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Flames
When adultery's flames explode can fire archeologist, Jessica Weaver, preserve what matters most?
I preserve legacies.
So begins the story of Jessica Weaver—wife, mother, and fire archeologist. Preserving Yosemite National Park's natural and cultural resources is Jessica's job. Preserving her family's legacy is her obsession. But when she discovers her husband's infidelity, betrayal’s flames threaten her family and all she's fought to protect.
Haley Weaver, a sophomore in high school, is a daddy's girl. As she enters the throes of first love, timid yet intrigued, Haley also discovers her father's affair. Stunned and broken, Haley flees into the wilds of Yosemite National Park. If she can't trust her father, how can she trust her boyfriend—or even love itself?
When wildfire breaks out and Haley is missing, Jessica fears the worst. In a race against time, she searches for her daughter as she deals with the magnitude of what her husband's affair may cost her family. How can she go on if she doesn’t find Haley in time?
And what will Jessica do to preserve the legacy that matters most?
I preserve legacies.
So begins the story of Jessica Weaver—wife, mother, and fire archeologist. Preserving Yosemite National Park's natural and cultural resources is Jessica's job. Preserving her family's legacy is her obsession. But when she discovers her husband's infidelity, betrayal’s flames threaten her family and all she's fought to protect.
Haley Weaver, a sophomore in high school, is a daddy's girl. As she enters the throes of first love, timid yet intrigued, Haley also discovers her father's affair. Stunned and broken, Haley flees into the wilds of Yosemite National Park. If she can't trust her father, how can she trust her boyfriend—or even love itself?
When wildfire breaks out and Haley is missing, Jessica fears the worst. In a race against time, she searches for her daughter as she deals with the magnitude of what her husband's affair may cost her family. How can she go on if she doesn’t find Haley in time?
And what will Jessica do to preserve the legacy that matters most?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
111 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
Ginny L. Yttrup
10 books360 followersGinny L. Yttrup is the Christy Award winning author of Words, and six other titles, the award-winning Mendocino Village Novels, Invisible and Illusion. She writes women's fiction and suspense. Ginny is also a sought after writing coach, developmental editor, and speaker. When not writing she loves to spend time with her adult children, and the circle of dear friends who enrich her life. She lives in northern California with the man in her life, her rescue pup Henry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 14, 2016
Really, really liked this one - h is married to a cheater who isn't sorry and she finally recognizes that he refuses to take accountability for his actions. She grows a tremendous backbone over the course of the book and this process, along with her daughter's story arc, makes for riveting storytelling.
I approved the doormat to strong h trope and if you like the cheatin' theme, this one is a must read.
Plus there is a lot about Yosemite and that is a favorite place outside of my beloved desert mountains, so bonus scenic descriptions too.
I approved the doormat to strong h trope and if you like the cheatin' theme, this one is a must read.
Plus there is a lot about Yosemite and that is a favorite place outside of my beloved desert mountains, so bonus scenic descriptions too.
September 17, 2020
Yttrup’s books are always thought-provoking and complex, and this one is no exception. Filled with the tumultuousness of marriage and all it entails, Flames paints an intricate picture. Although the story is incredible, it would have been nice to have more of an overt faith message included. Faith is subtly communicated through the story, but isn’t directly mentioned. Overall, this is a stellar offering from a gifted writer.
Jessica Weaver is a fire archaeologist in the California mountains. Her job often means she’s away from home for days and even weeks at a time. She’s a wife to Chet, and a mother, too, but those jobs sometimes get put on the back burner for her career. Her teenage daughter Haley is just starting to date, and then the family discovers that Chet is having an affair, and things spiral out of control. How do you begin to recover when the flames of betrayal burn out of control?
Jessica Weaver is a fire archaeologist in the California mountains. Her job often means she’s away from home for days and even weeks at a time. She’s a wife to Chet, and a mother, too, but those jobs sometimes get put on the back burner for her career. Her teenage daughter Haley is just starting to date, and then the family discovers that Chet is having an affair, and things spiral out of control. How do you begin to recover when the flames of betrayal burn out of control?
February 7, 2021
Realized I had read it while back so skimmed it to refresh. The writing is great but the story just didn’t hold my attention. We learn more about Yosemite than the cheating husband so I would categorize this under women’s fiction. Also, I wish we were privy to the husband POV rather than their 15 y/o hormonal daughter. Who cares?
Read this if you enjoy great writing with a strong heroine and love Yosemite Park. Skip it if you are here for a cheating story. No hea.
Read this if you enjoy great writing with a strong heroine and love Yosemite Park. Skip it if you are here for a cheating story. No hea.
