that happened here between the 2 books, had me giddy as can be. Silly, I know.

I look forward to reading more from Mrs. Center, past and future work. I want to make it a point to read all of her books, as I feel like at least these 2 have come with valuable life lessons. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary American fiction, or anyone who loves a great story.

4.5 Stars
This was a really sweet story about love and forgiveness that had me in tears as it drew to an end.
At the beginning of the book, Cassie is a highly successful firefighter at her station in Austin, TX. Unbelievably strong and great at her job, she's well-loved at her station, "just one of the guys". After an unexpected incident occurs, it becomes clear that Cassie has some painful events from the past that she may now be forced to face. Following the incident, Cassie decides to move in with her mother in Boston. She takes a job in her new city, where she faces some difficulties fitting in as the only woman at the station and developing relationships with her coworkers, as well as her estranged mother. It is here that she is forced to face the issues from her past.
Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read. It is definitely chick-lit, as it was quite sappy at times. I would recommend it if you like that type of book.

Meet Cassie Hanwell, with all her stoic faults and hangups -- all of which originate on her 16th birthday. But now she's 26 and her structured, hard-earned life of independence and self-reliance is about to be, well, set on fire... One of the best and most engaging stories I've read in a while -- with twists and turns the reader likely won't anticipate. Things You Save In A Fire will not only keep you up all night in page-turning anticipation of what could happen next, but it will also make you think about your choices, relationships,, love, and forgiveness....and what it means to be human. This is truly one of my new favorites!

Five stars are not nearly enough to rate this phenomenal read by Katherine Center. I am a huge fan of Katherine and her books and this one did not disappoint!
I was absolutely enthralled by the main character Cassie- a strong, capable, smart only-woman firefighter in Austin TX who after an incident is forced to leave her home and station. She then chooses to go to Boston, where her estranged mother has requested her to help come take care of her. As she struggles to find her way at the new fire station- with a crew (less accepting of her than her TX crew) she also has to work her way through this new relationship with her mother.
This story is incredibly detailed yet fast-paced and you won't be able to put it down. It features romance, forgiveness, family, girl-power, trust, and the love of family. It's a beautiful thought-provoking story that had me thinking about it long after the last page. Congrats Katherine Center on another incredible book! As always will be anxiously awaiting your next read!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Katherine Center for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Things You Save in a Fire did not disappoint. While it read a lot like a "Chicago Fire" episode, it was original as well. Very timely subject matter with the #metoo movement. I was very excited to have the chance to read this book and it held my attention the whole way through. Loved this book!

Katherine Center does it again with Things You Save in A Fire. I could not put this book down, and I am already telling everyone I know to make sure to grab a copy in August.

"Choosing to love-despite all the ways that people let you down, and disappear, and break your heart. Knowing everything we know about how hard life is and choosing to love anyway... That's not weakness. That is courage."

Cassie is a firefighter first and for most. She has worked her way up the ladder and has an award winning career in Texas. When out of the blue her estranged mother calls and needs Cassie's help for a year, resulting in an unwanted move to Massachusetts, and working her way up in another fire department. Cassie has closed herself off to everyone around her, and is determined to just focus on her firefighting career. There is no way she will forgive her mother for walking out on her and her father when she was sixteen, and definitely no room for romance. When she walks into her new station that first morning she meets the 'rookie" and try as she will there is just something about him that she can't seem to shake off. Maybe she can find forgiveness and love in this new life that she has been forced to start.

The best part about this book was just how relatable all of the characters were. I laughed and I cried my way through. I can not recommend this book enough!

I read "How to Walk Away" last year and I was so entranced by her character development. I was thrilled to read "Things You Save in a Fire". Cassie is a firefighter who has had her world turned upside down. This novel is warm and inviting. It mirrors the journey of vulnerability and the courage it takes to become who you were always meant to be. Katherine Center has done it again!

I loved HOW TO WALK AWAY and was very glad to be able to read her next book in advance. It was sooo good. It had romance and humor and pain and also the importance of forgiving. I love this author's books and I LOVE the artwork on the covers. I will definitely purchase this book for my branch library.

This book was so so good. I could barely put it down and when I wasn’t reading I wanted to be! This book is about forgiveness, friendship, betrayal, hardship and so much more! Cassie was a firefighter and a very good one at that especially for being a girl. She was liked by her colleagues and respected. But by reacting without thinking her life changed and she had to move to be close to her mother whom she was estranged with. She didn’t want to go but the choice(s) were next to none. What happened next was a whirlwind and well you’ll have to read the story to find out. I loved this book and I don’t think you will be disappointed! Thank you netgalley for giving me the chance to read this and give a honest review. Release date is August 13,2019! You need to put this one on your tbr list, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Cassie, an experienced firefighter in Texas, finds herself leaving her job and moving to Massachusetts to be with her estranged mother and start a new job. Being the only female firefighter and in a new town, Cassie has to prove herself. Not only is she new to the town, she is also starting her new job at the same time as another firefighter, Owen, a true rookie. Pranks on new members is common, but one member of the firehouse is out get Cassie to leave. This story has everything, humor, anger, danger and love. I hated to see it end.

I had never read anything by this author before but after reading this I think I may go hunt down every book she’s ever written. This book was an incredible journey through pain and suffering and love and loss, and how it shapes who you become. I’m really not even sure how to quite put in words how much I enjoyed this book. The characters were so relatable and I laughed, cried, smiled and become incredibly angry through the pages. An excellent book draws you into the characters and evokes all kinds of emotion, this book goes above and beyond in doing so.

I LOVE all things Katherine Center! This book is no exception. Katherine has a way of creating her characters in such a way that you feel like you know them personally and you miss them when you finish her books.

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

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

I absolutely loved Things You Save in a Fire. It was engaging right from the start, introducing Cassie, a exceptional firefighter but a woman running from her past. When Cassie's mother becomes ill, Cassie has to face a choice- to live before in her comfortable yet lonely existence or confront her demons, prove her worth as a woman firefighter, and open her heart to love. This book is fantastic!

Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy of this novel!

Things You Save in a Fire hit home for me as a female in the military. It was refreshing to read about a strong woman navigating a male dominated field realistically. There were a couple cringe-worthy, hyperbolic events the main character, Cassie, did to show up the men, but the rest were great. Cassie's internal thoughts and struggles were balanced with hilarity and actuality. Katherine Center's writing style is exquisite; I felt Cassie's joy as well as the tension of her ethical career dilemmas. The obstacles career women face amidst men were captured perfectly. I literally found myself frequently thinking "Man, I love this book!"
I dropped a star because of a particular scene where Cassie is a bit aggressively perverse. It detracted a bit from the anti-sexual-assault stance and gender equality in responsibility for our sexual endeavors.

This is a quick, fun read that I stayed up past my bedtime to finish. I recommend! Also, I totally cast the Netflix movie in my head as I was reading. Emma Stone would make a terrific Cassie and I’d cast Julianne Moore as Diana. Someone young and hot would have to be Owen. And someone like Mark Wahlberg as the Captain.. Maybe Alec Baldwin as Destasio? Anyway, I enjoyed this one and now I’m planning to read Center’s book that was published this year.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! I will definitely recommend my book reading friends pick this one up when it’s published next year!

The story and the cast of characters were the best! This book was hard to put down, and leaves you wanting more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Cassie Hanwell is a strong, independent woman, a firefighter who's proved herself over and over and become an important part of her station family in Texas. But after her estranged mother requests her help with a medical issue, Cassie moves across country. She joins another station desperate for an experienced firefighter...just not a woman. Most of her new co-workers are against women joining the department and Cassie repeatedly has to prove herself. Be strong, hide your feminine side...and never date firefighters!
I really enjoyed this book and I liked how she described the fun-loving and laid back atmosphere at the fire station. Cassie is such a strong female character, willing to learn new methods to overcome her weaknesses of strength and size. And Owen just seems like such a great guy, gradually showing her that love isn't such a bad thing.

Things You Save in a Fire - Cassie Hanwell is a female firefighter in Austin, Texas. Rising through the ranks by her strength, courage and tenacity she exemplifies what it means to be a hero. Cassie's life is being a firefighter... When her long estranged mother calls to ask for her to come live with her in Massachusetts she is not ready to abandon her life for someone who abandoned her ten years ago. However, after a chance encounter with a man from her past her life changes.

This is my second book by Katherine Center and I love the way she creates these hopeful stories while slowly building characters so you develop a kinship and can't help but route for them. Things You Save in a Fire is a story about hope, perseverance, forgiveness, making tough choices and how all of those things effect who you become. I am not a reader who requires or hopes for a happy ending except I couldn't help but want the best for Cassie. While there are a few plot points that were a little bit of a reach I simply just liked this book! Fast paced book, heartwarming it'll be a great book to add to your summer reading lists in 2019.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date August 2019

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. I am a huge fan of Katherine Center's work and I thought it would be tough to top, How to Walk Away, but this story did it. It has everything! Suspense, a strong female lead, romance and a huge theme of forgiveness. I really appreciated a story line of a strong woman working in a male-dominated field-fire fighting. The author portrayed the main character, Cassie Hanwell
as a woman who thought she needed to be more, do more to even be accepted by her co=workers, but as the story progressed the author made it clear that she was enough and she brought so much to the table not because she could be "as good as" her coworkers, but because as herself, she was enough. Really enjoyed this one!

A feel-good read about falling in love and learning how to forgive.

*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Katherine Center has done it again! I loved reading this sweet love story about not only falling in love with another person but also truly forgiving yourself and others. Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter trying to prove herself in a traditionally male dominated job. Just when she becomes comfortable in her job in Austin, Texas, she finds herself uprooted and moves to an area outside of Boston to help her mother. The same mother who left her and her father on Cassie's sixteenth birthday. Throughout the novel, Cassie learns to forgive her mother and learn to truth others again. Already looking forward to the next Katherine Center book!

This author was totally new to me, I picked this book off of netgalley just from seeing the cover. Once I started reading it and realized it was about a female firefighter I wasn't really sure how interesting it would be to me or if i would like it. I was more than pleasantly surprised! I loved it! She had razor sharp dialog and I love it when authors write books and include what the character is thinking. She did a great job of showing the characters thoughts, and I won't lie, her thought process was a whole lot like mine! I found the firefighting angle actually really interesting. I had never thought about all the hard things that firefighters and EMT's see. So that was really informative to me. I loved that there was romance, but it wasn't smutty. They "did the deed" but we didn't have to read all about the anatomy of it, which i greatly appreciated! I will be putting Katherine Center on my must read list now!

4.5 Stars

Cassie Hanwell is one strong cookie! She must be - she is the only female firefighter at her station. To prove herself, she must be better, faster, and harder working than her male counterparts. She works in a male dominated field...how male dominated? I did some research and found that "There are 1.16 million firefighters in the United States, but only 7 percent are women according to the National Fire Protection Association." That's a big gap and Cassie feels it in this book!

Cassie is a complete professional when dealing with emergencies, high stress situations and tragedies on the job. In her personal life - not so much. You see, Cassie doesn't have a personal life. She doesn't date, she doesn't hang out, she doesn't really have friends, she's not looking for a boyfriend, she fills her life with work and responsibility.

She is torn when she receives a call from her estranged and ailing Mother. A mother who left when Cassie was a teenager, a Mother she has spent years being angry at. But when an incident occurs at an awards ceremony, Cassie decides to transfer to a new firehouse outside of Boston so that she can work while helping her Mother.

Once again, she is one of the newest members at a fire-station that isn’t too happy to have a female there. She is subjected to hazing and must prove herself and her abilities as a firefighter. She knew it would be hard staring over, she was mentally prepared for that. What she wasn't prepared for was the feelings she began to experience when she met the Rookie, Owen Callahan. Her old chief gave her strict instructions: Never date a firefighter! It doesn't help that the two newbies get paired up for everything. She can't escape him or her feelings.

She also can't escape her feelings about being around her Mother. Forgiveness is a theme in this book. Forging others. Forging yourself. That being vulnerable does not make you weak and that giving someone a second chance can turn everything around.

I loved how this book was about relationships in various forms - friendships, relationships with co-workers, relationships between a parent and their child, romantic relationships, etc. I also loved the theme of forgiveness and the path the characters choose to go on in terms of forgiveness.

I also loved how Cassie was a strong female character who changed and grew over the course of this book. She had flaws, she had pain, she had sadness and anger, she also had courage, heart, and determination. She felt real/believable. What she was feeling and how she re-acted to situations made sense.

I enjoy romances and this was so much more than that. It contained great likable (and some not so likable) characters, a great theme, and the growth of the characters. This was a captivating and engaging book. It is beautifully written and grabbed my attention right away. I rooted for several of the characters and loved every single page. Plus, it did not feel rushed at all and it had an epilogue! YES! Plus, there is a little nod to the accident from :How to Walk Away which I thought was a nice touch.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was just a wonderful story. it had all the elements I look for in good writing, as well as good story. Will llok for more from this author!

I just finished this novel. It was easy to fall in love with the characters. I loved Cassie and my heart went out to her and her situation. It was a real page turner. I will be reading more from this author.

Beautifully written, heartfelt book. Story of a firefighter who uproots her entire life to help her estranged mother through an illness. Ultimately uplifting story about forgiveness and family. Excellent book, highly recommend.

I recently read Katherine Center's How to Walk Away, so was excited to read her newest title. I was not disappointed. Center has a way of creating a strong female protagonist that you can't help but root for, and writes a novel that is easy to get lost in. I couldn't put this book down, and found myself often feeling many different emotions: anger, frustration, happiness, sadness. You name it, I felt it as the novel unfolded. I know that I will be recommending this book for others to read when it is released!

I finished it in just over 24 hours. This book is just my style of sappy, heartwarming, and fun: firefighter Cassie is tough as leather after experiencing a lifetime of disappointments and abandonment, but is suddenly forced to move across the country to care for her sick, estranged mother. She is only able to find a job in a station where she is the first female firefighter among a group of mostly misogynistic males, and must constantly prove herself. Center’s books tend to have a life-lesson (you know I love life-lessons!), this one’s being: “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find, you get what you need.” (Fiction)

From my blog post here: https://fancylibrarian.com/2019/02/01/what-i-read-january-2019/

Katherine Center is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. She writes romance novels, but there is always so much depth to them. I loved the main character in this novel, an incredible firefighter who no longer believed in love. I try not to read late into the night anymore, but I couldn't help it with this book. The firefighter culture was interesting, and there were several great twists. It was heartbreaking but also beautiful, and I loved the message of forgiveness.

Cassie is a 20-something firefighter in Austin, Texas. She has climbed the ranks with her fearless, yet level-headed approach to being a firefighter. Originally destined for medical school, she first became and EMT and then moved on to being a paramedic when she realized how much this suited her personality. She’s tiny but powerful. And her mannerisms make her a perfect fit for the firehouse.

When presented with an award from the city for a heroic effort, she is face to face with someone from her past. Her reaction changes the course of her life. Cassie is confronted with things that she can’t treat the same way she could in the past. What was once easy is now hard. Cassie is forced to learn many lessons about herself and forgiveness along the way.

I didn’t quite know how to categorize this book as I read it. At times it felt like a romance novel, but then it would detour off into contemporary fiction or suspense. It is a book that can’t be simply classified into one genre or another. It is about family and love and life and the wrenches that are often thrown our way just when we think we have it all figured out. It was a great read. I didn’t expect to love it the way I did, or to quite fall in love with Cassie the way I did. Katherine Center made Cassie real not so much with her bravery, but with her more fallible characteristics. In fact, there is a lot of human frailty in this book. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.

How to Walk Away was one of my favorite books from last year and I was so excited to get an advanced copy of Things You Save in a Fire. Cassie's story was heartbreakingly beautiful. I loved how the author brought her to life, I have never read a character like her. The Rookie was written equally as wonderful. I couldn't help but fall a little in love with him myself. This book was one that I was not able to put down.

I can't wait to read more from Katherine Center. 5 stars!

A sweet story with a great ending. Lots of emotional exploration. Some interesting twists on the way to a happy ending.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading about a woman in what’s typically a man’s profession and how she worked hard to be better.

I loved How to Walk Away, so I was thrilled to see a new book by Katherine Center, and even more excited when I received an ARC to review. I loved this book, I laughed, I may have cried a little, and then I added Katherine Center to my list of to-read authors.

Cassie is a female fire=fighter, Cassie is strong, brave and complex. Cassie has made a life for herself in Austin, but when her estranged mother calls and reveals she is ill. Cassie makes the difficult choice to head back to Massachusetts to care for her, which means being the new, and only female once again at the firehouse. While Cassie is working hard to prove herself to all those who doubt her at her new station, she meets Owen, a fellow firefighter. Cassie had been warned by her previous chief- never date a firefighter.

What results is a book of relationships, and forgiveness. I was completely hooked. Things You Save in A Fire will be released in August, and I can see it being one of the best books of the summer.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review!

I was immediately drawn into this book by the unique character of a female firefighter but stayed for the complex relationships, mysteries and romantic promises. It was engaging and I couldnt put it down. My only wish was more firehouse drama and fire fighting but overall it was a great read.

I LOVED this book! I can’t wait to check out others by this author. While the plot was fairly predictable, I still found that I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters and the themes of love and forgiveness. Made me laugh, made me cry, made me think - what more can you hope for in a book?

A book with so many lessons and wonderful messages. In this book the main character Cassie learns many ways to forgive and to love. Cassie is a female firefighter and, at her job in Austin, is well liked and treated equally. Austin is very progressive and even has a female fire chief. Then all of a sudden Cassie's mother (who she barely speaks to) is ill and asks her to come stay and help take care of her. Cassie originally turns the offer down but soon after is told she will lose her current job (if she does not apologize for a recent sticky situation) or can transfer somewhere else. Cassie (for good reason) does not apologize and decides to transfer to a new station. This station has been male dominated since its existence and she is not welcomed with open arms. To make the situation worse Cassie begins to fall for the rookie and one of her number one rules is not to fall for any of the firehouse men. The story is fun and clever and takes you on many twists and turns. LOVED this book and will recommend highly to others.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy romances sometimes and this was more than just that. I loved how the story and the main character grew and evolved throughout. This book is about relationships in various forms and is beautifully written. Lessons of love, forgiveness, healing and hope is how I would sum it up! A must read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I received an arc from netgalley for my honest review.
This was such a sweet story about a woman in a predominantly male profession. It’s was fun to watch Cassie navigate her daily work life, while also trying to forgive a lot of people for her past. It was a fun, quick read.