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Sisters of Fire #5

A Different Way

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The Sisters of Fire, a hot new firefighter series, follows the path of six women who trained together and remained friends ten years later.

Can a firefighter who left a mundane life fit into a minister’s world?

When Battalion Chief Lynn Lucas’ marriage turns cold and she’s sick of her inactive firehouse, she moves to Crystal City for more exciting calls and where the Sisters of Fire are employed. But then she meets a man who she’s immediately attracted to.

Brady Jamison is a pastor at a liberal church in Crystal City. He’s also a widowed, single dad and a red-blooded, thirty-five-year-old man. It’s love at first site for Brady, too, but he’s keeping a mind-blowing secret. They live in different worlds.

Lynne learns of his profession and rejects their relationship. She fights fires and helps her two kids deal with the divorce. Still, she longs for Brady.

This Sisters of Fire support Lynne and love Brady. Their two adorable daughters insist on seeing each other and throw their parents together. All they need is a religious zealot who tries to sabotage Brady’s ministry.

Are Lynne and Brady fated to be together or will she reject a minister’s life and leave them both miserable?

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2021

267 people are currently reading
146 people want to read

About the author

Kathryn Shay

173 books501 followers
Kathryn Shay is a lifelong writer. At fifteen, she penned her first 'romance,' a short story about a female newspaper reporter in New York City and her fight to make a name for herself in a world of male journalists - and with one hardheaded editor in particular. Looking back, Kathryn says she should have known then that writing was in her future. But as so often happens, fate sent her detouring down another path.

Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."

Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.

Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.

Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.

Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."

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5 stars
216 (51%)
4 stars
115 (27%)
3 stars
61 (14%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,211 reviews220 followers
September 13, 2021
4 Star reviews of A Different Way (Sisters of Fire # 5) by Kathryn Shay

A Different Way is book five in Kathryn Shay's latest series and this was an enjoyable read that drew me in. This time it is Battalion Chief Lynn Lucas and Brady Jamison’s story.
Recently separated Lynn finds herself trying to adjust to her new life and struggling to get her life in order, Lynn is also trying to help her children to adjust to their new normal. When she takes her youngest Trick or Treating she meets widower Brady. The attraction sizzles between them from the start and although Lynn is older than Brady, that doesn’t appear to be an issue between them.
Since their children are close in ages, they continue to run into one another and their relationship develops. I enjoyed this story line, although it is not my favourite of the series. However having said that it was well written and I liked the characters.
It was great to see previous characters pop up whilst reading and that added an extra layer to my enjoyment.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,544 reviews29 followers
September 23, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation

A Different Way is book 5 in the Sisters of Fire series by Kathryn Shay and while each book is a standalone, reading them in order gives you a better understanding of each woman, her background and the camaraderie between them.

Next up is Battalion Chief Lynn Lucas who is ready to move forward with her life when her marriage implodes and wanting more activity from a larger firehouse. Plenty of adjustments in her life and trying to find a new normal for everyone until she meets a younger, widowed father and sparks fly!

Will Lynn let another man derail her career or will Brady show her she can have it all? Read on to find out if the fires continue to heat up…
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
2,020 reviews52 followers
September 11, 2021
3.5 Stars-Not My Favorite Sisters of Fire Book...

As a big ole fan of this Sisters of Fire series, I am always ready to jump in and see a sister find her happy. This time around it was Lynne. She is recently separated, in a new town, in a new firehouse ex is a complete douche and ready to move on.

Lynne is trying to get settled in her new house, her new job and her new single status. She has two kids, the older one more effected by the separation than the younger, so add those emotions to her already full plate as well. Trick or treating with her little one, Lynne stumbles upon Brady, a very handsome and well mannered widow. Let the sparks fly!

Brady and Lynne have daughters about the same age, so they naturally have a reason to keep meeting and quickly find out they have some major chemistry. He has been widowed for two years and with her fresh separation, they take things slow. Oh and Brady has a secret, one that would be a deal breaker for me and one that...I don't know, it didn't necessarily irritate me, but it was something I am not "into" and felt the book was too heavy with the references for my liking. I understood this was needed to really get to know Brady and his internal struggles, however it didn't resonate with me at all. However, I did like Brady for Lynne, even with this major hiccup and it was interesting to see how it all to played out.

That said, A Different Way is well written and helps move our series along. All sisters are present and accounted for, we keep up with pregnancies, marriages and the well being of everybody. There is something about this series that drew me in from the first book and I can't wait for the next one.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
3,554 reviews40 followers
September 15, 2021
A Different Way was definitely slightly different than what I was used to reading in the series, but still a good story.
We are back with the Sisters of Fire and this time the story belongs to Lynne Lucas. A woman whose marriage has deteriorated to the point of a pending divorce and chooses to move, even if it means getting a demotion because it gives her and her children a chance of a new life and a new beginning. A difficult decision, but one that gives her joy and hope.
She never expected to meet widower Brady Jamison and his daughter. A man that she’s attracted to but also one that has been keeping secrets about his profession.
Will the revelation of the secret keep them apart?
As always, the author presents the reader with real life occurrences and characters that are perfect in their imperfections.
A good addition to the series and one that leaves me hoping that Brooke soon will get her story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
September 14, 2021
A Different Way is another amazing story in the Sisters of Fire series, and this one follows Battalion Chief, Lynn Lucas, whose life is thrown into chaos. See, her marriage has gone to the dark side, and she's not happy at her current job, her husband is awful so it's time to separate, move to a new place, and start a new job. It's not easy trying to get her life in order, plus she's doing her best to help her kids get used to all the new changes as well, and we all know how kids can react to change. She meets Brady when she's taking her youngest trick or treating, and as their daughters are close in age, they start spending time together (Brady is a widower). These two are fun together but there are complications of course, but Lynn has her sisters to help move things along, and if you want to see how it all plays out, you know what to do! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
1,921 reviews7 followers
September 20, 2021
Lynne is trying to start over in Crystal Cove after her marriage ends. She trying to make a new life for herself and her kids.
Brady is a widower who is raising his young daughter.
Lynne and Brady have daughters the same age who meet on Halloween.
Lynne and Brady have instant chemistry. Though neither is looking for a relationship or casual sex, this attraction is unmistakable.
When they decide to give in to their desires it is more than either expected. But Brady has a secret that may interfere with their happiness.
Lynne and Brady try to resist each other but two almost near death experience makes them realize this is special.
I enjoyed this book and like the conversations Brady had in his head with God. I also liked the portrayal of how her two children react to her upcoming divorce.
Profile Image for Andrea Akers.
1,030 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2021
A wonderful story about starting over and finding new love. When Lynne's marriage fell apart, she chose to pick up and move on by following her dreams. By moving to Crystal City, she had a bigger pond to achieve higher goals in. When she meets Brady her life turns upside down, as well as his, even when they try to distance themselves from each other. Yet, their daughters, who have become best friends in two seconds, seem to keep pulling them together. Brady and Lynne come from two very different worlds but can they find love and a happily ever after together?

Enjoy this wonderful story about two very different people who fall in love and have to navigate the society around them. Kudos to Ms. Shay as she takes on a formidable topic that could be taboo in some households, even today, and encourages discussion about these topics. Ms. Shay, you must have been a wonderful teacher!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
September 14, 2021
Lynne is facing a lot of changes in her life as she and her children try to adjust to not only her divorce but moving to a different town and a new job. She isn’t certain she is ready to let another man into her life just yet, but their matchmaking daughters have other ideas.

Brady’s wife passed away a few years earlier and Lynne is the first woman to make her feel. They are drawn to each other in a way they never expected however there is something he hasn’t told her about himself that could change everything.

