AFTER THE FIRE

Author: Kathryn Shay ISBN:0425193047 11/2003 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: BERKLEY

Detective Megan Hale has come to Hidden Cove to begin a new life. What she's leaving behind are painful memories--of her father and husband, both policeman killed in the line of duty. What lies ahead for Megan is a dream--to start a summer camp for the orphaned children of firefighters and police officers. Firefighter Mitch Malvaso vowed to change his life after escaping an inferno--by promising to be a better husband in a marriage-gone-bad. Instead, he finds his newfound peace in Megan's selfless plan, and a deep respect that turns to unspoken love. As they work together on the camp and cross paths in their respective roles as police officer and firefighter, the attraction between them grows; so does the fear that theirs is a love never meant to be--unless they can find the courage to face the past and embrace a passionate future of endless possibilities. Visit Kathryn's website: http://www.kathrynshay.com/

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I always look forward to a new Kathryn Shay book, especially when they're about firefighters. AFTER THE FIRE is the first in her new trilogy starting with Malvaso family: Mitch the eldest, middle sister Jenny, and Zach the younger brother. After a devastating fire that nearly kills the three siblings, while still coughing up smoke, they make a pact to improve their personal lives. Mitch, to spend more time with his rebellious teenagers and either save his disastrous marriage or end it. Jenn wants a baby; she would like her best friend to be the father but she's afraid it might ruin their perfect friendship. Zach wants his family back, and after spending years playing around, he realizes he has thrown his marriage away and now wants his wife back.

Detective Megan Hale has moved to Hidden Cove after her husband and father are killed in the line of duty. She has a dream to open a camp for the children of fallen fightfighters and policeman. She meets Mitch Malvaso and persuades him to help her with the set up of the camp. They have a strong and unwanted attraction to each other, but fight their feelings.

Kathryn Shay brings life to the small town of Hidden Cove, pulling readers into the daily lives of these wonderful heroes. She weaves subplots throughout the story with troubled teenagers, a family that is trying to heal old wounds, and friends that turn to lovers. AFTER THE FIRE grabs you on the first page and doesn't let go, making you wait impatiently for the second book, ON THE LINE, to be released this summer.

DeeKay