Firestrorm - 4 stars

Firestorm by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Reyne Oldre is a wildfire firefighter. She has battled the demon of fires and won. In the process though, she gained a few demons of her own to fight.

Logan McCabe is a smoke jumper; arrogant, confident and passionate about life.

When the two collide in an unlikely meeting, their worlds get flipped upside down. Reyne must battle the fire in her heart as she learns to fight the demons from her past.

I found this book captivating, as the wife of a firefighter. I also have wanted to be a wildfire firefighter in my past, so this was very intriguing. I think the conflict with the fires and fighting the fires was well written and researched.

I admit that I struggled with the relationship between Reyne and Logan, many times it seemed too good to be true. (As is often the case in fiction) I would have enjoyed more conflict between them, to build the suspense of their relationship.

I thought the story of Reyne and her two close friends was beautiful, although it brought me to tears. You have to read it to see why.

I did enjoy the fact that both Reyne and Logan looked to God to be their strength in the middle of storms and conflict. It was an encouragement and an inspiration.

I received this book compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

4 stars!

Chasing the Sun - 3.5 stars

 Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson

Hannah Dandridge had to grow up quickly. When her father disappears, she is forced to take on the responsibility of the ranch and her siblings. To make matters worse, William Barnett comes riding into town claiming the land is his.

Hannah must decide how to handle the responsibility that has been thrown at her. Will she marry a man she doesn't even like, or will she decide to handle things on her own?

I thought this was a sweet historical romance. I admit that it wasn't hard to put this book down, as there wasn't much suspense or excitement. I didn't have a desire to abandon the book, but I also wasn't desperate to read more. I think the relationship between Hannah and William was believable and I enjoyed the conflict between them.

As for religious themes, there were softly interwoven throughout the story. It was a soft touch of Christianity.

This book was received complimentary from Bethany House Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars