On the Line

Noah Callahan climbed through the firefighter's ranks, and now the forty-seven year old widower is the Chief of Hidden Cove's fire department. He's gained and earned both love and respect from everyone, and especially from those who work under his command. But all is not well for Noah. He's in total shock when the mayor phones to advise him the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) is sending an investigator to look into the many fires and failures that have recently occurred in his area. Noah can't believe he's under suspicion of wrong doing; firefighting is the love of his life! Yet another shock awaits him when he meets the OFPC official -- Eve Woodward, an attractive, but powerful looking woman. Eve Woodward is also a former firefighter who gained her position by working from the ground up. Being a woman firefighter is an uphill battle every step of the way, fighting to gain acceptance into an occupation still believed to be a man's world, where not many men are willing to share their good ole boys' last stronghold with women. Eve is one of the strong ones though, and has truly earned her stripes, even though some jealous colleagues started rumors she got where she is by sleeping with her boss. Her work in Hidden Cove isn't an easy one. She learns Noah Callahan is a good man, deserving of the respect shown him, and proving his guilt isn't going to make for happy times for anyone in the town. The quality of Kathryn Shay's writing is nothing less than excellent, and there is pure magic in her pen. I haven't YET had the opportunity to read the first story in this series, AFTER THE FIRE, but you can be sure I've already got it on order! ON THE LINE is a magnificent look into the lives of real, down-to-earth firefighters and the struggles they endure every day. Ms. Shay's talent takes you inside her characters to bring them so to life that you think and feel with them. Readers experience heartaches and hardships with them, sometimes with tears flowing, as they go through traumatic times and memories. ON THE LINE brings reminders of the Oklahoma City bombing, the 9/11 tragedies, and Viet Nam, as survivors struggle with the aftermath of being there. It's a story of healing recurring nightmares and learning to forgive yourself and others through group sharing sessions. It also deals with hidden problems young children have by giving them an opportunity to express anger and share losses of their loved ones during days at a camp built by both firefighters and policemen. The idea for this camp originated in AFTER THE FIRE and continues to completion in ON THE LINE. Finally, this novel shares more than one story of romance and love. Their roads aren't easy, and the couples have much adversity to overcome, but ohhh, the story is wonderful, as Kathryn Shay sends readers through the pages to the beautiful ending we expect from a romance story. Once again I'm compelled to reward this author with A PERFECT TEN, an award given only to those novels w

Following the devastating fire detailed in After the Fire, lives were forever changed and the fire department stands in a poor light that is worsened by accidents and fires that have lead to deaths among the fire crews. Sent to investigate and nail the chief, Eve is not in a mood to fall in love, but Noah Callahan is not what he seems at first or what she expected. Her investigation's focus begins to shift to finding out who is out to ruin a good man. Concurrently with this plotline, Casey Brennan's romance is played out. She has always seemed to be one of the guys, but when a softer side emerges as she tries to be the mom her daughters need, more than one realizes Casey is no guy, but the one she wants to see her as a woman has baggage and a heart that is bogged down with jealousy. *** Although Ms Shay is always worth reading and never fails to present an enjoyable story, her purpose would have been better served by splitting this into two books to focus on each plotline on its own. Nonetheless, as usual, she has a compelling story with three dimensional characters and situations. *** Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.

This is the first time I've ever read anything by Ms. Shay, but it will not be my last. This book played out like a prime-time soap opera, only with language and mature adult situations. I loved the plot and the alternating of stories between the Noah, Eve, and Casey and Zach. I read the excerpt of the next book in the back and I can't wait for it to be released. It's Ian's turn now.

I really enjoyed this sequel to "After the Fire." Two great romances, a great story, and lots of great characters who fight, love, struggle, behave heroically, behave terribly -- just like real people. One weakness -- the reason behind Noah's troubles seemed farfetched, but when the characters and story are this good, who cares. I'd still give it five stars. And I'm looking forward to the sequel. Good work, Ms. Shay.

Because of the many fires well above the norm especially a deadly one that has ripped through Hidden Cove New York, Mayor Johnson requested the State investigate. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control sends Eve Woodward to learn what is going on in the small community. Her first hunch is that Fire Chief Noah Callahan is on the take receiving kickbacks that have led to equipment failure and inadequate building inspection.When Eve meets Noah's youthful "wife" and "child", she realizes he further fits the profile of a corrupt firefighter, as his spouse is young enough to be his daughter. However, as she becomes acquainted with Noah and observes how everyone in his sphere thinks highly of him she begins to wonder what is really going on especially when she learns that his "wife" is his daughter and his "child" is his granddaughter. Soon a fire burns between the investigator and the target, but that does not prevent Eve from seeking the truth even though it keeps adding up to the undeniable fact that Noah is the culprit.ON THE LINE is an exhilarating fiery romance that centers on the investigation, but also enables the audience to taste the danger of firefighting. The story line contains two romances including one between two fire fighters who deserve a second chance as well as the conflict of love vs. duty starring the ethical lead couple. Although the "motives" for all the troubles seems too minor when compared to the cost (ten dead in the Sinco fire - see AFTER THE FIRE), readers will appreciate this dynamic homage to real heroes.Harriet Klausner