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Peril in the Park #3
Wildfire
Will Rachael and Dylan escape the fire’s fury, or perish in the flames?
Sparks fly when wildfire researcher Rachael Woodston clashes with firefighter Dylan Veracruz in Rocky Mountain National Park. The June fire season has just begun, yet a long-standing drought has already turned the national park into a tinderbox. Rachael’s computer data indicates the fire Dylan’s crew is fighting is about to accelerate, but he doesn’t believe her—until the fire suddenly gets out of control and they have to evacuate.
Suspecting arson, Rachael and Dylan join forces in search of answers and soon discover that chasing fires isn’t all they have in common—they’re both survivors who’ve tragically lost loved ones. However, their difference of opinion about faith keeps them at arm’s length, despite a growing attraction. As the danger escalates, Rachael and Dylan soon find themselves in a firestorm they cannot escape. All seems lost until Rachael has a profound encounter that restores her faith and gives her hope. The close call also fuels her determination to stop the fiend behind the flames.
But can she and Dylan solve the mystery and extinguish their enemy before disaster strikes again?
Sparks fly when wildfire researcher Rachael Woodston clashes with firefighter Dylan Veracruz in Rocky Mountain National Park. The June fire season has just begun, yet a long-standing drought has already turned the national park into a tinderbox. Rachael’s computer data indicates the fire Dylan’s crew is fighting is about to accelerate, but he doesn’t believe her—until the fire suddenly gets out of control and they have to evacuate.
Suspecting arson, Rachael and Dylan join forces in search of answers and soon discover that chasing fires isn’t all they have in common—they’re both survivors who’ve tragically lost loved ones. However, their difference of opinion about faith keeps them at arm’s length, despite a growing attraction. As the danger escalates, Rachael and Dylan soon find themselves in a firestorm they cannot escape. All seems lost until Rachael has a profound encounter that restores her faith and gives her hope. The close call also fuels her determination to stop the fiend behind the flames.
But can she and Dylan solve the mystery and extinguish their enemy before disaster strikes again?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2018
56 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Gayla K. Hiss
7 books37 followersAward-winning author Gayla K. Hiss began her writing journey painting landscapes. In her imagination, characters and scenes came to life as she painted beautiful natural settings. Her inspiring novels combine her love for the great outdoors with romance, suspense, and adventure. Her book WILDFIRE won the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award for romantic suspense, and her book COLD PURSUIT was a finalist in the romantic suspense category for both the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award and the Selah Awards.
Gayla and her husband often tour the country with their RV, visiting many state and national parks. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling, and lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Gayla and her husband often tour the country with their RV, visiting many state and national parks. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling, and lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 25, 2021
Characters: Dylan and Rachel might be my favorite Gayla Hiss characters so far. Dylan’s firefighting scenes were interesting to read. Rachel was a realistic professor, and I enjoyed the parts about her interacting with her students and keeping her integrity even when her superiors wanted her to give a failing student a passing grade.
Language: Clean.
Moral: A main theme in this novel was the fiery furnace account from the book of Daniel. Dylan was working on a paper about Daniel for his theology degree, and both Rachel and Dylan had their own fiery experience in a wildfire. Also intertwined was the moral of God being with believers in trials.
Plot: This book had plenty of action due to several close calls with wildfires and criminals. Gayla Hiss obviously did her research on firefighting and wildfires, and I learned a lot. I’m not saying this book read like a textbook though. All the facts were interspersed throughout the story and related to the plot.
Romance: Clean. A couple of kisses.
Writing: Gayla’s easy-to-read style complemented the story and allowed me to “see” what was going on.
Overall: Wildfire was an enjoyable story (probably my favorite of Gayla’s books so far), and I’d recommend it to readers of Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
Language: Clean.
Moral: A main theme in this novel was the fiery furnace account from the book of Daniel. Dylan was working on a paper about Daniel for his theology degree, and both Rachel and Dylan had their own fiery experience in a wildfire. Also intertwined was the moral of God being with believers in trials.
