After the Fire

When I was readin this series, it wold bring to life what every one fears, fire. It was realistic and very good descriptions. The series was excellent.

At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the numerous characters and plot lines. But it didn't take long before the people and plots really drew me in. This book was hard to put down, and I'm looking forward to the next one. I found it an interesting premise -- three siblings facing the mistakes they'd made and wanting to change their lives -- after an event that made them all too aware of their mortality. Again, I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book takes them.

I found this book to be a compelling read in that it shows how a near disaster for three siblings changes their outlook on their lives.It makes them look closer at where they are - emotionally, sometimes physically - and re-evaluate where they would like to be.The book shows the characters as human in their imperfections and dealings not only with their family dynamics, but also within the dynamics of their jobs and community.

After a devestating fire, Mitch, Jenn, and Zach Malvaso vow to change their lives for the better. Mitch decides that he either has to make a serious commitment to making his marriage work or call it quits, Jenn decides she wants a baby, and Zach wants his wife back.Megan Hale moved to Hidden Cove to escape the demons chasing after her. After her husband died in the line of duty and her father only a short time later, Megan knew that she had to leave the big city scene. She has finally found peace in the little town that is just like family. Her attraction to Mitch is as unexpected as it is complicated. Vowing never to be the 'other woman', Megan is adamament about not admitting her feelings for Mitch, and he feels the same way. This book is overcoming the trials of life and falling in love when you least expect it.Although the story revolves mostly around Mitch and Megan, Shay has subplots with the other siblings that grab the reader and don't let go. I can't wait until her next book in this series comes out. I never understood exactly how much a firefighter risked until I read this book. The things that a firefighter has to know, along with the risks they take for strangers is humbling. The emotion in this book is so overwhelming at times that I felt like crying. This is a superbly written book that I would highly recommend!

Near New York City, the Hidden Cove Fire Department responds to the dangerous Sinco fire. Three Malvaso firefighting siblings become trapped inside, but ultimately are rescued. Jenny insists that she, Mitch and Zach pledge to change their messed up personal lives as each one realizes how close to death they came.Six months later, the three remain on the job, but carry mental scars from the Sinco fire. The vow has not been met.Jenn tells her platonic duplex house partner Grady O'Connor that she wants his baby through artificial insemination. She refuses to marry as she failed at that once. Grady also has relationship problems that haunt him.Zach wants to remarry his ex wife Angela, who he treated very badly. He feels jealous when she goes on a date with an assistant principal. However, he is spending quality time with his two preadolescent sons.Mitch remains in an ugly marriage for the sake of his two teenage children. Newly arrived Detective Megan Hale suggests to Mitch that they need to start a camp to help the children of deceased emergency workers. He loves the idea, but worries about his attraction to Megan.Though the multiple subplots can be overwhelming at times, readers will appreciate the powerfully written terse emergency situations. The Malvasi clan and the other key characters, except Mitch's out of control wife, seem genuine in and out of emergency scenarios. Kathryn Shay pays homage to rescue workers with this exhilarating tale that demands a sequel starring Zach and a firewoman who saved his life.Harriet Klausner