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Dogwood Creek Matchmakers #10
Rescuing the Hero
A firefighter saves what he can.
An artist creates what she must.
From the ashes of loss, will love ignite?
Sydney Swan’s dream goes up in flames when a devastating fire destroys her art gallery and studio. The fiercely independent artist is determined to rebuild Creative Express without relying on anyone, especially after past heartbreak taught her that accepting help may come at a cost.
Firefighter Landon Price, Dogwood Creek’s golden boy, returns carrying the guilt of a tragedy he couldn’t prevent, desperate to prove he’s still worthy of the faith others place in him.
With the gentle nudging of a wise and determined matchmaker, Sydney and Landon discover that healing often comes in unexpected ways—and that love may be waiting where they least expect it. But can Sydney find the courage to trust again? And will Landon realize that sometimes even heroes need rescuing?
Small-town charm and rediscovered dreams are always in season in Dogwood Creek, Tennessee.
An artist creates what she must.
From the ashes of loss, will love ignite?
Sydney Swan’s dream goes up in flames when a devastating fire destroys her art gallery and studio. The fiercely independent artist is determined to rebuild Creative Express without relying on anyone, especially after past heartbreak taught her that accepting help may come at a cost.
Firefighter Landon Price, Dogwood Creek’s golden boy, returns carrying the guilt of a tragedy he couldn’t prevent, desperate to prove he’s still worthy of the faith others place in him.
With the gentle nudging of a wise and determined matchmaker, Sydney and Landon discover that healing often comes in unexpected ways—and that love may be waiting where they least expect it. But can Sydney find the courage to trust again? And will Landon realize that sometimes even heroes need rescuing?
Small-town charm and rediscovered dreams are always in season in Dogwood Creek, Tennessee.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Dawn Kinzer
19 books126 followersDawn Kinzer writes fiction because she believes in the power of story to comfort, challenge, and inspire.
Her work has been published in the Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Backyard Friends magazine, The One Year Life Verse Devotional, A Joyful Heart: Experiencing the Light of His Love, and featured on the radio ministry, The Heartbeat of the Home.
Dawn’s historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton, takes place in the early 1900s. The setting and some of the characters were inspired by her rural Wisconsin hometown. Sarah’s Smile is the first story in the series, Hope’s Design is the second, and Rebecca’s Song completes the trilogy. "Maggie's Miracle," is a historical short story that takes place in Riveron. By All Appearances is her contemporary romance set in Seattle, which is followed by the sequel, A Night Divine. The historical romance, With a Trusting Heart, was inspired by events that took place at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair.
A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, cinnamon, popcorn, strong coffee, good wine, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
Her work has been published in the Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Backyard Friends magazine, The One Year Life Verse Devotional, A Joyful Heart: Experiencing the Light of His Love, and featured on the radio ministry, The Heartbeat of the Home.
Dawn’s historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton, takes place in the early 1900s. The setting and some of the characters were inspired by her rural Wisconsin hometown. Sarah’s Smile is the first story in the series, Hope’s Design is the second, and Rebecca’s Song completes the trilogy. "Maggie's Miracle," is a historical short story that takes place in Riveron. By All Appearances is her contemporary romance set in Seattle, which is followed by the sequel, A Night Divine. The historical romance, With a Trusting Heart, was inspired by events that took place at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair.
A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, cinnamon, popcorn, strong coffee, good wine, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 16, 2026
“We shouldn’t try to handle life alone. Caring for each other is what it means to be human.”
It was so lovely to make another visit to the small Tennessee mountain town of Dogwood Creek, courtesy of Dawn Kinzer’s Rescuing the Hero! This is my kind of setting and community, and even though it’s a standalone story, it was nice to see some familiar faces I previously met in Restoring Love. Even nicer was getting to know this new novella’s hero and heroine – firefighter Landon Price and artist Sydney Swan.
Landon is Dogwood Creek’s golden boy, back at last after several years away and a local favorite at the firehouse… and anywhere else he goes, for that matter. Everyone loves Landon – with good reason because he’s a very likable character – and they’re delighted he’s returned. But he’s carrying a huge burden of guilt over a tragedy at his previous job and can’t seem to move past it. I always find a firefighter hero swoony in fiction, and Landon is no exception. Plus, he’s so patient as he tries to scale the walls Sydney has built around her heart. A true hero in every way, no matter if he feels otherwise.
Sydney may be a more recent newcomer to Dogwood Creek but seems to have had no trouble becoming a part of the community already. She’s quite talented as an artist, and I really enjoyed her natural teaching ability as we sat in on one of her painting classes for kids. She’s on the verge of longheld career dreams coming true when, in an instant, they – and her art gallery – burn to the ground. I felt so sorry for her, even though this happens at the very beginning of the story so I hadn’t even gotten a chance to get to know her yet. That’s just how readily likable she is. I did find myself occasionally frustrated with her refusal to accept anyone’s help or when she lashes out at Landon for being the chivalrous guy he is… but it’s only because I could relate all too well to her need to stay in control. The author does a great job of portraying the effect that Sydney’s life before Dogwood Creek has on her decisions now, as well as guiding her to the realization of the core issue at hand and pointing her to God’s truth. I thought this dichotomy between Landon & Sydney created some intriguing layers for Kinzer to explore – the hero who doesn’t think he’s worthy of being called a hero anymore, and the damsel in distress who insists on rescuing herself.
Bottom Line: I enjoy small-town stories filled with caring neighbors, gentle romance, and characters carrying wounds that only God can truly heal, and if you do too, then Rescuing the Hero by Dawn Kinzer belongs on your bookshelf. This quick read engagingly reminds us of the freeing – and Biblical – truth that sometimes strength includes letting other people carry our burdens for a while, that needing help isn’t weakness but part of how God designed us. I loved the play on words between the title and the theme, and I loved watching both Landon and Sydney surrender to rescue (in some way, shape, or form) at different points in the novella. Both characters are exactly the kind of people I’d want to be friends with, especially when they live in exactly the kind of place I’d want to live. Sweet, uplifting, and full of heart, this novella doesn’t sacrifice character development in the shorter page count. Rescuing the Hero would be a good next read for fans of Smoky Mountain settings, firefighter heroes, and books by authors like Lin Stepp or Sandra Robbins.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
It was so lovely to make another visit to the small Tennessee mountain town of Dogwood Creek, courtesy of Dawn Kinzer’s Rescuing the Hero! This is my kind of setting and community, and even though it’s a standalone story, it was nice to see some familiar faces I previously met in Restoring Love. Even nicer was getting to know this new novella’s hero and heroine – firefighter Landon Price and artist Sydney Swan.
Landon is Dogwood Creek’s golden boy, back at last after several years away and a local favorite at the firehouse… and anywhere else he goes, for that matter. Everyone loves Landon – with good reason because he’s a very likable character – and they’re delighted he’s returned. But he’s carrying a huge burden of guilt over a tragedy at his previous job and can’t seem to move past it. I always find a firefighter hero swoony in fiction, and Landon is no exception. Plus, he’s so patient as he tries to scale the walls Sydney has built around her heart. A true hero in every way, no matter if he feels otherwise.
Sydney may be a more recent newcomer to Dogwood Creek but seems to have had no trouble becoming a part of the community already. She’s quite talented as an artist, and I really enjoyed her natural teaching ability as we sat in on one of her painting classes for kids. She’s on the verge of longheld career dreams coming true when, in an instant, they – and her art gallery – burn to the ground. I felt so sorry for her, even though this happens at the very beginning of the story so I hadn’t even gotten a chance to get to know her yet. That’s just how readily likable she is. I did find myself occasionally frustrated with her refusal to accept anyone’s help or when she lashes out at Landon for being the chivalrous guy he is… but it’s only because I could relate all too well to her need to stay in control. The author does a great job of portraying the effect that Sydney’s life before Dogwood Creek has on her decisions now, as well as guiding her to the realization of the core issue at hand and pointing her to God’s truth. I thought this dichotomy between Landon & Sydney created some intriguing layers for Kinzer to explore – the hero who doesn’t think he’s worthy of being called a hero anymore, and the damsel in distress who insists on rescuing herself.
