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Hometown Holiday Heartstrings #2
The Fault in Firelight
He knows the pain of betrayal. She has a past that could ruin her future. What can heal their brokenness?
Tony Coniglio loves being single again and the freedom that comes with it. But when he’s pressured to ask out the next available woman, he agrees, just to get his family off his back—even though she’s the town’s all-too-serious cop.
Officer Stacy Kallisto is by the book. Maybe it’s because she once broke the rules and has regretted it ever since. When trouble around town leaves Stacy searching for the culprit, she keeps running into Tony, the one man who wants to know more about her than she wants to share.
As sparks fly and secrets are revealed, Stacy wonders if there’s room in her heart for a man so different from herself—and for the God she wrote off long ago.
Tony Coniglio loves being single again and the freedom that comes with it. But when he’s pressured to ask out the next available woman, he agrees, just to get his family off his back—even though she’s the town’s all-too-serious cop.
Officer Stacy Kallisto is by the book. Maybe it’s because she once broke the rules and has regretted it ever since. When trouble around town leaves Stacy searching for the culprit, she keeps running into Tony, the one man who wants to know more about her than she wants to share.
As sparks fly and secrets are revealed, Stacy wonders if there’s room in her heart for a man so different from herself—and for the God she wrote off long ago.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2020
65 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 17, 2025
I had a challenge this month to read a book that had a fire or a fireplace on the front of it. When I was looking for options, I came across this one. I had read book one a year or so ago and loved it. We just never continued with the series. I’m sure I just got drawn away by other books. I’m so glad I stepped back into this one.
One of the things that I loved about book one and also I love about this one is how the author, Emily Botrous, weaves serious and rather heavy issues into otherwise sweet stories. It’s clear from the start that Stacy has a huge secret. And the reader is given hints and bits and pieces of it along the way before Stacey spills all. She is a woman who has dealt with heart and brokenness for 20 years. And it is taking a deep root in her.
Then there’s Tony. In many ways, he seems like a bit of a carefree happy go lucky guy, but underneath that is his own pain.
Both of these characters have let fear keep them from moving forward in areas of their life. But God has different plans for them, and with his help they are able to overcome.
One of the things that I loved about book one and also I love about this one is how the author, Emily Botrous, weaves serious and rather heavy issues into otherwise sweet stories. It’s clear from the start that Stacy has a huge secret. And the reader is given hints and bits and pieces of it along the way before Stacey spills all. She is a woman who has dealt with heart and brokenness for 20 years. And it is taking a deep root in her.
Then there’s Tony. In many ways, he seems like a bit of a carefree happy go lucky guy, but underneath that is his own pain.
Both of these characters have let fear keep them from moving forward in areas of their life. But God has different plans for them, and with his help they are able to overcome.
October 15, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I felt such an empathy with Stacey and it was a joy to watch her true personality unfold as she surrendered her baggage to her Creator. She had made past mistakes but she eventually realized she couldn’t carry the guilt and shame of that and it was such a sweet moment.
The themes of faith and family resound in this story and I cried at several scenes that really stirred my heart.
The chemistry and romance between Stacey and Tony was so well done-clean but sizzly! ;)
I absolutely loved this story and highly recommend it. It was an honor to be on this launch team!
The themes of faith and family resound in this story and I cried at several scenes that really stirred my heart.
The chemistry and romance between Stacey and Tony was so well done-clean but sizzly! ;)
I absolutely loved this story and highly recommend it. It was an honor to be on this launch team!
January 17, 2021
Omg!!!! I love this book. This story is so real. I don't know how you created this story but it was genius.
I cried n laughed n mad all same time. I love Tony. If there were guys like him this world would be so much better.
Stacy is strong and brave and sweet. Love
I cried n laughed n mad all same time. I love Tony. If there were guys like him this world would be so much better.
Stacy is strong and brave and sweet. Love
October 9, 2023
I liked this one. Stacy had been hiding for so long that she didn't knew how to free herself. Tony made her realize that who she is is the only thing that matters, not her past nor her name. He loved her so much and in the end they could finally be free together
March 22, 2023
heavy but fun and enlightening read
This is a very good read. It has some heavy issues that are mentioned. Rape, divorce, church legalism and child abuse. The author handles them very delicately. God is brought into the mix and how His peace and comfort helps us in our lives. Tony is challenged to ask the 1st woman who walks into the room as he misses an answer to a running game with his brother, Mitch. Officer Stacy Kallisto walks in.
Tony works at a storage unit and while he steps away for 30 minutes one of the units was vandalized. The lock was cut off and the metal door had large dents in it. Tony calls the police, his boss and checks to see whose rental it is. Would you believe it belongs to the officer, Stacy?
Stacy is going through trials of her Own. She had kicked her daughter out of the house and refused to go to her wedding.
Tony went through a divorce after finding his wife was running around on him. Gigi was refusing his child visitation. Mitch told him he hadn’t given his hurts to the Lord. Could he-would he?
Who is breaking into the storage building? Will Tony get his visitation rights? Will Stacy and Stephanie be able to heal their relationship?
Please buy this book and enjoy a good read.
This is a very good read. It has some heavy issues that are mentioned. Rape, divorce, church legalism and child abuse. The author handles them very delicately. God is brought into the mix and how His peace and comfort helps us in our lives. Tony is challenged to ask the 1st woman who walks into the room as he misses an answer to a running game with his brother, Mitch. Officer Stacy Kallisto walks in.
Tony works at a storage unit and while he steps away for 30 minutes one of the units was vandalized. The lock was cut off and the metal door had large dents in it. Tony calls the police, his boss and checks to see whose rental it is. Would you believe it belongs to the officer, Stacy?
Stacy is going through trials of her Own. She had kicked her daughter out of the house and refused to go to her wedding.
Tony went through a divorce after finding his wife was running around on him. Gigi was refusing his child visitation. Mitch told him he hadn’t given his hurts to the Lord. Could he-would he?
Who is breaking into the storage building? Will Tony get his visitation rights? Will Stacy and Stephanie be able to heal their relationship?
Please buy this book and enjoy a good read.
October 10, 2020
Having earlier read The Trouble with Tulips, I jumped at the chance to read Emily Dana Botrous’s next book, The Fault in Firelight. After losing a brotherly bet, divorced Tony Coniglio is told he has a week to ask out the next single woman who walks through the door. Unfortunately, that lady is policewoman Stacy Kallisto, who promptly refuses Tony. Now that her storage unit has been vandalized, he’ll have to contact her again.
“Relationships required trust. Trust and secrets made for a poor mix, and she’d sacrificed too much to let the truth out for a man.” Stacy is a superior police officer, and next in line for the police chief’s role, but her private life is a mess. Torn by regrets, insecurities, and bitterness, she has built a wall around her heart.
Tony is a deeply caring and fun guy who finds himself surprised at his attraction to Officer Kallisto. Working with her to find out who burglarized her storage unit, he falls harder and harder, only to have Stacy hold him at arm’s distance.
I enjoyed this novel. It contains elements of a contemporary romance, mixed with romantic suspense, mixed with a bit of a psychological study. ( Why do people do what they do? How and why does that affect the character so deeply? ) And most importantly, can Stacy and Tony break the repeated cycles and shackles that bind them and find the love they yearn for?
If you enjoy contemporary romance and romantic suspense with tidbits of faith to guide you, this is a book for you. Plus there are more coming. Marcy’s story is up soon. I’ll be here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
“Relationships required trust. Trust and secrets made for a poor mix, and she’d sacrificed too much to let the truth out for a man.” Stacy is a superior police officer, and next in line for the police chief’s role, but her private life is a mess. Torn by regrets, insecurities, and bitterness, she has built a wall around her heart.
Tony is a deeply caring and fun guy who finds himself surprised at his attraction to Officer Kallisto. Working with her to find out who burglarized her storage unit, he falls harder and harder, only to have Stacy hold him at arm’s distance.
I enjoyed this novel. It contains elements of a contemporary romance, mixed with romantic suspense, mixed with a bit of a psychological study. ( Why do people do what they do? How and why does that affect the character so deeply? ) And most importantly, can Stacy and Tony break the repeated cycles and shackles that bind them and find the love they yearn for?
If you enjoy contemporary romance and romantic suspense with tidbits of faith to guide you, this is a book for you. Plus there are more coming. Marcy’s story is up soon. I’ll be here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
September 13, 2020
I really liked the surprises, twists ,and turns in this book because they were unexpected. The suspense added to the story too.
I also enjoyed how the author really let us see inside Officer Stacy Kallisto and Tony Coniglio so we really knew how they felt and what struggles they were going through. There was a lot of depth to their characters as I peeled back their layers.
My favorite part about this story was the faith that Tony and Stacy were trying to find, believe in, and follow. It is so true that people are braver or feel safer around firelight talking because their faces cannot be seen the same as during the day.
This book showed the importance of family with Tony's strong and sometimes annoying family and Stacey finally accepting her family. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I also enjoyed how the author really let us see inside Officer Stacy Kallisto and Tony Coniglio so we really knew how they felt and what struggles they were going through. There was a lot of depth to their characters as I peeled back their layers.
My favorite part about this story was the faith that Tony and Stacy were trying to find, believe in, and follow. It is so true that people are braver or feel safer around firelight talking because their faces cannot be seen the same as during the day.
This book showed the importance of family with Tony's strong and sometimes annoying family and Stacey finally accepting her family. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
September 14, 2020
Very enjoyable Christian novel dealing with real life issues. I really liked how this book took two messy, lonely lives, and brought them together, though the journey wasn’t easy (Stacy has a lot of regrets about past decisions and feels there is no way of changing them, Tony’s ex-wife not only cheated on him but won’t let him have access to his kids and someone in town is on a vandalism spree which isn’t helping Stacy’s career). Very likeable characters that you couldn’t help but want to get together and sort out their problems, though you wondered how on earth it could happen. Another reminder that while we might not be able to make our problems disappear, with God’s help we can work our way through them. I have loved every book by this author and look forward to her next. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased review.
September 15, 2020
I wasn't sure about this story and relationship at first. Tony is guy trying to losing weight with a cheating selfish ex and three adorable kids that he hardly sees because of her. Police Lieutenant Stacy is a single mom who threw her own pregnant daughter out of the house and seems closed off and won't let anyone in. Tony only asks her out on a dare from his brother and he doesn't like her because of what she did to her daughter. But as he gets to know her beneath her tough exterior there are layers of pain and fear and she is a much more complicated character than I first thought. I loved reading about all the food Tony made and how he worked with recipes to make the healthier. It made me wish there were more of them at the end, although the summer fresh fruit pie does sound yummy. This was a Christian romance with messages of forgiveness, admitting mistakes, and going home again after running away.
September 15, 2020
Can I just say, "Wow!" I'm not sure that there was an emotion that this book did NOT evoke from me. There were things that were funny, scary, heartbreaking, and shocking. I felt angry as well as empathetic and compassionate. Some books you read are just fun and fluff, this is not one of them. Ms. Botrous is not afraid to deal with real world problems, real emotions and sensitive topics. However, they are presented in a caring, compassionate way. This book is about forgiving others and forgiving yourself, facing your fears and fighting for what is right - even when you are afraid.
I received an ARC of this book, however, my review is voluntary and my own opinion.
I received an ARC of this book, however, my review is voluntary and my own opinion.
September 30, 2020
A clean romance with enough suspense to keep you guessing.
All the things that can go wrong in a young womans life went wrong for Stacy. But instead of letting those things ruin her life she became a strong, respectable police officer and a caring, loving person. In spite of what he thought was best for him, Tony fell head over heels in love with her. I recommend this story because both Tony and Stacy, even though fictitious, are good examples of doing the right thing, even when faced with huge obstacles. I also appreciated that, especially by the end of the story, both Tony and Stacy trusted God to lead them and provide for them.
All the things that can go wrong in a young womans life went wrong for Stacy. But instead of letting those things ruin her life she became a strong, respectable police officer and a caring, loving person. In spite of what he thought was best for him, Tony fell head over heels in love with her. I recommend this story because both Tony and Stacy, even though fictitious, are good examples of doing the right thing, even when faced with huge obstacles. I also appreciated that, especially by the end of the story, both Tony and Stacy trusted God to lead them and provide for them.
September 14, 2020
Sweet Story
Tony was hurt by his ex wife’s betrayal. Now she won’t let him see his children.
Stacy has regrets about choices she made and the distance she put between her and her daughter.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the book. That is great because it holds your attention from beginning to end. On a dare from his brother Tony asks Stacy out, she turns him down flat. But when they start working together to find a thief sparks fly.
I really enjoyed this book and I know you will too.
Tony was hurt by his ex wife’s betrayal. Now she won’t let him see his children.
Stacy has regrets about choices she made and the distance she put between her and her daughter.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the book. That is great because it holds your attention from beginning to end. On a dare from his brother Tony asks Stacy out, she turns him down flat. But when they start working together to find a thief sparks fly.
I really enjoyed this book and I know you will too.
September 14, 2020
I don't like books with bets in them and was afraid it would come back to haunt Tony. However, I loved this book and it was so much more than a bet. Stacy and Tony both have past hurts and regrets. Loved the Christian theme and how it was so much a part of their story. Romance, regret, family, reconciliation and a mystery to solve kept me reading until the end. While this book had humorous parts and dealt with some heart tugging issues, it left me with a smile and hopeful. Highly recommend.
September 15, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from the author, Emily Dana Botrous, via StoryOrigin and this is my voluntary and honest review. I loved this book about the past and forgiveness that leads to a friendship and a family for Stacy and Tony. Stacy was an unwed mother who ran away from home taking on a new identity, and Tony was divorced and trying to get custody of his three children when they met. I liked the way the author wasn't ashamed to let the characters talk about their relationship with God. I highly recommend this wonderful clean Christian romance.
October 1, 2020
This is my first time reading something by this author and I really enjoyed it. It's a beautiful story that takes you on an emotional journey of hope and love. A touching and emotional book that I really enjoyed. The author does a great nice job of bringing the characters and story to life and I liked how everything was tied together nicely at the end. I will definitely be looking for more of this author's books to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2021
I have really enjoyed the Hometown holiday heartstrings series. Every book features some sort of momentous occasion. This one features Independence Day and an annual corn roast.
The main characters were contrary to each other in the beginning, but I loved how they finally connected. In fact, they might be my favorite couple in the series simply because their story and experiences were so raw and real. I really enjoyed this book that emphasized grace and second chances.
I am definitely a fan of Emily's books.
More review to come.
The main characters were contrary to each other in the beginning, but I loved how they finally connected. In fact, they might be my favorite couple in the series simply because their story and experiences were so raw and real. I really enjoyed this book that emphasized grace and second chances.
I am definitely a fan of Emily's books.
More review to come.
September 15, 2020
This is the story of Stacy and Tony. To get his family to stop bugging him, he asks Officer Stacy out to win the dare. He isn’t really into her because of her actions towards her daughter but then he begins to see another side to her. Stacy tries to keep everyone at a distance so she doesn’t get hurt. They feel attracted to each other the more time they spend together. Can Tony get through her walls? I enjoyed this sweet romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2020
I experienced all the feels with this book! A heart hurt Tony accepts a bet and gets to know Stacy, a serious cop filled with regret. They learn forgiveness for themselves and others as their faith grows. This is a good clean read with a happy ending. You get romance, suspense and humor along the way. Find a comfy chair and enjoy this great book.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
October 14, 2020
Ms. Botrous is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved Trouble with Tulips so I immediately said yes to reading this book. It did not disappoint! It was every bit as good and hit on every emotion you can have. A wonderfully, sweet, clean romance with a little bit of suspense. The characters were very good and the food sounded incredible. Another great book by a wonderful author.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 8, 2021
God gives us Better
Beautiful story of Stacy's troubled life with a blessed ending. Yes, she made some bad choices and abandoned her family but God turned things around. He didn't give her what she deserved but so much better. When Stacy met Tony she wasn't interested but Tony and Mitch had a bet for him to ask her out. Tony's faith overtime softened Stacy and she sought reconciliation from those she'd hurt. Great book!
Beautiful story of Stacy's troubled life with a blessed ending. Yes, she made some bad choices and abandoned her family but God turned things around. He didn't give her what she deserved but so much better. When Stacy met Tony she wasn't interested but Tony and Mitch had a bet for him to ask her out. Tony's faith overtime softened Stacy and she sought reconciliation from those she'd hurt. Great book!
September 14, 2020
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review. In typical fashion, this author has kept me on the edge of my seat and has written another story that I would highly recommend. It is often harder to forgive oneself than to forgive others. However, that forgiveness can start a person moving in the right direction for healing, only with God’s help, of course. Very well done!
September 14, 2020
Sweet inspirational romance with some suspense. Entertaining as Tony - who enjoys his freedom - looks to try and date a woman he knows isn’t his type. Family is important in this read and you see the good and the bad as well as Christian faith, as Tony helps Officer Kallisto root out whoever is behind the vandalizing.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily wrote a review.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily wrote a review.
October 7, 2020
The Fault in Firelight is deep, raw and honest. Tony and Stacy have been through so much... but love wins. Through twists and turns we’re transported to their little town and, as always with this author, we’re fully immersed in everyone’s lives as if we lived there ourselves. I read it all in one sitting- could not put it down. I highly recommend it.
August 7, 2021
Great characters, great story.
This overtly Christian story had so much going on.
The dynamics of the various families all seemed realistic in spite of them all being so different. We see resolutions to the issues of some and are introduced to the main couple in the next book.
The romance was sweet and believably paced. Slow building, both thinking they're too broken, and a sweet HEA.
There's a crime element that was exciting to see solved, too.
Such a great story. I'm sorry I let it lounge in my TBR list for so long!
This overtly Christian story had so much going on.
The dynamics of the various families all seemed realistic in spite of them all being so different. We see resolutions to the issues of some and are introduced to the main couple in the next book.
The romance was sweet and believably paced. Slow building, both thinking they're too broken, and a sweet HEA.
There's a crime element that was exciting to see solved, too.
Such a great story. I'm sorry I let it lounge in my TBR list for so long!
July 15, 2024
So, so good!
This story was even better than I expected it to be. And I knew it would be good. I couldn't put if down, especially when reading the last 6 chapters. I was ready to bean my husband if he didn't quit talking!! Seriously, it is a beautiful story that brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
This story was even better than I expected it to be. And I knew it would be good. I couldn't put if down, especially when reading the last 6 chapters. I was ready to bean my husband if he didn't quit talking!! Seriously, it is a beautiful story that brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
September 13, 2020
I'm so excited to announce another great book by an author friend of mine Emily Botrous! I really enjoyed this book tremendously! The story line was so relatable to me and the ending was so fulfilling. We need this kind of stories in our time. I highly recommend it !!
September 14, 2020
This story starts with a man who was very hurt by his wife's betrayal, and a woman who had deep regrets about some of the events in her life. This story will bring out different emotions as you read it.
September 14, 2020
The second book in the Hometown Holiday Heartstrings series a well written story that kept me turning pages. This is a new Author to me, I want to read the rest of this series. I enjoyed reading Tony Coniglio and Officer Stacy Kallisto's story, she is hiding something big. I would recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2020
The book is a good small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2020
God can make good from our mistakes.
Tony and Stacy both had things in their past that made it difficult to trust. Stacy had secrets she's hiding that will affect her future. God provides healing for all.
Tony and Stacy both had things in their past that made it difficult to trust. Stacy had secrets she's hiding that will affect her future. God provides healing for all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews