4½ stars rounded up.

Things You Save in a Fire was my first book by Katherine Center and I absolutely loved it! It's a quick and easy read, that made me feel weepy as much as it made me laugh out loud and squeal with delight. The writing flows so well, and I found myself quickly turning page after page, quickly devouring the story. Center's writing is simple, no extravagance or anything like that, but she honestly doesn't need it; her writing evokes powerful emotions and what I enjoyed most about it is that it's completely relatable.

As one of the only female firefighters in her Austin, Texas firehouse, Cassie Hanwell is one tough cookie. She has hardened herself to all things emotional and girly, especially love and affection, after her mother left on her 16th birthday, and an event that happened afterwards changed her outlook on life. Working in a position that's stereotypically filled by men has also meant that Cassie works extra hard at what she does to prove that she can be just as good as, if not better than, the boys. She's at the top of her game when the last person she wants to see from her past makes a reappearance, and her estranged mother asks Cassie to move to Boston to live with her. Just like that, the trajectory of her whole life changes once again.

Compared to the firehouse in Texas, the one in Boston looks slightly rundown, isn't updated with the latest in safety and equipment, and it's full of manboys who think that the firehouse is not where "ladies" belong. Despite showing them how competent, strong and smart she is, Cassie is still treated like a lady nobody wants around; well, all except for the Rookie. But the Rookie is dangerous because he inspires feelings in her that aren't smart, and as she struggles to reconcile how she's always been with these new girly feelings, she will have to risk it all and hope everything works out as it should.

This book is about the strength of healing and the power of forgiveness, especially of oneself. I really enjoyed Cassie's character arc--she's such a strong female lead--

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and as her walls were slowly chipped away, I found myself delighted that she was able to finally grant forgiveness to her 16-year-old self and her mother, and to embrace the love and support that the people around her had to give.

It was easy to forget that Cassie is relatively young because she has a certain maturity and confidence that's usually found in older characters, and this is especially so when she dealt with the issues she runs into at the new firehouse. Also in dealing with her mother, I found Cassie developed a mature understanding about the situation that I would have had trouble swallowing even now, had I been in her shoes.

I thought the romance between Cassie and the Rookie was sweet, and I loved how his character was much "softer" compared to her hard-as-nails one. Although to be honest, I was trying really hard to feel their chemistry, but even up until the end I wasn't overwhelmed with their connection; certainly not enough for such a grand HEA. To be fair though, it's probably just me who thought that and it certainly didn't take (much) away from my enjoyment of the story!

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The Rookie honestly sounds kind of like the dream man I'd want in real life--I mean, anyone who loves to cook and bake me delicious things, and is always understanding and supportive, is definitely a win! While romance was the big hook here, I also really enjoyed how the relationship evolved between Cassie and her mother, Diana. Mending their relationship really proves how much power there is in forgiveness.

Overall, this was a great feel-good romance and I'm looking forward to reading more of Katherine Center. If her other books are anything like this one, I know I will surely enjoy them!

Thanks to Netgalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin's Press for making this book available to read in exchange for an honest review. This book is scheduled to be published on 13 August 2019.