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Montana Fire #1
Where There's Smoke
From RITA award-winning author Susan May Warren comes a new action romance. Book 1 in the Montana Fire: Summer of Fire trilogy.
She’s a smokejumper afraid of fire…
Kate Burns is a legendary smoke jumper, known for her courage and willingness to risk everything to get the job done. Only she has a secret, one she won’t admit to anyone.
He can’t forget the love they once shared…
Supervisor Jed Ransom commands the Jude County Smoke Jumpers with a reputation as a calm, level-headed leader. Kate is the only one who’s ever gotten under his skin.
They must face the flames together…
A raging wildfire in the mountains of Montana brings Kate and Jed together to train up a new team of jumpers. Suddenly, they must face the past they’ve been running from and the secrets that keep them apart. When an arsonist goes after their team, Kate and Jed must face their deepest fears—and learn to rely on each other as they fight a blaze that could destroy them all.
In this first book of the Montana Fire: Summer of Fire trilogy, Kate and Jed are about to discover that where there’s smoke, there just might be a chance to start again.
Don’t miss the next books in the series:
Playing with Fire (Book 2)
Burnin’ For You (Book 3)
She’s a smokejumper afraid of fire…
Kate Burns is a legendary smoke jumper, known for her courage and willingness to risk everything to get the job done. Only she has a secret, one she won’t admit to anyone.
He can’t forget the love they once shared…
Supervisor Jed Ransom commands the Jude County Smoke Jumpers with a reputation as a calm, level-headed leader. Kate is the only one who’s ever gotten under his skin.
They must face the flames together…
A raging wildfire in the mountains of Montana brings Kate and Jed together to train up a new team of jumpers. Suddenly, they must face the past they’ve been running from and the secrets that keep them apart. When an arsonist goes after their team, Kate and Jed must face their deepest fears—and learn to rely on each other as they fight a blaze that could destroy them all.
In this first book of the Montana Fire: Summer of Fire trilogy, Kate and Jed are about to discover that where there’s smoke, there just might be a chance to start again.
Don’t miss the next books in the series:
Playing with Fire (Book 2)
Burnin’ For You (Book 3)
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2016
About the author
Susan May Warren
174 books3,306 followersI can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at [email protected]. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at [email protected]. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
May 24, 2017
2.5 stars
If the entire book had been like the last third, it would easily have gotten five stars, or at least 4.5. However, the raging hormones in the early part of the book really cheapened it. It's totally inappropriate for the hero to be going into the heroine's tent alone and kissing her out of a nightmare...the beginning of it was bad enough, but when they start using their tongues and rubbing their bodies together and the hero wants to climb in her sleeping bag with her...eesh!! Tone it down!! And that wasn't the only kiss with tongue involved. That's something that should be private with a married couple, but in a couple who doesn't even want to admit they're interested in each other????
Not sure if I even want to try the second book, even though I've been waiting for Liza Beaumont's story for quite a long time.
If the entire book had been like the last third, it would easily have gotten five stars, or at least 4.5. However, the raging hormones in the early part of the book really cheapened it. It's totally inappropriate for the hero to be going into the heroine's tent alone and kissing her out of a nightmare...the beginning of it was bad enough, but when they start using their tongues and rubbing their bodies together and the hero wants to climb in her sleeping bag with her...eesh!! Tone it down!! And that wasn't the only kiss with tongue involved. That's something that should be private with a married couple, but in a couple who doesn't even want to admit they're interested in each other????
Not sure if I even want to try the second book, even though I've been waiting for Liza Beaumont's story for quite a long time.
April 13, 2018
Where There's Smoke is the first in the Montana Fire series. This is a story about smokejumpers and is what we have to expect of Susan May Warren. There is lots of adventure, danger, a little romance with some conflict to overcome and faith to help them through it. The characters are like real people, well developed, strong and likable. Susie May's books are so interesting because she does so much research and is so knowledgeable about whatever subject that she is writing about. Her scenery descriptions are amazing. I could smell the smoke from the wildfires, hear the crackle of the flames eating the trees and other fuels of the terrain and feel the heat. And I could feel the fear of those in danger. Her books pull you in and you feel part of the action. That is why she is absolutely one of my favorite authors and I go right to the next book in the series if I have it.
February 13, 2018
I really enjoyed learning about the details and the lives of smoke jumpers in this book. Sometimes, I felt like the pacing was a little slow at times, but I am sure it was just me. The characters in this story are very easy to like. My favorite part of the story was when Jed sang the hymn, to Kate, over his walkie talkie. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 15, 2020
*This continues to be a favorite audio book of mine. I have listened to it at least three times and read the book two other times, as well!*
*An update to my original review - I "re-read" this wonderful story by listening to the audiobook. Just like the other books in the series, this narrator was great and did a wonderful job. This is a story I will be reading and listening to again and again!
Having spent the last couple of years reading every Christiansen Family novel and anxiously awaiting more books by Susan May Warren, I was so excited when her newest series came out this summer. Where There’s Smoke, book one in the series, was a novel that I could hardly set down!
The characters were wonderful. I connected with them right away…not only the main characters, Jed and Kate, but also some of the others on the team as well. The setting was simply amazing. The author did a great job of showing what was involved in being a smokejumper. I was captivated by all I read.
