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Lakeshore Chronicles #5
Fireside
Susan Wiggs's Lakeshore Chronicles series has captivated thousands of readers with its relatable characters, warm humor and engaging stories. Fireside will draw you in to the lives and loves of the people of Willow Lake and the continuing Lakeshore Chronicles.
Baseball hopeful Bo Crutcher is about to get his shot at the majors. That is, until life throws him a curveball. When AJ, the son he'd never met, lands on his doorstep, Bo's life becomes a whole new ball game. He needs helpfast.
Enter Kimberly van Dorn. Hired to smooth Bo's rough exterior for the media, she expects the kind of shallow pro athlete she's used to handling. But Bo is willing to sacrifice everything for his vulnerable son. Kim can train him to hit a home run with the press, but over a breathtaking winter on frozen Willow Lake, she realizes he has far more to teach her about the game of life…and putting love first.
Don't miss the latest story, Return to Willow Lake, Book 9 of the Lakeshore Chronicles.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2009
359 people are currently reading
3326 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wiggs
169 books7,423 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
August 2, 2011
"Fireside" was my first experience with author Susan Wiggs, and I have to say, I'm not impressed. Despite a good premise for the plot and a decent effort at redeeming plot twists, this book as a whole doesn't merit even a mediocre rating.
The first problem I had with "Fireside" was its use of similes. Yes, illustrative language is important to set the scene, but it shouldn’t be so conspicuous and formulaic, not to mention overly abundant. Plus, they're almost all references to baseball! I understand why - Bo Crutcher is a minor league player hoping to join the Yankees, and his romantic interest, Kimberly van Dorn, is his PR coach - but it felt like the writer pitched in a baseball analogy every chance she got (pun intended).
My second complaint is the sudden intrusion of the secondary plot line. In the middle of chapter 9, the storyline switches focus without warning to a completely new set of characters, and jumps back into the main plot just as abruptly. Ten chapters later, the two threads are tenuously connected, but soon the secondary plot line is dropped again and never returns. Obviously, this whole interlude is a setup for a later book in the series, but instead it only ostracizes those of us who haven't read the rest of the Lakeside Chronicles.
Finally, I couldn’t stand the inconsistencies in the main characters’ personalities; it destroyed their credibility and detracted from what could have been a very likeable cast. Bo's whiny attitude during their snowboarding lessons is a grating contrast to his otherwise playful, adventurous maturity. The demeanor of his 12-year-old son A.J. changes randomly from a bratty but insecure 5 year-old, to a sulky teenage rebel, to a world-weary old man. And at one point, steady, self-sufficient Kimberly inexplicably dissolves into uncontrollable tears - twice in one chapter! Perhaps these variances were meant to give the characters more depth, but it didn't work.
I did like the alternating viewpoints, shifting between Kimberly, Bo and A.J., and I found it interesting how the author dealt with issues like foster care, racism, and immigration. These elements and a few genuinely touching moments kept the book from being a total loss, but unless you've read the previous books in the series and just have to see what happens next, I would recommend leaving this one on the shelf.
The first problem I had with "Fireside" was its use of similes. Yes, illustrative language is important to set the scene, but it shouldn’t be so conspicuous and formulaic, not to mention overly abundant. Plus, they're almost all references to baseball! I understand why - Bo Crutcher is a minor league player hoping to join the Yankees, and his romantic interest, Kimberly van Dorn, is his PR coach - but it felt like the writer pitched in a baseball analogy every chance she got (pun intended).
My second complaint is the sudden intrusion of the secondary plot line. In the middle of chapter 9, the storyline switches focus without warning to a completely new set of characters, and jumps back into the main plot just as abruptly. Ten chapters later, the two threads are tenuously connected, but soon the secondary plot line is dropped again and never returns. Obviously, this whole interlude is a setup for a later book in the series, but instead it only ostracizes those of us who haven't read the rest of the Lakeside Chronicles.
Finally, I couldn’t stand the inconsistencies in the main characters’ personalities; it destroyed their credibility and detracted from what could have been a very likeable cast. Bo's whiny attitude during their snowboarding lessons is a grating contrast to his otherwise playful, adventurous maturity. The demeanor of his 12-year-old son A.J. changes randomly from a bratty but insecure 5 year-old, to a sulky teenage rebel, to a world-weary old man. And at one point, steady, self-sufficient Kimberly inexplicably dissolves into uncontrollable tears - twice in one chapter! Perhaps these variances were meant to give the characters more depth, but it didn't work.
I did like the alternating viewpoints, shifting between Kimberly, Bo and A.J., and I found it interesting how the author dealt with issues like foster care, racism, and immigration. These elements and a few genuinely touching moments kept the book from being a total loss, but unless you've read the previous books in the series and just have to see what happens next, I would recommend leaving this one on the shelf.
August 10, 2015
Wiggs writes emotions in a way that allows readers to experience it. The in-depth story takes readers deep into situations that are not only heartbreaking, but also well researched. Wiggs doesn’t make up the details that she puts forth as fact. At the same time, this is an unforgettable work of fiction, combining the best of both worlds. The scenery in the novel was also breathtaking. I love how I was able to picture myself in the Catskills, while also being able to let my imagination run wild, placing myself in the story.
Wiggs’ characters are so detailed and realistic, struggling with the twists life throws at them. I love how we get to follow certain characters through the entire series while also getting to know new ones. Kim & Bo definitely stole my heart in this one. I loved seeing under Bo’s bad boy exterior, getting to know who he really is. Her multifaceted development really lets you experience each and every aspect of who he is. Kim’s journey of self-discovery while helping Bo was priceless. She was the type of woman that I could easily see myself sitting down with for coffee. Enter AJ. His situation broke my heart. At the same time, he was so much fun to get to know.
This might just be the most engaging story of the series yet. Wiggs’ emotionally poignant yet absolutely heart-warming tale is one that I’d recommend to all lovers of romance.
Wiggs’ characters are so detailed and realistic, struggling with the twists life throws at them. I love how we get to follow certain characters through the entire series while also getting to know new ones. Kim & Bo definitely stole my heart in this one. I loved seeing under Bo’s bad boy exterior, getting to know who he really is. Her multifaceted development really lets you experience each and every aspect of who he is. Kim’s journey of self-discovery while helping Bo was priceless. She was the type of woman that I could easily see myself sitting down with for coffee. Enter AJ. His situation broke my heart. At the same time, he was so much fun to get to know.
This might just be the most engaging story of the series yet. Wiggs’ emotionally poignant yet absolutely heart-warming tale is one that I’d recommend to all lovers of romance.
May 29, 2017
Η πρώτη μου εμπειρία με την πολυβραβευμένη συγγραφέα και πραγματικά με κέρδισε από την πρώτη σελίδα. Με κράτησε δε, μέχρι και την τελευταία τελεία! Οι χαρακτήρες, βαθιά ανθρώπινοι, σε κάνουν να νιώσεις κάτι παραπάνω από συμπάθεια γι' αυτούς... Περισσότερα εδώ...
March 11, 2015
I found this book disturbing. It contained racist assumptions liberally scattered throughout the pages (like some of the people living in a small town in New York would not "like" a half-Hispanic child; like people would instantly judge a half black/half white young man as frightening. Like people would never ask a white, clear-speaking man for his Social Security card and data when at work).
In the book, a young Hispanic girl gets pregnant outside of wedlock and her "ultra-conservative" parents bar the young man who got her that way from seeing (and marrying her). Of COURSE "ultra-conservatives" would be cruel, ungodly, and stupid that way. Right.
In the book, that young woman grows up and doesn't realize she's an illegal alien? In what world does that happen? But hey - this is fiction - so...let's give that a pass. But when she is detained at a deportation center in Texas, and has no way to show that she's an American citizen (which she is not), she has to sneak a phone call to her now 12-year-old son's father so he can meet his son for the first time. Really? Deportation centers don't allow phone calls so children can be cared for??? I think not.
One of the minor characters in the book says to the male lead that "she's heard of no one who has been deported who has ever seen their child/children again." Again. Really? In my experience as a California educator who has taught PLENTY of U.S. Citizen children whose parents have been deported (all for crimes, by the way - never in my many years of teaching has any illegal alien parent been deported "just because"), the parents are generally back in a matter of weeks to months. In a few cases, the children go to visit their parent in Mexico during school breaks and holidays if the parent chooses to leave the child with their other parent or with a relative (all of whom are generally also illegally present in the country). I've NEVER known a child of any age who 'never saw their parent again.' I'm sure someone had to fall into that category - but I've taught hundreds and hundreds of youth and personally have never heard of it.
Over and over again, different characters say that the mom, "Did nothing wrong" when she was detained during a work raid, and that she "paid her taxes." If she was a resident of the United States and did not know that she was illegal, how did she get a social security card? If she had no birth certificate (as the book says), then how would she have gotten her Social Security card? This was never discussed in the book.
I am not suggesting, by the way, that the mother did anything wrong herself. She was clearly a young child when she was brought to the U.S. Her parents could have even gotten her a fake SS card. But it's just blatant stupidity of the author to suggest that this young woman didn't KNOW. If she did know, then some of her statements, "I don't know why I'm here...." are just silly.
There were dozens and dozens of instances where fiction got marred by a statement of "facts" that were not even realistic. For example, when the father takes his son to middle school to enroll him, the enrollment woman is a nasty, stereotypical hater who says that if they don't have his actual birth certificate, he can't get enrolled.
Really? I've been in education for decades, and there are laws that allow children to be enrolled without ANY records at all. And anyone working at any school in enrollment would know this. For the sake of "artistic license" - and a liberal mindset - Ms. Wiggs allowed blatant inaccuracies to creep into her book.
Susan Wiggs' liberal leanings barfed all over this book and ruined an otherwise sweet story. Needless to say, I am now hesitant to attempt any other Wiggs' books because I don't like fiction to be so heavily marred by a flawed ideology.
In the book, a young Hispanic girl gets pregnant outside of wedlock and her "ultra-conservative" parents bar the young man who got her that way from seeing (and marrying her). Of COURSE "ultra-conservatives" would be cruel, ungodly, and stupid that way. Right.
In the book, that young woman grows up and doesn't realize she's an illegal alien? In what world does that happen? But hey - this is fiction - so...let's give that a pass. But when she is detained at a deportation center in Texas, and has no way to show that she's an American citizen (which she is not), she has to sneak a phone call to her now 12-year-old son's father so he can meet his son for the first time. Really? Deportation centers don't allow phone calls so children can be cared for??? I think not.
One of the minor characters in the book says to the male lead that "she's heard of no one who has been deported who has ever seen their child/children again." Again. Really? In my experience as a California educator who has taught PLENTY of U.S. Citizen children whose parents have been deported (all for crimes, by the way - never in my many years of teaching has any illegal alien parent been deported "just because"), the parents are generally back in a matter of weeks to months. In a few cases, the children go to visit their parent in Mexico during school breaks and holidays if the parent chooses to leave the child with their other parent or with a relative (all of whom are generally also illegally present in the country). I've NEVER known a child of any age who 'never saw their parent again.' I'm sure someone had to fall into that category - but I've taught hundreds and hundreds of youth and personally have never heard of it.
Over and over again, different characters say that the mom, "Did nothing wrong" when she was detained during a work raid, and that she "paid her taxes." If she was a resident of the United States and did not know that she was illegal, how did she get a social security card? If she had no birth certificate (as the book says), then how would she have gotten her Social Security card? This was never discussed in the book.
I am not suggesting, by the way, that the mother did anything wrong herself. She was clearly a young child when she was brought to the U.S. Her parents could have even gotten her a fake SS card. But it's just blatant stupidity of the author to suggest that this young woman didn't KNOW. If she did know, then some of her statements, "I don't know why I'm here...." are just silly.
There were dozens and dozens of instances where fiction got marred by a statement of "facts" that were not even realistic. For example, when the father takes his son to middle school to enroll him, the enrollment woman is a nasty, stereotypical hater who says that if they don't have his actual birth certificate, he can't get enrolled.
Really? I've been in education for decades, and there are laws that allow children to be enrolled without ANY records at all. And anyone working at any school in enrollment would know this. For the sake of "artistic license" - and a liberal mindset - Ms. Wiggs allowed blatant inaccuracies to creep into her book.
Susan Wiggs' liberal leanings barfed all over this book and ruined an otherwise sweet story. Needless to say, I am now hesitant to attempt any other Wiggs' books because I don't like fiction to be so heavily marred by a flawed ideology.
February 1, 2012
I can't believe that this book is part of the Lakeshore Chronicles; a series that I have enjoyed reading uptil now. Fireside was such a disappointment! It's almost like I can't recognize this author anymore. Not even the recurrent characters of previous books could enthuse me.
The main characters in this one, Kim and Bo, are so flat and without any depth.
I should give it a "2" out of nostalgia, I suppose, because my heart goes back to the previous Lakeshore Chronicles. I'm not sure if I ever want to read another Susan Wiggs books, but I'll keep an open mind and I'll remember her depicting more vibrant & human characters from her previous work.
The main characters in this one, Kim and Bo, are so flat and without any depth.
I should give it a "2" out of nostalgia, I suppose, because my heart goes back to the previous Lakeshore Chronicles. I'm not sure if I ever want to read another Susan Wiggs books, but I'll keep an open mind and I'll remember her depicting more vibrant & human characters from her previous work.
October 21, 2017
Book number five in the Lakeshore Chronicles Series. This time we are introduced to Bo Crutcher, baseball player and bachelor about town in quaint Avalon. Enter Kimberly van Dorn, left traumatized and very hurt by a love gone wrong. Add in a few more characters, and you’ve got a sweet story. Not my favourite in the series- I really found the character of Kim to be insincere. However, still enjoy coming across the lives of characters from earlier books and seeing how life is changing for them. Looking forward to number six!
March 11, 2009
Reviewed by Maria Lokken
Kimberly Van Dorn is a mess. She’s flying coach, dressed in a sequin evening gown, wearing four inch strapless heels and accompanied by only one piece of ‘luggage’ a Judith Leiber handbag. Where is she going and what is she running from? We know this much, she’s just left the eternal sunshine of LA for the frigid winter of Willow Lake in upstate New York.
A media agent for superstar sports figures, Kimberly has traded in her job for what she believes will be the comfort her mother’s arms and the pace of small town life. But small town doesn’t mean small problems, because this story is filled with quirky characters that have issues. Particularly Bo Crutcher, minor league baseball player with big league dreams. On the precipice of realizing his life long goal he’s thrown into a relationship with AJ, the son he’s never met. The circumstances are rough and AJ has to deal with a father he thinks abandoned him.
Fireside is about dreams and second chances. The author has created vivid characters that jump off the page, each with their own back story and baggage. As the characters meet, they form relationships that help cast off the shadows of the past and create hopes for the future.
Susan Wiggs has become a favorite of mine. Her ability to envelop the reader into the story and the characters is what got me hooked. You care what happens. I found myself waiting to get back to the book in between work and errands.
My only quibble is that I felt rushed at the end. She spends quite a bit of time developing the characters and revealing their stories, so I was surprised when a few pages from the end she wrapped everything up. I felt the resolution deserved a bit more time. However, I strongly recommend this story – it will capture you.
Kimberly Van Dorn is a mess. She’s flying coach, dressed in a sequin evening gown, wearing four inch strapless heels and accompanied by only one piece of ‘luggage’ a Judith Leiber handbag. Where is she going and what is she running from? We know this much, she’s just left the eternal sunshine of LA for the frigid winter of Willow Lake in upstate New York.
A media agent for superstar sports figures, Kimberly has traded in her job for what she believes will be the comfort her mother’s arms and the pace of small town life. But small town doesn’t mean small problems, because this story is filled with quirky characters that have issues. Particularly Bo Crutcher, minor league baseball player with big league dreams. On the precipice of realizing his life long goal he’s thrown into a relationship with AJ, the son he’s never met. The circumstances are rough and AJ has to deal with a father he thinks abandoned him.
Fireside is about dreams and second chances. The author has created vivid characters that jump off the page, each with their own back story and baggage. As the characters meet, they form relationships that help cast off the shadows of the past and create hopes for the future.
Susan Wiggs has become a favorite of mine. Her ability to envelop the reader into the story and the characters is what got me hooked. You care what happens. I found myself waiting to get back to the book in between work and errands.
My only quibble is that I felt rushed at the end. She spends quite a bit of time developing the characters and revealing their stories, so I was surprised when a few pages from the end she wrapped everything up. I felt the resolution deserved a bit more time. However, I strongly recommend this story – it will capture you.
November 9, 2015
"...and she looked almost pretty, in a chubby way." This was when I finally decided I didn't like this book. Also, I won't be reading Wiggs again. Not just for this comment, but the overall story was contrived and bland, and the characters just sort of faded in and out-they didn't have any real depth, they were solely there to move the plot along, or to help the two main characters realize they loved each other. As a romance, it was weak and there really wasn't much chemistry.
Kim is stunningly beautiful, and she's truly physically perfect, and blah blah blah. It was like reading Twilight and hearing about how gorgeous Edward is-AGAIN. But to withstand all the gushing of Kim's jaw-dropping good looks (a few characters in the book actually did drop their jaws when first seeing her), and then to hear that some poor girl was ALMOST pretty in a chubby way. I actually rolled my way then put the book down. Ultimately, I finished, but I'm totally turned off from this book and this author.
I don't recommend this book, unless you're at an airport and this is the only book or magazine available for sale. And you're desperate.
Kim is stunningly beautiful, and she's truly physically perfect, and blah blah blah. It was like reading Twilight and hearing about how gorgeous Edward is-AGAIN. But to withstand all the gushing of Kim's jaw-dropping good looks (a few characters in the book actually did drop their jaws when first seeing her), and then to hear that some poor girl was ALMOST pretty in a chubby way. I actually rolled my way then put the book down. Ultimately, I finished, but I'm totally turned off from this book and this author.
I don't recommend this book, unless you're at an airport and this is the only book or magazine available for sale. And you're desperate.
February 13, 2010
I enjoyed this book, really, I did, BUT.... others in the series were better. I'd say it gets 3.75 stars. Bo's coming of age (as a parent) was well portrayed and I could feel his emotions for AJ growing with each page. I think if Bo loved Kim the way I felt like he did, his willingness to marry Yolanda would have been more complicated for him. AND...when things started going better in Mexico, he should have called Kim. Anyway, it all came together in the end and their love was redeemed. I hope we will meet Yolanda in the future and see more of AJ, Bo, and Kim as they deal with this new chapter. I'd like to know why she never wanted Bo involved with AJ in the first place. Well, on to the next!!!
December 27, 2010
This was a cute story set back in Avalon. But even though it was in the community and there were past characters, it didn't have the same connection as the others as this is the first one without a Bellamy.
I did like Kim and Bo, but the story seemed a little contrived for me. Bo an almost baseball fan, Kim a sports PR person, and the third person who was just as important in their relationship, AJ, Bo's long lost son. The way that AJ and Bo's relationship started and grew was sweet, it mirrored what was happening with Bo and Kim.
And again we were given a glimpse with Daisy and Julian, who with each new book I pick up I hope is about them.
I did like Kim and Bo, but the story seemed a little contrived for me. Bo an almost baseball fan, Kim a sports PR person, and the third person who was just as important in their relationship, AJ, Bo's long lost son. The way that AJ and Bo's relationship started and grew was sweet, it mirrored what was happening with Bo and Kim.
And again we were given a glimpse with Daisy and Julian, who with each new book I pick up I hope is about them.
June 21, 2019
This book was published in 2009 but the main them of the book could be ripped from modern day headlines - woman of Spanish ethnicity goes to work and is taken in an ICE raid when she has no document to prove her right to be in the US. She is suddenly gone leaving her 12 year old don with no one to care for him other than the father he has never met. This sounds so current!
I have read and enjoyed other books in this series too but I found the ending in this book to be very sudden. It left me wondering where do the main characters go from here.
I have read and enjoyed other books in this series too but I found the ending in this book to be very sudden. It left me wondering where do the main characters go from here.
May 4, 2014
Another Lakeshore Chronicles, we focus here on Bo Crutcher, long-time wannabe pro baseball players who's been in a small independent team in Avalon. He's thrown a curve ball when a hookup when he was a teen sends his son, AJ, to him when she is caught up in a deportation nightmare. While waiting for AJ's flight to arrive, she encounters Kimberly Van Dorn, publicist for an NBA star with whom she'd also had a personal relationship. She's dressed in an evening gown and strappy heels, not really something that will keep her warm in the depths of an upper NY state winter. No way is she interested in another athlete, or so she swears.
Kim goes home to find her mother ensnared in bad loans and other debts, her legacy from her late husband, whom she adored. She's attempting to get out from under by running what Kim calls a boarding house. As fate would have it (can you guess?) Bo and AJ rent the third floor suite.
When Bo is given a chance to try out with the NY Giants--the big time!--Kim reluctantly agrees to spiff him up, make him acceptable to the media and the like, exactly what she's done before and become tired of. But Bo is different. Trouble is, he wants HER as much as he wants to help his son, who's desperate to be reunited with his mother. And Kim knows she'll be heart-broken if she gets more deeply involved with Bo and AJ. How can all this angst be resolved?
Kim goes home to find her mother ensnared in bad loans and other debts, her legacy from her late husband, whom she adored. She's attempting to get out from under by running what Kim calls a boarding house. As fate would have it (can you guess?) Bo and AJ rent the third floor suite.
When Bo is given a chance to try out with the NY Giants--the big time!--Kim reluctantly agrees to spiff him up, make him acceptable to the media and the like, exactly what she's done before and become tired of. But Bo is different. Trouble is, he wants HER as much as he wants to help his son, who's desperate to be reunited with his mother. And Kim knows she'll be heart-broken if she gets more deeply involved with Bo and AJ. How can all this angst be resolved?
September 10, 2014
Twelve year old AJ's school day was about to be done in Houston when he was called to the office to find out he wash't able to go home, but instead was going to be flying to New York to meet his father who he had never met before. The factory where his mother worked had been raided and she was on the fast track to deportation.
AJ's dad, Bo Crutcher, was as overwhelmed as AJ! He had just signed a contract in which he was being considered for the Yankees baseball team. The timing couldn't be worse for having his son drop in!
Meanwhile, Kimberly van Dorn has returned home from Los Angeles under a very stressful situation to find her mother's exotically painted house filled with boarders! She had no idea her father had left her mom with huge debt - the reason for the garish colors on and in the house - tag ends & discontinued.
When Bo finds himself floundering as a father, which AJ's mother had never allowed him to be, Kimberly steps in to fill the gaps. Love takes on a strange shape as the 3 come to grips with AJ's frustrating circumstances.
A great story that brings the immigration issues on the southern US border to light.
AJ's dad, Bo Crutcher, was as overwhelmed as AJ! He had just signed a contract in which he was being considered for the Yankees baseball team. The timing couldn't be worse for having his son drop in!
Meanwhile, Kimberly van Dorn has returned home from Los Angeles under a very stressful situation to find her mother's exotically painted house filled with boarders! She had no idea her father had left her mom with huge debt - the reason for the garish colors on and in the house - tag ends & discontinued.
When Bo finds himself floundering as a father, which AJ's mother had never allowed him to be, Kimberly steps in to fill the gaps. Love takes on a strange shape as the 3 come to grips with AJ's frustrating circumstances.
A great story that brings the immigration issues on the southern US border to light.
December 28, 2009
I have never read a Susan Wiggs book I didn't enjoy, and the Lakeshore Chronicles series is one of my favourites. This book, no.5 in the series didn't disappoint. Not only did we get a feisty young heroine, hunky, if flawed, hero, a troubled boy, a mother who's started a guesthouse and found happiness, but we also get to spend time with continuing characters and stories from earlier books. Also, womthing I really like, a bit of a chuckle here and there.
I feel this series has something in common with Debbie Macomber's series, but to me this one is even better.
Very highly recommended
I feel this series has something in common with Debbie Macomber's series, but to me this one is even better.
Very highly recommended
May 22, 2020
After a horribly humiliating evening, Kimberly Van Dorn needed to get out of LA. She knew she'd feel better at home in Willow Lake so she took the next plane out. Running through the airport in an evening dress raised a few eyebrows. It was nice to see Kimberly didn't care what others thought of her, for once.
I loved Bo Crutcher. All his life, his dream was to become a major league baseball player. Just when his dream might come true, his son, AJ, who he'd never met, came to stay with him. He had to learn very fast how to be a father. It wasn't an easy job and was even harder because AJ didn't want to be there, thinking Bo had abandoned him.
When Kim left LA, she also left her job as a media agent for people in sports. She was just what Bo needed! It was incredible, watching Kim turn Bo from a man who loved baseball and was a terrific player into someone the media liked, too.
I liked all the characters in Fireside. Everybody should have a mom like Kim's. How could I not like Bo? A man who would do anything for his son, even if it meant giving up his dream, is too good to be true.
Overall, this was a very emotionally charged novel that captured my heart.
I loved Bo Crutcher. All his life, his dream was to become a major league baseball player. Just when his dream might come true, his son, AJ, who he'd never met, came to stay with him. He had to learn very fast how to be a father. It wasn't an easy job and was even harder because AJ didn't want to be there, thinking Bo had abandoned him.
When Kim left LA, she also left her job as a media agent for people in sports. She was just what Bo needed! It was incredible, watching Kim turn Bo from a man who loved baseball and was a terrific player into someone the media liked, too.
I liked all the characters in Fireside. Everybody should have a mom like Kim's. How could I not like Bo? A man who would do anything for his son, even if it meant giving up his dream, is too good to be true.
Overall, this was a very emotionally charged novel that captured my heart.
September 1, 2025
I have been loving this series and getting to know all the different people.
In this one the focus is on Bo Crutcher, a minor league pitcher. In the past books he comes across as a self centered playboy with a drinking problem who sobers up only long enough to pitch for the Hornets.
Here he finds himself having to step up to the plate for AJ, a son he's supported all these years but had never met. AJ's mother is an undocumented alien who gets swept up in a ISS raid and is deported. AJ has no friends or family to help so it's up to Bo to take care of AJ and find a way to help Yolanda, AJ's mother come home.
We discover that Bo really is a caring concerned father (even though it's all brand new to him) and he works very hard to get AJ and Yolanda united again. This is a wonderful story, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
In this one the focus is on Bo Crutcher, a minor league pitcher. In the past books he comes across as a self centered playboy with a drinking problem who sobers up only long enough to pitch for the Hornets.
Here he finds himself having to step up to the plate for AJ, a son he's supported all these years but had never met. AJ's mother is an undocumented alien who gets swept up in a ISS raid and is deported. AJ has no friends or family to help so it's up to Bo to take care of AJ and find a way to help Yolanda, AJ's mother come home.
We discover that Bo really is a caring concerned father (even though it's all brand new to him) and he works very hard to get AJ and Yolanda united again. This is a wonderful story, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
August 12, 2019
Excellent
Another great read in this series. Wonderfully written with interesting characters and a nice story line. Definitely a recommended read.
Another great read in this series. Wonderfully written with interesting characters and a nice story line. Definitely a recommended read.
November 16, 2023
All 3 main characters were really fleshed out, and I was interested in their story the whole time. I really love Bo Crutcher!
February 26, 2023
One of the better one from the Lakeshore Chronicles. Love how the author brings back characters from previous books so that we can see how their lives go on. Very good !
May 29, 2017
Even though it was set in the winter, it was a great beach read.
September 3, 2012
You learn early in each book of this series who the couple is going to be, and get to watch the relationship develop from both points of view. I like that, even if the male point of view is written by a woman.
It bothered me that Yolanda did not share anything good about Bo with their son AJ. I'm sure she was hurt by their history, and understand trying to have her husband be her son's father figure. But her son deserved to know that his father did not abandon him, and Yolanda is portrayed as a good person. It didn't seem in character. The child had a right to have a relationship with his father. The author's intent may have been to set up more conflict, but to me it did not fit.
The comments that came out were also conflicting. AJ said he never knew about any monthly child support checks, but then it says that AJ "had been left to deal with the reality that his father came in the form of a monthly obligation instead of a flesh-and-blood guy" (pages 62-63). I often had to stop, go back and compare what was being shared to what had been written previously. Another example was the relationship with Kim and her parents. The author seemed to jump to conclusions. This is odd because the author also very often repeats situations and what the characters are thinking, as if we do not remember the specific situation in this particular book.
How many times do we need to be reminded that the town square consists of old-fashioned brick buildings? It's a description that is repeated a few times in each book.
On pg. 100 Bo's remembering how Yolanda was his first, as he wanted to be in love. In talking to Kim on pg. 318, he says Yolanda wasn't his first. He's portrayed as being honest because he has nothing to lose and lying isn't worth the effort. So did he lie to Kim out of pride?
On pg. 386 Bo's thinking that Kim has taught him to love without fear. Per prior pages, she's no longer afraid, but he is. It's Lady and the Tramp for him; he thinks she's too good for him.
While the inconsistencies are distracting, I continue to read these books because I like the characters, the small towns, and the community.
It bothered me that Yolanda did not share anything good about Bo with their son AJ. I'm sure she was hurt by their history, and understand trying to have her husband be her son's father figure. But her son deserved to know that his father did not abandon him, and Yolanda is portrayed as a good person. It didn't seem in character. The child had a right to have a relationship with his father. The author's intent may have been to set up more conflict, but to me it did not fit.
The comments that came out were also conflicting. AJ said he never knew about any monthly child support checks, but then it says that AJ "had been left to deal with the reality that his father came in the form of a monthly obligation instead of a flesh-and-blood guy" (pages 62-63). I often had to stop, go back and compare what was being shared to what had been written previously. Another example was the relationship with Kim and her parents. The author seemed to jump to conclusions. This is odd because the author also very often repeats situations and what the characters are thinking, as if we do not remember the specific situation in this particular book.
How many times do we need to be reminded that the town square consists of old-fashioned brick buildings? It's a description that is repeated a few times in each book.
On pg. 100 Bo's remembering how Yolanda was his first, as he wanted to be in love. In talking to Kim on pg. 318, he says Yolanda wasn't his first. He's portrayed as being honest because he has nothing to lose and lying isn't worth the effort. So did he lie to Kim out of pride?
On pg. 386 Bo's thinking that Kim has taught him to love without fear. Per prior pages, she's no longer afraid, but he is. It's Lady and the Tramp for him; he thinks she's too good for him.
While the inconsistencies are distracting, I continue to read these books because I like the characters, the small towns, and the community.
March 19, 2010
Who would have thought that after the portrayal of Kim as a man-stealing-slut her character would actually be so likeable? Not me that's for sure, but from the very beginning i could understand her better and sympathize with her past. I thought the way she handled her relationship with Bo and how she treated AJ was really great in my opinion.
Bo was not outdone either because he turned out to be such a bold and romantic guy after meeting AJ. I was glad he finally understood that the way he was living was not going to be good for him as a father or for AJ's benefit. The only think i didn't like about this book was the measures Bo would go to give his son what he wanted most. Now i know many psychologists and even some parents would have applauded it, but i thought he tried to jump the gun a bit. I hated that Bo and Kim were hurting because of it and i like even less that suddenly he comes back out of the blue and everything is fixed. I thought Kim needed to let him beg for a bit just to make him realize what a stupid idea that had been. *sigh* In the end though everyone was happy and neatly tied up.
The whole Major league angle seemed a bit too fictitious, but i was able to suspend reality enough to enjoy it. We hardly saw some of the old characters, but the little interactions there was i really liked. Particularly Daisy, i get the feeling her story has been building up from the first book and i cannot wait for it. Oh and the romance between Kim's mom and the older gentleman was also very sweet. I thought she really deserved it after what her deceased husband had done to her.
Bo was not outdone either because he turned out to be such a bold and romantic guy after meeting AJ. I was glad he finally understood that the way he was living was not going to be good for him as a father or for AJ's benefit. The only think i didn't like about this book was the measures Bo would go to give his son what he wanted most. Now i know many psychologists and even some parents would have applauded it, but i thought he tried to jump the gun a bit. I hated that Bo and Kim were hurting because of it and i like even less that suddenly he comes back out of the blue and everything is fixed. I thought Kim needed to let him beg for a bit just to make him realize what a stupid idea that had been. *sigh* In the end though everyone was happy and neatly tied up.
The whole Major league angle seemed a bit too fictitious, but i was able to suspend reality enough to enjoy it. We hardly saw some of the old characters, but the little interactions there was i really liked. Particularly Daisy, i get the feeling her story has been building up from the first book and i cannot wait for it. Oh and the romance between Kim's mom and the older gentleman was also very sweet. I thought she really deserved it after what her deceased husband had done to her.
July 19, 2009
Boy, I've just got a string of "fine but not outstanding" books going on. Another romance in the Lakeshore Chronicles, Fireside's plot is decent and the characters are interesting.
Mostly I'd say that this book needed tighter editing. Some examples: there were some sections where there was an enormous amount of telling, rather than showing. Like this, which went on much longer than I'll quote: "Now Kim understood the reason why Penelope had not urged her to visit. Her mother hadn't wanted to burden her with the knowledge of her true circumstances. Hadn't wanted to poison a daughter's memories of her father with something so inconvenient as the truth" (p. 54).
Another editing issue for me were topics brought up, then left dangling. Bo, the hero, is introduced in a way that clearly questions whether he's alcoholic, then the main plot event happens and the question is never addressed again. (He is occasionally shown drinking, but with no real return to the question of excess.) And I believe he's employed at a bar, though work shifts never show up (and given the rest of the storyline, you'd think "I've got to go to work now" or childcare issues would). Another dangling topic was Bo's friend Noah suggesting that Kim was re-making Bo into her "perfect man" image. Bo worries about this for three lines, then it never comes up in their relationship or his thoughts again.
So in the end I liked the story just fine, though I thought that other books in the series were better done. I'm glad I read it, but probably won't bother to re-read it later.
Mostly I'd say that this book needed tighter editing. Some examples: there were some sections where there was an enormous amount of telling, rather than showing. Like this, which went on much longer than I'll quote: "Now Kim understood the reason why Penelope had not urged her to visit. Her mother hadn't wanted to burden her with the knowledge of her true circumstances. Hadn't wanted to poison a daughter's memories of her father with something so inconvenient as the truth" (p. 54).
Another editing issue for me were topics brought up, then left dangling. Bo, the hero, is introduced in a way that clearly questions whether he's alcoholic, then the main plot event happens and the question is never addressed again. (He is occasionally shown drinking, but with no real return to the question of excess.) And I believe he's employed at a bar, though work shifts never show up (and given the rest of the storyline, you'd think "I've got to go to work now" or childcare issues would). Another dangling topic was Bo's friend Noah suggesting that Kim was re-making Bo into her "perfect man" image. Bo worries about this for three lines, then it never comes up in their relationship or his thoughts again.
So in the end I liked the story just fine, though I thought that other books in the series were better done. I'm glad I read it, but probably won't bother to re-read it later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2016
I'm a huge Susan Wiggs fan; I love the Lakeshore Chronicles series. I had deliberately skipped this book because of my bias against professional sports. I finally succumbed because I couldn't stand seeing that unread book sitting on my virtual shelf.
It wasn't a terrible book, but it wasn't Wiggs at her best either. I skimmed over as much of the sports-related verbiage as I could, which left me with ... not much. The author's choice to use the political hot potato of illegal immigration was unfortunate. Her omissions and errors in handling the subject made it worse. The character development was weak, but then again, it was the author's choice to try to form a character from an adult male who hasn't made any effort to find an adult career path. Kim's codependency issues were never resolved, so the rushed wrap-up ending was actually a blessing.
I won't be reading this one again.
It wasn't a terrible book, but it wasn't Wiggs at her best either. I skimmed over as much of the sports-related verbiage as I could, which left me with ... not much. The author's choice to use the political hot potato of illegal immigration was unfortunate. Her omissions and errors in handling the subject made it worse. The character development was weak, but then again, it was the author's choice to try to form a character from an adult male who hasn't made any effort to find an adult career path. Kim's codependency issues were never resolved, so the rushed wrap-up ending was actually a blessing.
I won't be reading this one again.
August 11, 2018
Bo just can't seem to catch a break. Potentially alcoholic, a womanizer, and a baseball player whose career has finally (belatedly) taken off, Bo is terrified to be given emergency guardianship of his son. A boy whom he has never met, the kid just doesn't seem to want to get to know him, despite the charisma that usually gets Bo whatever he wants. Kimberly, a sports press agent whose life has hit a major rutt, reluctantly agrees to help Bo get his career – and his life – back on track. Will the two find love in the process? A novel about what really makes family family, Fireside was an enjoyable read for any time of the year, but especially in front of the fire. Although it is nothing spectacular, it is a fun read worth the time, especially for those who want to follow the Lakeshore series.
January 13, 2012
I've read many of this author's books, but found this book very shallow and her agenda inaccurate. I happen to be from Texas City. As far as Houston doing immigration sweeps and ripping children out of mothers' arms is ludicrous. Houston and surrounding areas are sanctuary cities. Leave politics to that genre, I do not by books to read political opinions. If I wanted thst, I would turn on the news. She is so busy trying to beat you over the head with her opinions, the story doesn't flow.
April 3, 2009
This is the first book I have read after losing my reading partner...my sister, my best friend. It isn't as much fun to read without having her to discuss the book with. Fireside is a Lakeside Chronicles book, the story of baseball player Bo Crutcher, his newfound 12-year old son and publicist Kimberly van Dorn. The usual characters from Avalon are present, indluding Noah, Sophie, Daisy and Max and the Bellamy family.
It was a quick, enjoyable read, even though very predictable.
It was a quick, enjoyable read, even though very predictable.
November 14, 2021
Don't Bother
This book was a total washout. It seemed to be a required filler for the series. The characters were flat, the story lacked substance, the baseball fame route details were boring and the author's apparent need to take the reader to task over her view of illegal immigration fault lying with American laws was a turn off. I gave this book 1star because there was no way to mark zero stars. Unfortunately,Ms. Wiggs, no redeeming qualities in this book.
This book was a total washout. It seemed to be a required filler for the series. The characters were flat, the story lacked substance, the baseball fame route details were boring and the author's apparent need to take the reader to task over her view of illegal immigration fault lying with American laws was a turn off. I gave this book 1star because there was no way to mark zero stars. Unfortunately,Ms. Wiggs, no redeeming qualities in this book.
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February 7, 2017A lovely little story that wasn't so much about 2 people falling in love as much as it was about a father and his 14 year old son meeting, learning about each other and finding the love of a father and son.
The end was a mild disappointment it felt rushed and slapped together.
My favorite parts were the winter scenes and all the snow. Great finish to 2016 for me that ran over into 2017.
The end was a mild disappointment it felt rushed and slapped together.
My favorite parts were the winter scenes and all the snow. Great finish to 2016 for me that ran over into 2017.
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