After being married for many years both Lynne and Brady are adjusting to being single. Neither is certain they are ready for a relationship, but their hearts had other ideas.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,522 reviews130 followers
September 15, 2021
A Different Way is book 5 in the Sisters of Fire Series and this is Battalion Chief Lynn Lucas and Brady Jamison’s emotional story.
Lynn is trying to adjust to her new life, recently separated, new job in a new town and hoping her children will settle into their new routine is all adding to her stress. Taking her youngest Trick or Treating has her meeting widower Brady and an instant connection is formed. Their children are close in ages and they also form a bond and as the children spend time together so do Brady and Lynn and what follows is a friendship that soon develops into so much more.
This is a well written story with characters that are easy to like. A good addition to this great series.
799 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2021
Readers of the Sisters of Fire books have watched Lynn struggle with the deterioration of her marriage and her impending divorce as the stories have progressed, and finally she has her own book. She’s not only dealing with a new station and crew, but she’s dealing with her son acting up over the divorce and his father’s behavior, and then she meets Brady – who is hiding something that has potential to be a dealbreaker. This story felt different, and I think it’s the dynamic between Lynn and Brady, and Brady’s secret. Divorced parents will also find much to which to relate in this book, and it’s sadly good to see this struggle in action. The more of the Sisters I read, the more I enjoy this series and their dynamic, and I look forward to Brooke’s story, which is looming.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
September 15, 2021
This is the 5th book in this amazing series and is Lynn and Brady’s story. Lynn has recently separated from her husband, and is starting a new life, with a new job, as well as struggling to help her children adjust to the new norm. While Lynn is taking her youngest trick or treating, she meets Brady who is a widower, with children close in age to her two, which means that fate has destined them to keep crossing paths, and although he is younger than her, it is not an issue. The chemistry between these two is sizzling and undeniable. This is a well written story which is endearing, and with secrets, emotions, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
447 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2021
After finding her husband was unfaithful and had gotten another woman pregnant, she goes ahead and makes the move for her career as she thought she would do with her family. While adjusting to her new job, home and town as well as being a single parent she meets Brady. He's a widower and has a young daughter about the same age as Lynne's and the two girls become instant friend. There's also a strong attraction between the two adults. But she doesn't realize what his profession is and he's reluctant to tell her. Then there's her job which puts her in danger regularly. Can these to figure a way to be together? This is book 5 in the Sisters of Fire series but can be read as a standalone. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
62 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2021
"A Different Way" (Sisters of fire series) by Kathryn Shay is another great addition in the series. This Lynne & Brady story.
Lynne Lucas is a firefighter whose marriage is over and is waiting for her divorce to be final. She moves to a new town, to a new firehouse to start her new life. She never expects to meet anyone, but when she and daughter go trick or treating she meets Brady and his daughter. Brady wife past away two years ago and Lynne is the first woman he has any feelings for.
They are attracted to each other but Brady is keeping a secret from her about his profession. Will this secret be the end of them or can they make it work?
I have received an ARC copy for my honest review. I enjoy the book very much and can't wait for Brooke story.
Profile Image for Loy.
1,522 reviews
September 22, 2021
A Different Way is book 5 in the sisters of Fire series by Katherine Shay.
This one is about Lynn who is a Battalion Fire Chief. Her marriage falls apart and she moves to another city for a change and more action at the fire house. She meets Brady who has a daughter is the same age as hers.
Brady has a secret which he hides. The story of the two of them coming together and Lynn’s interaction with her new fire house, her other sisters, and relationship with her children is very good. The story is well written. The story is a big departure from the other books but worth a read.
I am looking forward to the final book. I will have to go back and read them again once I have them all.

Profile Image for Shari.
1,859 reviews24 followers
October 12, 2021
Another great addition to the Sisters of Fire. Lynn is in the process of changes in her life, going through a divorce and getting a new job at a busier fire station when she meets a younger man. Brady is a widow and raising a young daughter. They both have daughters the same age and they can't deny the sizzling chemistry that they share. Brady has a secret and can that deter the relationship moving forward.

Once again you can feel the true friendship that these female fire fighters share in their personal and professional lives. Loved the descriptive writing in the fire scenes. I had a hard time putting this book down at the end. This is part of a series but all can read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Sara.
747 reviews8 followers
September 16, 2021
A Different Way is the fifth book in the Sisters of Fire series by Natasha Madison and I’m loving how this series is turning out.

The series has a wide range of different tropes within the romance genre.

A Different Way is definitely a lighter and semi-religious romance.

The hero, Brady Jamison, is keeping a secret from Lynn after meeting her on Halloween. Brady is a widow after losing his wife and mother to his daughter. Lynn is a Battalion Chief who recently moves to a new town for more excitement in her life and to be closer to her sisters of fire.

As a newly single Mum, she embraces the invite that she receives from Brady to the local single parent support group. She doesn’t expect to find herself in a number of situations with Brady when their two daughters become close friends.

When Brady finally tells Lynn his secret, she can’t accept it at first and ends their relationship. However, that’s not where it ends.

The character development in both of these characters is fantastic. Lynn has to overcome so much both in her personal and professional lives. Brady also has to overcome some obstacles in these areas as well.

As much as this book isn’t my usual cup of tea, I found myself truly enjoying it.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,786 reviews26 followers
September 15, 2021
Another Sister found her love and more. Lynne was trying to find a way to be happy and do what was right for her. She had the strength to divorce her husband, move to another town altogether, and try to raise her children. The other Sisters were so supportive, and I enjoyed them as they popped in and out with their advice. Brady kept his secret a little too long, but I found him to be a good man, very patient and accepting, and a wonderful father. Lynne and Brady felt the pull of attraction and finally worked out their differences. I look forward to the next, Brooke's, story.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
61 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2021
This fifth book in Kathryn Shay's SISTERS OF FIRE series was not as good as the other stories so far. Part of it is a personal bias against stories that try to portray conservative Christians as judgmental crackpots. There are lots of those out there to be sure, but I don't believe this has a place in good fiction.

The other reason I only gave it 3 stars is the lack of depth and emotion I'm accustomed to in Kathryn Shay's better works (and there are LOTS of those out there, too). The story just didn't grab my heartstrings like the earlier SISTERS OF FIRE stories did. I'm really hoping for a much better book for Brooke's story. A DIFFERENCT WAY is still worth your time to read it.
Profile Image for Patrice.
968 reviews46 followers
September 23, 2021
This was a wonderful installment in the Sisters of Fire Series. The chemistry and instant attraction between Brady and Lynne was almost swoon worthy. Can a Reverend and a self-proclaimed non-religious fire-fighter make a go of it; or will their own prejudices/beliefs, and those of others, block their way to a happily ever after. Will a religious zealot put an end to their budding relationship for good?
There is arson, religious speak, attempted murder, and family situations in this story that is all woven cohesively together. This was an enjoyable and quick read.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book for review.
26 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2021
I enjoyed book 5 of the Sisters of Fire series. Lynne is starting a new job in a new town after filing for divorce from her cheating husband. She meets and has an instant attraction to Brady, a widower with a daughter the same age as hers. They have a good relationship until Lynne finds out Brady is a minister. Lynne feels she can’t deal with that but eventually realizes that her love for Brady is too strong to ignore. I love that the steps of healing from the death or separation of a loved one are included in this book. It is always fun to catch up with the other Sisters of Fire. Looking forward to the final book in this series.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,398 reviews119 followers
September 13, 2021
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This story was different than any other I had read before and I loved it. I liked how it was taken from a different point of view with a hero that was unexpected but a breath of fresh air. The struggles that Lynne faced with the ending of her marriage as well as dealing with the minefield of helping her children through it. This was a story that was enduring and one I will read again and again. I love the sisters of fire and how they are always there for each other.
Profile Image for Crystal.
2,715 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2021
A Different Way is Book #5 in the Sisters of Fire series. I thought the story was okay, but it didn't have the same feeling as the other books in this series. Lynn's life is straight chaos, her kids, drama, ex husband, new firehouse, and firefighting, add in new Beau who's keeping secrets. So it's a lot at once. Plus it lacked the Sisters of Fire closeness, there was very little interaction between these women. This is my opinion, read it yourself and make your own decision. I like this series, and I can't wait to read Brooke's story next.
Profile Image for Geri Grinstead.
390 reviews10 followers
September 16, 2021
A Different Way is aptly titled, both for the book and for the unique story. Lynne’s story was totally one of a kind as she fell for Brady, who was not the typical hero of a romance novel. Lynne was steadfast in her desired lifestyle after the failure of her marriage and took steps to reach those goals. Will she find happiness? The Sisters of Fire books are all so different but tie together beautifully for this group of women firefighters. Kathryn Shay is a master storyteller. Five stars for A Different Way.
196 reviews15 followers
September 30, 2021
Book 5 of the Sisters of Fire did not disappoint! Lynne is starting over with her kids in a new town and with a new job after ending her marriage. She is working to establish herself at the firehouse and meets Brady through their kids. While they have an instant attraction – Brady is hiding a huge part of who he is from Lynn because he feels like she won’t understand. They must learn to trust each other and their relationship to overcome this perceived roadblock. This was a great book and I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Jennifer Cooley.
277 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2021
This was book 5 of the Sisters of Fire. I have read the other 4 and loved them all and will probably reread them all after the final book! This book was different as it was about a minister Brady and a firefighter Lynne. I wasn’t sure how a book could be made “romantic” or even like the others. Kathryn did an amazing job bringing these two together and making it sweet with their kids entwined and the Sisters of Fire. Can’t wait for book 6!
Profile Image for Melissa.
942 reviews
September 13, 2021

This is Book #5 in the Sisters of Fire series. Lynne wanted a different way of life. Life after her soon to be divorced. She meets Brady, a minister. She couldn’t help but fall for him and his sweet daughter. Sweet love story!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa
124 reviews
September 27, 2021
A Different Way is the 5th novella in the Sisters of Fire series and one not to be missed. All of the sisters of fire are strong, independent women and Lynn is especially so. Her relationship with Brady has some twists and turns but ends up exactly where it should. Excellent addition to the series.
Profile Image for Baca Buku.
571 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2023
This book reads like someone's blog about members of their community. I get the feeling that only people who have been there since the start of the series would enjoy all the gossip. I don't know these characters - and there are many! - and I am not invested in their lives.

As for the 'mind-blowing secret' mentioned in the blurb - I don't know, seems mundane to me.

7,765 reviews50 followers
September 21, 2021
Interesting and informative plot, of a group Flying Solo.
Offering Healing, Parenting Downfalls, Listening tips to help with children.
Brady and Lynne their first meeting noting that three in same fairy costumes. Sparks fly, he’s younger, and has secrets will that hinder them.
Sharing the hurts and how they wanted a different type of marriage.
Being a firefighter her job, and friends of Sisters of Fire
Enjoyable, heart warming showing there is second chances at love and happiness. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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