Plot: This book had plenty of action due to several close calls with wildfires and criminals. Gayla Hiss obviously did her research on firefighting and wildfires, and I learned a lot. I’m not saying this book read like a textbook though. All the facts were interspersed throughout the story and related to the plot.
Romance: Clean. A couple of kisses.
Writing: Gayla’s easy-to-read style complemented the story and allowed me to “see” what was going on.
Overall: Wildfire was an enjoyable story (probably my favorite of Gayla’s books so far), and I’d recommend it to readers of Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
February 3, 2020
I've read the first three books in the Peril in the Park series and this is my favorite! You can tell the author has been honing her craft. The characters were more complex, the plotting was tight, and Hiss included a number of suspense-filled scenes. I also thought it was clever how she tied Dylan's seminary thesis paper on Daniel into the story. While I'm no authority in wildfires or fire fighting, the author clearly has done her research. The only doubts I had pertained to the abilities of Rachael's robot and they were addressed in the author's note. Since each book in this series can be read as stand-alone titles, this is where I would recommend new readers get their start. Wildfire (book #3) was enjoyable romantic suspense.
4.5/5 Stars
I read it for FREE as a Kindle Unlimited subscriber.
4.5/5 Stars
I read it for FREE as a Kindle Unlimited subscriber.
July 17, 2018
Suspense, Mystery, & Twists Make a Captivating Read!
Well-written mystery/suspense story that grabbed my attention and made me want to not put it down until I finished the story! The twists in the story kept me from solving the mystery, and I didn’t see them coming. The suspense is palpable, and the mystery intriguing. The story correlates wildfires with true life, and helps the reader to have a greater understanding of both. One of the overall & reoccurring themes is that, like wildfires, life doesn’t always have predictable outcomes, so we need to make the most of every moment because we may not get another chance. Another was to make the best choice/decision one can, and then to leave it in God’s hands. Beautiful cover and captivating story that is definitely worth the time spent reading it!
Well-written mystery/suspense story that grabbed my attention and made me want to not put it down until I finished the story! The twists in the story kept me from solving the mystery, and I didn’t see them coming. The suspense is palpable, and the mystery intriguing. The story correlates wildfires with true life, and helps the reader to have a greater understanding of both. One of the overall & reoccurring themes is that, like wildfires, life doesn’t always have predictable outcomes, so we need to make the most of every moment because we may not get another chance. Another was to make the best choice/decision one can, and then to leave it in God’s hands. Beautiful cover and captivating story that is definitely worth the time spent reading it!
July 2, 2018
Filled with action, danger, mystery and more, this fast paced story kept me on the edge of my seat. Wildfires can spread quickly, whether started by a human or nature. Each character in this story has their own unique path in life. I like how the author brings faith into the story. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
June 23, 2018
Rachael is a minister’s daughter whose faith was shaken years ago by a family devastation. She is a professor working on unique ways of firefighting. Dylan is a firefighter studying for the ministry and dealing with many guilt issues. The story is filled with mystery about who is setting fires in the park, stealing items from the university, hacking computers, and trying to kill Rachael. The book kept me interested throughout and is filled with twists that you don’t see coming. There is also the spiritual journey of Rachael returning to her faith and how it affects her relationship with Dylan. Perhaps a tad too much religion for those who aren’t comfortable reading so much of it in one book, but who among us doesn’t need reminders of how our lives are affected by our faith. I read the author's previous books, enjoyed them very much, and highly recommend this book. I received an ARC from the author and wrote this honest review voluntarily.
August 15, 2020
An old hymn came to mind after reading this story. A phrase from the refrain kept playing over and over in my head – “some through the fire”. The song tells us that God leads His dear children along through all the circumstances of life. I read through the song and could see the truth in almost every verse as it had played out in the lives of the characters. I appreciated that Dylan lived out his Christian witness on and off the job. He did not wait for bad things to happen before calling on God but sought His guidance in everything. Did he have questions? Of course he did. Unlike Rachael, who had turned to science for answers when she had gone through a tragic ordeal, Dylan turned to God. I don’t want to be misunderstood: the book is not preachy. The truth of the good news of Jesus is brought to life through a mesmerizing story about people who fight forest fires or study forest fires seeking more effective ways to avoid tragedies. I felt the tension rippling through the story as they dealt with so many different situations. I admit that I was at a loss as to who could be behind all the things that happened. In case you like romance, you will find a few sparks of that nature as well. No, you will not need to worry about your kids reading the book because the author keeps everything on the up and up. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
August 6, 2018
Gayla Hiss’s newest novel in the Peril in the Park Series, Wildfire, is a breath-taking story. I encountered this timely, riveting read as the decimating western fires dominate the news.
Rachael Woodston is a college professor and a wildfire researcher. She has developed a program to help predict the many variables, such as wind and speed, that can affect the fire’s course.
Dylan Veracruz is the leader of a firefighting crew. The last thing he or his team need is a seemingly hotshot college teacher getting in their way while they try to fight forest fires, and he definitely doesn’t need her trying to tell him how to do his job. He knows how fires work; he’s on the line working against them whenever and wherever they pop up within his region.
I related emotionally to all the firefighters and the wildfire researchers when repeated, intractable fires kept springing up in the beautiful Rocky Mountain area for no apparent reason.
I appreciated how the characters were at different stages in their Christian lives. Some of the characters, even having gone through some sad situations, are still close to God. Other characters, having gone through similar tragedies, struggle with their faith, feeling science provides more answers. As the plot moves along, so does their journey toward mature belief. The story isn’t preachy. Each person’s viewpoint seems a natural outgrowth of their circumstances and perceptions. I admired how they allowed their opinions to be challenged without rejecting faith outright.
Wildfire’s tension, twists and unique situations had me thoroughly engrossed, trying to guess the eventual outcome. A truly captivating story, delving deeply into the warrior mentality of the people whose calling is to place their own lives between ours and imminent fiery destruction.
I applaud the investigatory process, as it is very evident throughout the book. In addition, there are some fascinating facts and resources in the back of the book.
I received the book from the author. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
Rachael Woodston is a college professor and a wildfire researcher. She has developed a program to help predict the many variables, such as wind and speed, that can affect the fire’s course.
Dylan Veracruz is the leader of a firefighting crew. The last thing he or his team need is a seemingly hotshot college teacher getting in their way while they try to fight forest fires, and he definitely doesn’t need her trying to tell him how to do his job. He knows how fires work; he’s on the line working against them whenever and wherever they pop up within his region.
I related emotionally to all the firefighters and the wildfire researchers when repeated, intractable fires kept springing up in the beautiful Rocky Mountain area for no apparent reason.
I appreciated how the characters were at different stages in their Christian lives. Some of the characters, even having gone through some sad situations, are still close to God. Other characters, having gone through similar tragedies, struggle with their faith, feeling science provides more answers. As the plot moves along, so does their journey toward mature belief. The story isn’t preachy. Each person’s viewpoint seems a natural outgrowth of their circumstances and perceptions. I admired how they allowed their opinions to be challenged without rejecting faith outright.
Wildfire’s tension, twists and unique situations had me thoroughly engrossed, trying to guess the eventual outcome. A truly captivating story, delving deeply into the warrior mentality of the people whose calling is to place their own lives between ours and imminent fiery destruction.
I applaud the investigatory process, as it is very evident throughout the book. In addition, there are some fascinating facts and resources in the back of the book.
