Widowed mother Marissa Hawthorne's little boy wants to be like his new hero—firefighter Jacob Greene. But Marissa and her son lost too much to the profession of firefighting already. She can't possibly let either of them get close to the man, no matter how noble he is. Especially because her own father is Jacob's boss. But when Jacob hires her to plan a special birthday party for his niece, Marissa soon learns that Jacob is a hero in many ways. And that taking risks for love is what life and faith are truly about.
Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of almost thirty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two teenagers, and one furry schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a bachelor of arts in communication and loves teaching and speaking on the craft of writing. When she’s not suffering through a CrossFit workout or baby talking her dog, she can usually be found in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC.
Firefighters come and go in romance popularity but their work ethic, risky profession, and brotherhood always make them appealing heroes to me. In Fireman Dad, Betsy St. Amant has created a fresh romance spotlighting the world of firemen and those who love them. Her insider knowledge and ability to weave a tale that is current yet timeless make her book one not to be missed.
With a workaholic fire chief father and late husband who died in the line of duty, Marissa Hawthorne carries more than her share of baggage when it comes to interacting with firemen. Date one? Not a chance. But then Jacob Greene appears on the scene as her personal hero. He is everything she could want in a man: a gentleman, kind to her son, giving, attractive. But he works in the same profession that killed her husband and stole her father’s time with her. Jacob is just as attracted to Marissa but has his own obstacles to developing a relationship with her. But when he decides to leap past those obstacles, watch out! Jacob is one of the most attractive “nice guys” I have met in a romance.
How St. Amant brings these two characters together is a lovely combination of longing, love, and lessons in trusting God. A bit of suspense running through the book makes the reader turn the pages a bit faster but it was the courtship of Jacob and Marissa, set against the background of modern day struggles, making me race to the epilogue.
Fireman Dad, by Betsy St. Amant, is a fantastic read. Sweet romance from the very beginning.
I love macho firemen and Jacob Greene is definitely that and much more. Sparks fly between him and Marissa Hawthorne, enough to ignite a blazing fire. But she keeps her distance from him, and he has no idea why or what is holding her back since she seems to care for him too. His questions are soon answered when he discovers several major obstacles—obstacles that may force him to stop their fiery romance from ever igniting. Want to know what they are? Nope. Not tellin’. Read the book to find out.
Against her better judgment, Marissa takes on client Jacob. Something about him lures her to him and for the first time in years she’s ready to start dating. But when she finds out what he does for a living, she quickly douses the flames of romance between them. Doesn’t matter how good looking and kind hearted he is. One dead fireman was enough.
Will Jacob and his cookie bouquet be able to tear down the fortress wall Marissa has built around her heart? Sorry. Not tellin’. Read the book to find out. It will be money WELL spent.
Enjoyed this story about a widowed young mother and a fireman. Funny how sometimes God gives us exactly what we don't want...and it turns out to be exactly what we need.
Marissa is a widow raising her young son on her own. Her husband was a firefighter and died in a fire; Marissa also grew up with her dad as the town's fire chief and felt like he was never there for her as he always prioritized work. When Marissa meets Jacob, she is immediately attracted to him and begins to wonder if maybe there could be romance in her future. But when she finds out that he's a firefighter, she's determined to not get at involved with him, as she's sworn off of firefighters forever.
Honestly, this book aggravated me quite a bit as Marissa was just a tad too ridiculous. She was so bitter and obnoxious about her dad, and I kept wondering that if the whole 'firefighters work too much' thing bothered her so much, why did she marry one the first time around? She's completely unreasonable on the subject, and when her son, who is in kindergarten or first grade, I can't remember, talks about wanting to be a firefighter, she basically flips out. Hello? He's six? How many of us have followed our six-year-old dreams - or even remember them?? I skimmed through large portions of this story hoping that Marissa would become less aggravating, but she really didn't. A 2.5/5, and another book off my shelves and off to someone else's!
I literally could not take Marissa’s whining about her 7 year old son wanting to be a fireman. That is every boy’s dream. I hated how she flipped out over fire safety at school. She was just stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Marissa thought a new town would be just the place for her and her son to start a new life after the death of her husband lost his life fighting a fire. When she accepted to do a party for Owen's niece things began to happen. Read this book.
Normally a mom would smile and say 'that's nice, darling' but Marissa Hawthorne has a different take. She has sacrificed enough for the brotherhood of firefighting. She is a single mother because of it. She will never become involved with another fireman.
Jacob Greene wants to hire Marissa to through a birthday party for his niece. At first Marissa says no because she is organizing the Fireman Festival for some fireman that the town laid off. He works a deal with Marissa that will benefit the both of them. Jacob and Marissa start to fall for each other. The only problem? Jacob is a fireman.
I actually really liked this story because it had a nice ending. When I read a book, I want a happy ending. Otherwise, what's the point?
Marissa has been burned by firemen before. Her father always chose his job over his family, and Marissa grew up longing for a relationship with him. Her late husband lost his life fighting a fire. So when she meets Jake, a firefighter, she is determined to ignore her growing feelings for him. As they plan a fundraiser for firefighters who lost their jobs together, will they be able to get over their differences to find a common ground--love?
Betsy St. Amant knows the world of firefighting since her husband is one, and it shows in this book. The characters and their character growth is realistic and compelling. The added mystery of threats to the fire department adds a little spice to this sweet romance. Fans of Christian romance will enjoy this book.
A good story about second chances, facing your fears, and letting go of the past. Marissa is a wonderful mother with a heavy load of past baggage. Handsome Jacob Greene offers everything but the security she craves. The characters are real and engaging and the story keeps you turning the pages. Recommended for any age.
OK, so I guess I'm chewing trough these Love Inspired books again. Marissa doesn't learn that Jacob is a fireman until her heart is already starting to get tangled. She is a widow of one fireman and the daughter of the chief. She does not want to be involved with another at all! Her son Owen continues to play with his firetruck though.