Firestorm

Full Circle #6

by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Will Reyne remain trapped in a life without risk-and a life without love? As a smoke jumper, Reyne Oldre-friend to Rachel Tanner and Beth Morgan (Refuge)-once led a team of courageous firefighters into a blaze that ended in unspeakable tragedy. Now crippled by fear, she conducts fire research from a safe distance, determined not to risk that kind of pain again. But when the flames of love begin to flicker between her and smoke jumper Logan McCabe, Reyne must face the fearsome storms from her past and battle the raging Firestorm that burns in her soul.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

About

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).

Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).

The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Lisa Tawn Bergren has done an excellent job with both storyline and characters. I have very much enjoyed the Full Circle series and really liked this last novel in the series. A nice extra was the added novelette that brought Matthew's story to it's conclusion.

[Jodi Deters · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey! Fast-paced, entertaining, and a real tear-jerker! Oh my goodness I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed... but it was worth it.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so beautiful. It was heartbreaking and healing all at the same time. As much as I love fairytales and books that fit quite neatly together, there's just something about a book that deals with messy real life issues while still finding a happily ever after amidst the troubles and trials of life that really speaks to my soul and heart. Our herione went through some very traumatic events that caused her an overwhelming amount of fear, which I find very relatable. And when life seems to be comfortable and good, something bad happens that makes you question everything you thought you knew to be true. Also relatable. Yet in the midst of the heartbreak, fear, and struggles, God is there, asking you again and again to come to Him with all of that. He's asking you to give it all to Him, to trust Him and rely on Him as your peace, refuge, and anchor. Even though this was a work of fiction, I believe that God still used this book to speak into my own life and I'm so thankful to Him. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) God can turn any situation around and work in the midst of the evil and trials, He refines us in the fire, in the troubles, and we come out stronger for it as we learn to trust more fully in Him.

[Hilary Catron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the library after I finished Bergren’s series The River of Time. I enjoyed it, even though it made me cry when Beth died. I was so surprised when tears began to fall, I’m not usually easy to move, but I have a daughter of similar age. It would kill me if she missed out on seeing her little girl grow up.

Luckily for me, the author wrapped up that subplot rather neatly at the very end. The rather heavy use of literal deus ex machina was a surprise, though I should have expected it after the other series of Bergren’s I read last month.

I’d recommend this writer to anyone who won’t be offended by the characters’ fervent entreaties to God, which often seem to be answered right away.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reyne doesn't much like Logan when she first meets him, but love blossoms as they fight the dragon they both chase - fire.
We catch up with Beth and Matthew and Rachel and Dirk from earlier stories in the series.
There are tears, challenges and finally a peace when you let go and let God reign.
In many ways this is a heart wrenching book. Reyne has demons to face. Beth is sick.
I am glad the author brought us full circle to see the lives of the characters years following when the stories began.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

She survived being caught with her crew by a wild fire. They had to cover in place while it burnt around them. Some didn't make it. She took a job in research. She doesn't date firemen. Their romance had a lot of troubles to overcome.
Great read. I loved it.

[Tayler Sant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I liked this one the best out of the series. No living antagonist, not too predicable. It felt most realistic out of all the books, so much so that I found myself crying real hard tears at a couple parts.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I would like this book, but I really did.

[Jackalyn]

Very good. This is really the follow-up to book one in this series. The other books in the series are only vaguely related.

[Richard Skorupski · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time with this author. Great story. Characters are real and captivating.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me it's so rare to have a book grab me by the heartstrings so strong that my emotions are complete bond to it like I have found in the latest novel by Lisa Tawn Bergren in Firestorm. When it can make me sigh at just the right moments and cry at the saddest ones, then in my opinion, the writer is truly using her God-given talents. Oh she completely had me in this one every step of the way in the characters lives that she so eloquently created.

In this Full Circle Series, Firestorm is book 6. In never having read any of the previous 5, I was a bit optimistic that I would feel left out. NOT the case at all. This one can be read as a stand alone but I feel after finishing this one, I would DEFINITELY go back and inhale the other 5 to get to know the characters more and because Lisa's writing is so well crafted for the reader.

In Firestorm, we are taken immediately into a fire where our main character, Reyne Oldre is leading a team of women firefighters in a task to help curb what is known as the Oxbow fire. By digging trenches into the fireline, they are hoping that they will create a break to keep the fire from spreading. As they fight to reach the other team in the middle, the winds suddenly change and the fire roars to new heights. Racing for shelter in a nearby meadow, Reyne and her team try to cover themselves with fire retardant tents to help protect themselves from being overcome by the heat and flames. They will have to ride this one out in the mouth of the dragon. When it is all over, Reyne discovers that her team has suffered losses, losses that she will be forever bound to when she loses 4 of her team members.

Now she struggles with that fear from her past as she begins working with a handsome smoke jumper, Logan McCabe. She worries if God will help her deal with the fear of the unknown when she finds herself being drawn into first a friendship and then to a romance with Logan. Knowing the hazards of the job, Reyne wants Logan to opt for a management position to keep him out of the line of fire, but Logan tries to remind Reyne his fate isn't something either of them can control. She must learn to put aside her feelings and learn to trust God in whatever the outcome will be. Along the way, Reyne has to amazing friends, Rachel and Beth who show her through their unconditional love just what God can do in her own life.

I received Firestorm by Lisa Tawn Bergren compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah for my honest review and LOVED ever single moment of this one. I literally read it in a matter of hours because I simply could not leave either character hanging without knowing how this would end. Lisa keeps the reader challenged in very real-world ways with both of her character so the reader can relate to dealing with worry and fear that you may never see the love of your life again being you both are engaged in a life-or-death job. I think that is where she gains the biggest advantage in hooking her readers. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and now am off to purchase the other 5 books in this series. For those of you that love firefighters, a bit of romance and a great Christian message, then I know you will absolutely be in love with this one as much as I am.

[Jennifer Clausen-greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I hear "romance novel" the first thought that comes to my mind is a book filled with raunchy sex, inappropriate relationships, infidelity, etc. This book was not like that at all and I was so thankful!! I personally am more of a murder-mystery/true crime type of gal, and all my "knowledge" of romance novels comes from the 2 others I read years ago, whose titles I shall not mention, but they did not leave a good impression upon me. My mother-in-law on the other hand is obsessed with romance novels and has read some of the previous books by Ms. Bergren and highly recommended them to me, so I figured what the heck I would give them on last try. I am so grateful that I did.

From a Christian point of view the author did a fabulous job of mixing some of the basic elements you would find in a romance novel while still representing her faith in God without coming across as uptight and preachy. I loved the conflicts within the story that kept our heroin, Reyne, and our hero, Logan, discovering each other on new levels and facing life's difficulties together. The romance, intrigue, conflict, sexual temptation and tension, and Christian morals and values were represented well and flowed easily within the plot, making the story believable and easy to fall into. The Characters were well rounded and the author did a wonderful job of developing characters that drew you into their lives and let you feel like you know them beyond there love interest. You also find beautifully written support characters that you fall in love with and they take you on a marvelous journey right along with our heroin and hero as well.


Got you attention yet? Want a little peak inside the story itself? Just keep reading.....


"As a smoke jumper, Reyne Oldre--friend to Rachel Tanner and Beth Morgan (Refuge)--once led a team of courageous firefighters into a blaze that ended in unspeakable tragedy. Now crippled by fear, she conducts fire research from a safe distance, determined not to risk that kind of pain again. But when the flames of love begin to flicker between her and smoke jumper Logan McCabe, Reyne must face the fearsome storms from her past and battle the raging Firestorm that burns in her soul."


Due to more mature situations I would not recommended this book for anyone younger than High-school age and up.


You can find out more about this author here:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalo...
and read her biography here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author...

You can purchase your own copy of Firestorm or any of the other books in the series by going here.

You can also read my review and others on Amazon by following this link:
http://pirategrl1014.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer: The book "Firestorm" was given to me by Watebrook Press in exchange for my honest opinion. I have received no other compensation and the opinions are all my own.

[Paula-O · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Full Circle Series Book#6 "Firestorm" by Lisa Tawn Bergren

I had not read any of the others in this series but "Firestorm" is a great stand alone novel to read.
I was drawn into the story of Reyne Oldre from the beginning, she worked with fires. This is not my usual type of reading, but I soon found myself loving all the terms used in the language of folks fighting big-time fires.
Reyne had a real bad experience at "Oxbow" the grand-daddy of fires and lost some of her team members, going through a very harrowing time herself and had the nightmares still from time to time. She had gone into research to stay with the job she loved but stay out of the field work.
It was at a crucial moment in a meeting to win over some big folks to get a grant for her project that the door burst open literally and she met Logan McCabe.
Logan was a Smoke-jumper and he too had a project to win over these guys for a grant to help. He had a way of being so charming - telling jokes and all the men knew him and before she knew what was happening Logan had taken over the meeting, she was so upset to say the least-needless to say Logan and Reyne did not hit if off well at that first meeting.
This book tells of a relationship of three women who had been friends for sometime and one of them has cancer (uncurable cancer). Their friendship is one for all and all for one-so to speak.
You will meet many wonderful folks that work with fires and they bond so that whenever they are thrown together fighting fires they work as one.
Soon Logan and Reyne are put together to do a project and it doesnt take long for them both to know they are in deep trouble as their attraction and friendship grows....
I hope you will take the time to read this one as it is a great story and I learned a lot about fighting fires and the courageous folks that work together to put them out.
I was given this book by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing grp for an honest review and this one was a pleasure to do..

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firestorm by Lisa Tawn Bergren would not have been my first choice as a book to read – it was actually my only choice (here’s a plug for people to help me get my Klout up).
Firestorm is Book 6 in the Full Circle series. Within the series each book is somewhat tied to the other through the relationships of characters. Firestorm follows Reyne Oldre a few years after her being involved in a tragic accident while fighting a forest fire. No longer on the frontlines of fighting forest fires, Reyne is making a presentation as part of her US Forest Service job for a research project to help save more firefighter lives. Just as she begins to wind up her presentation, she’s interrupted by the obligatory entrance of a loud, brash, handsome (wink,wink) man who steals the attention of the board and the funding for her project.
A week later this same man parachutes in to her home while she has company and tells her that they will be working together on his project. Needless to say, this encounter doesn’t end well.
From there on out, while not being too formulaic the inevitable happens. Arguing, testiness and love. True love. It is refreshing that the characters are Christians and actually pray for guidance and help.
The book is well written and I am sure that the others in the series are as well. I have to be candid in saying that romance novels are not my cup of tea. Same goes with girl movies. I can leave them to the girls. But I will recommend that if you do like romance novels this is a series for you.
As always, Waterbrook/Multnomah provided this book to me in return for an honest, unbiased review.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Firestorm. A lot. Bergren wrote an interesting romance you really can't help but like. At first I was a bit irritated at Logan's jump to pursue Reyne, especially when he went as far as to make a bet over it. It seemed, to me anyway, like he was just out to conquer and he didn't particularly pray about it or even really think it out well.

However, despite my initial reaction to Logan's pursuits, I couldn't help but end up liking him. I know Reyne is supposed to be the main character, but I'm going to go off about Logan for a lil bit since he was my favorite in the book. Logan's a fun, quirky (in a masculine kind of way, of course), dude who's passionate about his job. The longer the plot went the more level headed he seemed to be as he worked to spend as much time with Reyne as possible, and came up with some of the most original ideas for dates.

One of the things I noticed about this book is the distance I felt from the characters. Generally I like to feel involved in the plot, almost as if I am the character. I didn't quite get that this time around, which is okay. Since the plot covers several months, time is a little less detailed and the relationship between the two is unraveled at a distance almost. Instead of being directly involved, I felt like I was watching from a distance. Was an interesting change of pace for me.

Recommended. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lisa Tawn Bergren, an accomplished Christian novelist with dozen of books in print, combines fear, risk, love, loss, and fires all into one novel, in "Firestorm." As I've admitted before this isn't my favorite genre but I'm always pleasantly surprised when I read a Christian romance that doesn't have me gagging. This story follows fire science expert, Reyne, as she tries to overcome her fears and learn to trust in God again after she loses four of her crew in a horrendous firestorm. After taking a much safer job behind the scenes she starts to cross paths with sexy smoke-jumper, Logan, but is hesitant to get to attached because she fears that he too will be overcome by the fire someday. As the story progresses she learns to drop some of her barriers as she takes a dying friends advice (her best friend, Beth, has cancer) to live life to the fullest and to trust God with what he has in store for you.

Overall, it was predictable and sappy but still pulled at the heartstrings. A light breezy read that doesn't require too much of your focus. On a side note, it is also interesting to see how fire-jumpers and firefighters combat big forest and plain fires. Read at your leisure if you like Christian romance.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Press in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reyne is a firefighter. After losing four members of her team in a forest fires she retreats to research where it is safe and vows to never date a firefighter. But then Logan, a smoke jumper, enters the picture with his project that could save lives and ruins her good intentions. Now she must decide if it’s worth it to risk her heart and her life to Logan and firefighting.

I had read this book years ago when I read the entire series. But I couldn’t remember most of it so decided to read it again. I enjoyed it the second time around as well. There were a couple of flaws for me. One was how annoying Logan was in the beginning. I think the author did too great of a job of portraying how Reyne felt about him at first. It also seemed a bit more shallow than her previous books. It was a short, fun summer read, but not very much depth.
The story was entertaining and at times heartfelt. I think this time around the death of her friend touched me more than it did last time simply because of my experiences. So I’m guessing different parts of the book will resonate with different people. All in all, it was a cute book and I’m glad that I reread it.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.

[Denise Kettering · Rating 2 out of 5]

At points this book seems to drag, although there is plenty of action towards the end of the book. The book is a fairly predictable format as from the beginning it is pretty clear that the protagonists, who are initially at odds with one another, will fall in love and given the title will have to fight a forest fire together. The book is really about learning how to trust in God and recover from a traumatic experience.

Reyne Oldre survived a firestorm that has caused her to develop equipment that will keep firefighters safe in the field. She is outraged when Logan McCabe interrupts her funding presentation and uses his network to gain the funding she sought. As they work together on the project, however, feelings begin to develop and they have to decide whether they can be in relationship with someone else who is a firefighter.

[Ginger Solomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firestorm is book six in the Full Circle Series. I enjoyed the novel even though I hadn't read any of the previous five. I didn't feel like I was missing information given in previous books, though I'm surprised I haven't gotten my hands on them before now. I like Ms. Bergren's writing style and I especially love happy endings (no spoilers because it is a romance).

Fires intrigue me (from a distance), so I liked learning more about what goes on at the scene of a fire and how the people are feeling, expected to perform, etc. As a fairly new writer, I am just learning how much time and effort goes into research and I expect Ms. Bergren did a fair amount of research to write this book, and probably the whole series. I appreciate her efforts.

***This book was provided to me free for the purposes of review. The above opinion is my own.***

[Melissa MacDonald · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember reading this book in high school and enjoying it very much. While I never thought it measured up to the first 5 books in the series I always loved Bergren's writing. I was looking forward to rereading this book. In the spirit of being honest the book was not anywhere near as good as I remembered. In fact I found it completely cheesy. Unlike Bergren's other books these characters are not well developed and you'll find yourself trying to catch up with no markings along the way.

The fire aspect is fascinating but at times I found the technical aspects to be a bit overdone. The best part of the book is being able to revisit characters from previous books. My taste in high school was obviously quite a bit lower than it is now. Call me a snob or call me particular, this one won't be staying on my shelf.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a none stop action book which involve friendship between three women and how they deal with one of them who has a terminal illness, one of them is a firefighter. This story talks of the courage of firefighters who goes into the blazes to stop the spread of the fires with all of the things against them such as the wind, lighting, location and other natural surrondsings which could cause a shift in the situation in a flash. Into this mix one of the women has to face up to some of her past as a firefighter and some of the negative results, she meets another firefighter who encourage her to move past her fears in order in order to move on, especially if she will remain in this occupation. This book has non-stop action as well as how people who cares for each other form lasting friendships.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually judge how good a book is by how quickly I read through it, and this one only took me two days. I couldn't put it down! It had plenty of action and danger, the firestorm every bit a formidable foe as the best villain. Reyne and Logan's relationship starts off on the wrong foot, but I love how Logan is immediately drawn to her. I enjoyed the series returning to where it started, with some of the other characters reappearing. This one was a little heavier emotionally. At the end of the book was a short story, giving one of the characters that faces loss in Firestorm a happy ending. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole book and recommend it. It works well as a stand-alone, or with books one and two, if you don't want to read the whole series.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reyne, a friend of Rachel and Beth, meets Logan. Both Logan and Reyne are firefighters who end up working together, and, through their time together, fall in love. The parallel story follows Beth's bout with cancer and her eventual death. Having gotten to know Beth's character from previous books in the series it was really, really hard to read about her last days. The book was much more faith-focused than others, and the author did research on firefighting, which made the facts flow easily in the story. Reyne and Logan spend a lot of time alone together in her house and, though nothing happens, it surprised me that none of the other characters say anything about it.

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is better than the one I last read by her. It was sweeter, but definitely sillier. The heroine, Reyne, seemed to be a bit childish and silly, and the author's excuse for that was that she had watched some of her fire crew die. The hero is a bit arrogant and seems to think he's just too charming for anyone. Also, the relationship advances way too quickly. I don't really think it was all that bad, but just not my type of book.

[Becca Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I read from the author Lisa Tawn Bergren. I just pick it up from the library and I can't believe I waited for weeks to start reading this. It's just laying on my bedside table when I finally pick it...and I can't put it down. Thumbs up!!! I have to look for the 1st series and the rest...and I'm off book hunting :)

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Circle, back to Rachel and Beth (from Refuge, the first book in the series) and their friend Reyne. Another well written book with an enjoyable story about life and it's challenges. This is the 6th book in the series and all 6 were really good.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the Montana settings. The fire sections were scarey to me. Maybe too much of nothing going on in the middle.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was kind of slow in the beginning, but towards the end it went a little quicker. I actually teared up during this book, and I never cry when I read books.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting to find out how fire fighters fight the huge forest fires each summer going from state to state where needed. Of course there is a love story in it.