I received the book from the author. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
January 12, 2022
Wildfire
Peril in the Park, Book 3
By: Gayla K. Hiss
Narrated by: Michael Cahill
Gayla K Hiss brings the best of romance and suspense together in this third book of her Peril in the Park series. Meet Rachel. Professor and research scientist, she is on a mission to learn how to control wildfires. When she takes her latest robot out to a wildfire to test and learn, she meets Dylan. Dylan is a firefighter and in charge of his department. He needs to keep everyone safe, and now with the feisty Rachel coming to the scene, he has even more to worry about. Their chemistry is hot (pun intended) but while the attraction is real, they do have some differences. Dylan's faith is strong, and Rachel has had hers broken. With someone trying to sabotage Rachel's work, and the danger intensifies, the feelings between the two grow stronger. But what will it take for these two to be on the same page? Hiss creates a suspenseful, story full of twists and turns. The danger of wildfires and the expertise it takes to battle them is so interesting, and the weaving of additional danger makes this story thrilling. I love both Dylan and Rachel, they're both broken with difficult pasts and a slow burning relationship adding that hint of romance. It's an amazing story and I can't wait to continue the series.
Michael Cahill brings this gem alive with his narration. He has good voices and an easy pace making the story an entertaining listen.
Peril in the Park, Book 3
By: Gayla K. Hiss
Narrated by: Michael Cahill
Gayla K Hiss brings the best of romance and suspense together in this third book of her Peril in the Park series. Meet Rachel. Professor and research scientist, she is on a mission to learn how to control wildfires. When she takes her latest robot out to a wildfire to test and learn, she meets Dylan. Dylan is a firefighter and in charge of his department. He needs to keep everyone safe, and now with the feisty Rachel coming to the scene, he has even more to worry about. Their chemistry is hot (pun intended) but while the attraction is real, they do have some differences. Dylan's faith is strong, and Rachel has had hers broken. With someone trying to sabotage Rachel's work, and the danger intensifies, the feelings between the two grow stronger. But what will it take for these two to be on the same page? Hiss creates a suspenseful, story full of twists and turns. The danger of wildfires and the expertise it takes to battle them is so interesting, and the weaving of additional danger makes this story thrilling. I love both Dylan and Rachel, they're both broken with difficult pasts and a slow burning relationship adding that hint of romance. It's an amazing story and I can't wait to continue the series.
Michael Cahill brings this gem alive with his narration. He has good voices and an easy pace making the story an entertaining listen.
August 15, 2018
Wildfire is a beautifully crafted story that instantly catches your interest and keeps it until the end. This book has it all – mystery, science, fire, attempted murder and love. I found the characters compelling and relatable since many of them are struggling with a crisis in their Christian beliefs. I also loved that the main character, a woman of science, can still find room for God in her belief structure. Her relationships with coworkers, family really highlight the ups and downs and doubts we all struggle with when presented with conflicting information. I loved this book and highly recommend you all read it too! (I was given a copy by the author to read, but this review is my own thoughts and opinions.)
August 4, 2018
Wildfire
In the series I believe this is the best one. The characters became so real to me. One of the secondary characters I just wanted to tell him off, had to remind myself it was not real. But a lot of things in the book do happen in everyday life. A little romance but mainly mystery. Kept me wondering who the bad guy was. Loved Rachel and her mechanical pet that was being programmed to help fight fires and investigate them. Dylan is a firefighter and boss of the crew at the park there. This book made me think of all the fires going on our country today. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
In the series I believe this is the best one. The characters became so real to me. One of the secondary characters I just wanted to tell him off, had to remind myself it was not real. But a lot of things in the book do happen in everyday life. A little romance but mainly mystery. Kept me wondering who the bad guy was. Loved Rachel and her mechanical pet that was being programmed to help fight fires and investigate them. Dylan is a firefighter and boss of the crew at the park there. This book made me think of all the fires going on our country today. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
April 18, 2019
Wow! What an introduction to a new to me author. Somehow fire is something that we all fear, perhaps because it is so erratic and difficult to control. The author has done a fabulous job of taking the reader inside the fire, teaching us how quickly the fire can change and how incredibly dangerous it can be. I must admit I never got even close to figuring out who was behind it all. I certainly am looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 9, 2020
I haven’t read many books with wildfires as a main topic, but when I do I find them extremely fascinating. This book’s theme coupled with romance and suspense was top of the line. It was incredible. I felt the flames licking at my back and the suffocation of suspense in the tension. I couldn’t put this book down. It was fun to pull out a character from book one and fast forward into his future. I can’t wait to see who comes next!
October 11, 2021
Wildfire was a fun read--kept me guessing all the way through as to who the arsonist was. The main characters were believable. I enjoyed reading Dylan's story since he was a troubled teen in the first book in this series. Plenty of red herrings and lots of interesting tidbits about fires and those who fight them. One of my favorite parts was the remote-controlled robot--the R2D2 of fire. Looking forward to more from this author.
April 15, 2019
Bella storia è un sacco di possibili colpevoli, tanto che non avevo puntato su quello giusto. Mi è piaciuta anche la storia d'amore. Pur non essendo una persona molto religiosa, trovo molto interessanti i romantic suspense di stampo inspirational, o almeno sono quelli che hanno le trame più intriganti per me.
January 14, 2021
Action, adventure, and plenty of suspense as the author keeps you guessing until the end. As a suspense author myself, I often guess the villain at the beginning of the book. That hasn't happened with any of the three books I've read by Gayla K. Hiss.
Her books are fresh and interesting. They keep me glued to the pages.
Her books are fresh and interesting. They keep me glued to the pages.
December 1, 2019
Terrific Author!
I have found it hard to put her books down. My only regret is that there aren't hundreds more to read! I'm so excited that I have found this talented and faithful author!
I have found it hard to put her books down. My only regret is that there aren't hundreds more to read! I'm so excited that I have found this talented and faithful author!
March 21, 2020
Wildfire is a great addition to the series Peril in the Park. A very well written edge of your seat plot that will keep you riveted to the page. Loved this book. Readers of romantic suspense will not be disappointed.
August 16, 2021
Christian Suspenseful Romance
Wow! Just wow! A crazy, scary, adventurous, heroic, faith based suspense story! Are you ready for a wild ride?
I loved the narration, except the "WooHoo" at the end and the exaggerated "let his breath out"!
Wow! Just wow! A crazy, scary, adventurous, heroic, faith based suspense story! Are you ready for a wild ride?
I loved the narration, except the "WooHoo" at the end and the exaggerated "let his breath out"!
August 7, 2022
Rachael and Dylan could be seen as opposites, but both had fire in common. It seemed an arsonist was starting the fires and always letting Rachael know what was coming. Too many coincidences were occurring! Who was trying to stop her research! Dylan started having his doubts as well when she shared the misshapes that seemed she couldn’t ignore. And what about her research assistant who now seemed guilty…. So the tangled web was finally broken but not until more trouble was felt by the community including her father! Dylan had a job to maintain but continued to get closer and closer to Rachael.
November 5, 2018
Survival
This is a good story. It's about people who survived fires. It keeps you guessing what's happening next. I recommend it.
This is a good story. It's about people who survived fires. It keeps you guessing what's happening next. I recommend it.
November 1, 2019
This Christian adventure has great characters and is well written. The plot is fast paced with many twists and turns. The suspense kept me guessing until the very end.
February 6, 2020
Kept me guessing
I loved it! I don't say that about too many books. Great characters, storyline and still surprised to almost the end.
I loved it! I don't say that about too many books. Great characters, storyline and still surprised to almost the end.
April 18, 2020
Awesome-Just like the first one
Dylan and Rachael carry a lot of baggage but are working things out- during a bad fire season. They are trusting God to bring them through!
Dylan and Rachael carry a lot of baggage but are working things out- during a bad fire season. They are trusting God to bring them through!
August 10, 2020
Firefighting
Good suspenseful story, with likable characters, intriguing plot. I enjoyed the clean romance and the mystery as the story progressed.
Good suspenseful story, with likable characters, intriguing plot. I enjoyed the clean romance and the mystery as the story progressed.
April 24, 2024
Awesome read
February 12, 2020
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews