Fire and Forgiveness: The Cindy Ames Story

by Andrea Neptune

It was May 1982 in Truckee, California, when Cindy Ames arrived home after working back-to-back shifts in the ER. Exhausted, she made breakfast, put her four-year-old son down for a nap, and fell into bed. A short time later, the sound of a dog barking woke her from a deep sleep. What happened next would change her life forever. In a gripping narrative, Andrea Neptune recounts Cindy’s traumatic experiences after she was caught in a house fire and forced to jump out of a third-story window with her son. With her body scarred from the devastating blaze, Cindy faced morphine induced nightmares, fierce internal and external battles, and a profound spiritual encounter that became a beacon of hope in her darkest hours. Against all odds, Cindy’s journey unfolds as a riveting tale of survival, resilience, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit—even as the authorities eventually identified an arson suspect, and she was forced to once again face a fire head-on in Paradise, California, years later. Fire and Forgiveness is an incredible tale of survival after a devastating house fire leads a woman on a powerful journey of faith, justice, and forgiveness.


"This book is riveting!! … I think that this book should be required reading for anyone going into burn nursing or any type of burn care.” Elaine Rojas - RN

298 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2024

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I read it all in one sitting. I hope Andrea writes more books!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of Cindy Ames and ALL that she went through, my heart goes out to her and her boys and all that she endured! I couldn’t believe how vulnerable Cindy was which made me connect to her so much more than I already was. There were moments where I thought how can she go through so much pain?!? I had no idea ALL that fire victims go through. I think all medical teams that work with fire victims should read this. The author Andrea Neptune made her true life stories come to life making you feel like you were right there with her through it all. What an amazing team these two are. Highly recommend!!!

[Madeline Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story. Truly horrifying. Truly unbelievable. It is a rare gem of a human who can give God all the glory while having been reduced to their last ounce of strength and spirit. Andrea Neptune is a talented writer. You will feel the heat and be on the edge of your seat during this journey. Be prepared to be humbled.

[Thomas Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read about half of the book by now, and I've recommended this to my mother. If their are any older women in your life that you want to buy a birthday gift this is the perfect book. It is about a women whose life goes up in flames, and overcomes these tribulations forgiving the arsonist through her faith in christ.

[Denise Neptune · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read! You will be so inspired by Cindy's courage and strength. It is hard to put down. The author did such a beautiful job sharing this true story and the importance of forgiveness.

[denise g]

exceptionally well written. Cindy is a strong and amazing woman

[NEPOB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible true story of surviving not only 1 but 2 fires! The author Andrea Neptune did an amazing job in the telling of Cindy Ames horrific events. It’s hard to believe that one person had to experience 2 home fires in her life! Even though some of the scenes were tough to read, the book leaves you filled with hope and forgiveness. Highly recommend!!! And a side note any medical personnel would highly benefit from this book as it gives you great insight from a patient point of view.