December 14, 2015
Outstanding.
September 19, 2015
I always know when I pick up a book by Ginny Yttrup that I will be challenged. I will be challenged to think outside the box. This story followed three characters, and gives you the story from their individual points of view. While this can be a bit difficult to follow at times, Ms. Yttrup does a great job of keeping your attention.
I found myself copying quotes from the book and sending them to my friends and saying "You got to read this book!"
I have to say I have never seen a book that so clearly told the story of a wife that loves her husband, but has marriage problems like this one. Ms. Yttrup captures the agony of the process and how it effected all parties involved. However, if you are looking for Christianese wording, a slew of bible verses or the normal content of many books like this, you will not find that here. This book is one that you feel the story, the seeking and the message is painted for you without the words.
I highly recommend this story.
I found myself copying quotes from the book and sending them to my friends and saying "You got to read this book!"
I have to say I have never seen a book that so clearly told the story of a wife that loves her husband, but has marriage problems like this one. Ms. Yttrup captures the agony of the process and how it effected all parties involved. However, if you are looking for Christianese wording, a slew of bible verses or the normal content of many books like this, you will not find that here. This book is one that you feel the story, the seeking and the message is painted for you without the words.
I highly recommend this story.
May 14, 2022
3 generational story - centering on infidelity and the hurt it causes. Such amazing writing! And I loved hearing about the jobs the Mom and Dad had.
March 20, 2017
This story is emotionally charged. I enjoyed watching as Jessica found her way from pain to restoration. Jessica's story is also filled with strength and fortitude. I highly recommend this book.
September 18, 2015
For many who are married, an affair is the worst imaginable scenario. When those flames begin to burn, is survival possible?
Jessica, Haley, and Ted are all forced to face the unimaginable. Written in first-person narrative, Flames addresses the impact on each character as they attempt to survive their crumbling world.
Having been through a similar situation, I felt the characters’ responses were very realistic and honest. Flames is not “fluffy” fiction, but rather raw and authentic.
Flames is clean and inspiring, and it would likely not be offensive to a non-believer as it is not “preachy.” Personally, I would have liked to have seen the Lord play a greater role in the characters’ personal growth, as they seem to rely on their own strength instead. However, as general women’s fiction (rather than specifically Christian fiction), Flames may offer hope to those who would otherwise feel the situation hopeless, and who might not ever pick up a Christian fiction novel for fear of condemnation.
I especially appreciated the clarification that was given regarding forgiveness. Forgiveness and restoration are not the same, but two separate processes. Forgiveness requires one person, while restoration requires both. This is such an important, and often misunderstood, distinction.
Many can probably relate to this story (unfortunately), either personally or through close association. May Flames offer hope to those who wonder if hope remains.
(This review was first published on my blog: sarahruut.com. I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)
Jessica, Haley, and Ted are all forced to face the unimaginable. Written in first-person narrative, Flames addresses the impact on each character as they attempt to survive their crumbling world.
Having been through a similar situation, I felt the characters’ responses were very realistic and honest. Flames is not “fluffy” fiction, but rather raw and authentic.
Flames is clean and inspiring, and it would likely not be offensive to a non-believer as it is not “preachy.” Personally, I would have liked to have seen the Lord play a greater role in the characters’ personal growth, as they seem to rely on their own strength instead. However, as general women’s fiction (rather than specifically Christian fiction), Flames may offer hope to those who would otherwise feel the situation hopeless, and who might not ever pick up a Christian fiction novel for fear of condemnation.
I especially appreciated the clarification that was given regarding forgiveness. Forgiveness and restoration are not the same, but two separate processes. Forgiveness requires one person, while restoration requires both. This is such an important, and often misunderstood, distinction.
Many can probably relate to this story (unfortunately), either personally or through close association. May Flames offer hope to those who wonder if hope remains.
(This review was first published on my blog: sarahruut.com. I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)
September 22, 2015
I was enthused about reading this book because I know Ginny L. Yttrup's immense talent, and I know her writing can be trusted to be entertaining at the same time that it will be the inspiration of deep reflection. Flames is all that.
This is the story of a family living close to Yosemite National Park during a drought and corresponding fire season. Jessica Weaver is a young part-Native American woman, a fire archaeologist for the Park. Which means she's away from home a lot, especially during fire seasons. Chet, her good looking husband, owns and operates a sporting goods store specializing in climbing events and equipment. Their daughter, Haley, is fifteen; and Tyler, the son, is nineteen and off camping with his buddies before the college fall term starts. And then there are Jessica's father and his wife, Ted and Cretia, and Haley's maybe boyfriend, Zach.
