
When an army vet becomes a firefighter in small-town Colorado, the flames of an old love reignite in this sweet romance by bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.
In Woodland Park, a small town nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak, Anderson Kelly and Chelsea Davis were once the high school “it” couple — the star quarterback and the cheerleader. They broke up when Anderson joined the army, and one poor decision at a college party changed Chelsea’s like. Now she works long shifts in a senior center to support her eight-year-old son, Jack.
After multiple tours in Afghanistan, Anderson has changed too. Physically scarred but mentally strong, he decides to move back to Woodland Park. Anderson and Chelsea steer clear of each other to avoid reopening old wounds, until they are forced to reconnect through the senior center. They soon discover that the love they once shared never completely vanished. But it will take a fire, a dangerous collision, and the love of one little boy to help Anderson and Chelsea see that the future they’ve always yearned for is in sight…
My Review:
A whole romance series featuring fire-fighter army veterans?! Yes please!!!! And Coming Home is the perfect introduction to this crew and the community they serve. I’m super excited about this series.
Love the reunion romance trope and Gray writes it well with just the right balance of angst and new hope. Anderson and Chelsea have grown up quite a bit since their high school days, both dealing with life experiences that have transformed them. Once they stop avoiding each other, they ease into a wary friendship that gradually blossoms into something more. Love that they meet challenges head on — choosing to discuss issues rather than stew over misconceptions…for the most part! π
There’s a nice blend of action and romance and I particularly enjoyed all the details as far as the day in the life of a fire-fighter goes. From the mundane to the heroic, the author showcases the career in a positive and realistic light.
And the community of Woodland Park is definitely a place I’d like to visit. There are some wonderful secondary characters, including a bonus senior romance, that added to my reading enjoyment.
Waiting with bated breath now for the second book in the Woodland Park Firefighers series which comes out in August of this year.
P.S. Can you spot the heart in the picture? That’s my nod to Valentine’s Day!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy, reader’s choice.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Coming Home, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 11 2023. Offer open to International Readers..
Thanks for the lovely review, Kav! It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Shelley’s books. I need to get caught up! I need to learn speed reading, I guess. LOL
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I don’t know how she keeps up with all the books she is releasing between her Amish novels and these contemporary ones. Good luck, Winnie!
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I also enjoyed this one my book twin. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. π
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Woohoo — we are definitely on the same reading wavelength. Time for another spin around the room.
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Another great review that has me wanting to read this story! Thanks, Kav. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
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You’re welcome, Kathleen. It’s a lovely romance and I’me excited about this series now. Good luck!
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A bonus senior romance… the older I get, the more that appeals to me!
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
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You can never have too much romance in a book — at least that’s this romance lover’s opinion. Good luck, Patty!
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I really like the backstory presented in this book, plus a beautiful location. She is such a prolific writer – always good no matter the genre! Thanks!
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Up until now I’ve usually preferred her Amish stories but I really loved this one and am super excited about the whole series! Good luck, CC!
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First off – can we say military and fire fighter in the same sentence and not need to fan ourselves? I think not! π Absolutely fabulous sounding story and knowing the author’s works, I know it is. Lovely cover and I love the heart in the bench touch.
Just got home from having a back procedure to see this email first. It sure woke me up from the medication they gave me.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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Bwahahaha! So true! Ugh, hope the back procedure was a success and you’re not in too much discomfort. Good luck, Kay!
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Oh wow, I just now heard about this book! But you definitely have my interest piqued at “reunion love”…. sigh πβ€
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
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I always think of you, Trixi, when I run into a ‘reunion romance’ trope. π Good luck!
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Love the idea of this new series. Would love to read this one for sure.
Thank you for the chance to even hear about it. rrwalter34ATgmailDotcom
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You’re welcome, Becky. Good luck!
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Shelley has always been one of my favorite authors. A small town in Colorado is such a pretty place so will be interesting to read about. Thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
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I really like the way she tells a story, using different perspectives and merging them all together. Good luck, rubynreba!
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