Things You Save in a Fire

A Novel

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Pub Date 13 Aug 2019 | Archive Date 15 Sep 2019

Description

**INDIE NEXT PICK FOR AUGUST**

**AN AUGUST 2019 LIBRARYREADS SELECTION**

**BOOK OF THE MONTH PICK FOR JULY**

**AN AMAZON EDITOR’S PICK FOR AUGUST**

“Center gives readers a sharp and witty exploration of love and forgiveness that is at once insightful, entertaining, and thoroughly addictive.”
KIRKUS, STARRED REVIEW

“An appealing heroine, a compelling love story, a tearjerking twist, and a thoroughly absorbing story. Another winner from Center.”
BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW

A spirited, independent heroine meets a smoking-hot fireman in Center’s smart romance… If you enjoyed ‘The Kiss Quotient,’ by Helen Hoang, read Things You Save in a Fire”’
THE WASHINGTON POST

From the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away comes a stunning new novel about courage, hope, and learning to love against all odds.


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.

**INDIE NEXT PICK FOR AUGUST**

**AN AUGUST 2019 LIBRARYREADS SELECTION**

**BOOK OF THE MONTH PICK FOR JULY**

**AN AMAZON EDITOR’S PICK FOR AUGUST**

“Center gives readers a sharp and witty exploration of...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781250047328
PRICE $26.99 (USD)
PAGES 320

Average rating from 1465 members


Featured Reviews

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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 :)

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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~

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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!!⁣ ⁣

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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..

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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I read How to Walk Away earlier this year and loved it, and was very excited to get a copy of Things You Save in a Fire from Netgalley.

Firefighter Cassie Hanwell IS her career. She’s a tough, no-nonsense firefighter at a diverse progressive firehouse in Austin. Until one day she has to relocate to a very tradition Boston fire station and move in and help care for her estranged mother. At the station she is forced to deal with hazing and discrimination from the firefighters who have never had a “lady” firefighter in their crew before. She struggles to fit in and prove her worth all while helping the rookie who started on the same day she did.

A wonderful read about family, learning to love and forgive not only others, but yourself.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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,

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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!

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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.

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<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.

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

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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I was very excited to read this book as I had really enjoyed How to Walk Away. I was not disappointed. I was so happy to read a book with such a strong female protagonist. It was a great story, not only from the firefighting perspective, but also from the overcoming pain and suffering and forgiving against all odds. It was fast paced, I didn’t want to put it down and ended up staying up way too late to finish it. I definitely recommend this book!

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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.

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Fantastic! I read this one is close to one sitting. One of the things I love about Katherine Center's writing is that she sucks you into a world, takes you on an emotional journey, and she doesn't shy away from the tough topics.

This is a great book for when you want some personal growth with your romance, and affirmative consent.

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“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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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"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.

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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

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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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.

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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.

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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>

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!!!

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*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.

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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!

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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😍

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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!

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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".

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@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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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I was really excited about this one because I absolutely loved How to Walk Away, one of my favorite books of 2018. The synopsis was really intriguing....it’s interesting to read about women succeeding in a male-dominated career. I didn’t quite connect with the main character and found myself skimming through some of the book. I liked it but didn’t love it.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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I absolutely LOVED How to Walk Away and was so excited when NetGalley gave me the opportunity to review this book before its publication (August 2019)!

Fans of JoJo Moyes and Kristan Higgins will enjoy the strong, yet emotionally barred Cassie Hanwell, a paramedic/fire fighter who has to leave a life she fought to earn behind, to face issues from a past even further behind. Cassie has a very different vibe than the character in Catherine Center’s last novel. This surprised me at first, but left me with admiration for an author who can present us with a totally different, but still very believable, character.

Patriarchy, forgiveness, and trust are some themes you will come across. You will learn more about firefighting than you expect, and actually enjoy it! The bonds Cassie builds between male and female characters involve different sets of rules and challenges, not to mention the journey she takes within herself.

In both of Center’s novels, some problems remain unresolved, and I find this so important. I also enjoyed a head nod to the narrator from How to Walk Away, and - did I notice - a potential character for a new novel?! I sure hope so.

My reason for the 4 rather than 5 stars is that, especially near the end, I jumped from action to action, where it felt like I was skimming to major plot points rather than reading word for word. I could have used some more development with some characters who became pivotal at the end, who I forgot even existed prior to that moment.

Thanks again to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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I give this book a solid 4.5 stars. After reading How to walk away, I was hooked on the writing style of Katherine Center. I was THRILLED when I was accepted to read the ARC through net galley of Things You Save in a Fire and I jumped right in.

Page after page I fell in love with the story and the characters. Cassie is totally someone I could buddy up with and I had tears forming by the end of the book. This was a wonderful, happy, romantic novel with moments of difficulties that really made me feel close to the characters.

I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the novels that Catherine Center has written, and will be written. I will be sharing my review on social media as the release date comes closer.

*This my first review and I hope to improve putting my thoughts and feelings into a proper review.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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!

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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.

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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!

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

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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Love love loved this book! Since I really enjoyed How to Walk Away, I was really excited to read this one and it did not disappoint!

Cassie, a female firefighter located in Texas has a strong love and passion for her (mostly male dominated) career. When she is “forced” to relocate to Massachusetts to assist her estranged mother with care, she embarks on a journey where her emotional past comes to the forefront. Cassie is learning how to navigate her new relationship with her mom, her new fire crew who isn’t exactly thrilled to have a women on the team, and her unexpected feelings for the new rookie fireman. This is a story about forgiveness- forgiving yourself and forgiving others, even when you feel like you can’t. You just might be surprised what can happen when you do.

Katherine really has a style and way of writing they really captures you and makes you fall in love with the characters. This is a must read!

Special thanks to St. Martins Press for allowing me to read this ARC.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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/

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We are in the era of female empowerment and Things You Save in a Fire is the perfect read for this era. If you like badass firewomen, forgiveness, humor, self reflection, love and lessons learned - you will love this book. If you don't, maybe you should read this book and it will make you like those things. Katherine Center is a fabulous author and I was very impressed with this book. MUST READ!!!

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Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC ecopy for my Kindle.
Cass is a female firefighter in Austin, TX. She's accepted by the all male firefighters and when she is scheduled to receive an award at a dinner, the presenter is someone from her past. What happens then changes her life, and she moves to MA to take a new job in a rural fire house and to also take care of her dying mother who left her 10 yrs. ago. Cass is not welcomed to this all male fire house and what happens to her only strengthens her and makes her a better person.
A book about forgiveness with a touch of romance makes this an interesting read.

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It's funny, because as something marketed as a romance, I felt the romance was easily the weaker part of this novel. (I found it baffling that she never once actually describes what this rookie looks like in any detail, other than our MC finding him attractive.) I did like the issue of being a woman in a male-dominated workplace, especially the fire service which is, as displayed in the book slow to change. Is it cheesy at times? Sure, but overall a decent read.

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I am an emerging fan of Katherine Center and was ecstatic to receive the opportunity to review this book through advanced review. Her ability to create strong and witty female leads is unparalleled, Cassie Hanwell was no exception. An award-winning Austin firefighter who is forced to reconnect with her aging, blinding, and estranged mother, struggles with intimacy and sexism as she tries to navigate a new workplace. The characters are well developed and their depth does not feel forced. I thoroughly loved this tale and found myself rooting for Cassie and all the characters the whole way through!

Beneath the comical veneer is a story that directly commentates on said sexism in the workplace, the adjustments women have to make in order to get through these environments, and the expectations we place on ourselves in order to meet them. Center possesses an ability to capture universal and deep experiences, such as trauma and loss, with humor and wit. I cannot recommend Center's work, this tale, and How to Walk Away, enough!

Improvements: Some of the pacing in the beginning was slow and the timeline in the beginning was a little jumpy, at times felt I was being pulled in too many directions in the beginning, this could be smoother. There might also be room to build up her mother's condition throughout the tale to help with flow. She moves to the Northeast to help her mother as she goes blind, but you never really see her caring for her mother in this way. Otherwise, great, read, can't recommend Katherine Center enough to anyone.

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I really liked this book and read it in 2 days. Cassie Hanwell, the main character, is a badass female firefighter. Her struggles to be accepted in a male dominated career mean she has to be faster and smarter and work harder than anyone else in order to be taken seriously, something a lot of women can relate to. She is a flawed human, who, due to situations in her past, doesn't let anyone get close and struggles with forgiveness. But that all starts to change as the book goes on. I thought the author did a great job developing the character of Cassie, having her evolve and grow, making her not only believable but relatable. Forgiveness - of others and of ones self - is an important theme that really hit home with me. Though a little predictable, this was a great read.

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I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The story of a female firefighter working through the ranks who is extremely dedicated to her job.

I appreciate the point of view the story is told from. I found the writing to be easy to read and easy to follow and really liked the writing style. The story itself was very interesting. I would definitely read something by Katherine Center again.

My only complaint would be that the ending of the book felt a little be rushed and then a bit too tidy.

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This was my first Katherine Center book and I loved it! I look forward to reading more of hers. Cassie is a firefighter who moves from Texas to Massachusetts to be with her ailing mom who left her when she was 16. In doing so, she has to start over at a new firestation- one that has never had a female firefighter before. That alone would make for an interesting plot, but this book is so much more than that. It is romance...it's a little suspense...it's action...there's humor...it's girl power...it's serious. Center covers topics like love, forgiveness, being a woman in a man's world, family, and assault. This book is different than anything I've read before. Everything in it seems natural- nothing is forced and cliche. And I cared so much about Cassie, Owen, Diana...I love a book where I care about what happens to the characters.

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Oh, Katherine Center, how I love you! Writing this as I wipe happy tears from my face. Despite receiving this ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, I still plan on purchasing this beautiful story as soon as it hits shelves! Center writes a heart-warming story about Cassie, a fierce female firefighter. Filled with strong characters (literally and figuratively), readers follow a story of love, fear, and the beauty of forgiveness. Wonderful!

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Oh my goodness. Five brightly-shining, hopeful, joyful stars. It’s only January and I can already tell this is going to be on my list of favorite books of 2019. Katherine Center, you magnificent woman, you’ve done it again. I think I loved this one even more than I loved How To Walk Away.
This is a story of hurt, anger, injustice, forgiveness, love, hope, and an incredibly strong woman. As is her custom, Katherine Center has managed to weave a beautiful story with a powerful message without being heavy-handed or preachy. Brava! I was devestated for this one to end!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for review.

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Cassie Hanwell is a female firefighter with a complicated history of trauma and desertion. On the night she is supposed to receive a prestigious award, her past comes to a head and she loses what feels like everything. After she is given a difficult choice, she moves across the country to take care of her mom, whom she has long been on bad terms with due to her desertion of Cassie as a teenager. She also must join a firefighting crew that is biased against women firefighters so she has to prove herself. As she works on her relationship with her mother and a new friendship with a rookie firefighter, she begins to learn lessons about herself and how to live a more complete life. I really liked Cassie's character and the development she went through as the book progressed.

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This was my first Katherine Center book. Which means I am now a super fan and will read all of her books!

This book was wonderfully written. A female fire fighter transfers across the country due to a request by her estranged mother. She has to transfer from a city and co-workers that love her to a city where women don’t fight fires and men aren’t open to the idea of it.

It’s a story of forgiveness and love. One that has been told many times, but not quite like this. The story is beautiful. I found myself laughing loudly and also quietly crying.

I am so grateful for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion: I LOVED THIS BOOK!

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One of the best novels of the year! Fun, sweet, compassionate tale from Katherine Center. Cassie is a firefighter and not really a people person. She is fantastic at her job and this is where her passion lies, for now. Her mother, who had abandoned her, calls her back home when her health starts to take a decline. Feeling like she has not other option she travels back to a place she is reluctant to with only giving it a year in mind. Even though I was never personally abandoned by my mother - this character is so relatable. You laugh with her, cry with her and almost break out in hysterics with her. Especially when she meets the Rookie. The rookie is the one she can't get out of her head. Yep, sap story coming. When these two meet things get really interesting in the best of ways. I loved everything about this one. A sure recommend!

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Once again, Katherine Center delivers a book that is funny and heart-warming. I loved the characters and the lessons they show us of forgiveness and moving on.
The first chapter had me instantly hooked! Cassie shocked me in that first chapter and I knew I had to get down to the mystery of what happened to her to make her act out like that. I also loved each and every one of the male firefighters she we worked with (even the ones that I had to forgive)

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Cassie has a very structured life until one night she she encounters person from her past and everything gets flipped upside down. Katherine Center has done it again with a beautiful story about finding yourself and the road to forgiveness. I couldn't put it down!

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Katherine Center, you are quickly becoming my new favorite author! I loved How to Walk Away, I couldn't put it down so I couldn't wait to read Things You Save in a Fire and this was another book I could not put down.

Cassie, a firefighter in Texas seems to have everything going for her professionally, until a call from her ill mother has her relocating to Massachusetts to help take care of her. Cassie left a fire station that was extremely progressive, but that isn't what she walks into in Massachusetts, her fellow firefighters don't want to work with a woman and they let her know it. She tries to not let it get to her, proving to them and her mother that she is a tough as nails, but when the rookie firefighter who started on the same day as her, shows her compassion, Cassie realizes what she is missing in her life. Due to trauma she experienced as a teenager, Cassie doesn't let anyone get too close to her and has built walls around herself to not let anyone in. But as her mother and the rookie start to chip away at these walls, she realizes that not only does she have to forgive others, but also most importantly, she needs to forgive herself.

Cassie is the type of character you can't help but root for. You feel her pain and her victories. It's a moving story that had me crying a few times throughout the book. And I love the little call back to How to Walk Away, I love that Center tried to connect the books slightly.

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Thank you Katherine Center for pulling me out of my reading slump! I could not put down this book. It is adorable, romantic and quirky. I love seeing the characters develop. I quickly became immersed in Cassie's story. I felt connected to her trauma and her growth throughout the story. She also is a badass protagonist, I was inspired by her work ethic, firefighting skills and adaptability. This story will be a highly recommended by me to all booklovers!

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Katherine Center's latest novel, Things You Save in a Fire is my favorite book of hers to date. It combines family drama, forgiveness and romance into a very nice story that catches the reader's attention from the beginning and keeps the momentum going throughout the book. Fans of Center will love this one!

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I am so grateful to have had the chance to read this wonderful, heartwarming story. Katherine Center's novels are always adorable, and full of life lessons. You can always count on her to add a little romance, and lots of humor to her stories. Things You Save in a Fire was no different! I loved it from the beginning and cheered for the characters throughout. Cassie, The Rookie, Diana, Josie, etc. Each had a story to tell, and held a puzzle piece to complete this book. I love when a novel can make me feel joy, frustration, and sadness. I love it even more when a novel can make me laugh. This book did all of that and more. Fun Fact: If you read Katherine's previous novel How To Walk Away, there is a little call back to that books main character in the beginning of this one. Love that little tie in! If I had to give one note of constructive criticism, I would say that I go annoyed at Cassie's stubbornness a few times. I understand that Cassie's character was stubborn and she had to be that way to further the story along, but I grew a bit tired of that.

I know you will LOVE this book! Katherine Center's Things You Save in a Fire is bound to be a smashing success!

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At the start of the book, our main character Cassie is a firefighter in Austin, Texas at a progressive, more modern station. At an event where she is to be honoured for her valour, she gets into some trouble. At this point, her mother, who she's estranged from, asks her to come to a small town outside of Boston to care for her because she is sick. At first, she doesn't want to do it, but because of her dad's urging and the trouble she got herself into she agrees to go.

Once there, she transfers to an old-school firehouse that is male-dominated. She is the first woman to ever be at this firehouse and the men are not happy. They don't believe women should be firefighters and they don't hide this fact from her either. The only one on her side is the rookie firefighter that started the same day that she did. There were romantic elements to the book between Cassie and the rookie Owen. However, she can't give in to her feelings or her career at the firehouse would be done.

All in all, it's a very well written book and definitely had my emotions going up and down. I highly recommend this book!

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I can't describe the giddy feeling I get when I know I'm about to read a new Katherine Center novel. She has become my go-to author when I want to read something fun and light on the surface, but with true to life characters and deep meaning that will touch my soul. Things You Save in a Fire tells the story of Cassie, an intrepid female firefighter in Austin. On the cusp of winning a major award, she finds herself moving to Massachusetts to help the mother who abandoned her ten years previously. Cassie has spent her adult life creating a world in which she is in complete control. Now that she is in a new environment, she faces choices and opportunities that make her see everything differently.

This novel is beautiful, heartbreaking, funny, and uplifting all in one go. When I have the opportunity to read one of Katherine Center's novels, I know that I'd better plan on staying in one place for an extended period of time- there is no way I'll be able to put it down. Things You Save in a Fire was definitely no exception. I highly recommend this one- you won't be disappointed!

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I'm a relative newcomer to Katherine Center's work, but I really enjoyed what I've read so far. Things You Save in a Fire is a romance starring a female firefighter, so she explores the complexities of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Throw in a sweet romance and enjoy. Is it a little cheesy at times? Of course, but aren't all romance novels? Bottom line, I enjoyed falling in love with these characters and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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Cassie is a hotshot firefighter in Austin, Texas. One of the only female firefighters in a progressive firehouse, Cassie is at the top of her game. Until the night of the awards ceremony, where she attacks the presenter. Given a choice of being fired or reassigned, Cassie takes the reassignment. She is reassigned to a fire station outside of Boston, where she will be taking care of her estranged mother. Cassie is in for a huge change when she joins the department. Underfunded, with poor facilities and ripe with sexism, Cassie has her work cut out for her. She also has her work cut out for her in her personal life also. What will happen to Cassie? Can she overcome the odds stacked against her? Will she be able to put the past behind her and move on?

I am going to start this review with a complaint. 95% of the book takes places in a fictitious town of Lillian, Massachusetts. Lillian is located south of Rockport/Gloucester. Which would put it in the Manchester-by-the-Sea/Ipswich area. My complaint is this. That is not the Boston area. Boston is an hour drive from there. How do I know? I grew up in that area and lived there until 5 years ago. Where I grew up was 20 mins from Boston and Rockport is 20-30 mins from there. That is not the Boston area. That is considered the North Shore/Cape Anne area. So it irked me when I read that. It was the only thing that I didn’t care for in the book.

The major plotline of Things You Save in a Fire is forgiveness and healing. When Cassie is introduced, she had shut herself off from everything. She didn’t trust because of events that happened 10 years earlier. She despised her mother and had little to do with her. She didn’t have any close relationships outside of work. After the incident and moving to Rockport, I could see her walls coming down. She started to forgive her mother for leaving. She started to come to terms with her rape. Everything came to a head when Owen was injured in the fire and DeStasio put the blame on her. That scene with DeStasio was one of the most heartbreaking scenes I have read in a while. The details she went into broke my heart in smithereens. But talking about it helped her heal. And in a way, helped her forgive.

I liked the storyline with the rookie and Cassie. I laughed at her first reaction to seeing him the first time. I felt awful about her panicking when she realized that she like liked him. I cried when she told him (in not so many words) what happened to her. I cheered when she decided to throw caution to the wind and pursue a relationship with him. I will say that I thought it was odd that Owen was only known as “the rookie” for about 75% of the book.

The other plotline that caught my attention was the relationship between Cassie and her mother. Cassie was traumatized by her mother leaving on her 16th birthday. In the 10 years since she left, she had little contact with her. I didn’t blame Cassie for flat out saying no to Diana when she called after the incident. But with her father intervening and being forced to transfer, she had to go. Cassie was forced to face her mother. She was forced to start caring. She was also forced to listen to why Diana left. What Cassie believed happened and what she found out is two different things. Towards the middle of the book, it was revealed exactly why Diana wanted Cassie to come to Massachusetts. I didn’t blame Cassie for her reaction.

I loved that Cassie was a firefighter. There are very few female firefighters. The author did a fantastic job of portraying what Cassie had to do to make the men of the Lillian station respect her. She also did a great job of detailing the harassment that Cassie had to deal with.

I will say that I was surprised when I realized that Cassie was the firefighter from How to Walk Away. That one sentence made me go “No way” when I realized it was her.

The end of Things You Save in a Fire was sad and happy at the same time. I was thrilled that Owen and Cassie got their HEA. I loved Cassie’s mindset at the end of the book. LOVED IT!!! She did get the best revenge.

I would give Things You Save in a Fire an Adult rating. There is sex (not graphic). There is language. There is mild violence. There are triggers. They would be parental abandonment, rape, cancer, and addiction. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would recommend Things You Save in a Fire. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Things You Save in a Fire.

All opinions stated in this review of Things You Save in a Fire are mine.

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Another great book by Katherine Center! I enjoyed this story and the characters, but the last 4th of the book was probably my favorite. This book also brings up a lot of themes, forgiveness, abuse, dealing with trauma, falling in love, sexism, and loving yourself.

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Things you save in a fire deserves all the stars in the sky! This book gave me so many feelings! I was hooked from page 1 and it only intensified from there. Every time I would put the book down I would have to pick it back up for just one more chapter. Even when I wasn’t reading, Cassie, The rookie and all the characters were in my head always thinking about them and what was going to happen next. Books like that are so rare and when u find one that good I love to be consumed with it! This is definitely on my top reads of 2019 and will forever be one of my favorites! Oh what to read next....

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Loved this book! Quick read, sweet story about love and forgiveness. This was my first book to read by Katherine Center, but certainly won’t be my last! Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to enjoy this book!

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Things You Save in a Fire was simply wonderful. I read the author's most recent book, How To Walk Away and wasn't wowed. I was one of the few who didn't love it, but this one pulled me in and didn't want to let me go.

I loved the character of Cassie, the rookie and the practical jokes the other fire fighters played on them at Cassie's new fire house. While there were definitely some tragedies in this story, the overall feel was more lighthearted and it was fun.

I wanted to be at the fire house and wanted to meet all the guys. I truly didn't want this book to end and found myself hoping there would be a sequel.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for allowing my request for an ARC. My thoughts on this book are my own.

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Katherine Center does it again! After reading and loving "How to Walk Away", I knew I needed to get my hands on her upcoming book. I devoured it in two days! I love how she builds characters that you care about and want to root for. There are some tough topics covered in this book but I think my favorite part is the power of forgiveness. It was a recurring theme throughout the book and I feel like Katherine Center did a great job of describing how difficult yet freeing it is to forgive. This book is an easy, quick read that will leave you feeling good in the end! An 5 star read for me!

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This is my first book by Katherine Center. It was a wonderfully entertaining read that would make a vacation or beach companion. Although I would call this a light and quick read, it is by no means shallow. There are deep themes explored here, such as: the effect of childhood trauma on adulthood, relationships in particular; forgiveness; reconciliation; friendship and love; and even the power of hope and expectation. The characters are likable and there is a wonderful happy ending. I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.

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Cassie is one of two women in her Texas firehouse. She is greatly respected and good at her job. All of that changes after an incident at an award ceremony, Cassie decides to leave Texas to help her Mom in Boston. Even though she and her mom have been estranged it is the only way she will be able to stay a fire fighter.

The new firehouse is full of middle aged men who don’t want to have any woman at the station. Even though she is a seasoned veteran she is treated like a rookie. On her first day an actual rookie, Owen, also starts. The men constantly put them together. Even though Cassie was warned never to date another fire fighter she can’t help but develop feelings for him.

I have never read any other books by Katherine Center but I look forward to reading more books by her.

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Katherine Center is such a fabulous author! She has such an amazing skill at plotting a fantastic story, developing characters that are so real and multi-leveled, and drawing out the reader's emotions. I have read most of her books and totally enjoyed all of them.

In this book we experience the struggles of a female firefighter. The current situations she is dealing with and like some of us, a few issues from her past that she has not dealt with and resolved.

Being a female in a male dominated profession is extremely difficult. It takes a strong person to be able to handle this situation. Cassie is that person. She has developed a strong, emotionless personality due to her mother leaving her dad and her on her 16th birthday (and another incident that happened that same day). She is an excellent fire fighter and paramedic. The story begins with her receiving an award for bravery in a fire rescue and at the awards ceremony things do not go as planned which sets the course of her life in a different direction than what she had planned.

The story is about self-acceptance, forgiveness, relationships at work & personal and most of all healing. People are defined by how they act in situations. The past is always a part of decision making, but if people can forgive themselves and the person that hurt them, then true understanding can take place and healing can happen.

This book, although Fiction, seemed very real to me. The interactions of the characters, the situations and the emotions written are very true to life.

I wish every male in a male dominated career would read this book. I have high hopes saying this, but I would hope that they could see things through a female's perspective and let a bit of the male ego go.

I highly recommend this book! I want to thank Netgalley.com, the publisher St. Martin's Press and also Katherine Center for the wonderful opportunity to read the ARC of this amazing book!

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Katherine Center knows how to weave a romantic comedy that is fun to read. “Things You Save in a Fire” is no exception. Center’s book “How to Walk Away” was popular because of her writing style and knoweledge of human connections. This book is no exception. This book is great for a fun beach read or a day where you just want to dive in to read and easy, breezy story that fills your soul with happiness. The characters are interesting. Sometimes I wish there was more depth to the story and to the characters, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Katherine Center describes firemen well! And, the story never drags. There’s always a surprise around the corner, which made the book interesting, and yet exhausting at times. Center also knows how to end a book that pleases everyone.

Also, this book is about forgiveness. I liked that aspect to the book. It made you think about forgiveness in your own life. And if you think after you put a book down—that’s a good thing.

Do yourself a favor and pick this book up this summer.

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Fans of Jojo Moyes will love Things you Save in a Fire by Katherine Center. This was my first novel by Center, and I really enjoyed the firefighter angle of the plot. The protagonist is a female firefighter, and portrayed as a badass. I liked her character and was completely intrigued by all the details Center added in about the lives of firefighters. At the beginning of the novel, Center explains that her firefighter husband provided field experience to the story. I felt that these unique details were so necessary and made the story that much more endearing. The plot moved along at a quick pace, and followed the same idea of most novels within this genre. Girl meets guy but something holds the two back from getting together. There are some plot twists towards the end, and I’m not certain I felt that the ending did justice to the rest of the story. That said, I would definitely recommend this to friends who love a good, page-turning, romance and I will be looking to read more from Katherine Center. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

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*Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.*

I'd give this 3.5 - 4 stars. Easy read that is sweet and charming. By the end of the book, I felt like there were a lot of situations happening to the main character that just were hard to see as realistic...basically it got a little far fetched to me. But it was a "feel good" book and I still enjoyed it.

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Easy to read story. Great characters and story line. This book will appeal to a wide audience! I'm not usually a fan of romance type novels but this had so many other facets.

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I’m not usually a romance fan, but after reading How to Walk Away from this author I was dying to read this one. I will say her books are much more than love stories. For some reason I didn’t really start enjoying this book until about 40% in. The main character was complaining and seemed to have no personality. Once I got over that hump it picked up and I really enjoyed it. The characters fell into place and the story line developed. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review.

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Only a few weeks into the new year and I know this will be one of my favorite books of the year.

At first I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy a book about a female firefighter but I was wrong. It reminded me of an abc drama since it had romance, drama, and a strong female lead. This book will have you feel a range of emotions and end with a big smile on your face. I also loved how the author had a small tie in with her previous book How to Walk Away.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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I absolutely loved this book!! It pulled on every heart string I have. A book about forgiveness and love.
And the ending was wonderful!!

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5/5 stars for Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center!

I laughed, I cried, and I was SO bummed when I finished the last page!! This book is such an enjoyable read - its one of those books that leaves you a little sad when it is over because I was so in love with the characters and story.

Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley, who provided a free ebook in exchange for my honest review.

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What a great read! Cassie is a female firefighter/paramedic in Austin, TX, struggling in her personal life, as a result of two things that happened on her 16th birthday--a horrible encounter with a male classmate, and her mother leaving the family home for another man. Ten years later, when her mother begs her to come to the Northeast to help her manage a health issue, Cassie refuses, but is forced to reconsider after an incident at work puts her job in jeopardy. She takes a position with an old-style fire department in Lillian, MA, where the all-male crew is not accepting of her gender. And, she finds herself attracted to a rookie firefighter who joins at the same time.
This is a story of how one's perspective can be changed by new circumstances. It's a story of one woman's struggle to overcome the ghosts of the past and to get past the ingrained biases of others. And, it gives stunning insight into the minds of first responders, making me admire them even more than before. I was engrossed by the storyline and couldn't wait to see what would happen. I highly recommend this book!

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This book was so great! I plowed through it in 2 days. Now I’m off to read every other book that Katherine Center has wrote!!

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Wow where to even begin with this novel! Katherine Center created the most beautiful characters in her latest book. I loved the primary theme on relationships and happiness. Katherine Center highlights the overall importance of human connection, and how being loved by others can heal deep wounds. There is a line in the book about the fleeting moments of happiness in which she normalizes the struggles of life which was so relatable. I found the main character Cassie to be extremely likable and I enjoyed reading her growth throughout the novel. I was sad to finish this one!

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Synopsis: Cassie is a firefighter in a progressive firehouse in Austin, TX. At the request of her estranged mother (who is having medical problems) she moves to Massachusetts to take care of her. She starts working at a new firehouse and feels like she has to prove herself to her new boss and team (who are not as progressive as her previous firehouse). The book follows Cassie’s career, relationship with her mom, love life and the obstacles she finds along the way.

Review: I read “How to walk away” by Katherine Center last year and instantly became a fan of her. When I saw this book was coming out I knew I had to read it. The synopsis was compelling and what a cover, so beautiful! This is a great fast read; I was hooked from the beginning. I loved that the characters were realistic, you can relate and understand what they are going through. I enjoy Katherine’s writing style, I even laughed out loud multiple times.

This is a book about courage, hope, and the power of forgiveness. I would love to see this book turned into a movie!

Favorite quote: “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”

“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.”

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The book comes out August 2019.

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A wonderfully uplifting story about real-life heroes. And romance and sexism and forgiveness and family and what you'd stand up for and how it's always the simplest things that have the biggest impact.
Loved this book so much!

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Well this was really good. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because forgiveness is okay, but I loathed what one of the characters did and it was like they were given a pass on it because they had other issues going on. FYI, I am all about the vengeance.

"Things You Save in a Fire" follows firefighter Cassie Hanwell. Cassie is doing great at her department and is about to receive an award when someone from her past comes screeching back. Cue one public relations nightmare later, and Cassie is going to have to start all over again. It's just luck that Cassie's estranged mother calls her and asks her to come and live with her for a year and help her due to her losing her eyesight. Cassie has to start all over again in Boston and we get to see the ins and outs of firefighters in this book.

Cassie was a great character. I also laughed at how none of the firefighters in this book use each other's first name. I still am blank on the real name of Cassie's love interest in this one. Cassie is strong, has good friends from the firehouse in Texas, but is a lonely individual. We readers can guess what happened to her, Center gives us enough clues. Cassie is resistant to becoming close with her mother and with the love interest who has a way of digging in. I did love Cassie's mixed emotions about her mother. She left her and her father on Cassie's 16th birthday which...yeah. I do want to say though that I wanted them to really have it out though. Cassie's mother character keeps talking about forgiveness, but it didn't seem like she really wanted to know how Cassie's life was harder after she left.

The other firefighters and the captain were great. I don't know if I could be a firefighter. It sounds like a pain. I did appreciate what Cassie's favorite firefighter talked to her about before she left, about how things were easy for her before, and it was going to be hard now. Since this character was an African American woman I appreciated it.

I thought the writing was really good and mixed in was explanations about fire, kits, etc. and what you do when a fire happens. We also get a few funny scenes with them responding to things that I went seriously people call the fire department on that?

The flow was really good too.

The setting of the book moves from Texas to Boston, but I didn't get a sense of either state in this one. The book is really focused on Cassie's mother home and that was described very well. Other than that, not too many details to make me think oh yeah this is happening in Boston, MA right now.

The ending was great. We get an epilogue that goes into things that occurred over a lengthy period of time. Very good ending and was sad to finish this one.

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This was a lovely read that I breezed through in about a day. Great premise and certainly enjoyable, but ended up feeling a little... superficial? Like it was somehow lacking depth. The culprit who ended up being the "stalker" didn't seem to really have a logical enough motive for his actions, and the romance, while lovely, failed to have any spark for me. I think it was maybe the buildup was lacking? Either way, an enjoyable read, but can't give it 5 stars.

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Wonderfully written! Loved How to Walk Away and this Katherine Center book did not disappoint. Beautiful story about love all around. Thanks for the chance to read!

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I loved this book! Just the right mix of angst and humor. I was rooting for the heroine all the way. I really enjoy the way Katerine Center writes. It is easily read and I really could barely put this book down!

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If Katherine Center's husband wasn't a firefighter, I might start to worry that she had an unhealthy obsession about fire. But even if that were true, I wouldn't mind because wow can that woman write!

I was stuck in such a heavy book fog while reading this one. This book completely wrapped me up and I was engrossed. I couldn't put it down. I mean every spare moment. I was literally reading while brushing my teeth. This is exactly the kind of book I live for. It was the perfect blend of realistic romance, but with a very unexpected feminism with such a deep and complex protagonist.

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Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center is a fun story about a brave woman who fights fires and saves lives while being quite broken herself. She transfers fire houses after confronting her past and begins to heal. Her story includes a fun romance too. #netgalley #katherinecenter #thingsyousaveinafire

Posted on Instagram @janetreads

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Things You Save in a Fire tells the story of Cassie Hanwell, a tenacious female firefighter, as she battles her past, deals with trials in her career, and confronts abandonment issues with her mother.

The novel is well-paced and the characters are relatable and likable. The main character didn't fall into any overused tropes, either. For example, she is a firefighter and dresses for her job. She never refers to herself as a "tomboy". When she dons formal attire for an event later in the book, you'd expect one of those dramatic makeover moments that are so overused in both books and movies. I LOVED that, instead, the character thinks, "I'm not 'better', just different". She doesn't have the typical transformation moment wherein now that she's dressed "feminine" she realizes she was beautiful all along. She acknowledges the difference and moves on.

Another marking of a good novel is one that introduces you to a world you wouldn't otherwise be aware of. This novel contains interesting passages and explanations regarding the work of a firefighter without being overly technical.

This novel has suspense, mystery, emotion, romance, and humour...I can't recommend it enough.

RELEASE DATE: August 13 2019.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for sending me the ARC of this book!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2705296697?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

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I loved this book! Katherine Center hooked me with How to Walk Away, and won me completely over with this one. I laughed, I cried, I talked to myself! I loved Cassie, the Rookie, her mom, and Josie, along with the cast of firefighter characters. I have recommended this to quite a few people already, with a warning that it’s not out yet. I was so lucky to get this book through Netgalley.

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Such a great story of a strong, independent woman! Things You Save in a Fire pulls at all the heartstrings and really shows how forgiveness can lead to love.

It also gave a huge insight into the profession of a firefighter. My respect for them, especially women firefighters, after reading this has increased. They really are heroes.

I definitely recommend this book!

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Fantastic characters and story. Cassie Hanwell is a going someplace firefighter in Texas. When her past meets her on stage and her mother needs her help in Boston; Cassie moves. She goes from being a much loved co-worker to one that has to prove a women can put out the flames too. This AUTHOR HAS AMAZING SKILLS. Will be looking for more of her works. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." FANTASTIC! OH OOPS I ALREADY SAID THAT!

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Katherine Center does it again! I love her writing style, and her books are so easy to get sucked right into. This book screams Girl Power! Cassie is a strong female firefighter, and she's BADASS. She's tough and confident, while being extremely guarded. Center does a fantastic job of packing the emotions into her books, and this one is no different. I cried through the entire epilogue (mostly happy tears though, I'm such a sucker!). There are so many aspects to the story other than just a typical romance. It digs deep while still keeping the enjoyable feel. Also, another of Center's strengths is writing absolutely irresistible men!

This book comes out in August, and if you're a previous fan of her work, this is a MUST READ. If you like romance or just good storytelling, grab this one!

Special thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read this! And thank you Katherine Center for writing such enjoyable books!

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I was introduced to Katherine's books last year when I read How to Walk Away. I loved her style of writing and storytelling. A mix of romance and drama, I read the book in 2 days. So when I heard about her new book I was excited to get my hands on a copy. Let me tell you, she did not disappoint!
Cassie was the only women working at her firehouse in Texas, but she’s earned the respect of the men she worked with and they were her family. She didn’t grow up wanting this career; she was planning on going to med school to be an ER doctor. When Cassie was a freshman in college she took a campus job as an EMT for the university. She knew this would not only bring in money, but also help her towards her medical career. What Cassie didn’t expect, was to love the job so much that she would decide to get certified as an EMT and go work for the city. Cassie loved her job, her city, and the men she worked with.
Everything changed on the night Cassie received the Austin Fire Department’s Valor Award. The valor award is the highest award any Firefighter can receive, and Cassie was surrounded by her work family looking forward to the moment when she could go on stage to accept it. That’s until Heath Thompson stepped on the stage to present her with the award, and in one split second everything that Cassie knew and loved would be forever changed. You see, this wasn’t the first time Cassie had met Heath, and she’s spent a lifetime trying to forget what he did to her.
Cassie’s mother has reached out to her and asked Cassie to move to Boston where she lives to help her out, a year at most. She has lost the vision in one eye and cannot drive or be self sufficient like she was. Cassie cannot believe her mother would ask such a thing; the two were not on good terms since Diana left Cassie and her dad on her 16th birthday. She has a job she loves and just received this award which will surely lead to a promotion; she was not giving all that up for Diana. Cassie will realize her worst nightmare when she is given the choice between been fired from her job, or a demotion and transfer. Although she cannot imagine working anywhere else, she also can’t give up on a career she loves. She accepts the captain’s deal and asks to be moved to a station in Boston.
Cassie has never had to prove herself or earn her place, but this Boston fire station is old school, and women do not have a place in the boys club. She wants to be treated equal and will do everything she can to prove to her new coworkers that she can do the job just as good as they can. To make matters worse her first day on the job is also Owen’s first day. Strong, handsome, and looks like he just stepped off the fireman’s calendar, Owen comes from a whole line of fireman. He’s already earned the respect of the guy’s by just buy being…..well a guy. Cassie has been told by her old captain to never wear makeup, tie your hair back, never wear perfume, even to wear a tight sports bra to hide any traces of femininity. She must make the men forget that she’s a girl so that they will treat her equally. As expected it’s not going well, someone wants her gone, and to make matters worse for the first time in her career, actually since high school, Cassie is falling in love.
Moving to Boston seemed like punishment, but Cassie’s mom Diana will not only force herself into Cassie’s life, but teach her the greatest lesson we can all learn, forgiveness. Cassie must learn to forgive her mom, Heath Thompson, and most importantly herself. When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future.

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This book is amazing. It’s the second I’ve read by Center, and it’s wxactly what I was hoping for when I requested it!

Cassie is a female firefighter. The struggle is real in a profession that is considered for men - don’t we often refer to “firemen”, for example? - but Cassie has built a life and been accepted by her team in a Austin. When her estranged mother reaches out with a medical situation, Cassie moves up north to be with her mom, starting completely over at a new fire station. Not only does she have to try to become one of the guys, but she now has an even bigger struggle - she has to try not to fall in love with one of the guys.

This book was so good. Heartwarming and heartbreaking all rolled into one, Cassie goes through major levels of development in this book, coming to terms with long-term anger, learning about forgiveness, and learning more about love. I absolutely adored this book. It often felt like a punch in the gut, but it also gave me so much hope. Definitely, definitely recommend!

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Book hangover! I loved this book. The story sucked me in from the beginning and I couldn't put the book down. Love does conquer all!

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Another wonderful story of overcoming what life throws at you! Childhood issues, commitment issues, work issues? This book has it all and lessons that are very valuable in how to move past and succeed even with obstacles right smack in the way. I love Katherine Center’s talent of telling and teaching throughout her stories!

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From the first pages of this book, I ached to begin sharing it with friends and everyone that would listen - and its not yet published!! I received this book in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley and St Martins Publishing. I will be forever grateful for the words, the story, the talent of the author. Truly Things You Save is beautifully written. It will pull you page to page, elicit giggles, tears and acceptance that all things in life are not good.....but hold on for the good to outweigh the bad. Ms. Current's humor will delight the reader.

There are unhealed wounds in the heroine's past, secrets in the hero's. The comparisons of small town fire departments and big city fire departments works well into the story surrounding a heroine who is determined to be the best of the best and prove she is worthy and capable. Readers will cheer her on and she proves herself in everything she attempts. There is a gentle love developing, forgiveness for past events in life, overcoming tragedy and loss, and the life threatening work of firefighters.

DO NOT miss this - Amazing doesn't say enough. Beautifully written, shared and enjoyed give it more credence. After the final pages, readers will be pulled to other books written by Katherine Center.....I'm already looking ahead.

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Thank you to Netgalley for a yet-to-be released copy. I was very excited to be able to read a pre-published copy since I loved Katherine Center's last book. Another enjoyable, easy to read book. The book is centered around Cassie, a woman firefighter. I loved her. I thought she was very real and one tough woman but also vulnerable too. The book is a romance but it is so much more about forgiveness, love and fighting for what you believe in too. Forgiveness definitely played a huge role throughout the book. It made you think about how forgiving others and yourself is not always easy but also can help you move on. Forgiving can help you relieve the heavy burden that you carry with you everyday of hating someone. Also, by not forgiving, you will miss out on relationships that truly matter and memories that you will never experience.. Some of the topics are heavy but Katherine Center does a great job not too draw each subject out too long. I am a big fan of Chicago Fire and Station 19 so I found this a fun read. I could see this story in one of these shows.

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A touching story of love, courage, and compassion. I've read Katherine Center's How to Walk Away and liked it, so I had high expectations from this one, but this novel really blew me away. I absolutely loved the book and only wish I could give it more than five stars!

A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

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This is my second book by the author and I am already clearing time in my calendar to read ever book she has written.

Cassie is everything you want in a heroine. She is a complex character who is beyond capable. She excels in a male dominated field and has to use her physical and mental strength to constantly prove herself. Her career is where she feels secure and when that world is upended Cassie must deal with not only starting over in her profession but also with everything she has avoided in her personal life.

This was an impossible to put down story about learning to forgive and learning to love. It includes a great cast characters and a romance that was so sweet I almost couldn't stand it. Definitely a book I will read again and again.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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After previously reading How to Walk Away by Katherine Center, I could not wait to read Things You Save in a Fire. It absolutely fulfilled my expectations! Cassie Hanwell knows and accepts that being the only female firefighter means she will have to prove herself and she does so using unconventional and creative means. She finds herself relocating across the country to help out her mother, and in doing so lands at a new station working alongside "The Rookie". The Rookie immediately catches Cassie off guard and she is forced to face her past. This book explored relationships on so many different levels, and was such an uplifting and emotional read with multiple valuable lessons along the way. I highly recommend this book and I know I will be reading more of Katherine Center in the future! Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!

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I was really excited to receive this ARC after loving How To Walk Away!

Not only is it a great story, it’s a great message about forgiveness and love. It really picked up for me halfway through. The beginning seemed repetitive and a little slow with the main character, Cassie’s, internal dialogue.
As it went on, I really began to love all of the characters, and was impressed with the depth of each one.

Overall I really enjoyed it, and I had a hard time putting it down!

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This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. Penned by Katherine Center, Things You Save in a Fire is due out August 13, 2019 from St. Martin’s Press. I read an advanced readers’ copy (ARC) that the editor promised would be a breath of fresh air. It most definitely is that.

This is a story of the struggles women still face in the workplace, especially by older white men. It’s a story of complex family issues where things are not always as they appear. It’s a story of making peace with a painful past. It’s a story of a young man following in his father’s footsteps instead of taking the career track he prefers. It’s also a story of surgical patients becoming addicted to opioids, and how it affects not only the patient, but those around them – both family and co-workers.

Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter par excellence, and has just won an award for valor in her department in Austin, Texas. Why would she be angry with the award presenter, Heath Thompson? Clearly there is some history between them.

The fire chief, also a woman, tells her she is up for a promotion, but in order to be promoted, she must make an apology to Mr. Thompson. If she does not, she is fired. The department is concerned that he will press charges. Cassie is certain he will not, which tells us the history between them is pretty bad.

Cassie’s mother, who abandoned her on her 16th birthday, begs Cassie to come live with her for a year. She has health problems and needs help. Cassie finally relents, and moves to Rockport, Massachusetts, and takes a job in a good-old-boy fire department in a neighboring town. The crews at this FD still haze newbies and rookies, and their hazing can be dangerous.

After a near-tragedy, Cassie’s life and that of others blossoms. Healing takes place in more ways than one, and Cassie learns how to forgive.

I learned so much about fires and the lives of firefighters and paramedics while reading this book. Normally, while reading, I highlight errors. I did a little of that, but mostly I highlighted things that really spoke to me, and things I want to reflect on from time to time. Trust me: you will love Things You Save in a Fire too.

What Makes This Book Reviewer Grumpy?

Repeated split-infinitives, using “bring” in place of “take” and “come” in place of “go”, misplacing the word “only” within sentences, and using “showed” in place of “shown”.

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I don’t normally read Chick Lit or Romance, so I had never read a book by Katherine Center, prior to this one.

But, so many of my favorite GR friends and reviewers were raving about this one, and my curiosity made me push the “request button” on NG one evening, and voila! I received an early approval!

So, I started this yesterday, and at first, I thought...oh no....I am going to be an outlier on this one? Yikes!

I didn’t like our female firefighter, Cassie. I found her to be immature and petulant. Someone I would never want to have coffee or a glass of wine with!

Then, I met “The Rookie”.

I liked “The Rookie”.

Cassie was not good enough for “The Rookie”.

The story of this extraordinary female firefighter, who reluctantly moves to the Boston area, to help her ill mother for the year, was mostly being told through “conversations”.

Conversations that had the cadence of the characters on a Shonda Rhimes TV show (think Scandal or Grey’s Anatomy) and I wasn’t sure if I liked that...(though I don’t mind that on those TV shows, which are favorites of mine! 🤔)

Then, all of a sudden I realized that Cassie’s bravado was a means of self preservation and that I was starting to like her. And, that I was almost done with this book that I had read almost entirely in one sitting!!!

And, that I wanted her to have her happy ending, no matter how sappy or neatly tied up with a bow that might look! 💝

Maybe, even with “The Rookie”.

Isn’t that what a “FEEL GOOD, CHICK LIT, ROMANCE” book is supposed to make you feel?

Guess, I won’t be an outlier, after all!! 💕

I would like to thank Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Katherine Center for the digital ARC, I received in exchange for a candid review! This will be your perfect beach read this summer...publication date Aug. 13, 2019!

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You can call me sentimental, but Things You Save in a Fire is getting 5 stars from me!

There's nothing particulatly groundbreaking about this little charming book but you'll still fall in love with it without knowing how it happened!! I picked this up only last night and couldn't put it down until I was finished.

Cassie Hanwell loves being a firefighter and she is also very good at it. A rising star at her home station in Austin, she has a great career in front of her. When Cassie's estranged mother becomes ill, she asks Cassie to come to live with her in Boston and look after her. Cassie cannot forgive her mother for walking away on her when she was only 16 and is reluctant to help her. In the end Cassie is forced to relocate and and joins an old-fashioned fire station in Boston where they know female firefighters only from TV. Cassie might have to work twice as hard as the men to prove herself...

I've been always fascinated with firefighters and once upon a time, when I was little, I even wanted to be one! I loved the first half of the book as I enjoyed reading about the profession, the work regime and the heroic acts. When the book suddenly took on a bit of a romantic turn in the second half, I wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but luckily it all worked out. I bought the whole story and immensely enjoyed it!

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I loved Center's book How to Walk Away, so when I saw she had a new book I was excited to check it out! I was not disappointed! After finishing this book, I just felt ...HAPPY. It's a sappy story, yes, but that doesn't mean it lacks depth. Center explores so much more than romance here: gender roles, female empowerment, trauma, family dynamics, harassment, and forgiveness, to name a few.. And yes, there is a cute firefighter love interest if that's what you are looking for.
Things You Save in a Fire follows protagonist Cassie Hanwell, female firefighter and all around badass. She moves from a safe, respected position in a progressive firehouse in Austin, Texas, to an old-school department near Boston. She must endure chauvinism, hazing, and a crew who isn't thrilled to have a female in their ranks. At the same time she's living with her ailing mother with whom she has a rocky relationship. She's constantly proving herself more than capable, but still suffers stereotyped thinking and discrimination. She's holding on to a lot of anger toward her mother who left on her 16th birthday, and she *might* be having romantic feelings for the rookie-breaking firefighter rule #1.
This was a very fast read, and at times very predictable, but that in no way diminished the story for me. Center has a very breezy, personable narrative style that I like in this type of book. I don't usually gravitate toward mushy romances, although I do enjoy them occasionally. This book was a good balance of mush and substance. Also, whoever is doing the cover design for this and her last book is killing it. Look for this beautiful book when it's out in August!

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Things You Save in a Fire is a book about a woman named Cassie who maintains a strong female lead throughout the book while learning to prioritize what is important in life and how to forgive. The book touches on family relationships, physical health, mental health, infidelity, careers, love, and friendship. I also appreciated the connection and reference to Howvto Walk Away. I strongly recommend this book and can’t wait for it to become available in August to discuss with friends.

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This book was different that the leading lady was in a strong career position but fought falling in love. She didn’t think she could but her mom that she was estranged from showed her how and learned to lover her mom again also.

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Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the read of Katherine Center’s, Things You Save in a Fire.

Meet Cassie. Strong, tough, guarded. Fearless, female firefighter holding her own.

Past family wounds catch up with her when the mother who abandoned her, reappears in her life, and needs Cassie.

The threading of love throughout this story is beautiful. Cassie has fortified the walls around her heart for a long time – no one gets in. Owen’s gentleness and kindness, helps her to slowly loosen the strands that wrap around her heart.

You can feel Cassie’s character change as she faces emotional transformations as she learns to feel again, and walk down the long road to forgiveness.

A fabulous read. I loved the book and highly recommend it.

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I’ve been a fan of Katherine Center for a few years and have devoured all of her books. Her stories always have complex characters, well developed storylines, and a good dose of page-turning romance gone wrong. Things You Save In a Fire did not disappoint. On the surface, Cassie seems like a tough, badass firefighter who isn’t afraid of anything. Until you find out she is afraid of love and emotion and forgiveness. The novel did an excellent job of taking the reader through Cassie’s journey of forgiveness and redemption. Fans of Katherine Center will enjoy the homage to How T.O. Walks Away in the beginning of the book as well.

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This was the first book I've ever read by Katherine Center. It won't be the last. I loved this book! The characters, the story, the underlying message, all of it!

Cassie, a tough strong firefighter gives up her life in Austin to move home and help her ailing mother. Having to start all over again and prove herself in a male-dominated profession. Along the way the things she learns and the people she encounters will change her life and help her learn how to forgive not only others, but herself.

This is a great, heartwarming read and I won't be surprised if it is one of my favorite books of 2019.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.

This book will be released August 13, 2019.

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Ironically, I got this book to read on the day I evacuated my home from the Woolsey Fire in Southern California, so it's taken me a while to actually read it. Thankfully, I really liked this book!

Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter in Texas - she's tough and smart and she works in a station that appreciates her talents. When her mom needs her, she doesn't want to move home to a small town outside of Boston but she ultimately does, and it's a huge change. The entire fire station is made up of men who don't believe that women should be, or are even capable of being, firefighters. Cassie wants to prove them wrong without looking like a "girl", which is going to be hard when she's falling for another rookie firefighter in the station.

I liked the story a lot, and Cassie's character was well-drawn and interesting. I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I'll be honest.
When I started reading this book I didn't expect it to be as good as Katherine Center's last book. I honestly thought that it would fall short. However, I was completely wrong.
I now see that she has a very distinct style of writing that while I don't always love, I am always engaged. I read some things in this book that I know people won't like and may hate the book for it. All I know is that I came out of this book genuinely moved by it.
I enjoyed the way this book connects with her last one and how I had no idea where this book would end up. I kept being surprised and always rooted for Cassie, the main character.
She was tough and so misguided, I felt her pain and I enjoyed following her. This book is definitely fun at times, inspirational at others, and sometimes downright tragic, but that was the fun of it. She felt like she was just doing her best to navigate her way through all of it. Choice after choice, I really liked this book.
I honestly didn't think I would be as big a fan as I am today, but I'm certainly not complaining.

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I recently read another Katherine Center’s book, How to Walk Away, and really enjoyed it so I was looking forward to starting this one. This one drew me in right away, the main character, Cassie is a firefighter that loves and is great at her job, living in Texas. She ends up uprooting her life and moving to Massachusetts to be with her mostly estranged mother. I really enjoyed about how her relationship evolved with her mother and of course, her and the rookie. This is a sweet, relatable and heart felt book. It’s a quick read that I’d highly recommend!

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Things you Save in a Fire is hard to put down... After reading How to Walk Away I became an instant fan of Katherine Center....and this book did not disappoint. Cassie Hanwell had a tough life and because of her circumstances becomes one tough firefighter. Slowly we learn how she overcomes all obstacles to find love and fiorgiveness. This story was wtitt3n from the heart of the author as any one who reads it can tell. Another winner from Katherine Center.

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I have no words, it was completly amazing, way too short, i would have read this for weeks. It was an emotional , funny, hearthwarming story.

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Absolutely beautiful book of love, strength, courage and pain.

I received a free e-copy of Things You Save In a Fire by Katherine Center from NetGalley for my honest review.

Cassie Hanwell, is one of the toughest firefighters there is. She has saved many lives and has the highest medal the department has to give. Cassie decides to transfer across the country due to a request by her estranged and sick, mother. She transfers from a city that adores her and co-workers that love her to a city where women don't fight fires and men are closed minded to the idea of a woman being in their line of work.

This book had me laughing and crying but hooked me from the very start.

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Things You Save in a Fire is a perfect title for this book. Cassie Hanwell’s journey is filled with courage, pranks, and heartache. It was riveting to read the different emotional stages of Cassie’s journey. The first chapter really pulls the reader in and has you waiting for the big secret to be revealed. This story is relatable to everyday life. Cassie struggles with trying to advance in her career, maintain a good relationship with her father, rebuild her relationship with her mother, learn how to allow her emotions to be free and allow herself to love and be loved.

Cassie is a firefighter and experienced in dealing with emergency situations. This is second nature to her, but she lacks expertise in her personal life and it is truly a journey of evolvement. When reading this story, you have no choice but to put yourself in Cassie’s shoes and question what you would give up to help a terminally ill family member or a fellow firefighter.

This book is perfect for anyone interested in being a firefighter. I found the industry terminology very accurate and perfectly placed within the story. The story also shows the true nature of what happens in a fire station and the bonds that are built. This is also a love story with emphasis on self-love, mother/daughter and romance.

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Katherine Center has officially earned her place on my list of “automatic read” authors.

After reading and loving her previous book, How to Walk Away, I was so pleased to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book, which I ended up enjoying even more.

Things You Save In a Fire starts out really strong; the reader is dropped right into the middle of a juicy conflict, and I was immediately invested in the main character’s story. Cassie is also a female firefighter, which I found to be refreshing and very interesting. She’s extremely competent and exceeds at her job, yet is constantly underestimated in a male-dominated field, and I always love a good underdog story.

This book has a great balance of emotion and light-heartedness. While the romance is a big part of the story, this book is every bit as much about the importance of family and forgiveness. As a bonus, there were also multiple parts in this book which made me actually laugh out loud (the chihuahua story!).

I will definitely be recommending this one to all of my friends when it comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Following along with Cassie on her journey in this book was one of my best reads of 2018! I absolutely love everything Katherine Center has written, but this one is now my favorite! You will not be disappointed!
Thanks to Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this fantastic book!

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Loved this book...and it's definitely worth all the advance praise it's receiving. Really well written, sappy love story, that I didn't want to put down and didn't want to end!

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This book is a quick read. I really enjoyed reading about the differences she felt as a female firefighter. She had a tough time as a teenage that came along as she was an adult. We can all understand carrying baggage, even if it's not ours to carry. She had a tough go with her new station, but I enjoyed the ride she took us on, as she overcome her old problems and adopted new ones. The way everything was resolved was lovely and shows how your foes can turn a new leaf and become family.

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I absolutely loved this book and the 2 main characters. Cassie is a strong, female lead and Owen is sweet and charismatic. Once again, Katherine Center writes a story that you can't put down. While the love story between Cassie and Owen is front and center there is so much more to this story then that. The relationship between Cassie and her mom and what it allows Cassie to discover about herself is the focal point of this story. It doesn't hurt that it's set in the quaint, idyllic setting of Rockport, MA. Five stars, no question!

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I loved this book! It kept me reading late into the night as I got so invested in the characters. I laughed, I cried and was delighted with this book. A more thorough review will be published closer to the book's publication date.

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4.5 rounded to 5 stars

Are you in need of a fabulous reading boost? Perhaps you are looking to recover from a heavy-duty tome or trying your darnedest to break out of a reading slump. Or maybe you just in the mood for a nice feel good novel. If any of these scenarios apply to you, then this is the book you want to grab.

Things You Save in a Fire is about Cassie Hanwell, a young woman firefighter trying to break through some pretty steep emotional barriers she has tried to bury ever since a very traumatic 16th birthday ten years previous. Her issues are complex and seem almost impossible to overcome. On top of that, for circumstances basically out of her control, she is forced to leave her firefighter job in Austin, TX, the only thing she loves and can identify with, and move out East.

This book pulled me in from the start when I developed an instant connection with Cassie. Though the prose is simple, the story is highly engaging, making it difficult to put the book down for any length of time.
Cassie finds herself in an array of challenging situations, which slowly but surely add up and point her towards redemption, forgiveness, and a better way of living.

This novel is a notch above many of the women fiction stories that I have read. Cassie’s journey to find herself is enriched by an interesting cast of characters, a sweet romance, and several life lessons--the most important probably being that there is no totally happily ever after for anyone in life, making it imperative to appreciate and savor all the good things that do happen. The power of forgiveness is also a strong theme. Simple principles all, but told in beautifully emotive fashion.
I now see the reasons for all the 5-star ratings my friends have been awarding this book.

I highly recommend Things You Save in a Fire to all readers looking for a fast, but meaningful read.

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This is the first book I have read by Katherine Center and it certainly won't be the last!
I had heard a lot of excitement about this beforehand and so decided to give it a go and I was not disappointed.
This was thought provoking story dealing with love, loss and forgiveness and I was hooked from start to finish,

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Four stars: Last year, I flew through Katherine Center's "How to Walk Away" and "Things You Save in a Fire" was no different. Cassie Hanwell and the Lillian Fire Department sucked me in immediately and kept me tuned in until the very end.

Cassie is firefighter who transfers to an all-male station to take care of her ailing mother. She starts the same day as a rookie with a multi-generational history with the department, who helps Cassie learn how to let down her well-constructed walls. Center's writing is vivid and rich, charming and humorous. I fully identified with Cassie's struggles, also working in a male-dominated industry and feeling like I have to close off part of who I am when at the office. I found myself grinning at some parts, tearing up at others - overall, a book that pulled at my emotions.

I subtracted one star for the same reason as "How to Walk Away" - the book wraps up VERY quickly and neatly ties off situations that would likely not be so straightforward in the real world. It didn't detract from my experience, but left me wishing for a little more grit.

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

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I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was a sappy love story with a strong female character. What more could you want? I love Katherine Center’s writings - I adored her previous book, How To Walk Away, and I was very excited to get the opportunity to read this one early. It didn’t disappoint and I’m already looking forward to future books!

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How to Walk Away was one of my favorite reads last year, so I was really excited about this author's next book, and it did not disappoint! There were parts that were truly heartbreaking and others that were laugh out loud funny and then of course everything in between. I took so much from this boo, especially its lessons on forgiveness and growth. I found myself highlighting several passages in this book which I've actually never taken the time for, but the lines seemed so poignant I did not want to forget them. My only complaint was there were a few parts that seemed to drag on and certain words or phrases seemed a bit repetitive, but I admit that much of that is likely my personal preference and not an actual critique. I'm telling all of my friends and fellow book nerds to grab this book as soon as it hits shelves later this summer.

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After falling in love with the way Katherine Center writes in How To Walk Away, I could not contain my excitement to read Things You Save in a Fire - and it truly did not disappoint. The reader will still get Katherine Center's ability to make you feel at home when you are reading, while also getting to explore a whole new world of a firefighter's experience being a woman. I appreciated the development in all of Cassie's relationships, especially her relationship with her mom and with the other firefighters on her shift. Katherine Center perfectly weaved a story of how love changes us with a story of a woman's experience in a male-dominated field - which is something so many of us can relate to. I truly loved this book and cannot wait for the world to fall in love with it as well.

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Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center is the story of Cassie Hanwell, a rising star in the Austin Fire Department until she is urged by her estranged mother to live with her at her home in Rockport, Massachusetts for a year. At first, she refused, what did she owed to the woman who left her behind so many years ago? But a situation rose up and she finds herself moving to Rockport and getting a position in a tiny firehouse in the small town of Lillian. In a house, where a woman isn’t exactly a welcome sight, Cassie must prove herself to be as good, if not better, then the men. She needs to remain focused and get through the next year. But a rookie, Owen Callaghan, joins the house on the same day and there is an instant attraction. An attraction she finds herself desperately trying to ignore and stay focused. Will Cassie be able to return to her job in Austin or will fate decide she needs to stay?
I LOVED Things You Save in a Fire. I enjoy books about firefighters and the work they do. Ms. Center’s descriptions are very vivid that you can almost feel the heat from the fires. I also enjoyed the interpersonal conflict between Cassie and her mom as well as Cassie and the men at the station. It felt real and with resolutions that didn’t seem farfetched or unbelievable. My heart stopped at some moments, I cried at others and I laughed with the pranks the firefighters played on each other. I wish I could say more about the book, but I can’t without giving away certain plot plots. I felt as if I was watching real people in real life. I highly recommend Things You Save in a Fire!

Things You Save in a Fire
will be available on August 13, 2019
in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

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I absolutely loved this book! Even more than the first book I've read from this author, How to Walk Away.

In Things You Save in a Fire, we follow Cassie Hanwell, a hot shot firefighter, as she relocates to Boston to help out with her mother while she's sick. Through bits and pieces, we learn a little about Cassie's past that prevents her from forming close relationships with people. Ultimately, this story is about forgiveness, and there are so many things that everyone can learn from this book. This book is hilarious, but at the same time, so damn truthful at its core. I almost cried 10 times. And at the end, I finally did, while my husband just stared at me thinking "what is going on?"

I loved, loved, loved all the secondary characters as well. The rookie, one of my favorites, is a newbie that started at the Boston firestation at the same time Cassie did. And all of crew members are pretty funny actually. I enjoyed the camaraderie displayed through all the jokes and pranks they played on Cassie and the rookie.

All in all, I highly recommend this book! I surprisingly liked it a lot more than I thought I would. A huge thanks to Jordan Haley at St. Martin's Press for an ARC!

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“Things you save in a fire” by Katherine Center is one of the most compelling contemporary fiction novels I’ve read in a while and I absolutely had to read straight through in a single sitting. Loved it!
It has all the elements of a great romance: a heroin worth fighting for, delightful humor, characters with room for growth, deep and complex familial bonds, and the ultimate reward in that waiting for the right person and making space in your heart for those you love, even at great risk, is so worth it. Besides, who doesn’t love an an opportunity to read about an incredible team of firefighters!

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This is a well written story about a young firefighter who must start over in a small town station when her mother becomes ill. Her adjustment, a romance and lots of adventure make up this story. The characters are believable and likeable. This was a good read. I will be checking out more by this author..

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This was a good one! It had tough moments, moments that you can relate to within your own life. I loved the fact that it showed strength, inpiration and how a family unit can really be, real life. No sugar coating. You pull up the boot straps and get it done. If it means something to you, don’t give up. Fight and forgive.

You will find a bit of everything in this one. I enjoyed the chance to read it!

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Love Katherine Center's brand of romance. This is a fresh feel good story that will appeal to romance readers and contemporary commercial women's fiction readers alike.

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I received this copy of Things You Save In A Fire by Katherine Center from @netgalley and @stmartinspress in exchange for an honest review. Its publication date is August 13, 2019.
I absolutely loved this book. It was super engaging from start to finish.  Cassie, a female firefighter, goes through such relatable issues. She finds herself having to relocate from her Texan hometown to Massachusetts to help her estranged mother with some health issues.  It wasn't an esay decision to leave her beloved texan firehouse but she felt it her only choice. The firehouse in Massachusetts isn't as welcoming to women in this predominantly male job. As cassie trys to prove herself to the squad time and time again she finds herself being able to trust owen. Trust doesn't come easy for cassie for any kind of relationship because of events that unfolded on her 16th birthday. Suddenly things start to get complicated in Massachusetts, bad things always occur in 3's right. Health, her job, a big fire. Dramatic, heartbreaking, edge of your seat amasment.
This was the first book ive read by Center. It was beautifully written with an easy  flow, i devoured the book in a couple day's because i just couldn't get enough, definitely an unputdownable read. The way center develops the characters and their relationships was outstanding. I was able to feel what cassie was going through.  A very well written book full of romance, tough decisions, friendship, family, death, love and even a little suspense definitely a 5 star read



My review will also appear on my Instagram instagram.com/teatime_with_a_book on Tuesday February 25th, 2019
I will also post my review on goodreads goodreads.com/teatime_with_a_book

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"I'd... chosen, over and over, to be compassionate, and to be human, and to do the right thing - no matter if {they} deserved it or not."

Cassie is tough and vulnerable all at the same time, making her a lovable and relatable protagonist. I loved living inside of her head throughout this book, and felt connected to her, and her story, in many ways. This story speaks to what it means to be human in all of the best ways. I can't wait to recommend it to others for a long time to come.

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I love the way Katherine Center writes. A couple of pages into Things You Save in a Fire, I already knew that the main character, Cassie Hanwell was someone I liked, respected and wanted to know more about. Cassie is a firefighter and she is truly great at her job. When circumstances cause Cassie to move from Austin TX to Lillian MA to help her estranged mother, she is forced to face some of the biggest challenges in her life. The challenge that catches her most off guard is her unexpected attraction toward the rookie, the other new hire at the Lillian firehouse. Owen is a very lovable hero. He appreciates Cassie for her strengths and I found that refreshing. It was nice to read about a kindhearted hero who respected the heroine for being strong, instead of trying to “save” or change her. There were so many wonderful things about this story, Center’s attention to detail when describing the life of a firefighter, the way Cassie’s darkest secret was revealed to the reader, her relationship with her mother. I could not put this book down and I look forward to Center’s next novel.

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Well, it's official! I've found a new favorite author! Was so excited to dive into Katherine Center's new novel after having adored How To Walk Away. Things You Save in a Fire did not disappoint! In fact, I'm waffling on whether or not I thought it was better than How To Walk Away.

The theme of this book is, for sure, forgiveness and I loved how Center captured that in many different relationships in the book. Cassie Hanwell is a kick ass firefighter who's as good as they get. After an uncharacteristic display of violence and a phone call from her visually challenged, somewhat estranged mother, Cassie finds herself headed from Texas to Boston to start over with a new fire company. Proving herself and being put into unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations creates quite the intriguing story. Throw in some romance with an adorable rookie, a mysterious stalker and an intense life changing fire and Center has created perfection!

I read this in a day and almost turned right back around and started reading it again. Yes, it's that good.

Thanks, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to review!

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3.75 stars

Super sweet love story that made this cynic both cringe and smile!

Things You Save in a Fire is about a woman who must learn to forgive in order to love.

Cassie, a 26-year-old firefighter in Austin Texas, has faced a lot of adversity in her life. On her 16th birthday, her mother left her father and Cassie for another man, which led to further tragedy. Furthermore, being a woman in a male-dominated profession, she has had to fight her way to acceptance. So when her estranged mother asks Cassie to come care for her outside of Boston while she adjusts to going blind, it should be an easy transition for Cassie. But when she arrives in Lillian at her new firehouse, she faces challenges she never thought she would experience--including learning to forgive and accept love.

Things You Save in a Fire was exactly what I needed! It’s light and happy but also has some depth. There’s a lot to love: I especially loved Cassie’s character. It was refreshing to have a strong, independent female protagonist not fall for losers. I admired how she didn’t back down from challenges and loved seeing her best the guys at the firehouse. I also loved her relationship with her mother. Cassie’s relationship with the rookie was sweet, I just wish it hadn’t been so rushed towards the end.

Onto my cynical side: There were times, especially when Cassie made grand declarations of love when I was groaning aloud and had to cover my eyes (which makes it hard to read!). The proposal scene was especially hard to take. I know, I know. I am just that person! Everything just came together too quickly and too neatly. At the same time, these were some very sweet and endearing moments that felt authentic. As for some of the others, my brain just has trouble processing them as reality.

Overall this is an easy and enjoyable read, even for those who are cynics at heart!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

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This was a great book. Katherine Center is able to draw you in from the beginning and keep you hooked until the end. You will laugh, cry, and be thoroughly entertained throughout this book.

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I received Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center as an ARC from NetGalley. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down. Cassie Hanwell is one of only a few female firefighters at her station in Austin, Texas. Her mom is in Boston & asks her to come stay with her for a year because she is sick so Cassie transfer to a station in old school Boston where she is the only female. The story follows Cassie struggles at the fire station, her struggles with her estranged mom and falling in love for the first time. I loved the writing, the storyline and the characters, This was the first book I've read by Katherine Center and I will definitely be reading her other books. Highly recommend this!

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I absolutely adored this book and of course the author! I am such a big fan of her books. I loved the dynamic between Cassie and the rookie as well as the lesson the book taught :: forgiveness! Such a wonderful story and I can’t wait for her next one! I highly recommend!

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This book was definitely not what I expected and I mean that in the best sense possible. I absolutely loved this book. It resonated with me on so many levels; especially because our heroine clearly has so many demons from her past that she has to deal with and I have been in her shoes.
There were moments of this book when tears were just falling down my face. And they weren’t always sad tears, but happy tears too. I can’t even tell you what points I loved about this book because then I’d tell you every chapter that I loved; and there were multiple chapters that I absolutely loved.
Ms Center has a very unique writing style. I loved the dialogue that Cassie had between her friends, coworkers, Diana and the rookie, but I also loved the self reflections. I loved her inner dialogue and the workings of her mind. I felt like I knew Cassie and at times I was Cassie. That is incredibly talented and it made the book flow so well.
I also loved the interactions between Cassie and the rookie. The way their relationship developed was so sweet. I first thought that this book was going to be a romance read, but it turned out to be so much more. I am so happy that I found a new author to read.
**ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own**

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I so enjoyed this book by Katherine Center. It is about a person who has an event happen, plane vrash, that changes her entire course of her life. The author did a great job on the medical parts of the book which made this book so believable. The book is mostly about corage, relationships between sisters, family, and love interests. If you are looking for a great book that will keep you turning the pages, this is it. I even had to write some sentences down as they were so powerful. Also,I reviewed on Goodreads.

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This book was so good it is hard to review without giving away the story. The writing is so good it pulls you into the lives of the characters as if they are your long time neighbors. You'll share their highs and lows and be happy for them in the end. The writing reminds me of so many of my favorite authors that I'll be looking for more books by this author. She could certainly write another story of firefighter Cassie and the rookie.

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Katherine Center did it again.......another wonderful book about life, relationships, family, and love. Family doesn't always have to be blood, as is shown in this book. A family of Firefighters, a broken family needing help, all come together in another wonderful story.

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I had heard a lot of chatter and excitement about this book that I decided to give it a try. Now, I don't read romance novels, I primarily stick with thrillers and non fiction books, so I was so skeptical going in. Well let me tell you I LOVED THIS BOOK!

From the first page I knew it was going to be an easy read, and it was, I finished it in a day, because I could not put it down.

Cassie is a firefighter and is strong and fiercely independent, but she has been hurt so she has put up a tough wall. At first it seems like she cannot catch a break, having to move across the country and leave the perfect job behind to help her all but estranged ailing mother. But, this book was not a woah is me story nor is it sappy love story !! It filled me with joy, it made me cry, I even giggled.

Read this book, you will not be disappointed. I'm so happy I picked it up....and couldn't put it down. Thank you NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy.

#thingsyousaveinafire #katherinecenter #netgalley #stmartinspress

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My review is posted on Goodreads now. I'll post it to Amazon and my blog (www.bugbugbooks.com) on the release date. Thank you so much for the ARC!!!

Twenty-six year old Cassie Hanwell is one of the only female firefighters in her Austin fire department. Her career is just beginning, but she’s already proven herself to be a good leader who is quick on her feet and tough as nails. She’s earned the respect of her crew and her chief, and a promotion looks all but certain…until she punches a sleazy politician (who also happens to be her former abusive boyfriend) in the face during an awards ceremony. Suddenly, her future isn’t looking as bright.

Reluctantly, Cassie decides to transfer to a different station to be closer to her sick mother near Boston. The two haven’t spoken in ten years and Cassie is still mad at her mom for cheating on her dad and leaving the family. But she doesn’t have a whole lot of options at this point. And dealing with her mother is the least of Cassie’s worries. On her first day, she takes one look at the decrepit fire station and her BRO-ed out coworkers and realizes she’s facing a long road ahead. The new crew doesn’t like having a woman in the firehouse, and they plan on letting her know it every chance they get. The only one who seems open and friendly toward her is Owen, the rookie on the team. In fact, he’s pushing for a friendship, but Cassie doesn’t want that. Or does she?

There is a lot to love about this book. I love that Cassie is not even close to the “manic pixie dream girl” stereotype. She’s strong and somewhat closed off, and even though she develops and grows throughout the story, she never stops being an emotionally calm and contained person. It’s refreshing to see a competent and controlled female character in a romantic-drama-type book.

I also really love the theme of forgiveness that runs through the whole story. Author Katherine Center talks about trauma and fractured relationships authentically and honestly (no glossing over the hard stuff), but her advice on how to forgive (mostly shared through the character of Cassie’s mom) is surprisingly helpful. Watching Cassie be able to confront her past and work through it in such a believable and still somehow relentlessly hopeful way is so, so uplifting. I really didn’t expect to have this strong of an emotional connection to Cassie’s journey, but, wow, I really did.

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This novel evoked so many different emotions in me. I was crying one minute, then smiling, then laughing aloud. I was cheering the whole time for Cassie to overcome all of the obstacles in her life but knowing in the back of my mind that real life doesn’t work like that. I loved that she was so kind to the Rookie and that she learned how to forgive so that she could then teach how to others. Cassie was a strong female character, one of the strongest that I have ever read about and her strength is in her words and her actions. I could see the research that went into the novel all along the way as I read it and I am thankful for the author’s firefighter husband who helped to make the details so realistic. As the sister of a fire chief, I was enthralled by this book from the beginning to the end. Fans of Katherine Center will not want to miss this one because it is an excellent portrayal of the real life of real heroes. I loved it and highly recommend it to those who want to be entertained and educated about the sacrifices of firefighters everywhere.

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I loved this book!! I read it in just a day or two and couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline.
I have read a few books by this author, and this one is my favorite.

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. This contemporary story opens in Austin, Texas as a group of firefighters are being honored for an heroic rescue. The main honoree is a 5’6” woman firefighter, Cassie Hanwell, who was the only person small enough to fit into the smashed bus to rescue the children. The mayor was supposed to present the award to Cassie, but a city councilman that Cassie knew in high school ended up being the presenter. This man was a horrible person in high school, and is still that way as an adult, and Cassie reacts in a way that has the potential to cause her to lose her job. This leads her to accept a job in Lillian, Massachusetts, where she moves to help her mother, who is having a health crisis.

Many wonderful themes are explored in this book. The themes of loss, forgiveness, tragedy, fulfillment, acceptance, and happiness are all explored significantly through the protagonists and through the supporting characters. Motivations are eventually clearly delineated, although not always initially. The pacing keeps the reader engaged and interested. Cassie especially experiences a multitude of emotions, turmoil, and growth. Her mother is a delightful surprise to the reader—her wisdom and acceptance bring depth as well as poignancy to this book. There is also a healing love story in this novel. This is a beautiful book.

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Perfect February read on strength, forgiveness and the power of love. Katherine Center writes a strong female lead and covers some hard topics, while making me as a reader swoon and laugh. I cried, I laughed, I cheered for #girlpower!

Cassie is a firefighter/paramedic in Austin, living a life that she has built for herself after surviving the trauma of her mom leaving on her 16th birthday, when out of the blue her mom calls her and asks her to move to a small town outside of Boston to help her out, because she’s losing her vision. With a lot of resistance and resentment, Cassie goes there and starts at the all-male fire house, which makes it known from day one that they are not interested in having a woman there. She starts the same day as the Rookie, a 4th generation new firefighter. What follows is a story of Cassie striving to prove herself, of forgiveness, love, and finding your place in life.

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Such a great book. I really liked "How to Walk Away", so I wanted to read another book by this author. I'm so glad I found this one. From the beginning, I wanted to keep reading, ignoring sleep and work, so I could find out what happened with Cassie next. I'm sad that I finished it, but the author always wraps everything up in the end. Time to find another Katherine Center book!

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I loved this book by Katherine Center! Strong-willed and determined firefighter, Cassie Hanwell, keeps you on your toes as she navigates life—family, her career and love. Things You Save in a Fire kept me reading and wanting to know more. I highly recommend this to others!

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This was one of those books that you just know you're going to love by the end of the first chapter. This was my fist read from Katherine Center, but I'll be picking up more of her books ASAP. I totally fell in love with each and every character, as Center managed to create dynamic, believable characters who you end up rooting for. The pacing of the novel was absolutely perfect, and I felt like everything moved at exactly the right speed.

I kept thinking I could put this book down at the end of a chapter, but I ended up reading it all almost at once. It was the perfect mix of romance, humor, action and personal growth. Totally Recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 13, 2019.

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I loved Things You Save in a Fire. I loved the characters, even the grumpy sexist firefighters, and the storylines. Although this seems like just a beautiful love story there was so much more. This book is a lesson on forgiveness How to forgive and how to accept forgiveness. This is a story that will stick with me a long time and hopefully make me a better person.

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I unequivocally adored this book! Somehow Katherine Center was able to weave heavy topics into a lighthearted story that will make you (happily) feel all the feels.

Cassie is a 26-year-old firefighter and as you can imagine, working in a male-dominated field has its challenges. After excelling and working her way up the ranks at her station in Austin, she's faced with a ghost from the past that has her begrudgingly fleeing to Massachusetts to help take care of her sick mother. This means living with the woman who walked out on her and her father 10 years ago, proving herself at a firehouse that doesn't welcome women, and dealing with the unfamiliar spark of emotion she gets when she's around the cute rookie.

This is a lovely story about digging deep for forgiveness when forgiveness is impossible, fighting misogyny like a bad-ass, moving past grief, and above all, love. This was my first Katherine Center book and I'm most definitely going to check out her others! It was truly a joy.

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

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It’s been a long while since a book has caught my interest as much as this one. I’m a new mom who also works full time—it takes me weeks to finish a book, generally. I finished this one in 3 days. It made me laugh out loud, it made me gasp, it made me cry. Katherine Center evokes such great imagery with her writing and I felt like I was having a conversation with a friend.
I felt for Cassie when she couldn’t forgive. I’ve been there. In a way this book helped me to see the other side of things. It was cathartic to see someone else going through similar obstacles—even if it is a work of fiction.
Katherine Center went above and beyond in her research into firefighters as a whole. She truly helps the reader to understand the gender difference in the profession and I really felt like she had details in all the right places.
While predictable at times, I don’t think it detracted from the overall story arc and even knowing what was going to happen it still kept me guessing with specifics. Overall, this was a great book and I look forward to reading more of her work!

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Let me start by saying I love this author~ Katherine Center! Give me all her books and more! I read her other book How To Walk Away, so I was going into this book with high expectations, and she did not disappoint!

Cassie Hanwell is the only female firefighter at Station Eleven in Austin, Texas. She’s hard working, passionate about her job, respected by her colleagues, and a rising star. Work is her life, and she has no issues with not having much of a life outside of work.

One day she receives a call from her mother who is sick, and asks Cassie to move to Rockport, Massachusetts to help her out for a year tops. Cassie, not wanting to uproot her life for the mother who abandoned her when she was a teenager says no, at first. One night at an awards ceremony changes everything, and Cassie is soon on her way to Rockport.
She gets a job at a beaten down fire station where females are not wanted. Once again Cassie is finding that she has to prove that she is just as good, if not better than her male counterparts.

So while Cassie is dealing with feelings of abandonment from her mother and constantly trying to prove herself at the new fire station, in walks the Rookie, Owen Callahan, and her life is turn upside down once again.

This book will make you laugh, cry, and cheer! I tend to read more thrillers, so I know I’m getting the break I need when I pick up a book by Katherine Center!
The way Center ties this book in with her other book, How To Walk Aways was a nice touch!

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I really loved this book. It was such a roller coaster of emotions. I liked learning about firefighters. I loved the characters. I found myself thinking about this book all day long. It was a treasure.

Thanks to Katherine Center & netgalley for the advanced copy.

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This book ran me through so many different emotions! Sadness, fear, love, happiness. I feel like I went through it all. I loved this book. It’s not often I give a book 5 stars. But I absolutely loved this. It taught me a lesson in forgiveness, which I don’t have an easy time doing. I thought this book was fantastic!!

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A book with so many feelings wrapped up into one woman who is a hero in more ways than just being a brave firefighter. Cassie is not just fighting fires, she's fighting having any feelings in life. She's been through a lot and this is an amazing story about finding out if she can find a way to live a fulfilling life of all the things she thought she never wanted.
I loved How to Walk Away, and I was worried this book would not measure up to it. It did. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to receive an ARC and did not have to wait until August 2019.

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Absolutely loved this book. This was my second book by Katherine Center that I’ve read, and I’ll be a lifelong fan. I enjoyed seeing a woman succeed in a hyper-masculine environment like firefighting, and she made it easy to root for every character... even you know who. Awesome read!

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After reading this and 'How to Walk Away', I will now read anything by this author. I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint. This book was full of all of my favorite elements of a good book; emotional family situations, a strong female lead, and an almost too good to be true love interest. The pacing was perfect, and you will not be able to put this one down. This is my new favorite book of 2019, don't miss reading this one!

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Amazing book! I first discovered Katherine Center with her book How to Walk Away, and was so impressed, and now that I’ve read this one, I’m convinced she has become an automatic one-click author for me. From the very star in this book, the main character was likeable and relateable, and just someone you’d want to know in real life. The story is unusual in that she is a firefighter, and I think the author did a great job in making the readers understand the daily intricacies of the job in a realistic way. The relationship between Cassie and her mother evolves during the book so that the readers feel like they’re a part of the process.
There’s really nothing about this book that I didn’t enjoy. In fact, I didn’t want it to end. I love how the relationship between Cassie and Owen developed slowly and innocently, and how the author didn’t feel the need to make either one of them a villain or create undo turmoil between them. Both characters were honest and caring throughout the book and never turned cruel or mean, as happens in some romantic books.
Five huge, shining stars for this book!

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What an amazing read!

From the first word to the last, I was hooked! I read the whole thing in less than 48 hours and was finding ways to sneak in more pages here and there throughout my work day (sorry, boss)! This will be a hard book to top, in my reads of 2019! I love a good romantic story, and this was absolute perfection!

Cassie is a firefighter who is first stationed in a very progressive and welcoming firehouse in Austin. She’s comfortable and confident where she is. Things change, and things change very quickly without her even remotely seeing it coming.

Cassie ends up in a new city, with new circumstances, and not the most welcoming crew. She finds herself multiple situations she could have never imagined being in, but she uses her “superpower” of staying calm in some of the most hectic moments of her life, and perseveres.

Throughout the book, I laughed, I cried, I was angry, and had to resist the urge to read ahead. Cassie is an impressive firefighter and is a hard worker, but her past has hardened her emotions to a place of relatability. I could FEEL the wall she was carrying.

Overall, “Things You Save In A Fire” will forever be a book that has touched so many emotions in my heart and mind. It will stick with me throughout all of the books I read and will be a place of comparison.

I’m so grateful that I was able to read this book in advance via NetGalley. What a wonderful gift.

Thank you, Katherine Center, for writing this phenomenal story of love, forgiveness, and courage.

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Katherine Centers newest novel, Things you save in a fire was absolutely brilliant. It was truly an enjoyable read. A deep meaningful message, wrapped up in an entertaining, story. The heart wrenching tale will make you laugh, cry and rejoice. This thought provoking story dealing with love, loss and forgiveness will stay with you long after the story ends. 5 stars.

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I always have high expectations when diving into a Katherine Center novel, and this one definitely lived up to the hype! This book shares the story of Cassie Hanwell, a tough female firefighter who picks up her life and moves to Massachusetts after finding out her mom is sick and in need of her help. Cassie starts as a new firefighter at a station full of men and works to be accepted and respected for who she is. This story was heartbreaking, real, honest, and funny all at the same time. I found myself relating to the main character, Cassie, throughout the novel, and thought her journey toward forgiveness and opening up her heart again to be courageous and inspiring. Owen, “The Rookie”, was the perfect love interest for Cassie and I loved how he saw her for exactly who she was and loved her for it. This book is already in the running for one of my favorites of the year!! A story that will stick with me long after the last page.

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I have been in a reading slump for a while and decided to pick this up due to the cover. Great choice as I finished it in one sitting!! I have read several by Katherine Center and have never been disappointed, but I think this is my favorite so far! I loved all of the characters (even the not so nice ones) and enjoyed the quick pace. It was emotional, humorous, uplifting and featured a great female firefighter main character.

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Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! I loved reading this book, and Cassie's strength in a tough profession was awe inspiring. I want to go out and find more books to read about female fire fighters, but that is for other reviews.

This story was pretty timely, with the #metoo movement and just the age we are living in right now. No spoilers, but things worked out the way they should have. I enjoyed the camaraderie of all of the fire fighters, and their strong friendships.

The familial relationships were also interesting: it is complicated with mothers and daughters.

The love story was sweet, too. All in all, this was a very enjoyable read. It flew by, and I was definitely feeling that good book "hungover" feeling.

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I received an ARC through NetGalley and I'm SO grateful I did! This novel is INCREDIBLE. Cassie is such a likeable character -- she's strong, brave, and still learning. I was rooting for her the entire way. There are numerous relationships (familial, romantic, and platonic alike!) and they are all true-to-life. I didn't want this book to end.

As soon as it hits shelves, grab a copy! I'm predicting it will definitely be a contender for book of the summer.

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It's been days since I finished this read, and I still can't get it off my mind. If that's not the mark of a 5-star read, I don't know what is. This heartfelt novel has definitely made it onto my "favorites of 2019" list. You will <i>not </i>want to miss this one when it releases on August 13th!

I love women's fiction &amp; I read it for a number of reasons. Sometimes, I'm looking for something on the "fluffy" side, and sometimes, I'm just in the mood for a "feel-good" story. But I know I've found a favorite when I have a book that's easy to sink into and hard to put down, and not only that, but one that makes me <i>feel</i> a whole range of emotions. And that's precisely what I found with <i>Things You Save in a Fire</i>.

My heart alternately ached and soared for Cassie. I know it sounds cliche, but by story's end, she truly felt like a friend. Center's writing of her character (and just in general) blew me away. If you are a fan of Emily Giffin's novels, I'd highly recommend this book. This wasn't just a fluffy story (not that there's anything wrong with them!)--there's heartbreak, anger, fear, guilt, resentment...basically, <i>depth</i> to the story.

And back to Cassie--what a heroine! It was a joy to read along her journey and watch her grow. I won't delve too much into that--just trust me, you'll love her. And the rookie? You won't be able to help being won over by him, too. The rest of the characters are wonderful, too--vivid and fleshed out. I honestly can't get over how "real" this story felt to me, and maybe that's part of why I can't stop thinking about it.

I could gush about this book all day, but since I can't force a copy into your hands, I will just highly recommend that you find a copy for yourself when this hits shelves in August!

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This was another top-notch read from Katherine Center. I find myself still thinking of the characters months after finishing.

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After reading a book that I love I usually always have a lull in reading. Who we kidding? The whole last two years has been a lull for me. I always just want something that is enjoyable and easy to read after that type of book. I just usually have a hard time finding it and end up one starring stuff.


This is that type book. And I liked it. I liked it a lot. I gave up sleep for this book. Sleep is one of my favorite things.

The book is centered on a female firefighter (Cassie) who gets in a bit of a hot mess back in her hometown of Texas. She loves the job though and does not want to start off again. Her estranged mom has called and wants her to spend a year 'helping her' after her eyesight is starting to go. Cassie agrees to do it just so she can keep doing what she loves.

The move from Texas to Boston is totally new. She is living in a small house with her mom (who she has never forgiven for leaving) and the new fire department? Full of old school guys who don't think 'a lady' needs to be in their environment.

Then Cassie sees the Rookie. He starts on the same day she does. He is not the picture perfect little firefighter that calendars are made of...but the dude saves puppies.


*swoon*

This is a cute little story. I was never bored. I liked the characters and even when it went on the mushy side I still didn't chunk it. Probably because I liked reading about a main character that kicks butts AND is female.


Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

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Protagonist Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter who is uprooted to take care of her mother in a town that does not want a female firefighter. Not only does Cassie prove them wrong, she is able to learn a lot about forgiveness along the way. Cassie grew up thinking some things in her life were true - and has spent a lot of time avoiding them since. It was an amazing growth story to see her open up her heart to the people around them even if it meant she could get hurt again.

The characters were relatable and this is the kind of story that leaves you rooting for every character. I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Katherine Center for gifting me this advanced reader copy!

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Things You Save In a Fire by Katherine Center is a relatively quick read, but it delves into a deep subject.
Cassie is a firefighter and has struggled with being female in a male profession. She's worked hard to get where she is. She's also been estranged from her mother.
Her mother contacts her and requests help. Cassie will need to quit her job and move to a new fire company where she will have to fight to prove herself again. And all for a woman she had had many problems with.
Cassie learns about forgiveness and the value of letting go of old hurts and anger.

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×super short synopsis×
Cassie gets a phone call from her estranged ailing mother with a request; come to Boston for 1-year and help her recover. She agrees. Moves to Boston. Everything changes.

"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.
The answer wasn't to never love anyone.
It was to love like crazy whenever you could."

I discovered Katherine Center through a Book of the Month selection. I devoured How to Walk Away in a weekend. It seemed that the book found me just when I needed it.

I got approved for an ARC from NetGalley and it was just what I needed in my life. It discussed the value of forgiveness, especially after people do things you consider unforgivable. I've been feeling a lot of anger and bitterness lately. Towards God. Towards my ex-boyfriend. Towards life. I'm not saying I'm cured, but it 100% opened my eyes to the benefits of letting go and moving on.

I want to thank the author for putting books out there that I can connect with on a personal level. I am forever grateful.

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This book was an amazing read from start to finish. It took me a little while to read due to a crazy semester of nursing school but i was always excited to get back into the story that kept me captivated.

I would highly recommend this one to all of my book loving friends!

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I was very excited to read this book since I really enjoyed reading How To Walk Away by this author. Initially I thought Things We Save In A Fire started out as typical chick lit with the same over the top characters and scenarios. The second half of the book proved to be much more than that. I gained more insight into the personalities and struggles of various characters and as an added bonus I learned a lot about the lives of firefighters.

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Thank you for the ARC of this book. My reviews can be read on my GoodReads page at https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1335387-kelly.

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Let’s just start by saying I am not a Woman’s Fiction type of reader. I don’t really care for strong female characters and their life-changing stories. I usually read Thrillers, Horror and anything that has to do with death and being scared. But man, this book just melted my heart and I couldn’t get enough of it.

Katherine Center did an amazing job building up the main character, by the end of the book I felt like I was right there with her, going through everything she was going through. As well as giggling like a teenager who just met a cute boy.

It was funny, sad, heartwarming and life-changing. I was laughing, almost crying (I don’t cry when reading lol) and reading as fast as I could because I just had to find out what happens next.

I finished it in just a few days, which is an amazing accomplishment for a mom of three.

This book follows Cassie, a female firefighter. And even though she is a girl she is tough as nails. I’d say tougher than most of the guys. The girl can do 29 one handed pull-ups. Wow! And there’s a good reason why she is like that.

The running theme throughout the book is forgiveness, and Cassie struggles with forgiving her mom. Life throws some curve balls at her and she has to navigate through them.

I loved this book so much that as soon as I finished this book I went and bought two more of Catherine's books. And LOVED them too!

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I would like to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of "Things you save in a fire" by Katherine Center.
First, Cassie is a firefighter who needs to travel and take care of an ailing parent. Unfortunately, Cassie and the parent have a challenging relationship but the characters grow throughout the book. Cassie slowly evolves into a better version of herself.
Second, the author did an amazing job showcasing the hardships females face in male-dominated fields such as the fire service. She also further expanded on the firehouse relationships and expectations.
Third, I'm almost embarrassed to say that this was only my second book by Ms. Center and she is now a favorite author.
I highly recommend.

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I couldn't put this one down! I love the wittiness of Katherine Center's writing style. Cassie, the main heroine of the book is very likable and the setting (firefighter life) was interesting to read about. Highly recommend and I am eagerly awaiting her next book- they are such treats to read!

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Such a great story. I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend reading it. Can’t wait to read more of her books.

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4.5/5 I usually pass on books that claim to give you "all the feels," but Center's writing has a way of pulling you in and making what could have been fluff into something much more real. I loved all of the details thrown in about the firehouse and what it's like to be the only woman in a male-dominated profession. I actually met a woman who is a firefighter with the Austin Fire Department just last week. She looked like she could totally enter a fire, throw a 25olb guy over her shoulder and pull him out. If we ever cross paths again, I think I might just tell her about this book!

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What a great read! Cassie is one badass fireman. Wow to be able to do one pull up let alone a one armed pull up. The book starts off in a fun easy read and then the heart of the book is revealed. The author has created characters with a story. It's easy to judge without knowing the story but we as humans all make mistakes. I loved how the Rookie, Diana and Josie broke down the wall around Cassie and showed her love is possible. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

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Things You Save in a Fire was everything I wanted and more. Katherine Center has done it again and there is a reason she is my most recommended author as of late. This book hits you from places you didn’t even know you knew. The story of Hanwell kicking butt, taking names, and having an iron stare on the future is one you don’t want to miss. It is a tale that will keep you up speed reading to see what happens next. A firm nod to Center for such a valuable, soul wrenching novel. Read this book. You will not regret it. Thank you to Net Galley and publisher for this ARC, I can’t wait to add this title to the shelves holding my favorites.

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“Things You Save in a Fire” is the latest novel by Katherine Center. I have been a fan of the author since I first read “Everyone is Beautiful” several years ago, and fans who appreciate Center’s quirky perspective on human nature will certainly not disappointed with her recent effort.

Protagonist Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter with the Austin Fire Department and the novel opens as she is about to receive the Austin Fire Department’s Valor Award. While she anxiously awaits for her name to be called, she discovers that someone from her past is about to present the award. The reader is told that Cassie keeps to herself and does not typically date and based on the incident she has with the presenter (no spoilers, but it’s funny), the reader can understand why.

Before Cassie has opportunity to recover from the shock of her award presenter, she returns a phone call from her mother who is requesting Cassie leave her current job and return to Massachusetts to care for her while she recovers from a health issue. Cassie is adamant about not leaving her current job where she’s worked hard to succeed in a field normally heavily occupied by the male gender. But as with any situation involving a needy parent, Cassie is obligated to pull her roots and head to Massachusetts, where she gets a new job with the Lillian Fire Department.

Unfortunately, the Lillian Fire Department has never had a female firefighter and no one is happy for Cassie to be the first.

As Cassie works through this animosity, the reader starts to understand why she is the way she is. Katherine Center gives the mother-daughter relationship a fresh perspective, and I appreciate the research I imagine she went into to make the firehouse, which could be its own character, so believable. Cassie is immediately likeable and many times, you want to laugh and groan along with her. The different fire fighters are an interesting crew, including "the rookie" who Cassie fights feelings for. I was able to finish this novel in just a handful of sittings, and I am already anticipating her next read.

I'd like to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel. All views are my own.

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Cassie Hanwell is one of the best firefighters in Texas and one of the few females in a very male dominated profession. When a series of events force her to move from Austin to Boston, she has to struggle all over to gain the respect she deserves. The environment is tough and the crew even tougher but the very likable rookie makes her consider breaking the iron clad rule – firefighters don’t date other firefighters. As tensions mount, sparks fly and Cassie has to come to terms with what to save and what she needs to let go of.
If you are looking for a fun, cute and emotional contemporary read, this is the book for you. Cassie and the rookie (I still have a hard time remembering his name because you don’t actually learn it until late in the story) were very genuine and likable characters and their traumas and struggles were real. As I read, I was cheering for them and a happy ending. While I felt the situation in the beginning that prompted Cassie’s move was a bit unbelievable and forced, it didn’t reduce my enjoyment in the story. I actually stayed up way too late to finish this one. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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5 glorious ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So has of right now this is my favorite read of 2019! I loved it so much and I think Katherine Center might be my new favorite author! I knew it was going to be good but it surpassed all my expectations.

Great story telling with complex characters this author always has me sitting on the edge of my sit dying to know what’s going to happen next. Love, love her writing and her heroines. Katherine Center does such an amazing job telling a story. I soak it all up like a sponge and drown in the feelings. There is something really special happening in every book of hers that I read.

Things I loved:
* The rookie, Owen
* The chemistry ❤️
* The mother, Diana.
* The fireman
* HEA

Favorite quotes:
[“I rubbed my eyes. “I wasted so much time.” She squeezed my hand again. “That’s just the human condition, sweetheart. We’re always doomed to waste our time.”]

“I knew too much about life to pretend that it wasn’t half tragedy. We lose the people we love. We disappoint each other. We misunderstand. We get lost and lonely and angry. But right now, in this moment, we were okay.”

This was a NETGALLEY gift and I gave an honest review and all opinions are my own!
Happy Reading! ❤️

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I really enjoyed this book. I’m not a fan of sappy books, but this had the perfect blend of family drama, girl power and a sweet love story. My husband is a firefighter, so I also enjoyed the firehouse story and how it depicted actual work scenarios and what male firefighters would think of a female coming into their predominantly male world. The cover is also great, and that always catches my eye when picking my next read.

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I simply want to bow down to the talent of Katherine Center. She has outdone herself with this one! Things You Save in a Fire was a beautifully written story. Even though I am automatically drawn to the romantic portion, I also absolutely loved every other aspect of this book as well. It not only showed the ugly and cowardly side of human nature, it also showed the many ways that bravery is exhibited on a daily basis in little and big ways. It demonstrated how to forgive not only others , but also yourself for small and large transgressions. It stressed living in the moment and appreciating even the small things because time is not guaranteed. It was definitely so much more than a romance novel.

Cassie Hanwell is undoubtedly one of the most impressive female lead characters I think I've ever read. She had personally been through some extremely difficult experiences when she was sixteen and even though she shut herself down, she survived it. She took on her job and became the best at it. She let very few things ruffle her until the one "incident" at the banquet....and then when she meets Owen aka "the Rookie." Cassie always said she thrived under pressure and it was true that she did. That was a good thing for those around her because it meant she could compartmentalize her feelings and still make decisions to benefit them. She evolved so much over the course of the book from a unforgiving and closed off individual to a more sensitive, caring woman capable of forgiving and loving others more fully. She can thank her mother's honesty about her past as well as Owen's honesty with her as well. Both of them helped her be able to trust again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

** I will post to Goodreads in July when it is closer to the date it will be published. I will post to Amazon and B&N when book releases.**

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This book, This author... What’s not to love? Kathleen Center did not disappoint with this fun loving book. This story has lovable characters, laughter, pulls at your heart strings and taught me a valuable lesson or two. A super enjoyable read with a great message along the way.

Love, love, love! Can’t wait to get the real book to pass it along to my friends— And the art on the cover makes me want another copy alone!

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Enjoyable and surprisingly thoughtful. Although this book gets off to a somewhat rocky start by throwing a number of events at the reader primarily to advance the plot, things quickly settle into a nice groove once the setting changes. Normally, this is the type of book that I read for pleasure and immediately forget about, yet the story has more weight to it than expected and gracefully deals with the difficult topic of forgiveness. I also liked how the main character is a firefighter; Center has clearly done her research on all of the minute details that a woman in this position would deal with on a regular basis. Certain parts of the ending are tied up a little too neatly, but overall I found this to be a sweet and memorable tale.

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Sweet, funny, touching and just lovely! I enjoyed this book so much and absolutely loved the characters and their growth we got to witness throughout the story. It had some powerful moments and life lessons that really resonated with me. Fantastic book!

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Katherine Center provides a romance novel that touches many emotional elements. A successful, young woman who thought she had put past trauma behind her, suddenly and swiftly, gets her life turned upside down. She is forced to deal with her past and future unexpectedly. The narrative does hold some predictive counterparts, however, Center gives many dimensions to the plot and provides a strong heroine to negate several of those familiarities. All of the characters that she has crafted are relatable on a basic human level. She integrates that "guy next-door" personality into many of them, allowing the reader to become easily absorbed in the story. Great summer read. 4 stars.

Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC of #ThingsYouSaveInAFire

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I loved this book. I have read three other of Center’s books and I loved them all, but this new one may be my favorite. What a great story!

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I love Katherine Center's books! They are just what I need sometimes. Lighthearted, intriguing, quick, feel-good reads. I read a lot of suspense/thrillers, so it's a breath of fresh air to read one of her books. My only complaint (if this even counts) is that maybe everything tied together a little too nicely at the end. Happy endings and closure are good, but it almost seemed a little TOO neat. Then again, it probably wouldn't give me the same warm fuzzy feeling if that wasn't the case!

If you love romantic comedy movies in general, this is that in book form. :) Enjoy!

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I had high expectations for this book after reading Katherine Center's last one, How to Walk Away, and I am happy to report they were exceeded. This book was such a fun reading, with characters that were likable and had depth. Such a fun and easy read, and would definitely recommend it

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Cassie Hanwell is an amazing firefighter, who unfortunately has to spend more time proving herself than actually fighting fires. This book completely took me by surprise. It was heartwarming, exhilarating, and taught me a lesson - a rare combination.

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This unique storyline was on fire, and I couldn’t put it down! Normally I am not a huge fan of romance novels but in this story romance was secondary. Hanwell is a firefighter and a bad ass one at that! She has to be, to be accepted in her station, and be treated like one of the guys. When she transfers to a new station to be closer to family she gets hired at the same time as a rookie. They get their fair share of pranks and always seem to get put together for training and horrible chores in the station. When Hanwell starts to like the rookie she has to battle those feelings because she doesn’t want the guys to know. This story made me have a lot of respect for female firefighters. Hanwell’s character was incredibly tough and dedicated. I blazed through this one in a day!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy!

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Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of Things You Save in a Fire.

Cassie was the youngest person and the only woman to win the Austin's Fire Department Valor Award. She had saved many children in a schoolbus accident. They had even started calling her the School Bus Angel. As Cassie approaches the stage to receive her award, she blinks because her eyes must be deceiving her. This can't be Heath Thompson! As he is introducing her, he decides to touch her inappropriately. Cassie pummels him to the ground and beats him up in front all of the most important people in the city.

Shortly after this incident, Cassie's estranged mother calls to ask if she would put her life on hold for one year. She wants Cassie to move to Massachusetts to help her out with somethings since she had her last surgery. This is the last thing she wants to do since it was her mother who walked out on the family on Cassie's 16th birthday.

So many quick decisions must be made!!! What decision is Cassie going to make? Stay in Austin or move to Massachusetts? This decision will effect the rest of her life.

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I devoured this book in one day. I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this book. One of my best reads of 2019!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, for this free review copy.

Last year I read How to Walk Away by Katherine Center, and absolutely loved it! I was pretty ecstatic to get approved for this title, MONTHS ago. I have held off for so long, and the sad thing for everyone else, is that this book does not release until August. I know. So far away.

Things You Save in a Fire was so well written. I devoured it in 24 hours, and know that I will read this again. The cover alone is so gorgeous, and I can't wait to have a copy for my shelf. This will remain one of my favorite books. It's that good.

The main character is Cassie. She is a female firefighter and a bad ass. In her life, Cassie has gone through so much heartbreak and trama. At a young age she learned what it was like to be left, by someone she thought loved her. When her mother asks her to move to Boston, she flat out says no. After a certain incident, she decides to agree to help her mom, and finds a new job at a new firehouse. She knows she is not wanted there since she is a female, and has even more ambition to prove them a wrong.

I LOVED Cassie. She was so strong and able to get through so much. There were many flaws but there was also so much growth. This book was well researched, which I really appreciated. Things You Save in a Fire had such a beautiful story about family and forgiveness. I really can't say much, without giving a lot away.

This book was a fantastic read, that I did not want to put down. I can't wait until it releases on August 13th, so more of you can read it. Definitely put it on your TBR!

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This novel was so funny, and sweet. A real page turner. It was so hard for me to put this one down. This fun novel is about a woman who must forgive in order to love. Cassie is one strong amazing woman. But she has to be, as she is the only firefighter at her firehouse. This was a very touching, humorous story. Katherine is a new found author for me, I absolutely love here writing.

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Katherine Center does not disappoint! This book showed all the diversities of working as a firefighter. From the pranks to the life threating saves, the characters made you wanting more. The bond between firefighters thru trying times showed you how strong the brotherhood (or sisterhood) can be. The book also showed the power of forgiveness and being able to move on in life. This book is a must read and will be hard to put it down!

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I really enjoyed this quick read, my second of Katherine Center’s. The first of hers I read, How to Walk Away, I did not entirely enjoy due to how predictable I felt it was. Things You Save in a Fire, however, was a totally different experience for me! While I hoped all along for a happy ending, I wasn’t entirely sure it was going to happen, which made it extremely enjoyable to me. There was more depth to this story than HTWA, in my opinion. Center addressed some really important topics - grief and forgiveness - in a simple but effective manner. Overall, I enjoyed reading about this cast of characters and will look forward to Center’s next book!

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4.5 Stars
Gripping, heart-felt and life-affirming!

Katherine Center’s engaging new novel is about a female firefighter, Cassie, who keeps a tight rein on her emotions and personal life as she fights fires (and dispels stereotypes) alongside a mostly male crew in Austin, TX. Cassie’s life is nothing without her work, until she causes a negative PR incident for the firehouse. So when her ill and estranged mother reaches out to her for assistance, Cassie—like all good helpers--decides to pick up and move to Massachusetts.

A new firehouse and an all-male crew means Cassie must prove herself all over again. She is determined to elevate the station into the 21st century by introducing new methods, new equipment and new ideas. As expected, this is no easy task, and, to complicate matters, she is completely unmoored by the presence of another new fireman, nicknamed the Rookie.

Cassie’s old way of living a Spartan, all-work, emotionless life comes into question as her heart opens up to new possibilities. She learns to give in to the power of forgiveness, love and family, and finds the courage and strength to confront her past.

What I love about Katherine Center’s stories is that the characters are true-to-life and don’t have picture-perfect childhoods, relationships, marriages or careers. Bad things CAN happen to good people—or those not so good. The beauty of Katherine Center’s work, however, is that her characters manage to confront challenges in life with love, optimism and compassion for one another. The characters know happy endings may be fleeting, so they choose to live life fully and in the present—a good reminder to us all!

This is one of those books that will restore your faith in humanity and give you a new level of respect for all the men and women who risk their lives every day to save others.

*Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*

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So if you’ve been following me on social media, you have probably heard me rave about How To Walk Away by Katherine Center. It was by far the best book of 2018 and if anyone disagrees they can fight me. When Katherine Center announced this upcoming release, I was literally celebrating. Plus, it was a story about a female firefighter!!! The girl power freak in me went absolutely nuts. It also helped that Chicago Fire was on a break so this book really filled that void for me.

Cassie was a hard character to get a handle on. I almost was disappointed with this book because it took forever to really connect with her. In How To Walk Away you get emotional invested really quick. In Things You Save In A Fire, it seemed like well past the halfway mark before I really felt invested. It took me awhile to realize that was the point though. Cassie is a very closed off person who doesn’t let anyone get to close. So even the readers had to earn that trust to get behind her walls and really see the real Cassie. I felt that was a great build up to the character and by the climax of the book the bond the reader has with Cassie is so strong and the emotions are so real and raw.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5) I still need to go back and read all the amazing books by Katherine Center prior to How To Walk Away because her writing is phenomenal and the characters are like family. She definitely has another hit on her hands with Things You Save In A Fire.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house for providing an advanced copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! 

I never thought I would be such a sucker for a good love story, but I was completely head-over-heels for, How to Walk Away, and Center's beautiful writing. The author is now back with another beautiful love story, perfectly named, Things You Save in a Fire. 

Center's uses her husband's firefighter background to craft the story of Cassie Hanwell. In this fictional story, she is the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse and is respected by her colleagues and boss. After a public incident though that taints Hanwell's image, she finds the timing of her estranged and ailing mother's request to move to Boston lines up with when she needs to step down.

She joins the Boston firehouse and finds the environment to be a bit of a "boy's club." Her ability to separate her work from her personal life has never been an issue, but Cassie has never seen a guy like the rookie that she must train with on her new job. Cassie has built up walls for a reason and the rookie seems to be disregarding them, no matter how hard she tries.

This is a later coming-of-age story where Cassie must resolve her old hurts with her mother, confront the issue of aging parents, and admit why she has been unable to be close to anyone because of a traumatic incident in her past. That's not all though...she also must fight off someone who is stalking her and doesn't want to see her succeed at the fire station.

These characters are deeply flawed, just like we are and Center's does an incredible job making them feel real and relatable. The love story, I have to say, is FIRE and you can't help but root for these two brokenly beautiful people to love each other.

Definitely, pre-order this one for your summer stack! I'm recommending this beautiful read for anyone who is a Taylor Jenkins Reid fan! I know you will love it too!

Online Review Will be Posted on April 1st= http://www.momadvice.com/category/books

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Read this book in one delicious sitting . Perfect blend of romance without sappiness . This book is a must check out . I was graciously provided this book by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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What a wonderful display of "GIRL POWER" this story is! I found myself enthralled by the gender inequality issues and the way they were gracefully, expertly and powerfully tackled! Cassie's character is wonderfully entertaining and the interactions in various categories throughout the story with different characters are on point and thoughtfully endearing on many levels. This story is one not to be missed and will be a favorite of the Fall for sure!

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I had been in quite the reading slump until I picked this up, and WOW. I absolutely loved it. Looks like Katherine Center is going to be an auto-buy author for me from now on - and I'm going to have to go read everything on her backlist now, too. This story was everything How To Walk Away was - well-written, poignant, laugh-out-loud funny, romantic, suspenseful, and inspiring. Contemporary fiction at its very best.

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I highly enjoyed this title. Having read other Katherine Center books, I had high hopes and she did not disappoint. On top of being a great story, it truly made me think about the idea of forgiveness.

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I loved How to Walk Away, so I was SO excited when I heard about this one! I entered giveaways and joined netgalley, and was approved! 😍 Thank you St. Martin’s Press and netgally for the advanced readers copy. I have been dying to read it and shrieked when I saw I was approved. It’s not the best photo but I will take a new one when I buy the beautiful printed version. I love the cover! .

I LOVED this story. I don’t stay up late anymore on week nights and this one had me up until midnight and until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore! The main character was such a badass and so strong 💪🏻 the setting was so unique, and I liked how Cassie fought the stereotypes and proved how strong and amazing women can be. .
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Of course I enjoyed the romance and could’ve used more of it, but I typically want to know everything about fictional relationships 😂 But I really did like that the romance didn’t overtake the story, but intertwined smoothly with Cassie’s own story. The romance was the perfect kind of cheesy, where it’s comforting, warm and makes you smile without noticing. The love interest was swoon worthy! .
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Overall the plot was well balanced, the characters felt real, and it was just a book I easily devoured. I’m so sad it’s over but can’t wait for @katherinecenter ‘s next book!
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Cassie, a 26- year- old firefighter in Texas, is an outstanding firefighter whose co-workers think she is very lonely, yet she keeps herself busy. She is on the point of receiving Austin Fire Department’s Valor Award as the first female ever received this award. While she is anxiously waiting to hold her award, there is an announcement that the award presenter is going to be someone else…..
And things start to happen one after another, she is having an emergency of her own and have to move to Boston and start her firefighting career over in a tough, old-school Boston firehouse .and everything changes in her life in a way she never anticipated.

This was the first book I read by Katherine Center, very well written, an easy read. things you save in a fire is a story of forgiveness, family, love and passion. A hilarious story and a must read.
“The best revenge is forgetting”
Many Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel.

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My first read from this author. I found the characters and storyline unique. I look forward to reading some of her other works.

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A sweet romance, but also so much more than that. A female firefighter, Cassie, transfers to a station across the country at the request of her mom, who is having health issues. Cassie has had quite the past, and this novel focuses on her struggles with forgiveness and love. One unique aspect the book explored was gender roles. Being a female firefighter has its challenges and pushbacks, and I enjoyed the storyline working through those issues. A quick, easy, and enjoyable read.

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

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This was a great read. Pour Cassie's personal life is stuck after a tragic day ten years ago. She can't seem to get over what happened that day so she closes herself off to everything that has to do with any kind of love. A call from her mother and a confrontation changes things for Cassie both personally and professionally. I cried, laughed and got angry reading this book, that's how much emotion you get from this book. I loved it and I am so happy to have the epilogue at the end of the book.

*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

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Things You Save in a Fire is an entertaining and thought provoking novel. Cassie is an experienced female firefighter/EMT when she starts working at a firehouse near Boston. She is the first female to work there and tries hard to dispel any of the men’s pre-conceived bias against her. Her job is made even harder when she is attracted to the rookie who starts at the firehouse the same day as she does. Cassie moved to Massachusetts at her mother’s insistence. They have been estranged for ten years and now Cassie’s mother asked for her help. Cassie’s mother teaches her about forgiveness and love. The novel has several twists and learning about life and politics at the firehouse is very interesting. Center is a fantastic author who writes what the reader is thinking. This book is a must read.

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I knew Things You Save In a Fire was going to be good. I didn’t know how good. It definitely warranted the 5 star rating. It’s fun, emotional, and draws you in from the very beginning.
Cassie Hanwell is a Fire Fighter for the Austin Fire Department. She’s great at her job and is preparing to be the very first woman to ever receive The Valor Award. What happens at the awards ceremony changes the course of the next few months of her life. She never anticipated leaving Austin or becoming the first girl at the Lillian Fire Department where according to her Chief Women don’t belong in a a Fire House. Cassie sets out to help her mom who she is estranged from, prove she is worthy of being a Fire Fighter in her new town near Boston. However, she never expects to meet the Rookie and have feelings for him. Cassie doesn’t do feelings or relationships.
Once I picked this up I could not put it down.
I was instantly drawn in. Cassie puts on a tough exterior but deep down she’s protecting her heart from anymore suffering. The night of her 16th Birthday proved to damage her heart in more ways than one. You must read this book. It’s amazing to read about a strong female character that is not looking to be rescued she’s the one that does the rescuing.
The author nailed this one. Take my advice and add this one to your TBR list immediately. I plan on picking up her previous novel How to Walk Away this week.

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Where do I even start with this book? Oh my gosh. When I read the first chapter, I was a little worried. I was thinking that I wouldn't be able to relate to Cassie and that I ultimately wouldn't care. Boy was I wrong in the best way possible.

Once we got to chapter two and the whole thing went down and Cassie beat the crap out of Heath for touching her, I was all about this book and couldn't put it down. I wanted to know why there was bad blood between them. I ultimately guessed what happened to her because that anxiety and dread doesn't come just from being bullied. Her whole world came to a stand-still on the night that was supposed to be completely about her, and Heath tried to take that away from her. I am so happy she stood her ground.

When we got into the meat and potatoes of the story, I wanted to know more about Diana and the Rookie and everyone at the firehouse. I loved everyone and I loved that Cassie didn't want to be looked at as a girl on the team. She wanted to be treated as an equal, and that was awesome, but I think once she stopped trying to change the guys and just let them be respectful towards her because that's what they were comfortable with, I think the story just got better and better.

I don't want to give spoilers, but the climax/plot twist literally had me wanting to throw my Kindle because I was so worried that Center was going to do something that I don't think I would have been okay with.

This story had me laughing between the chemistry and banter between Cassie and Owen. I loved that the guys wanted to treat Cassie like a lady, but also respected her enough to know that she was a bad ass and wasn't going to be treated like a fragile little girl. I cried when Cassie cried and I cried about Diana because I just can't even imagine.

This book is hands down the easiest five stars I have given this year. This is also my favorite contemporary of the year, and I think I may actually read it again. I will definitely be buying a finished copy and buying it for anyone that wants a new book to read. So amazing.

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Although this isn’t my standard fare for reading material, I was drawn to the book by the description. I am glad I gave it a chance. It has a strong-willed protagonist who is flawed -aren’t we all?

The writing is strong, well-balanced and has humor sprinkled throughout. I enjoyed watching Cassie grown, develop, and find her way.

On the fast track in the Austin fire department, an episode at her awards banquet changes the course of her life. She has to regroup, relocated, and drive on to save her professional career.

She lands in New England living in her mother’s house. She learns about life and relationships. Give this book a chance – it’s not a mushy romance. It’s a stretching of someone that has closed themselves off to relationships outside of the work concept.

I highly recommend this book.

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It's been a long time since a book has made me emotional enough to actually cry while I read it. Sure, lots of books have made me feel sad and empathize with characters, but very few make me emotional enough to keep thinking about the book long after reading it. This book packs an emotional punch - and rings especially true to the realities of what being a woman working in a male dominated field can be like. Things You Save in a Fire is much deeper than the contemporary romance it appears to be at the surface: it's a dark and emotional look at the lasting impacts of trauma and forgiveness. 

The most refreshing part of this book was that the emotional moments in this book never felt like cheap ploys or grabs for attention: these were real, raw moments that were earned by the plot and the character development. It was the emotional depth to this book that took me by surprise - I went in expecting a typical romance book and was blown away by the emotional complexity and maturity. The overall pacing and plot content of this book was great, it never felt rushed or like it was stalling for time between the romantic events. On top of that, the quality of the writing is phenomenal. Katherine Center has an incredible talent for creating characters that are impossible not to root for - even the perceived villains of the book were complex enough to be redeeming.

Cassie is a take-shit-from-no-one kind of character - my absolute favorite kind. Her career comes before everything: before her family, before relationships and before her personal life. But when her career is ruined in a single evening, she has to grapple with restarting in a new city on the opposite side of the country. That's what made Cassie so entertaining: the author took her out of the situation she thrived in and threw her into the deep end of uncertainty and instability. It was at her new job that she was forced out of her comfort zone and made her prove herself and develop as a character in order to thrive. And while the amount of character growth she had was incredible, it was still believable. The people around her were also massive proponents in her growth - they pushed her to be a better person while also having their own stories and struggles.

With stunning characters, a realistic story about being a female working in a male dominated field, and oodles of heart, this book should definitely be at the top of your August to-be-read pile. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book starring a bad-ass woman. No matter what, if you choose to read it, make sure you have a supply of tissues on hand.  Katherine Center certainly has a new fan in me, and I'm certain everyone who reads this book will feel the same way. 5/5

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This is my first book by Katherine Center and I was completely in love with this story! I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of this book months ago but put it off closer to the release date. Again…why do I wait to read these amazing books? Don’t be like me and hold off..grab a copy and fall in love with the characters like I did.

Cassie is a female firefighter in Texas and can definitely hold her own. Recognized for her heroic actions, she receives an award, but then pummels the councilman who gives it to her. She has quite a past with the councilman, but nonetheless, she finds herself moving back home to live with her mother. With a job in a new firehouse, Cassie has to prove to all that females really do belong and can be on top.

What she doesn’t expect, however, is her feelings towards the rookie fireman, Owen, who starts the same day she does. Tensions rise in the firehouse as the budget falls.

This is a sweet love story that will have you turning the pages quickly. I wouldn’t classify this one as a romance, but there is enough in the book to keep you wanting more.

Extremely well written, this story contains lots of hope, joy, heartache and love. I can’t wait to read Center’s other books! Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy. Reviews are my own.

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First and foremost, I would like to thank both the publisher, author, and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Katherine Center does it again ladies and gentlemen!!! WOW! I couldn’t stop reading this book. I was blown away with her previous book, How To Walk Away, and I was not disappointed with Things You Save in a Fire. It is funny, witty, and emotional. This book is full of so much heart! The characters are relatable— and likable (which is HUGE for me). I’ve gone on a spending splurge to buy every Katherine Center book released. I may have even scoured the internet for her next tour dates.

ITS THAT GOOD. BUY THIS BOOK NOW. YOU WONT REGRET IT!!!!

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I loved HOW TO WALK AWAY when I read it earlier this year, so I was beyond excited to get my hands on this one. Katherine Center has written another wonderful story about strength, grief, and (of course) love.

Cassie is a great character: a badass female firefighter who unfortunately has to spend way too much energy proving herself to her male coworkers. I loved the way she talked about falling into being an EMT/firefighter by accident and then realizing that she was actually born to do it. There’s a confidence in her that comes from that unshakeable sense of purpose that I really appreciated.

Cassie’s relationship with her mother was definitely the high point of the novel for me—I was rooting for them even more than I was rooting for her and the rookie! The fact that he’s called “the rookie” throughout (not just in dialogue, but in the narration as well) just made him feel a little less real to me. Still, I’m nitpicking, because this book was fantastic and I highly recommend it!

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Cassie, a female firefighter, has barely talked to her mother, Diana, since her mother abandoned their family ten years ago on Cassie's 16th birthday. Now that the tables are turned and her mom needs help during a health crisis, will Cassie be willing to uproot her entire life and move across the country for her?

"This was exactly what I'd feared. She wanted to bond. But I didn't bond. With anyone."

I read and enjoyed the author's previous book, How to Walk Away (4 stars), but this story of love, courage, and forgiveness kept me engrossed from beginning to end, moving me in unexpected ways. I found it equal parts endearing and amusing, and it often made me giggle in delight. Sure, Cassie is one tough cookie, but will her barriers crumble while under the heated gaze of Owen, a sizzling hot firefighter who enjoys baking chocolate chip cookies in his spare time? Don't miss this scorching hot, yet heartwarming, love story to find out!

"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."

Location: Texas (Austin) and Massachusetts (Lillian and Rockport)

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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5 An Easy Given 5 Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
There are things we experience, good, bad and horrific. Hopefully, our parents have nothing to do with them...but many times this is not the case. Katherine Center's Things You Save in a Fire looks at all of those types of experiences and the aftermaths. Her talent creates a story of one incredibly strong woman who has to confront long-held feelings and figure out how to forgive not just the woman who left her on her 16th birthday but also forgive herself and feel the freedom of it all.

This story looks at the challenges a woman has to handle in a male-dominated career. We are already aware of how capable our lead is...it is a known fact. What she has to deal with is a centuries-old standard of the Old School theory of a woman has no place in the firehouse. Over the course of the story, these old guys while kicking and screaming must change their tune. Not only does she rise but she also sees maybe everything doesn't have to be all work...she deserves a personal life too.

A story of forgiveness, a story of love.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

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Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my advance reader copy of Things You Save In A Fire.  I am now a HUGE Katherine Center fan!  This book was absolutely amazing!





I laughed, I cried, and at times I held my breath through this tale.  It's a true feel good story where a woman conquers and achieves something in a male dominated field.  I was so proud of Cassie as a female firefighter she held her own and did what she had to do to prove herself...and she's a damn good firefighter.

Enough about that.  Her mother (with whom she has a strained relationship) has asked her to live with her for a year as she's having some medical issues.  Her father guilts in to going and so she ends up moving from Texas to Massachuettes to help her mother. 

What ends up happening is Cassie herself grows a lot as a person.  She ends up repairing her relationship with her mother and ends up finding love as well.  She has never been in a committed relationship (and she's 30), but she finds herself fighting love and her mother helps her to see what life is really all about. 

This reminded me of a Hallmark movie.  I know this book won't be for everyone, but if you enjoy feel good stories with some romance and a happy ending...pick this book up now.  I loved it, but I love these kinds of stories.  The growth that Cassie has in this novel is unreal.  Towards the end the book got a little cheesy and far fetched, but again in all things Hallmark, it's totally acceptable and appreciated.  If you're looking for a more realistic tale, this may not be for you.

5 star read.  I could not put this book down.  It stirred up every emotion in me.  There's a FANTASTIC epilogue at the end so we can see a few years into the future.  Everything about this book just makes me so freakin' happy.  I want to hug this book and relive it over and over again.  Maybe because I love a kick ass female lead, or maybe it's because of the amazing writing, either way if you love this kind of book, pick it up TODAY because guess what...IT'S RELEASE DAY!!!!

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This was a very powerful book. Not just a romance but a life lesson on forgiveness. Forgiving yourself along with others and how it impacts your life. Loved the characters. Cassie is a very strong female firefighter with a complicated life. All of the firefighters are very realistic and The Rookie is adorable. Cassie's mom and the next door neighbor are hilarious. Really wonderful read full of romance, humor, angst, sadness and a HEA ending. Will be looking for more of Ms. Center's work.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

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I’ve read several of Katherine Center’s novels, and this is by far my favorite.

Cassie Hanwell is a decorated firefighter from Austin, Texas, who winds up in trouble after she attacks the city councilman handing her an award. (Don’t worry, he deserves it.) She needs to leave town for a while, and her mostly estranged mother needs help because of some health issues, so Cassie winds up moving to Massachusetts. There she joins a new firehouse that is very traditional, a far cry from her job in progressive Austin. Cassie does everything she can to fit in with her new crew, which essentially means becoming one of the boys. Firmly on the list of things to avoid are guys, especially other firefighters. That should be easy; Cassie’s a tomboy, and she doesn’t do relationships. It’s just part of Cassie’s run of bad luck that the rookie firefighter who’s also joining the crew is so darn adorable, she finds herself struggling to follow her no-dating rule.

The main theme of this book is the value of openness and forgiveness. Cassie has largely closed herself off from other people, in part because of her mother’s abandonment but also because she was a victim of sexual assault. (This book should probably come with a trigger warning for rape.) Cassie describes herself as being like a robot, and that’s not far off from how she acts, really. Being thrown out of her comfort zone forces her to confront both her complicated feelings for her mother and her unwillingness to be vulnerable to others. Cassie spends the book learning that forgiveness is freeing and that love is not a weakness.

Cassie’s emotional journey grabbed my interest, and her romance with the rookie is very, very sweet, but what made the book for me was the description of what it’s like to be a female firefighter. The author’s husband is a volunteer firefighter, and it shows, because the discussions of the job feel absolutely real. And if you've ever wondered what it's like for women in what is still a mostly male profession, well, this novel will give you a pretty good idea.

I really enjoyed this book, and if you like women's fiction, I'd recommend giving it a read.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

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"Things You Save in a Fire" is a great read. Now, I do have to say, it's quite a bit to get over the sexist remarks and comments from the men in this novel, but author Katherine Center creates a realistic setting where the only woman in a firehouse of men has to work under these conditions.

After a PR -justified- altercation, Cassie decides the best move is to go live with and help her mother who has called her, though the two are estranged. Taking a job at a fire department in a new, small town, she must battle antiquated views of women in firefighting while navigating falling in love with a new recruit on the team.

Center is all about her characters and making sure they live in a world where things can get talked out and issues resolved and creates great scenes of actual firefighting experiences.

What makes this novel win though is its heart. Cassie has built a wall around hers and through the novel it was great to see the character finally let it down and discover the best about humanity and love.

Not as dramatic maybe as the title suggests, but a good book to pick up for a weekend read.

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I shared this review on my Bookstagram account on August 3, 2019. You can view the review here:
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I couldn't have been more thrilled to have the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of Katherine Center's new book. There's nothing I love more than reading about a strong, powerful, competent, and independent female character.

In Things You Save in a Fire, we get Cassie Hanwell. Cassie is a firefighter in Austin, Texas and is the only female firefighter on her crew. We get an immediate glimpse into just how strong and independent Cassie is when she beats up a leading community figure who had treated her terribly many years before (I won't give away the horrific details) when he is giving her an award for her heroic work as a firefighter. Let's just say he steps over a line in that moment and the past comes flooding back to Cassie.

Cassie soon finds herself making a life changing decision that leads her to Boston to live with her sick mother that she hasn't spoken to since she was 16 after she abandoned her. This is where Cassie's life begins to change. She continues to be a badass firefighter that has to prove herself because she is a stranger from Texas and is a women working in a man's world. As the story unfolds, Cassie continues to reveal parts of her past that have made her the way she is. As these things surface Cassie begins to forgive, evolve, and open her heart to love.

Talk about a gal who can hold it together under pressure! Cassie was a lot of fun to get to know and walk through this journey with as a reader. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

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This is my favorite Katherine Center novel to date. Cassie was a strong female lead, and her interactions with "The Rookie" gave me all the feels.

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After reading Happiness for Beginners a few summers ago, Katherine Center became an auto-purchase author. Her newest work did not disappoint. I read this novel in less than 24 hours. From the beginning I was sucked into Cassie's world at the firehouse. I enjoyed seeing the juxtaposition of her strength against her brokenness. The relationship building with her mother sucked me in and had me rooting for them from the beginning. Truly captivating my heart though was the Rookie! I want a sequel to see more of him! He is the perfect foil for Cassie.

This is a great summer read that I highly recommend!

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THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE by Katherine Center is a book about forgiveness and how holding onto old hurts has the power to control your future. Perhaps I picked this book up at the right time in my life because I was very drawn into Cassie’s journey of forgiveness. At another time I might have been cynical to the super sweet, mushy parts that just came together too quickly. Thinking I needed a refresher course on forgiveness and this book presented itself at the right time.

Cassie is a young female firefighter; she has faced a lot of hardships in her short life and being a female in a male dominated world is the least of them. Mostly her relationship with her mother has caused her the inability to forgive, to forget, to move on with her life and trust another human.

Cassie’s story is a good one; I was interested in her and her journey from the first page to the very last. Though I did not think the inside world of firefighting would interest me, I must admit it did. I found much of the information very interesting. I have a new appreciation for the world of firefighting and the men and woman who choose to rush in when everyone is rushing out.

Very good story, likeable characters and the author showed great knowledge of her subject.

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4.5 stars
Ooh, I loved this book. Center has done it again for me. Such a beautiful, heartfelt story.
And she uses a trope that I usually despise in a book (someone wrongly accused of something), but with her superb writing skills, she made me love the book anyway.
It's obvious she has done her research about firefighting (the dedication to her husband, a volunteer firefighter, shows her resources). I had never before considered exactly how much goes into that type of job. And Cassie is a full-fledged bad-ass at her job and her life, even though she has some old baggage to deal with.
The main theme of this book is forgiveness and learning how to forgive, even when things are so painful that you don't want to face them. Even if the other person absolutely positively doesn't deserve your forgiveness. The reader goes on a journey with Cassie and it's not always a pretty one, but it's both real and meaningful and everyone will be able to identify with parts of it.
So glad I spend my time with this wonderful novel.

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Cassie Hanwell was a rising star in the Austin firehouse, a woman, but respected by all her colleagues. She felt she belonged to the Fire Department and had no space in her life for anything else.
All until one night her actions changed everything. She found herself forced to move to Rockport, outside Boston, to care for her ailing, estranged mother; forced to take a job as the first woman in the Lillian FD, where she is not wanted at all.
She tries to fly under the radar both at work - on instructions from her Captain in Austin and at home - unprepared to become close to her mom again because of what she did to Cassie, but life happens and Cassie finds she can't keep quiet and uninvolved and just accept the status quo as things shift slightly in her life and herself.
The research for this book was awesome. The firefighter terminology and lifestyle was portrayed brilliantly. I really liked having such a strong woman as a lead character.
The central theme of this book is forgiveness - to yourself for the past and to others with a healthy dollop of love thrown in too.
The conversation between Cassie and Diana in the epilogue gave me goosebumps as it mirrored my own personal story with my late father-in-law SO closely.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

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This was my first book by Katherine Center and I could NOT put it down! I was immediately captivated by the characters, their stories and what you have to do to persevere during challenging times.
Cassie was such a relatable character and at the end of the day was so human in her actions. Your heart broke for her, it also glowed when she started understanding love. It was so nice to see her break down walls she had built up for so many years and ultimately learn how to forgive herself and others. I highly recommend this book and cant wait to read Centers other books!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley!

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Well I officially have a book hangover! Got your attention? Good. Because this book deserves your attention!
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This book. Ahh my God this book! I didn’t want it to end! 😩 I couldn’t stop reading it. This book is about relationships, forgiveness, and stereotypes placed on women. Center was spot on with the way she developed the relationships among the firefighters. The way the story was built was so incredibly enticing. There were so many elements that all tied together in a way that can only be done by such a gifted writer. This is a feel-good romantic comedy/women’s fiction novel. There is a natural chemistry between the characters and it simply just gives the reader all the feels. Joy, happiness, sorrow, anger, frustration... It has it all rolled into 320 pages. I’ve read many good books this past summer but this is my very first book hangover. It deserves more than five stars.
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Female firefighter, Cassie, unexpectedly comes face to face with her horrifying past and puts her job at risk. At the same time, her estranged mother is sick and has asked Cassie to move halfway across the country to help care for her. In a wild predicament, Cassie uproots her life and moves to Boston. She transfers to a new fire station where she has to start from the bottom up and also prove that women are just as worthy and qualified of the firefighting profession as men. “What women think of as sharing, men see as complaining.” That’s what she is up against and more. The same day Cassie is set to start her new job, rookie Owen also starts. Rule #1 is to never get involved in a relationship with a fellow firefighter. But is that even possible for Cassie? Can she rectify things with her mother? Will she earn a place with her new squad? You’ll have to read and find out!
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Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced readers copy of Things You Save In A Fire by Katherine Center in exchange for an independent and honest review! Be on the lookout for this book on shelves tomorrow!

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I really enjoyed this book, it gives you the inside look of what challenges female firefighters can face. In this instance, Cassie is starting over at a new house after an incident. She also is asked by her Mother to come and help out while she is recovering from eye surgery.

When Cassie starts her new job she realizes that being the new person isn't as easy as it was at her old fire house. She is paired up with a newbie and is forced to train him. She will NOT catch feelings from him. Even if she kinda wants to, unless...

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Katherine Center’s Things You Save in a Fire is a heartfelt, engaging story about family, love, and the power of forgiveness. It follows Cassie Hanwell, a young woman who unexpectedly has to uproot her life and relocate from Texas to Boston to take care of her ailing mother. Cassie is a superstar firefighter at her precinct in Texas, but it’s a whole new ballgame when she has to start over in another city. Then there’s also the fact that Cassie’s mother abandoned her when she was 16 and Cassie has pretty much written her off ever since. Moving in with her after all these years is awkward, to say the least.

I’m just going to throw it out there right now and say that Things You Save in a Fire was a 5 star read for me. It’s just one of those wonderful books that checks off all the boxes I look for in a read. The writing is excellent, the characters are well developed – both the main characters and the secondary characters, and Cassie’s journey is such a compelling one to follow on every level.

I really adored Cassie from the moment we are introduced to her. Cassie, a female firefighter trying to make it in what is traditionally a male-dominated profession, is impossible not to root for. She’s one of those messy, complex characters that I love so much. She’s scrappy, smart, strong, and she’s very good at what she does – the best honestly, and she knows she has to be if she’s going to be taken seriously. While she’s calm, cool, and collected when it comes to putting out fires and saving lives, she’s the opposite when it comes to all areas of her personal life, especially her rocky relationship with her mother and her non-existent love life. Cassie has made a conscious choice not to date and not to fall in love. She doesn’t have the time or interest in doing either…until she meets the Rookie.

Don’t even get me started on how precious the Rookie is. He’s adorable, like a Golden Retriever in a firefighter’s uniform. He’s sweet, polite, and he even bakes a mean chocolate chip cookie. He’s practically perfect in every way that matters and Cassie is finding him pretty hard to resist in spite of her no dating rule. But it’s not all sunshine and roses for the Rookie either. He has a few messy layers too, in the form of a secret he has carried around since he was a child that weighs him down, a secret that could potentially crush his father if he were to ever find out.

Aside from really enjoying reading about Cassie and the Rookie individually, I was of course rooting for them to get together. They were hired at the firehouse on the same day and their chemistry was immediately off the charts. The more time they spent together, whether it was being tied to a flagpole all night as part of a hazing prank or sharing a late-night omelet (of course cooked to perfection by the Rookie), the more I wanted to scream at Cassie to abandon her no dating rule.

What I loved the most about Things You Save in a Fire is how multi-layered the story was and how every aspect of it was equally compelling. Aside from loving the Cassie/Rookie relationship as it developed, I also enjoyed reading about the firefighting aspect of it – all of it, the pranks, the actual fighting of fires, the EMT training, and of course how the all male dynamic evolves once they have a woman in their midst. It was all quite fascinating to read about. I’m also all about a story that features a complicated family dynamic and that is exactly what I got with Cassie agreeing to move in with her ailing but estranged mother.

As fantastic as all of these elements were though, the themes of Things You Save in a Fire are what really captured my heart. Yes, it’s a story about a woman making it in a man’s world, but it’s also an incredibly moving story about family and the power of forgiveness. And finally, and most importantly, it’s a story about strength and finding the courage to let love into your heart.

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This is a deep and emotionally charged, poignant story about Cassie - an extraordinary and celebrated firefighter and a paramedic who is at the top of her battalion in Austin, Texas. A plead comes from her estranged mother, who happened to have left her and her father 10 years prior and of all days - during her 16th birthday. Her mother is asking her to move her so-called perfect life in Texas to Massachusetts, due to her declining health. A series of incidents, which stem from her underlying issues of trauma and fear of abandonment, forces the move to Massachusetts.

Center creates and delivers a believable world with the right terminologies using pinpoint precision that is only privee to firefighters and paramedics; such as the scenarios, the medical devices, treatments, and even the procedures and day to day life in the fire house. Because of that, as a medical personnel, it did not muddy the story and I was able to focus on the deeper issues that this novel is trying to convey. Additionally, this novel has its serious moments, but also the laugh out loud scenarios that I know have really happened. It is fast paced and I got through this read in one day. The characters Center introduced are all so lovable and great - from Cassie to her mother, to the chiefs and firefighters.

Cassie is a strong woman who was broken down and tested in so many ways, only to prove that to be a stronger person, you may have to lose everything and decide to do what is morally right, even though it may not be the easiest route. This story taught me to believe again, and not lose hope and faith completely in people. And that forgiveness is stronger than revenge. You will enjoy this book very much!

Thank you NetGalley, Author Katherine Center and St. Martin's Press for an ARC Electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

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Katherine Center is one of my new favorite authors! While I'm a hopeless romantic, I'm also pretty cynical. I don't like romances that are overly cheesy or too unrealistic. And Center's books have all the ingredients to potentially leave me cringing or rolling my eyes, but I never do. Things You Save in a Fire is sweet and pure and unputdownable! Owen may have moved up into my top five favorite male leads. I stayed up reading into the wee hours of the morning to finish this one. I smiled. I cried. I swooned. Five glowing stars from me!

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This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I really enjoyed it! She writes well, has a good plot and background and well developed characters that the reader can identify with. The story is heartwarming and seems real. It is hopeful, as the characters learn to forgive, communicate and love.

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What a beautiful book! This book is described as a romance, and there is that, but it so much more than that. It’s about friendship, forgiveness, never giving up on yourself, and the things that truly matter in life. And if you happen to be interested in firefighting, there is plenty of that, too!

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This novel is one of my favorites, if not my favorite, of the year. The overall message of the story, forgiveness, was very clear but not discussed so much that you are sick of it. I really enjoyed the characters; they seemed fully formed and realistic. They were relatable and flawed but not so flawed that you disliked them. The premises in the novel seemed extremely realistic and were well described. I also loved how feminist this novel was. Cassie, the main character, was able to stand up for herself and be strong but still be vulnerable and open-hearted. It was the perfect modern romantic comedy.

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Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center held my attention over people speaking with me, being wrapped in a blanket trying to stay warm and being at one of the most gorgeous places on earth. The main characters was kickass, take no prisoners, move forward and become the best. Cassie Hanwell was a paramedic and a firefighter. She had strength when things were tough and was able to help people. Having to move to Massachusetts to help her mother against her preferences was just the first step toward helping herself.

I enjoyed how the past story slowly eeked out while the present story moved on. Cassie had a number of things against her, but yet she managed to keep moving forward. Sometimes you do not know what you are looking for or what you need until it is in front of you and then taken away. Rookie was a great fit for her and her character. The book is one that you become absorbed in, cry a little with and then fall in love with.

People who like to read Catherine Hyde Ryan with like Katherine Center. Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center was an excellent read. The book was meaningful and thoughtful while holding your entire attention.

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What a wonderful read this is! Cassie, a tough as nails firefighter, has her (unplanned) me-too moment of revenge on her attacker now a city councilman as he awards her a medal AND gropes her at the same time. Her 16th birthday was a horrible day for her because in addition to that loathsome boy, she also had to deal with the departure of her mother. Now, her mother Diana has asked her to come and live with her in Massachusetts. Faced with the possible loss of her job, she takes a hand extended for her and gets a position with a small town department and moves in with her mother. Cassie has never been on a date or voluntarily kissed and she's never let anyone get the better of her = she can best everyone- man and woman- at her job. And then she's faced with the Rookie. Oh these two make a good team. He's got a secret or two of his own but he's a good guy. Cassie finds herself harassed by someone on her shift and then there's a big fire.......This has natural ups (I laughed out loud when they saved the "baby") and downs (Diana and no spoilers). Center has created two terrific characters in the lead but the others are wonderful as well. I admit to a big smile and a little tear at the end. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. This is terrific storytelling!

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This is one of the best books from this genre that I’ve ever read (and I’ve read a lot.) I’ve only read a couple of Katherine Center’s books, but I’m going to go back and read them all. It has a very realistic plot that takes on tough and relevant issues without feeling like it’s about those issues. The characters are likeable and admirable, yet flawed enough to be interesting. The theme is forgiveness, and while it would be easy enough to lapse into cliches, that wasn’t what happened. And while it was predictable at times, it was predictable in a good way, as in what happened felt right and not contrived. If you like these kind of books at all, I can’t imagine not liking this one.

I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

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This book has a great theme and shows what forgiveness looks like. Everyone that reads this should walk away with a true heart felt lesson. We need more books like this!

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Who doesn't love a badass female firefighter? Well, not as badass male firefighters. This surprising story by Katherine Center had me hooked from the first scene. The characters are well developed and the tough to tender plot is a winner. The fact that the female lead in this book is slightly more skilled than the male is a refreshing change.

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Katherine Center is quickly becoming my new favorite author. She has a way of hooking me into the story and keeping me there. These stories are not light, fluffy contemporary reads but stories with heart and meaning. They are so genuine crafted that the reader is fully immersed in the story.

Cassie is a woman who has suffered from pain and loss early in her life and to make up for it has worked her butt off to exceed as a female firefighter in a world made up mostly of men. When a series of events occurs that forces her to change her plans, she must learn how to break down walls and forgive.

This book pulled so many of my heart strings and taught me much about life and forgiveness. I adore Katherine Center’s writing and if you haven’t read either of books, I urge you to pick them up.

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Put this book on.your summer must read for 2019! A story of redemption, found love, and forgiveness.this book follows Cassie on her journey from a broken and bitter young women to resilient and empowered women . Cassie is a young fire fighter with a hidden past that has kept her from finding love and fulfillment. She has worked hard to get herself to a place of acceptance and respect in the Austin Tx Fire Department when a moment from her past forces her to make a snap decision. Suddenly her world is crumbling when a call from her mother who long ago abandoned the teenage Cassie asking her to come to stay with her while she recuperates from a serious health issue. As Cassie sets out across the country to assist her mother, can she restart her life, heal the past and find redemption? Things You Save In A Fire is a everything and nothing you expect a book to be. Ir is 5 star. A must read. Kettering Center is a master of fiction.

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Cassie, a female firefighter, is outstanding at her job. She knows she’s the best and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she answers a phone call from her estranged mother, she begins to question what to do next.

I don’t want to give too much away, but I loved following Cassie on her journey!

I’m not usually a romance lover, but this book was so much more than that. I found myself smiling and crying. What a beautiful story!

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