Why is it that both Jessica and Haley make excuses for and defend Chet? Is there more under his surface than he admits--but they instinctively must anytime there is a perceived hint that he might be doing less than the right thing. Plus he brooks no opposition. Any disagreement, and he gets angry. Not violent, just angry. And Jessica can't preserve her family if he's mad, so she caves.
Until she can't anymore. Until she finds out he's been cheating. Combined with a new wildfire in the Park, that revelation blows several problems into conflagrations that might be impossible to put out in time to save Haley or preserve the legacy that is Jessica's marriage, her life.
Flames is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
I received a copy of this book free in return for an honest review.
This is the story of a family living close to Yosemite National Park during a drought and corresponding fire season. Jessica Weaver is a young part-Native American woman, a fire archaeologist for the Park. Which means she's away from home a lot, especially during fire seasons. Chet, her good looking husband, owns and operates a sporting goods store specializing in climbing events and equipment. Their daughter, Haley, is fifteen; and Tyler, the son, is nineteen and off camping with his buddies before the college fall term starts. And then there are Jessica's father and his wife, Ted and Cretia, and Haley's maybe boyfriend, Zach.
Why is it that both Jessica and Haley make excuses for and defend Chet? Is there more under his surface than he admits--but they instinctively must anytime there is a perceived hint that he might be doing less than the right thing. Plus he brooks no opposition. Any disagreement, and he gets angry. Not violent, just angry. And Jessica can't preserve her family if he's mad, so she caves.
Until she can't anymore. Until she finds out he's been cheating. Combined with a new wildfire in the Park, that revelation blows several problems into conflagrations that might be impossible to put out in time to save Haley or preserve the legacy that is Jessica's marriage, her life.
Flames is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
I received a copy of this book free in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2022
Hero aka zero cheated on heroine with more than one women. In his words it was emotional cheating but I think it was more than that when he evaded h father question about nature of cheating.
heroine finding out about cheating from one of his ex-women was interesting otherwise she would have remained in dark. It was interesting to read about their relationship and analysis of it. Glad that she decided to move on from that unworthy zero who never once felt any remorse of his actions. It was nice to see the daughter/ mother relationship blossom. And how the revelation of affair affected her own intake on relationships. I would have liked to read more about their son finding out about the affair and the impact it had on him too.
Multiple view point was nice.
heroine finding out about cheating from one of his ex-women was interesting otherwise she would have remained in dark. It was interesting to read about their relationship and analysis of it. Glad that she decided to move on from that unworthy zero who never once felt any remorse of his actions. It was nice to see the daughter/ mother relationship blossom. And how the revelation of affair affected her own intake on relationships. I would have liked to read more about their son finding out about the affair and the impact it had on him too.
Multiple view point was nice.
November 1, 2015
Ginny Yttrup is a master at weaving a story through multiple points of view. Flames is a book about a family's trials and how a mother, daughter, and grandfather handle the challenges that are placed upon them. It is a story of strength, hope, and rising in the face of adversity. I loved the setting (California/Yosemite National Park) and also learning more about the main character's career as a fire archeologist. The author used both of these elements to symbolically make the story stronger and the themes more pronounced. I finished this book in a weekend and it had me turning pages until the end. Loved it!
January 22, 2023
Skimmed. This is women's fiction, so not a romance and no HEA. But I just don't like the story or writing ... seems like the author is trying hard to be deep but her characters are superficial and flat. There were also too many pointless POVs (we really only need the mom/main heroine and maybe only a one or two scenes in other POVs). Also the heroine asks for a divorce from the hero using wild fire metaphors...very cringe and unrealistic...examples:
Like, HUH? Who speaks like that? No wonder the hero was a serial cheater throughout their marriage...like dang that's a lot
"I want more. I want to grow together and see what happens. I've lived under the overstory growth too long. I want to clear the forest and" - I raise my arms and turn slowly, taking in the grandeur surrounding us - "let the sun shine."
"This...is about something different than I thought." I point to Grizzly Giant. "I thought it was about burning the dross - the impurities - of our marriage and then, together, seeing what was left, determine what we could grow from the ashes. But..."
"Chet, what we have...what we've had?"...."There is no marriage. There's nothing left."..."The fire is fatal. The marriage won't survive."
Like, HUH? Who speaks like that? No wonder the hero was a serial cheater throughout their marriage...like dang that's a lot
January 21, 2018
Tough...but empowering!