Bottom Line: I enjoy small-town stories filled with caring neighbors, gentle romance, and characters carrying wounds that only God can truly heal, and if you do too, then Rescuing the Hero by Dawn Kinzer belongs on your bookshelf. This quick read engagingly reminds us of the freeing – and Biblical – truth that sometimes strength includes letting other people carry our burdens for a while, that needing help isn’t weakness but part of how God designed us. I loved the play on words between the title and the theme, and I loved watching both Landon and Sydney surrender to rescue (in some way, shape, or form) at different points in the novella. Both characters are exactly the kind of people I’d want to be friends with, especially when they live in exactly the kind of place I’d want to live. Sweet, uplifting, and full of heart, this novella doesn’t sacrifice character development in the shorter page count. Rescuing the Hero would be a good next read for fans of Smoky Mountain settings, firefighter heroes, and books by authors like Lin Stepp or Sandra Robbins.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rescuing the Hero
Dawn’s latest addition to the Dogwood Creek series is “coming in hot”… [I couldn’t resist the fire analogy LOL] and I totally encourage you to read it!
I love when you can pick up a book and already know the town and some of its other characters – it makes starting out feel familiar and just a little bit easier to slide into the story.
Dawn’s characters in this novel are an artist (who runs the local gallery and does art classes) and a firefighter. Not typically two professions that you would necessarily think would have anything in common or be drawn to each other – creative vs. athletic. But in Dawn’s charming development of Sydney and Landon – these two cross paths, go on to develop a wonderful rapport – and then she adds in just the perfect amount of tension… and of course, a reliance on faith and friends. The book ends at a good point [no spoilers] while also leaves you imaging the next phases of their lives.
Dawn classifies this as a “novella” – so it is a quick read – and can be read without reading any (or all) of the other books in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book by the author, but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Dawn’s latest addition to the Dogwood Creek series is “coming in hot”… [I couldn’t resist the fire analogy LOL] and I totally encourage you to read it!
I love when you can pick up a book and already know the town and some of its other characters – it makes starting out feel familiar and just a little bit easier to slide into the story.
Dawn’s characters in this novel are an artist (who runs the local gallery and does art classes) and a firefighter. Not typically two professions that you would necessarily think would have anything in common or be drawn to each other – creative vs. athletic. But in Dawn’s charming development of Sydney and Landon – these two cross paths, go on to develop a wonderful rapport – and then she adds in just the perfect amount of tension… and of course, a reliance on faith and friends. The book ends at a good point [no spoilers] while also leaves you imaging the next phases of their lives.
Dawn classifies this as a “novella” – so it is a quick read – and can be read without reading any (or all) of the other books in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book by the author, but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Returning to Dogwood Creek felt like coming home.
Dawn Kinzer has created a world that is warm and inviting without ever feeling shallow, and Rescuing the Hero carries that same cozy depth. The stakes are real from the very beginning, with Sydney’s loss grounding the story in something tender and hard, and I found myself rooting for her immediately. Her determination to rebuild on her own made perfect emotional sense, even when I wanted her to let someone in.
Landon was just as compelling. His quiet guilt and need to prove himself added a layer of vulnerability that made him more than the town’s golden boy. Watching both of them navigate their wounds felt honest and earned.
What I appreciated most was the balance. The story is gentle without being soft, and hopeful without ignoring the cost of healing. I cared about Sydney and Landon, and I genuinely wanted their happily ever after.
If you love small-town stories with heart, meaningful emotional stakes, and a sense of comfort that still keeps you turning pages, this one delivers.
Dawn Kinzer has created a world that is warm and inviting without ever feeling shallow, and Rescuing the Hero carries that same cozy depth. The stakes are real from the very beginning, with Sydney’s loss grounding the story in something tender and hard, and I found myself rooting for her immediately. Her determination to rebuild on her own made perfect emotional sense, even when I wanted her to let someone in.
Landon was just as compelling. His quiet guilt and need to prove himself added a layer of vulnerability that made him more than the town’s golden boy. Watching both of them navigate their wounds felt honest and earned.
What I appreciated most was the balance. The story is gentle without being soft, and hopeful without ignoring the cost of healing. I cared about Sydney and Landon, and I genuinely wanted their happily ever after.
If you love small-town stories with heart, meaningful emotional stakes, and a sense of comfort that still keeps you turning pages, this one delivers.
May 7, 2026
When Sydney's long awaited dream of owning an art gallery goes up in smoke, literally, she meets Landon, one of the firefighters.
Landon wants to get better acquainted with Sydney but she doesn't seem interested. After her broken engagement she hasn't wanted to get serious with anyone new. Can Landon accept just her friendship without knowing why she doesn't want to get more serious?
This was a good story, but too typical of other young romance stories I've read lately.
There's a tragedy where two strangers meet, one becomes serious while the other hesitates. Finally, trust is built between the two and we learn why the one hesitates. Fortunately, the endings are almost always happily ever after.
If you are looking for an easy read with a happy ending this is a great book for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions and comments are entirely my own.
Landon wants to get better acquainted with Sydney but she doesn't seem interested. After her broken engagement she hasn't wanted to get serious with anyone new. Can Landon accept just her friendship without knowing why she doesn't want to get more serious?
This was a good story, but too typical of other young romance stories I've read lately.
There's a tragedy where two strangers meet, one becomes serious while the other hesitates. Finally, trust is built between the two and we learn why the one hesitates. Fortunately, the endings are almost always happily ever after.
If you are looking for an easy read with a happy ending this is a great book for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions and comments are entirely my own.
May 1, 2026
I enjoy Dawn Kinzer’s relatable characters. Sydney Swan and Landon Price in Rescuing the Hero did not disappoint.
Sydney Swan doesn’t like asking for help. In fact, she doesn’t want help. She prefers doing things on her own. Landon Price is a firefighter. He enjoys helping others. A hero through and through.
When a fire threatens Sydney’s dreams, she must rethink her “I can do it myself” idea. And Landon must learn to wait patiently and not jump in and fix every situation.
Kinzer does a fantastic job pairing opposites in this story of life, loss, and love. I enjoyed reading her second book in the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers Series.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. I also purchased a Kindle version. All opinions are mine.
Sydney Swan doesn’t like asking for help. In fact, she doesn’t want help. She prefers doing things on her own. Landon Price is a firefighter. He enjoys helping others. A hero through and through.
When a fire threatens Sydney’s dreams, she must rethink her “I can do it myself” idea. And Landon must learn to wait patiently and not jump in and fix every situation.
Kinzer does a fantastic job pairing opposites in this story of life, loss, and love. I enjoyed reading her second book in the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers Series.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. I also purchased a Kindle version. All opinions are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
They met in the ashes of her business. Rescuing the Hero is the story of two people caught in the past while dealing with present circumstances. She wants independence, symbolized by the business she’s lost. He wants to hide from tragedy by returning to the place where he grew up.
Landon is the type of thoughtful guy mothers dream of for their daughters. Sydney has a caring spirit but a strong need for autonomy. It’s an interesting combination but one that works, especially when the matchmakers get involved.
Rescuing the Hero has everything I like in a sweet contemporary romance—joy, trouble, romance (of course!), and a feel-good sentiment at the end.
I received an advanced copy of this book, but any opinions are mine.
Landon is the type of thoughtful guy mothers dream of for their daughters. Sydney has a caring spirit but a strong need for autonomy. It’s an interesting combination but one that works, especially when the matchmakers get involved.
Rescuing the Hero has everything I like in a sweet contemporary romance—joy, trouble, romance (of course!), and a feel-good sentiment at the end.
I received an advanced copy of this book, but any opinions are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love loved this one! Even better than the first one!
Love can come from anywhere folks!
I simply couldn't put this one down. I finished it in one evening it was so good.
This is a story that will leave you feeling full and satisfied simply because it has everything in it that a reader could want 😊
The characters are very realistic. I really loved Landon. A handsome firefighter "sigh"
I was really rooting for these two amazing people that I came to love as friends.
God's timing is perfect in every way.
5 stars for an amazing journey of love, 2nd chances and romance.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine
Love can come from anywhere folks!
I simply couldn't put this one down. I finished it in one evening it was so good.
This is a story that will leave you feeling full and satisfied simply because it has everything in it that a reader could want 😊
The characters are very realistic. I really loved Landon. A handsome firefighter "sigh"
I was really rooting for these two amazing people that I came to love as friends.
God's timing is perfect in every way.
5 stars for an amazing journey of love, 2nd chances and romance.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine
May 8, 2026
Super fun time returning to small town Dogwood Creek! A hero who's a firefighter? Count me in, But Dawn doesn't cater to the shallow, surface level attraction often seen in romance books that take a firefighter to distasteful, sordid places. Here Landon is a true hero. The story features a heroine, Sydney, a fiercely independent artist who—right at the beginning—faces the tragedy of a fire, losing valuable artwork. Problem is, she doesn't want to accept help from the one person who's capable of turning things around. As expected in Dawn's books, the faith element is prevalent throughout the characters' journey. The ending was satisfying but not easily achieved—the good stuff of a well written story. I received an advance copy of this book by the author. The opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wonderful book! I love Dogwood Creek and even the matchmakers.
Landon and Sydney, both had hard things to happen in their life and they both needed to deal with that. Would things work out for them? Sydney just wanted to be independent with hardly any help, not even her family’s help. Landon carried a burden that he needed to deal with. I couldn’t wait to see how things were going to turn out and if they could find a way to make it all work.
If you like a contemporary romance try this book and this author. You won’t be disappointed.
I received an advance copy of this book by the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Landon and Sydney, both had hard things to happen in their life and they both needed to deal with that. Would things work out for them? Sydney just wanted to be independent with hardly any help, not even her family’s help. Landon carried a burden that he needed to deal with. I couldn’t wait to see how things were going to turn out and if they could find a way to make it all work.
If you like a contemporary romance try this book and this author. You won’t be disappointed.
I received an advance copy of this book by the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Dogwood creek stories. Dawn has created a wonderful setting for these stories.
Romance is not my favorite genre but I truly loved this book.
The struggles, the growth in faith and understanding of themselves and how God can work in ways we never imagined.
I urge you to get and readbthis book.
Romance is not my favorite genre but I truly loved this book.
The struggles, the growth in faith and understanding of themselves and how God can work in ways we never imagined.
I urge you to get and readbthis book.
July 3, 2026
I'm not sure why I finished reading this book other than it wasn't very long ,and I guess I hoped it would get better. The characters just felt very flat to me and the scenes were all so short that I never got invested in anyone or anything. Sydney really annoyed me because of her attitude about letting others help her.
This book just wasn't for me.
This book just wasn't for me.
May 23, 2026
Wonderful
A wonderful work of Christian fiction. It's such a great romance book that kept me captivated.
I also love how it's indirectly linked to the previous ones.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
A wonderful work of Christian fiction. It's such a great romance book that kept me captivated.
I also love how it's indirectly linked to the previous ones.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews