Things You Save in a Fire
Center, KatherineWhen firefighter Cassie Hanwell reluctantly moves from Texas to Massachusetts, she knows that it is not going to be plain sailing. She has always successfully managed the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, but the men at her new fire station are not kindly disposed to her appointment. But the die is cast and Cassie will not be backing down, even when she has to compete with a golden-boy rookie for the one permanent position available.
From its laugh out loud moments and nail-biting dramas to its blood pressure threatening sexism, this story with love at its heart also offers an insightful examination of some of the challenges women face and reinforces the importance of being true to oneself.
Pages
310
310
Year
2019
2019
Reviews
07-08-2023
Two or three felt it was like ( they presumed) Mills & Boon, while others felt it was a pleasant light read. One or two of us focused on the forgiveness aspect.
19-07-2023
Generally considered an easy read, easy to put down and pick up. "Started with promise but needed editing" was one comment, and most felt the content in places was questionable, possibly because it was American.
22-06-2023
A good book. We really enjoyed it. It needs to be read with a good understanding of the notes which are excellent. As the writer said, it is a 'Book Club' book and facilitates really good discussion.
19-06-2023
This book was the best so far. So real, so funny and fast paced. A real hit with the group.
20-03-2023
We all enjoyed reading this book but generally found it rather light-weight with unbelievable characters. One member, however, thought it was very insightful in relation to forgiveness. We ended up talking for some time about the three steps of forgiveness outlined on p.112.
15-12-2022
Our group wasn't impressed with the book. Wondered how it managed to get the good reviews.
15-11-2022
Everyone read this book. An easy light read. Personally I loved it and read it in two days. I cried a lot and couldn't put it down until I finished it.
12-10-2022
One member didn't like the book at all, but good reviews from the others. Obviously some exaggeration but a good behind the scenes view, and interesting to read about all the hard work that goes into being a firefighter. Good light read.
15-09-2022
Easy to read, interesting, one of the last bastions of male dominance. Obviously written by someone with personal experience of the Fire Brigade.
08-09-2022
An easy light predictable story. Good writing.
04-09-2022
Our group were split on this one - five people enjoyed the different issues, the character and writing style. The remaining seven found it too American, Mills & Boon-ish, didnt like the character and irritated by the tone and language not changing from State to (very different) State. One member could confirm the prank culture did exist in Fire Stations several years ago. Most would not recommend this book or author.,
11-08-2022
Easy read, predictable and boring in parts. Probably more of a teen read.
08-08-2022
The group enjoyed this light read. They found the culture in different fire stations most interesting. There was good discussion around the many threads in the story - chauvinism, broken family life, dealing with death and dying, competitiveness, friendship, sexual assault and forgiveness.
18-07-2022
An easy read. Parts of the book stretched our credulity, but it was an interesting insight into fire-fighting, and a woman struggling to be accepted in a man's world.
22-06-2022
A bit shallow and predictable. Nice story but lacked depth.
27-05-2022
A deep message written in a way that made it easier to read, and an ending that felt right.
08-05-2022
Easy read and with everything going on in the world, exactly what we needed. We all loved it.
29-04-2022
Light easy read.
16-03-2022
We all found this book rather disappointing, with a predictable plot and insufficient depth to achieve the intended "feel-good" effect. As a tale on the power of forgiveness, it lacks subtlety and thereby sacrifices authenticity. It describes aspects of experiences of female firefighters in the US.
13-12-2021
Mixed thoughts about this book - some people didn't bother completing this one. Others thought it an easy read.
19-11-2021
The group was quite split on this one: some found it hard to "get into" ( not liking the American style) and others found it a bit like "Mills & Boon" by the end.
05-11-2021
We found this book a very light read and did not rate it that highly. It was easy to read and a good book for our group at a busy time of the year in the farming calendar (lambing and calving). The main character was irritating, and the book treated some serious issues like sexism a bit frivolously.
27-10-2021
Most enjoyed this story - easy to read but not a lot of substance. A bit predictable and wrapped up with a happy ending..
27-08-2021
All 8 members enjoyed this book! A lovely relaxing read!
02-08-2021
A book that was light in style of writing, but one that provoked a good discussion. Topics covered were very relevant to all of us.
20-06-2021
It was nice to read a bit of a romance for a change, as the books chosen by the group tend to be a bit more serious. Some members compared it to a rom-com movie.
09-06-2021
A light, quick and easy read. Rather preachy, hence the low score.
07-05-2021
Easy read. No real substance. Wouldn't recommend it to friends.
07-05-2021
Overall, enjoyed by the majority as a much lighter read than our usual book club book is. Nicely written, even if slightly predictable. One found it too 'fluffy'.
07-04-2021
This book was enjoyed by most of our group - we found the contents quite interesting and felt it had a good storyline.
17-03-2021
Generally enjoyed by all, well-written, easy read.
15-03-2021
The group found it a light, easy read.
08-03-2021
Took a bit to get into - a bit annoying, but story developed really nicely. Funny, and a good lesson in forgiveness. Group enjoyed.