The tension between Jed and Kate was great! They had so much past wrapped up in each other and so many issues to work through. It was wonderfully complicated to see if they could untangle what was truly important from what wasn’t. And add in many, many terrifying situations where I felt my breath catch and hope that things would work out and I know that Where There’s Smoke is a book I will be re-reading many times! I immediately ordered book two on my kindle and have already devoured that story! I will get a review up for that one while I not so patiently wait for book three.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
(Just re-read this through audio again! One of my favorite books and audio books of all time!)
*An update to my original review - I "re-read" this wonderful story by listening to the audiobook. Just like the other books in the series, this narrator was great and did a wonderful job. This is a story I will be reading and listening to again and again!
Having spent the last couple of years reading every Christiansen Family novel and anxiously awaiting more books by Susan May Warren, I was so excited when her newest series came out this summer. Where There’s Smoke, book one in the series, was a novel that I could hardly set down!
The characters were wonderful. I connected with them right away…not only the main characters, Jed and Kate, but also some of the others on the team as well. The setting was simply amazing. The author did a great job of showing what was involved in being a smokejumper. I was captivated by all I read.
The tension between Jed and Kate was great! They had so much past wrapped up in each other and so many issues to work through. It was wonderfully complicated to see if they could untangle what was truly important from what wasn’t. And add in many, many terrifying situations where I felt my breath catch and hope that things would work out and I know that Where There’s Smoke is a book I will be re-reading many times! I immediately ordered book two on my kindle and have already devoured that story! I will get a review up for that one while I not so patiently wait for book three.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
(Just re-read this through audio again! One of my favorite books and audio books of all time!)
April 9, 2017
Love, love, love this series! I read one right after the other and then re-read my favorite parts from all three again when I was done. In all the books, there are deep emotions simmering beneath the surface in the characters, brought to light by the highly dangerous circumstances they find themselves in, resulting in explosive sparks! There is a blend of vulnerability and strength that is appealing. I think we all feel flawed and vulnerable in some way, but want to believe that we will have the strength to not only persevere but succeed when trials come. I kept reliving the stories of all three books in my mind for days afterward. Highly recommend!!!
March 11, 2017
I've read about smoke jumpers before and really enjoyed it so I didn't hesitate to add this book to my to-read list.
I did enjoy it quite a lot. It was a pretty fast read for me. I was actually kinda surprised to find that it's over 200 pages long-- it just seemed to fly by!
A warning to the more sensitive readers out there: this book gets a little steamy. And by that I mean that some of the kissing is a bit... "over-described" and it's obvious that Jed would really like to go far beyond kissing.
I did enjoy it quite a lot. It was a pretty fast read for me. I was actually kinda surprised to find that it's over 200 pages long-- it just seemed to fly by!
A warning to the more sensitive readers out there: this book gets a little steamy. And by that I mean that some of the kissing is a bit... "over-described" and it's obvious that Jed would really like to go far beyond kissing.
May 9, 2024
A good modern day Christian romance. Learned a lot about fire fighting.
September 24, 2017
Where There's Smoke is an exciting and spark-filled romance.
It was stressful reading Where There's Smoke, but in a good way. I was on edge most of the time with jumping from planes, parachutes that won't open, tangled chute lines and deadly wildfires. And when all that wasn't happening the tension from the romance is off the charts.
Kate grew up wanting to be a smokejumper just like her father, fighting the deadly fires that roar through the Montana landscape. But her father never wanted her in such danger, so she chose to walk away from their relationship rather than give up fire fighting. Now, Kate has returned home in the wake of a devastating fire that has left her father and others in his crew dead. She finally has a chance to join the Jude County Smokejumpers, but so too has her old crush, Jed Ransom, leaving Kate once again battling to prove her ability to be a jumper.
This book starts with Kate jumping out of a plane and straight into a deadly situation and the action doesn't stop from there. But my favourite part of this book was, of course, the romance. Kate and Jed have a history that includes childhood crushes, hotshot training, grief over Kate's father's death, mistimed kisses and being almost killed in a fire. Their chemistry sends sparks flying - sorry about the pun, but there is no other way to describe the heat that comes from their looks, fights and kisses.
I'm looking forward to the next two books in this Montana Fire series, which will continue the stories of other smokejumpers in the crew. Great romance, strong characters, a beautiful if deadly setting, faith, family, and a camaraderie that comes from the group of brave men and women who risk their lives to save the lives of others.
It was stressful reading Where There's Smoke, but in a good way. I was on edge most of the time with jumping from planes, parachutes that won't open, tangled chute lines and deadly wildfires. And when all that wasn't happening the tension from the romance is off the charts.
Kate grew up wanting to be a smokejumper just like her father, fighting the deadly fires that roar through the Montana landscape. But her father never wanted her in such danger, so she chose to walk away from their relationship rather than give up fire fighting. Now, Kate has returned home in the wake of a devastating fire that has left her father and others in his crew dead. She finally has a chance to join the Jude County Smokejumpers, but so too has her old crush, Jed Ransom, leaving Kate once again battling to prove her ability to be a jumper.
This book starts with Kate jumping out of a plane and straight into a deadly situation and the action doesn't stop from there. But my favourite part of this book was, of course, the romance. Kate and Jed have a history that includes childhood crushes, hotshot training, grief over Kate's father's death, mistimed kisses and being almost killed in a fire. Their chemistry sends sparks flying - sorry about the pun, but there is no other way to describe the heat that comes from their looks, fights and kisses.
I'm looking forward to the next two books in this Montana Fire series, which will continue the stories of other smokejumpers in the crew. Great romance, strong characters, a beautiful if deadly setting, faith, family, and a camaraderie that comes from the group of brave men and women who risk their lives to save the lives of others.
April 19, 2017
This was a quick read/listen. The setting was very clear and the story couldn't have happened anywhere else. The characters are unique and wounded. I enjoyed reading their romance.
May 24, 2017
Really enjoyed this book, although the romance was a bit much at times. Look forward to reading the next book!
April 9, 2018
I really liked this book. It was action packed, from the first page till the last. I enjoyed seeing a story for Jed, who we briefly met in the Christiansen family series. But I am looking forward to Connor's story, who I originally met in the Team Hope series and since then was hoping for a story for him.
Warning: the romance parts is a bit steamy. For me it made sense, since both Jed and Kate drifted from God.
It was refreshing to see how Jed and Kate started changing when the both had realisation of God's love for them.
There was also a mystery which continues to the next book.
Warning: the romance parts is a bit steamy. For me it made sense, since both Jed and Kate drifted from God.
It was refreshing to see how Jed and Kate started changing when the both had realisation of God's love for them.
There was also a mystery which continues to the next book.
October 28, 2021
Love love love!
Me and fire fighters, smoke jumpers all things involved with fire just sign me up!
Kate is a badass smoke jumper that is constantly getting herself into hot situations and Jed also a smoke jumper and her keep butting heads but its only because they care. They keep faling into each other and pushing each other away.
The drama, the tension and the near death moments keep you wanting more.
One problem and its with the cover. Jed has scars and burns die to the fire 7 years ago. This guy on the cover has perfect skin. Where are your faults? And kate has red hair not brown. Come on! If you are going to have real people then make them look like the characters!
Me and fire fighters, smoke jumpers all things involved with fire just sign me up!
Kate is a badass smoke jumper that is constantly getting herself into hot situations and Jed also a smoke jumper and her keep butting heads but its only because they care. They keep faling into each other and pushing each other away.
The drama, the tension and the near death moments keep you wanting more.
One problem and its with the cover. Jed has scars and burns die to the fire 7 years ago. This guy on the cover has perfect skin. Where are your faults? And kate has red hair not brown. Come on! If you are going to have real people then make them look like the characters!
October 8, 2024
Is there such a thing as a book that is TOO exciting? If there is, 'Where's There's Smoke' should be nominated for that spot! I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing a few times while reading. 😰
Aside from the exceptional writing, pacing, description, and fantastic characters, the attention to detail and depth of research is mindblowing.
If you're looking for an intense second chance romantic suspense that kicks off at a white-knuckled pace and doesn't hold up, THIS is the book you'll need. It's SMOKIN hot, filled with so much heat between the main characters that you'll need a cool drink of water close by.
Aside from the exceptional writing, pacing, description, and fantastic characters, the attention to detail and depth of research is mindblowing.
If you're looking for an intense second chance romantic suspense that kicks off at a white-knuckled pace and doesn't hold up, THIS is the book you'll need. It's SMOKIN hot, filled with so much heat between the main characters that you'll need a cool drink of water close by.
June 29, 2016
I loved this book. Beginning to end. I just couldn't put it down. Now I need to go get the next book in this series because I want to read it NOW. :) This is a Christian Fiction book so there is talk of God and faith.
Content: Clean!
Content: Clean!
June 7, 2016
A really great story. Loved the actors, the setting, and the Christian theme. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
September 5, 2016
Every time I see a new book by Susan May Warren, I absolutely MUST have it! I treasure her novels. She writes with an amazing depth and a true, powerful spiritual message. It's like sitting down and hearing a wonderful message at church!
Blazin' Katie Burns is a legendary smokejumper, known for her courage and willingness to risk everything to get the job done. But she has a secret she won't admit to anyone....
Supervisor Jed Ransom commands the Jude County Smoke Jumpers with a reputation as a calm, level-headed leader. Kate is the only one who has ever gotten under his skin. But Jed has some issues, too.
A raging wildfire in the mountains of Montana bring Kate and Jed together to train a new team of jumpers. They must now face the past they have been running from and the secrets that keep them apart. An arsonist goes after their team and they must face their deepest fears.
This is the first book of the Montana Fire series and I am so happy there are three books!
Susan May Warren has such a heart for God and it shows in the pages of her novels. She creates characters that nearly jump off the pages at the reader and dig deep into their heart. She takes you into the scenes, into the forest that is ablaze till you nearly feel that *you're* the one running from the wild fire that's threatening to take your life.
I loved every single minute of this book, couldn't wait to finish it and now I can't wait for the next!
Blazin' Katie Burns is a legendary smokejumper, known for her courage and willingness to risk everything to get the job done. But she has a secret she won't admit to anyone....
Supervisor Jed Ransom commands the Jude County Smoke Jumpers with a reputation as a calm, level-headed leader. Kate is the only one who has ever gotten under his skin. But Jed has some issues, too.
A raging wildfire in the mountains of Montana bring Kate and Jed together to train a new team of jumpers. They must now face the past they have been running from and the secrets that keep them apart. An arsonist goes after their team and they must face their deepest fears.
This is the first book of the Montana Fire series and I am so happy there are three books!
Susan May Warren has such a heart for God and it shows in the pages of her novels. She creates characters that nearly jump off the pages at the reader and dig deep into their heart. She takes you into the scenes, into the forest that is ablaze till you nearly feel that *you're* the one running from the wild fire that's threatening to take your life.
I loved every single minute of this book, couldn't wait to finish it and now I can't wait for the next!
February 23, 2017
Exciting story ....great romance ...thrilling suspense...Susie May does it again!! Great read :)
October 8, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
Sweet and clean romance set in the smoke jumpers community.
Adventure and romance blossoms with the two main characters and the overall continuing storyline promises to be thrilling.
Very enjoyable read
💋
Sweet and clean romance set in the smoke jumpers community.
Adventure and romance blossoms with the two main characters and the overall continuing storyline promises to be thrilling.
Very enjoyable read
June 8, 2016
Well. There’s only one word for this novel: Smokin’! From the first word to the last. If you like your romantic suspense with plenty of genuine emotional tension, some sizzling kisses, and a decent whack of adrenaline, then this is the series for you. I didn’t need quite so many references to Jed’s muscled torso, and the couple’s physical attraction and emotional angst were conveyed with less subtlety than I generally enjoy, but then again, Jed and Kate are intense by nature. They work in an intense environment, and they're carrying some intense emotional baggage. The fireworks were probably inevitable. Still, I was pleased to see an equally strong emotional element to their attraction, not to mention compelling personal and spiritual struggles for each of these characters to work through. If these didn’t exactly temper the other side, they at least balanced it out!
There’s a bit of background to the events that take place in this novel, the basic details of which emerge through the early chapters. I’m definitely not a fan of info dumps at the beginning of a novel (or anywhere else, for that matter), and I’m glad Susan May Warren didn’t do that here. Even so, I couldn’t help feeling that the background information was just a little too piecemeal in the beginning. Then again, maybe the exhilarating action at the beginning distracted me from assimilating it as well as I could have . . . quite possibly . . .
In any case, here are the basics:
Smoke jumping has always been Kate Burns’ life. Her father, Jock Burns, was legendary in the smoke jumping world and the apple of his eye does not want to leave the tree, let alone fall far from it. Well, metaphorically speaking! But risking your own life and watching your daughter continually risk hers are two very different things, and Kate’s father refuses to let her train and jump with his crew. So she sets out to forge her own path into the smoke jumping world, a move that ultimately creates a rift between Kate and the two men she loves most in the world.
Jed Ransom knows exactly why Jock Burns didn’t want his daughter on his smoke jumping crew. It’s the same reason he told Kate to stay away from him after their harrowing experience seven years ago. Being responsible for someone’s life is hard enough, but when it’s someone you love, and risk-taking is in their blood . . . That kind of pressure makes it hard to keep your head in the game. He might not be able to stop her, but it doesn't mean he has to watch.
As the novel opens (after an intense, but brief, prologue), Kate is preparing to jump at her father’s memorial service, along with the surviving members of her father’s smoke jumping crew: Connor Young, Reuben Marshall, and Pete Brooks. Ten months ago, under the leadership of her father, the rest of the Jude County Smoke Jumpers lost their lives in Eureka Canyon when fire overtook them. Even now, it's difficult to understand how it happened.
Despite having her own demons to overcome – like not reconciling with her father before his death and a fear of fire – Kate’s determined not to let her father’s legacy die. She’s come back to train a new group of recruits. The only problem is, Jed Ransom is the supervisor and, well, they never did clear the air between them. And Kate's somewhat unorthodox memorial jump doesn't exactly start them off on the right foot!
It's an action-packed read, no doubt about it, with fire-fighting action and recruit training integral to the story, not to mention the suspense plot that's introduced (which I suspect will span the series, since it doesn't resolve in this book). But all that aside, it's also a book with heart and soul, as Jed and Kate confront their past and their fears and decide whether these will dictate their future.
Technically, I'm giving this 4.5 starts, but it's rounded up here. Needless to say, I'm eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
There’s a bit of background to the events that take place in this novel, the basic details of which emerge through the early chapters. I’m definitely not a fan of info dumps at the beginning of a novel (or anywhere else, for that matter), and I’m glad Susan May Warren didn’t do that here. Even so, I couldn’t help feeling that the background information was just a little too piecemeal in the beginning. Then again, maybe the exhilarating action at the beginning distracted me from assimilating it as well as I could have . . . quite possibly . . .
In any case, here are the basics:
Smoke jumping has always been Kate Burns’ life. Her father, Jock Burns, was legendary in the smoke jumping world and the apple of his eye does not want to leave the tree, let alone fall far from it. Well, metaphorically speaking! But risking your own life and watching your daughter continually risk hers are two very different things, and Kate’s father refuses to let her train and jump with his crew. So she sets out to forge her own path into the smoke jumping world, a move that ultimately creates a rift between Kate and the two men she loves most in the world.
Jed Ransom knows exactly why Jock Burns didn’t want his daughter on his smoke jumping crew. It’s the same reason he told Kate to stay away from him after their harrowing experience seven years ago. Being responsible for someone’s life is hard enough, but when it’s someone you love, and risk-taking is in their blood . . . That kind of pressure makes it hard to keep your head in the game. He might not be able to stop her, but it doesn't mean he has to watch.
As the novel opens (after an intense, but brief, prologue), Kate is preparing to jump at her father’s memorial service, along with the surviving members of her father’s smoke jumping crew: Connor Young, Reuben Marshall, and Pete Brooks. Ten months ago, under the leadership of her father, the rest of the Jude County Smoke Jumpers lost their lives in Eureka Canyon when fire overtook them. Even now, it's difficult to understand how it happened.
Despite having her own demons to overcome – like not reconciling with her father before his death and a fear of fire – Kate’s determined not to let her father’s legacy die. She’s come back to train a new group of recruits. The only problem is, Jed Ransom is the supervisor and, well, they never did clear the air between them. And Kate's somewhat unorthodox memorial jump doesn't exactly start them off on the right foot!
It's an action-packed read, no doubt about it, with fire-fighting action and recruit training integral to the story, not to mention the suspense plot that's introduced (which I suspect will span the series, since it doesn't resolve in this book). But all that aside, it's also a book with heart and soul, as Jed and Kate confront their past and their fears and decide whether these will dictate their future.
Technically, I'm giving this 4.5 starts, but it's rounded up here. Needless to say, I'm eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
January 19, 2017
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE is the first book in the smokin’ hot Montana Fire series from Susan May Warren. And believe me, the forest is not the only thing on fire.
Kate Burns was born with the same instincts and dedication to smoke jumping as her father. She is a legend, known to put herself at risk with her whatever it takes mentality. That’s why she can’t let anyone know she’s afraid of fire. After a near-death experience, Kate is struggling with her fears but keeps them to herself. After all, she’s known as Blazin’ Kate Burns, and she refuses to do anything to taint her reputation. But, with the passing of her father, Kate is at odds with her feelings. Going home to clean out his belongings, she knowns she’ll have to come face-to-face with one more confusing, emotional obstacle in her life – Jed Ransom. They have history as explosive as any fire she’s ever fought. Working side-by-side with Jed to train the next team of smoke jumpers is going to force Kate to face her fears: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The normally calm and cool, Jed Ransom, has more on his plate than anticipated. As the protégé of Jock Burns-Kate’s father-it’s up to him to train the next set of smoke jumping rookies. When he finds out Kate has been assigned to help him, his feelings vacillate between love and anger. He loves her-always has-but refuses to encourage her in what Jed feels is a recklessness that will one day get Kate killed or those she’s training.
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE is filled with fast-pace action and sizzling chemistry between Kate and Jed. They both love each other, but allow their fears and flaws to drive a deeper wedge between them. Kate has always felt the need to prove she is one of the best in a male-dominated career, but Jed wants her to quit. He wants a future with Kate, but not if she is going to continue to put her life on the line.
WOW! What a captivating story! Kate and Jed exude passion on the job and with each other. Their interactions are heat-infused and volatile, but only because they love each other so much. Spiritually, they both are struggling with the pain God has allowed to touch their lives. Head strong and determined, they need to decide if they can completely surrender their lives and their future to God. With a supporting cast of intriguing characters, the action never slows it only simmers. Definitely on my favorites list! I can’t wait to read PLAYING WITH FIRE, the next book in the series.
Kate Burns was born with the same instincts and dedication to smoke jumping as her father. She is a legend, known to put herself at risk with her whatever it takes mentality. That’s why she can’t let anyone know she’s afraid of fire. After a near-death experience, Kate is struggling with her fears but keeps them to herself. After all, she’s known as Blazin’ Kate Burns, and she refuses to do anything to taint her reputation. But, with the passing of her father, Kate is at odds with her feelings. Going home to clean out his belongings, she knowns she’ll have to come face-to-face with one more confusing, emotional obstacle in her life – Jed Ransom. They have history as explosive as any fire she’s ever fought. Working side-by-side with Jed to train the next team of smoke jumpers is going to force Kate to face her fears: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The normally calm and cool, Jed Ransom, has more on his plate than anticipated. As the protégé of Jock Burns-Kate’s father-it’s up to him to train the next set of smoke jumping rookies. When he finds out Kate has been assigned to help him, his feelings vacillate between love and anger. He loves her-always has-but refuses to encourage her in what Jed feels is a recklessness that will one day get Kate killed or those she’s training.
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE is filled with fast-pace action and sizzling chemistry between Kate and Jed. They both love each other, but allow their fears and flaws to drive a deeper wedge between them. Kate has always felt the need to prove she is one of the best in a male-dominated career, but Jed wants her to quit. He wants a future with Kate, but not if she is going to continue to put her life on the line.
WOW! What a captivating story! Kate and Jed exude passion on the job and with each other. Their interactions are heat-infused and volatile, but only because they love each other so much. Spiritually, they both are struggling with the pain God has allowed to touch their lives. Head strong and determined, they need to decide if they can completely surrender their lives and their future to God. With a supporting cast of intriguing characters, the action never slows it only simmers. Definitely on my favorites list! I can’t wait to read PLAYING WITH FIRE, the next book in the series.
August 25, 2016
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Jed and Kate have so much anger and distrust between them. They have been friends ever since they were teens. Kate's father, the head of the Jude County Smokejumping team is now way going to let his daughter join the team. Smokejumping is way to dangerous. But when she's goes off to join another team, he is steaming mad and scared for her safety. So he sends Jed after her. Kate is mad and distrustful of Jed's reasons for being there. Jed and Kate get caught in a dreadful fire where they almost lose their lives. Their friendship is starting to build into more when Jed suddenly tells Kate that he wants her out of his life. Kate is mortified after practically having her heart on her sleeve and is sure that Jed blames her for getting him into the fire mess. She couldn't have been further from the truth . . .
Kate goes through another traumatic event that leaves her in the office - not smokejumping. But then there's a memorial for her father and his team - most of whom died in fighting a fire. It's her chance to jump again and she takes it. She also happens to be an instructor for the new year's team. An awful mishap in the sky has Blazin' Kate Burns flying - literally - to the rescue, shocking every one on the ground with her daring moves. Especially Jed, who just happens to be the team's supervisor. As soon as Kate lands, he promptly fires her, telling her that she cannot put her life in danger like that and that she was a role model that rookies would look up to and try to copy. She would put their lives in danger with her image to look up to.
Plenty of fights and fiery kisses. Everything was fiery - almost too much. Towns, restaurants, sports teams, nicknames, descriptions. Tons of smoke and fire. Two points of the book that I really loved: How Jed is always struggling to deal with the fact that Kate is always in danger while smokejumping and that he might not be able to save her. The role the song "Great is thy Faithfulness" plays in the book. It was Kate's father's song. Overall, I liked the book. I've never been disappointed by a Susan May Warren book yet. But I didn't find it to be as absolutely amazing as, say, If Ever I Would Leave You. But I definitely recommend the book!
Jed and Kate have so much anger and distrust between them. They have been friends ever since they were teens. Kate's father, the head of the Jude County Smokejumping team is now way going to let his daughter join the team. Smokejumping is way to dangerous. But when she's goes off to join another team, he is steaming mad and scared for her safety. So he sends Jed after her. Kate is mad and distrustful of Jed's reasons for being there. Jed and Kate get caught in a dreadful fire where they almost lose their lives. Their friendship is starting to build into more when Jed suddenly tells Kate that he wants her out of his life. Kate is mortified after practically having her heart on her sleeve and is sure that Jed blames her for getting him into the fire mess. She couldn't have been further from the truth . . .
Kate goes through another traumatic event that leaves her in the office - not smokejumping. But then there's a memorial for her father and his team - most of whom died in fighting a fire. It's her chance to jump again and she takes it. She also happens to be an instructor for the new year's team. An awful mishap in the sky has Blazin' Kate Burns flying - literally - to the rescue, shocking every one on the ground with her daring moves. Especially Jed, who just happens to be the team's supervisor. As soon as Kate lands, he promptly fires her, telling her that she cannot put her life in danger like that and that she was a role model that rookies would look up to and try to copy. She would put their lives in danger with her image to look up to.
Plenty of fights and fiery kisses. Everything was fiery - almost too much. Towns, restaurants, sports teams, nicknames, descriptions. Tons of smoke and fire. Two points of the book that I really loved: How Jed is always struggling to deal with the fact that Kate is always in danger while smokejumping and that he might not be able to save her. The role the song "Great is thy Faithfulness" plays in the book. It was Kate's father's song. Overall, I liked the book. I've never been disappointed by a Susan May Warren book yet. But I didn't find it to be as absolutely amazing as, say, If Ever I Would Leave You. But I definitely recommend the book!
September 9, 2016
First in a new trilogy from Susan May Warren, 'Where There's Smoke' is set in the Kootenai National Forest in far northwestern Montana, where you can see the mountains of Glacier National Park - we follow the smokejumpers, those that parachute directly into hard to reach areas to fight fires. First of all, this is one of the most beautiful areas of the United States, and my most favourite. As I read this book, the descriptions are spot on and it's so easy to transport yourself there. From the very start, you learn that the characters are truly living on the edge. The dangers of parachuting into the fire zone, potential parachute malfunctions, and then getting caught in the fire and having to try and survive it inside a tin foil survival fire shelter face down in the earth... With the loss of a large number of the team in a recent tragedy, there really isn't a point in this book where you can sit back and relax. The story is engaging from start to finish, with detailed descriptions of the main characters, you get a good feel for the people of this fairly remote town & the smokejumpers. How they think, feel & react to the dangers they face each day. The emotions were so good that you have empathy with the grieving widow, the regret of not fixing family relations before their tragic death, the intense love you can feel for someone while trying to run from it in order to handle the fear of seeing them go into life or death situations, the loss of spiritual faith because of loss, and trauma from near death experiences. Jed Ransom has known Kate Burns, for many years. He was unofficially adopted by her father when he trained with him all those years ago. She has secretly crushed on him ever since. They endured a dramatic event in which they were surrounded by fire and had to attempt to survive by laying under the fire shelter, which seems to be a last ditch attempt, though they fully expect to not survive. They have been through so much together, and deeply love and care for each other, but will they allow the fears and the determination to be the very best hotshot or smokejumper, and choose what they know over what God knows is better?
Great book, looking forward to book 2 - 'Playing With Fire'.
Great book, looking forward to book 2 - 'Playing With Fire'.
June 13, 2016
Daughter of town hero and legendary hot shot / smokejumper trainer, Jock Burns, Kate Burns is said to be made of the same stuff as her dad. However, since he didn't want Kate to become a smokejumper, they stopped speaking years before he died while fighting a forest fire.
Needless to say, Kate has some issues to work through due to this. She also needs to overcome her fear of fire so she can prove her rash words to long-time crush, Jed Ransom.
Jed has his own issues to work through. He was left to his uncle's care after his dad gambled everything away and abandoned by his uncle for alcohol. Jed met Jock when Jock saved him from a fire. As soon as he was old enough, Jed showed up on Jock's doorstep to join the hotshots team. A sure fire way to jeopardize that position was to fool around with the boss's daughter.
This sets up a 17 year moth and flame scenario between Jed and Kate. However, both of them need to resolve their issues and learn to trust in the Lord before they will be successful together.
I always enjoy Warren's tales and this one is no different. She has definitely set up future stories while creating an atmosphere of camaraderie between the firefighters. While not joined by blood, as with the Christiansen family, this group of men and women create their own chosen family. I look forward to the remainder of the series.
Needless to say, Kate has some issues to work through due to this. She also needs to overcome her fear of fire so she can prove her rash words to long-time crush, Jed Ransom.
Jed has his own issues to work through. He was left to his uncle's care after his dad gambled everything away and abandoned by his uncle for alcohol. Jed met Jock when Jock saved him from a fire. As soon as he was old enough, Jed showed up on Jock's doorstep to join the hotshots team. A sure fire way to jeopardize that position was to fool around with the boss's daughter.
This sets up a 17 year moth and flame scenario between Jed and Kate. However, both of them need to resolve their issues and learn to trust in the Lord before they will be successful together.
I always enjoy Warren's tales and this one is no different. She has definitely set up future stories while creating an atmosphere of camaraderie between the firefighters. While not joined by blood, as with the Christiansen family, this group of men and women create their own chosen family. I look forward to the remainder of the series.
July 1, 2016
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE is the first book in Ms. Warren's new Indie series dealing with smoke jumpers. I don't know about you, but I've enjoyed books by others written about this topic, and since Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors I jumped when this book was offered at the preorder special of only 99 cents.
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE is action packed, with plenty of fire of both kinds. Jed and Kate have loved each other since they first met as teenagers, and Kate did everything to impress Jed and please her dad, up until a fire nearly claimed hers and Jed's life. Then Jed tells Kate to stay away from him.
She does, leaving and going to Alaska. But when her dad sents Jed up to Alaska, she never was quite sure... did he send him to make her quit smoke jumping? Because that is the one thing she'd never do...
But now she's back, angling for her dream job. Unfortunately, Jed is at the same place at the same time and passions flare every time they come into contact. Anger. Tension. Distrust. Everything.
I fell in love with Jed and Kate's wise firefighting friend, Connor, who had such words of wisdom. I can't wait to read his story, which releases July 5.
Fans of Susan May Warren, or action-packed, hot romances with lots of faith mixed in, will love WHERE THERE'S SMOKE. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE is action packed, with plenty of fire of both kinds. Jed and Kate have loved each other since they first met as teenagers, and Kate did everything to impress Jed and please her dad, up until a fire nearly claimed hers and Jed's life. Then Jed tells Kate to stay away from him.
She does, leaving and going to Alaska. But when her dad sents Jed up to Alaska, she never was quite sure... did he send him to make her quit smoke jumping? Because that is the one thing she'd never do...
But now she's back, angling for her dream job. Unfortunately, Jed is at the same place at the same time and passions flare every time they come into contact. Anger. Tension. Distrust. Everything.
I fell in love with Jed and Kate's wise firefighting friend, Connor, who had such words of wisdom. I can't wait to read his story, which releases July 5.
Fans of Susan May Warren, or action-packed, hot romances with lots of faith mixed in, will love WHERE THERE'S SMOKE. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars
June 27, 2016
"When you know God loves you, then faith is simply the expectation that God will show up, that love in hand".
Kate Burns has loved two men in her life time, Jed Ransom and Jock Burns, and lost them both; one to death by fire and the other to . . . . . what was it exactly? Now she and Jed are both back in Embers, Montana; training new recruits; young smoke jumper hopefuls, in the very place where Kate's father was a legendary leader among wild land fire fighters.
Jed Ransom does not know what he is going to do with Kate; her reckless drive to be the best of the best just saved a man's life, but could have just have easily killed them both. He can't think straight with the raven haired beauty in his periphery all the time; the memories of their near death experience, his physical and emotional scars, his terrible decision to push her out of his life. . . . . and she went.
Two broken souls, denying their faith, living in fear; desperate to love again. "Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father". An extraordinary beginning to Susan May Warren's "Summer of Fire Trilogy".
Kate Burns has loved two men in her life time, Jed Ransom and Jock Burns, and lost them both; one to death by fire and the other to . . . . . what was it exactly? Now she and Jed are both back in Embers, Montana; training new recruits; young smoke jumper hopefuls, in the very place where Kate's father was a legendary leader among wild land fire fighters.
Jed Ransom does not know what he is going to do with Kate; her reckless drive to be the best of the best just saved a man's life, but could have just have easily killed them both. He can't think straight with the raven haired beauty in his periphery all the time; the memories of their near death experience, his physical and emotional scars, his terrible decision to push her out of his life. . . . . and she went.
Two broken souls, denying their faith, living in fear; desperate to love again. "Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father". An extraordinary beginning to Susan May Warren's "Summer of Fire Trilogy".
October 4, 2016
This series is full of action and drama, like a hang-on-to-your-seat (or parachute, if you will), thrill ride from start to end. In the middle of the chaos, moments of slightly sizzling romance (while always remaining classy), deep emotion, and strong messages of faith unfold.
"Complex" doesn't begin to describe the tangle of history between Jed and Kate. It was established off page and opens this story with action and tension, with ties to fire and a mutual history, both deeply respectful of Jock Burns (Kate's dad).
Susan works references to fire and parachuting all over the place, and it works so well! Like this quote: "He wasn't sure how he'd gone from standing at the edge of her world to an all-out dive into what he'd been quietly longing for his entire life, but he wasn't going to look up, see a possible tear in his canopy." (from chapter 7)
Main theme/lesson: Learning to cling to faith, that God is always to sustain you.
"Complex" doesn't begin to describe the tangle of history between Jed and Kate. It was established off page and opens this story with action and tension, with ties to fire and a mutual history, both deeply respectful of Jock Burns (Kate's dad).
Susan works references to fire and parachuting all over the place, and it works so well! Like this quote: "He wasn't sure how he'd gone from standing at the edge of her world to an all-out dive into what he'd been quietly longing for his entire life, but he wasn't going to look up, see a possible tear in his canopy." (from chapter 7)
Main theme/lesson: Learning to cling to faith, that God is always to sustain you.
May 24, 2016
The first book in Warren’s new Summer of Fire trilogy is an exciting look at the lives of smoke jumpers in Montana. Action-packed from start to finish, this story will have readers holding their breaths to see if the characters come through safely. There’s a mystery cliffhanger and a wonderfully written romance. Warren has an amazing ability to convey a solid faith message without being preachy.
Kate Burns returns to Montana in the wake of her legendary father’s death while fighting a fire. She comes face to face with Jed Ransom, the man she once loved, but their relationship fell apart after she refused to give up smoke jumping. Can they find common ground long enough to train the new recruits?
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
Kate Burns returns to Montana in the wake of her legendary father’s death while fighting a fire. She comes face to face with Jed Ransom, the man she once loved, but their relationship fell apart after she refused to give up smoke jumping. Can they find common ground long enough to train the new recruits?
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
July 7, 2016
4.5 Stars
Wow, this novel was smoking hot! Seriously, you could just feel the flames from the fire and it was as if you are right there with the smokejumpers! Warren definitely brought this story to life. Her trademark story writing was all in evidence; from great characters, the chemistry, faith and a story that keeps the pages flying. Really looking forward to the rest of this series!
*This is what I would consider a long novella. Just the right length to give you depth. Included are some steamy kisses, talks of faith and some harrowing moments!
Wow, this novel was smoking hot! Seriously, you could just feel the flames from the fire and it was as if you are right there with the smokejumpers! Warren definitely brought this story to life. Her trademark story writing was all in evidence; from great characters, the chemistry, faith and a story that keeps the pages flying. Really looking forward to the rest of this series!
*This is what I would consider a long novella. Just the right length to give you depth. Included are some steamy kisses, talks of faith and some harrowing moments!
January 18, 2017
I'm a huge Susie May Warren fan and this is a great beginning to a series about wildfire firefighters and smoke jumpers. There's plenty here to keep the series going for a few more books and it makes a great lead in to the next series about the Montana Search and Rescue Team.
Kate and Jed have a history. They've known each other since they were teens, they've fought and fought fires together. They've survived a deadly fire that left them both scarred and scared.
Great beginning to a great series!
Kate and Jed have a history. They've known each other since they were teens, they've fought and fought fires together. They've survived a deadly fire that left them both scarred and scared.
Great beginning to a great series!
July 5, 2016
Oh my goodness... this book!... I don't even know where or how to begin to describe the awesomeness that is Where There's Smoke! This book had it all: wonderful, relatable characters, heart stopping suspense, blazing romance (sorry, I couldn't help myself), and a super powerful message of faith. I'm extremely eager for book two and highly, highly recommend this to everyone!
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