Things You Save in a Fire, by Katherine Center- 4 Stars

[Joi]

So, I thought this was going to be contemporary fiction, a la Little Fires Everywhere. (maybe I assumed since they both had 'fire' in the title?). This is actually a romance, chick-lit book. This could have had a hot firefighter (or many) on the cover. That being said, their marketing worked- because I picked this up, and I wouldn't normally pick up a book with steamy men on the front normally. But SURPRISE! I really liked this!

Cassie is a firewoman in Austin. Her semi-estranged mother calls her home to help aid her, paired with a dramatic event while receiving an award-pushes her to go. She is now in a new world that doesn't accept female fighters. Lots of "got to prove my worth". I loved the look into the "fireworld" both in action, loved that live fire scene at the end- as well as firehouse living. I have lived vicariously in this fireworld through my family my entire life, and I loved a book set in this setting. Cassie is a badass female firefighter (maybe a little too perfect), and I though this explored the pros and cons of being a female firefighter well.

For being a romance book, though things never get graphic, the book keeps it PG- which surprised me. Cassie oftentimes felt too good at her job, too perfect- she didn't seem to have an flaws or faults. Just something in her past that wasn't handled super well. Her love interest also (view spoiler)[seemed way too perfect, without faults- but also some emotional baggage that has nothing to do with the way the story plays out (hide spoiler)] The ending (view spoiler)[proposing at the hospital after waking up from a coma? Plus they've never even had sex?! (hide spoiler)]was absolutely nutso, wrapped with a tidy ribbon, and then an unnecessary epilogue that added a million tiny bows on top of the ribbon.

This was not perfect by any means, but fun for the ride.

[Book Concierge]

You liked it more than I did. 2.5** (rounded up to 3)

[Jgrace]

Not going to read this one. It hits too close to home. To the home I was very happy to find unharmed when I returned to it yesterday.
The things I saved when I left? Myself, my dog, my laptop, an overnight bag of clothes, a briefcase of important papers. It's amazing how unimportant 'stuff' becomes when the sky is full of smoke and flame.

[Karin]

Jgrace wrote: "Not going to read this one. It hits too close to home. To the home I was very happy to find unharmed when I returned to it yesterday.
The things I saved when I left? Myself, my dog, my laptop, an ..."

I missed the part about your fire! You chose your items well, and I'm glad that your home is unharmed.

[Joanne]

Jgrace wrote: "Not going to read this one. It hits too close to home. To the home I was very happy to find unharmed when I returned to it yesterday.
The things I saved when I left? Myself, my dog, my laptop, an ..."

Oh JG! So glad you and your pooch are ok! Good call with the laptop and papers. I can't imagine where my head would be in situation like this. Of course my pooch would be first on my mind. Besides that-probably my wedding ring, which is an heirloom, and I hardly wear anymore-yes I bet you wipe the stuff from your mind when you find yourself in a situation like this. Again, glad you are safe~!

[Jgrace]

Thanks! I've hijacked Joi's review because I couldn't help responding to the title of her book. The experience is too immediate at the moment.

[Amy]

JG - grateful blessings tonight. Holding you and your family in my heart.

[Joi]

Oh, JG. So sorry to hear that. No one in the book actually had to make this decision, but pretty crazy to think of what might happen/what you might save if you had to. Glad to hear you and doggy are safe.

[Jgrace]

Joi wrote: "Oh, JG. So sorry to hear that. No one in the book actually had to make this decision, but pretty crazy to think of what might happen/what you might save if you had to. Glad to hear you and doggy ar..."

Thanks! But don't be sorry. I had a house to come home to. It was a very close thing.

[Theresa]

JG - so happy you were able to come home to find your home intact! What you have gone through I too have experienced. I personally had to abandon an apartment back in 1988 when fire broke out 2 floors below me. I remember pulling on clothes, shoes, coat, grabbing my purse, looking around and thinking 'it's just stuff', and then rousting my roommates and getting as all out of the apartment to safety. Fortunately we were able to come back too. But, that's not always the case -- as a client of mine recently experienced.