Flames capture my attention from the first chapter. Flames resonates with me on so many levels ... And for so many reasons. Beyond that, ms yttrup exquisitely pens a story so raw, with such elegance, and depth; I was completely immersed.
Truthfully I didn't like the 15 year old daughter when she first entered the story... To self oriented, and to much attitude. But wait.... she was a 15 year old girl after all. After getting to know her better, I really came to appreciate her complexity. I'm not sure why the son was left out of the story in the 2nd half; I found that a little confusing and a bit distracting. Otherwise, I wholeheartedly recommend.
Flames capture my attention from the first chapter. Flames resonates with me on so many levels ... And for so many reasons. Beyond that, ms yttrup exquisitely pens a story so raw, with such elegance, and depth; I was completely immersed.
Truthfully I didn't like the 15 year old daughter when she first entered the story... To self oriented, and to much attitude. But wait.... she was a 15 year old girl after all. After getting to know her better, I really came to appreciate her complexity. I'm not sure why the son was left out of the story in the 2nd half; I found that a little confusing and a bit distracting. Otherwise, I wholeheartedly recommend.
January 8, 2024
Finding your way home
In Flames, Ginny introduces us to a family about to have the rug pulled out from under them. What seemed true is no longer certain and each generation - grandfather, mother, and daughter - must choose what to believe about life, each other and, finally, themselves. Is there the possibility for life after the flames destroy acreage and relationships are torn apart? Ginny's story telling and characters grab us as we feel the pain of their struggles with betrayal and fear. The choices they have to make are choices we confront if we're honest with ourselves. Hopefully we are.
In Flames, Ginny introduces us to a family about to have the rug pulled out from under them. What seemed true is no longer certain and each generation - grandfather, mother, and daughter - must choose what to believe about life, each other and, finally, themselves. Is there the possibility for life after the flames destroy acreage and relationships are torn apart? Ginny's story telling and characters grab us as we feel the pain of their struggles with betrayal and fear. The choices they have to make are choices we confront if we're honest with ourselves. Hopefully we are.
July 5, 2019
Will this fire destroy or purify?
Oh, this book was so moving! I ached for the main characters as they faced the painful consequences of others' choices. Through their grief, they each learned more about who they really were...and who they wanted to be. I have NEVER highlighted so many quotes on my kindle app as in the pages of this story. Yttrup has such a gift with words. I blazed through this book in a single day because I just could not let go of these three generations of survivors. Wow.
Oh, this book was so moving! I ached for the main characters as they faced the painful consequences of others' choices. Through their grief, they each learned more about who they really were...and who they wanted to be. I have NEVER highlighted so many quotes on my kindle app as in the pages of this story. Yttrup has such a gift with words. I blazed through this book in a single day because I just could not let go of these three generations of survivors. Wow.
August 12, 2019
A wildfire breaks out in Yosemite National Park and within Jessica Weaver's marriage when she discovers her husband's infidelity. But, Jessica's not the only one to discover the truth... so does Haley, their fifteen-year-old daughter.
Although Jessica and Haley have run from their problems in the past, they make a pact that together they will face the heartache and unknown future with strength.
Infused with a message of respect, growth, and thriving through devastation, it's impossible to remain unchanged after reading Flames.
Although Jessica and Haley have run from their problems in the past, they make a pact that together they will face the heartache and unknown future with strength.
Infused with a message of respect, growth, and thriving through devastation, it's impossible to remain unchanged after reading Flames.
October 4, 2024
Having read several books of Ginny’s already I knew this one would not disappoint.
Tackling a tough subject I think Ginny did a good job in sharing this couple’s journey. Not using words like “Narcissist and Codependent” you see these words acted out in this couple. You also see the affects of one man’s poor choices has on the whole family.
I also enjoyed learning about forestry and forest fires. The John Muir quotes in each chapter was a clever idea.
This book was well written and interesting.
Tackling a tough subject I think Ginny did a good job in sharing this couple’s journey. Not using words like “Narcissist and Codependent” you see these words acted out in this couple. You also see the affects of one man’s poor choices has on the whole family.
I also enjoyed learning about forestry and forest fires. The John Muir quotes in each chapter was a clever idea.
This book was well written and interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2019
I sometimes hesitate to begin one of Ginny’s books because she deals with difficult issues that I am not sure I want to spend my leisure time reading about. But this novel about how a woman handled her husband’s infidelity was a winner. Even women not in that specific situation may relate to how we women tend to lose ourselves for the needs of others. Reading about the protagonist’s self discovery was insightful. Thank you, Ginny, for another great book.
May 3, 2019
Well written. I enjoyed learning about Yosemite and the quotes throughout by John Muir along with a great story. I thought it had a really great message for marriage that sweeping things under the carpet don't make them go away.And through the daughter in the story there were great messages about respecting yourself and to not make choice you aren't comfortable with just so they'll like you. I don't know if the author is writing from personal experience but it reads as if it was.
December 13, 2019
Betrayal
A novel of the betrayal of a marriage. Also of the strength of the human spirit. All this taught with the backdrop of beautiful Yosemite National park. If read Ginny's novel Words and loved it also. As a Californian who !lives outside the state this book not only taught me the resilience of the human spirit but how much I long to see Yosemite again and breathe in some of her strength.
A novel of the betrayal of a marriage. Also of the strength of the human spirit. All this taught with the backdrop of beautiful Yosemite National park. If read Ginny's novel Words and loved it also. As a Californian who !lives outside the state this book not only taught me the resilience of the human spirit but how much I long to see Yosemite again and breathe in some of her strength.
March 5, 2020
4.5 stars.
Excellent.
Please note this is general market fiction, not Ms Ytrupp's usual Christian fiction.
Superb writing with beautiful descriptions and plenty of quoteable sections.
Excellent look at marriage, relationships, respect, forgiveness ...
In the past I've struggled with Mr Ytrupp's love of first person point of view. This time I didn't notice it. I have only one more of her WF books to read and plan to read everything she writes.
Excellent.
Please note this is general market fiction, not Ms Ytrupp's usual Christian fiction.
Superb writing with beautiful descriptions and plenty of quoteable sections.
Excellent look at marriage, relationships, respect, forgiveness ...
In the past I've struggled with Mr Ytrupp's love of first person point of view. This time I didn't notice it. I have only one more of her WF books to read and plan to read everything she writes.
October 14, 2019
I couldn't out it down
This is one I could not put down! It tackles the hard act of infidelity in a marriage and the effects it has on the family! Like all her books, I can identify with Jessica and her journey of self discovery after she learns of her husband's affairs. This is a read that will touch you in deep places!
This is one I could not put down! It tackles the hard act of infidelity in a marriage and the effects it has on the family! Like all her books, I can identify with Jessica and her journey of self discovery after she learns of her husband's affairs. This is a read that will touch you in deep places!
October 18, 2019
Great book with a great message but it fell apart for me. Story focused on the mother and daughter which was great, great message to all women, but what ever happened to the son? How was he affected by his fathers betrayal? It would have been better to just leave him out of the story all together than introduce him then have him just disappear.
October 29, 2025
A Lifetime Movie
There is a lot going on here. Overall, I kept reading because I wanted to find out if she was going to divorce the jerk. This isn’t a romance, but if you like drama then this should get your blood flowing. This wasn’t really my flavor, but it was a decent enough read for the first 40%. Again, I kept reading to find out if she was going to stay.
2.5 stars
There is a lot going on here. Overall, I kept reading because I wanted to find out if she was going to divorce the jerk. This isn’t a romance, but if you like drama then this should get your blood flowing. This wasn’t really my flavor, but it was a decent enough read for the first 40%. Again, I kept reading to find out if she was going to stay.
2.5 stars
October 16, 2017
Great book
I like that each chapter is written from a different character's perspective. The story deals with relationships and gives good Biblical counselor. It's one that draws you to keep reading
I like that each chapter is written from a different character's perspective. The story deals with relationships and gives good Biblical counselor. It's one that draws you to keep reading
September 26, 2019
Yosemite National Park is one of my favorite places, so the setting of this book drew me in right away. Then I was intrigued by the fire/flame imagery that Yttrup applies to so many different aspects of nature and life. I had a hard time putting this book down, and look forward to reading more by this author.
January 13, 2020
Raw, real, and redemptive.
Sometimes words escape me when I review one of Ginny's books. She meets head on circumstances which are socially difficult & often taboo with so much power and grace it brings me to tears. As if walking in the main characters shoes.
Sometimes words escape me when I review one of Ginny's books. She meets head on circumstances which are socially difficult & often taboo with so much power and grace it brings me to tears. As if walking in the main characters shoes.
April 16, 2020
Hard to put down this book about marriage and infidelity and the way it affects the family. Well-drawn characters that you want to cheer for or boo. Also an interesting backdrop of Yosemite and the efforts to fight the wildfires.
July 28, 2019
Great book
I alway love this authors books. So realistic and touching while also deep and heart- breaking. This one is certainly worth reading.
I alway love this authors books. So realistic and touching while also deep and heart- breaking. This one is certainly worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews