Things You Save in a Fire

Things You Save in a Fire is one of those books that, if I could, I’d give it a ten-star rating! I would, honestly, there is no limit on the stars for this book! I loved getting to know Cassie Hanwell. From the start she was a take charge character but there was also an underlying sense of vulnerability in her that was only expressed in a passive way. It was her unwillingness to allow anyone into her life both literally and figuratively that was the real clue that underneath her calm and controlled exterior there were troubled waters. Troubles that came out in an explosive way that was slightly confusing in the moment but as the story progressed it was really a “you go, girl!” type of situation.Cassie’s questionable choice came with consequences that threatened everything that she held dear. Backed into a corner, Cassie made a Hail Mary type of request in hopes of holding onto a shred of everything she had spent years building. Although she was unhappy with the situation, she was relieved that she might be able to salvage what she could of her career. Now, all she had to do was figure out how she was going to deal with living with the woman that she closed her heart off to years ago. When her mother called asking her to leave everything to help her for a year, Cassie did not realize that her choices would start her on a life path that she would never have conceived for herself.When Cassie moved to Rockport, a town outside of Boston, Massachusetts, all she wanted to do was keep her head down and do her job as a firefighter. She knew to expect a challenge in her new work place but she never expected that her challenge would be both professional and personal. She had intended to keep her heart as hard as stone, keep everyone at arm’s distance and do her time but neither her time in the new fire department or with her mother were what she had expected. Day by day Cassie’s outlook shifted, bit by bit her hardened exterior cracked and she allowed her vulnerable self to step forward. As time passed Cassie came to understand that she needed this transformation, that nothing would ever be the same for her, and that, ultimately, it was a welcomed change.I will just reiterate that I loved reading Things You Save in a Fire! This story was filled with meaning, solid characters, humor, struggle, suspense, and tragedy. There were many times where I just laughed out loud with the shenanigans that were pulled at the Boston fire department, what an interesting group of guys. There was plenty of tension in Cassie’s life but the reasons for the tension are not what you would expect. I did like how the experience at both work and home was not what Cassie had prepared herself for because what she was expecting was not something that I was sure I wanted to be a part of. One thing I wish would have been different was to have known Owen’s inner thoughts. At the start he seemed just kinda “there” but that quickly resolved itself and by the end I knew how he felt with a certainty, which I loved! Overall, Things You Save in a Fire was such a moving read that will remind you that forgiveness is not easily given but the rewards from such an act of bravery is priceless.This review is based on a complimentary book I received from NetGalley. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

How to Walk Away was one of my favorite books from 2018. When I heard Katherine Center was releasing another book, I knew I had to read it. Things You Save in a Fire was exactly what I was expecting. The writing was brilliant. the characters were fleshed out and lovable. The story and drama were entertaining and pulled me in. There wasn’t much about this book that I didn’t love.Cassie was this tough as nail firefighter who didn’t want to stand out in the crowd of firefighters. She tried to blend in as much as could with her fellow male counterparts. While I was impressed with her ability to do so, I was sad that she had to do that in 2019. I know a lot of women do, though, in many jobs. It added a very interesting aspect to this love story. It made Cassie’s feelings for the rookie a tad bit stressful and emotional in a way I couldn’t have seen coming.I loved everything about Cassie and Owen’s (non-)relationship. The way everything built between them was perfect. I felt their connection. I enjoyed how Cassie tried to avoid it. It was just really cute…and emotional. I won’t go into why it was so emotional because I don’t want to ruin anything, but Cassie had some healing to do where love was concerned. I enjoyed how she worked through her issues with love.Part of those love issues for Cassie had to do with her mom. I adored her mother in this book. I get why Cassie had to work on forgiveness. Forgiveness was a huge part of this book, and I liked how it was done — with one exception.One of the biggest villains was forgiven more quickly than I liked. The severity of the hurt they caused felt almost brushed over by the rate of forgiveness. I am glad this person was forgiven, but I wanted more legal retribution. This person didn’t have to deal with their actions in the way I thought they should have. I did like how they atoned and made a huge effort to apologize, though.Other than that, this story was perfection in my eyes. It was a great inspirational story that has me eagerly anticipating Katherine Center’s next book.

I'm not a big reader but given I am part of a book club - I have been reading quite a bit (yay!). This is a great book, interesting and easy read. Worth taking some time for yourself to submerge into it. I can recommend it!

Decidí comprar el libro en físico porque tan solo costaba 30 pesos más que el libro en Kindle.

I bought this book on a whim because of the reviews and the price dropping to $9 for a hardcover. I read it within 24h. Great premise for a story, great pace, a real page turner, great character development, and a main character you really wanna root for from start to finish. What a badass!I was truly pleasantly surprised. The writing is done well, too. The author covers topics that are heavy and serious, but does so in a way I found perfect for my liking - not everything is spoon fed and fleshed out for the reader. Some things are left to the imagination and one’s own understanding and perspective on life. I found it refreshing compared to the really cringe summer reads I’ve read lately that have become so acclaimed but leave much to be desired despite critical acclaim.I will be exploring other novels from the writer - she really stands above the rest of the female writers that have been promoted the last two summers, with little merit.

Like I couldn't not resist myself from reading the book. The stories are so interesting as it describes the life of the author as a firefighter, it is very relatable.

La protagonista es una bombera que tendrá que superar el machismo que se respira en su nuevo destino. Es una mujer valiente, y luchadora. La escritora describe esta profesión muy bien.

This was my first time reading Center, but it won't be my last!This is the story of a female Texas firefighter who lands in hot-water when she gives a politician from her past their comeuppance ... but her career is somewhat saved when she's offered a move to Boston, to let the controversy blow over - that also coincides with her estranged mother begging her to come stay, and help her out post eye-surgery.There's a lot of tension and fault-lines established early; our heroine Cassie hasn't been close to her mother, ever since she walked out on the family on Cassie's 16th birthday to be with the man she'd been having an affair with. Cassie is also moving to an old-school (and rundown) Boston firehouse full of old-guard firefighters who don't like the idea of a woman on their turf.To add to the complications is Cassie starting her new job alongside an Irish-legacy firefighter rookie who is the first person to make Cassie's heart beat fast and even consider knocking down some of the walls she's put up over the years to protect herself.I loved this book - I wasn't surprised at the acknowledgements to find that Center's partner was once a medic and is still a volunteer firefighter, because the insights she gives to the culture of camaraderie (tinged with misogyny) and the patterns of fires was really fascinating and clearly came from a place of deep respect to understanding. I also really loved the romance between Cassie and 'The Rookie' - Owen. It was a slow-burn (ha!) that really paid off.I cried buckets reading this, and my only criticism was that the last two-thirds or so of the novel felt extremely rushed and like a fast-forwarded montage I would have appreciated living inside of a little more as reader.But overall I'm glad I've finally given this author a try, and I look forward to delving into her backlist!