Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 4/16/2020 + 2617 more book reviews

I loved this book and am heartbroken that there will be no more magical books from Janet Chapman. She is one of my favorite authors, and I will miss her and her magical worlds dreadfully.

Katy MacBain is the youngest daughter of Libby and Michael MacBain (Wedding the Highlander). She recently left her job as a real estate agent to become a paramedic. She applied for a job with the Spellbound Falls Fire and Rescue Team but disappeared for three weeks between completing her course in Colorado and arriving in Spellbound Falls. Her best friend, Jane (From Kiss to Queen), worries about Katy, and sends a trusted friend to look for her. I ached for Katy and the problem that haunts her.

Gunnar Wolfe was sent to find Katy and was frustrated at his inability to do so. Joining the Fire and Rescue Team was his last-ditch effort, as he knew she was due in Spellbound Falls by a specific date. He was hired as a firefighter, then as the interim fire chief. Gunnar is intrigued by Katy before he meets her, thanks to the information given to him by Jane before he begins his search.

I loved the first meeting between Katy and Gunnar. There are sparks, but also a little bit of head-butting. Gunnar's fascination with Katy increases, as he also senses that there are things she is hiding. Gunnar tries to fight the attraction, as she works for him, but it is a losing battle. Katy, on the other hand, is all-in and ready to pursue him. I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. First, there is friendship, as Gunnar helps Katy settle into her duties as a paramedic. I liked seeing them spend time together and get to know each other. Gunnar is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of the pain he senses in her. I had fun with Katy's belief that Gunnar is an Atlantean and his reactions to some of the things she says. I ached for them both when Katy's issues come between them. It took a long conversation with her mom to work through that which haunts her (and I loved how that conversation came about). I loved Gunnar's patience and sensitivity as he worked his way past her walls. I loved seeing the changes in Katy as she regained her belief in herself. I also enjoyed the changes in Gunnar, as his feelings for Katy transformed him from footloose to ready to settle down. I loved the ending, especially Gunnar's confession of why he was there. The epilogue was terrific. I loved the bit with Jane at the beginning of it (bless her matchmaking little heart) and seeing how other characters are doing.

Another secret that Katy has is the gift that led her to become a paramedic. It isn't something that she can tell other people about, so working as a first responder is the logical way to use it without revealing herself. Gunnar is an inadvertent witness to one instance that puzzles him. He's further confused when he is on the receiving end. I loved the scene at the end when she trusts him enough to ask for his help with Shiloh.

Something I really enjoyed were the scenes involving the fire and rescue crew. Katy has some obstacles to overcome before the other members accept her. I loved that she didn't let it get her down, but worked to overcome them. The prank scene with Katy and Welles was great. I especially enjoyed the way that she foiled their tormentors. The scene at the lake was fantastic. The others' reaction to Katy's handling of the hopped-up druggie was hilarious and won their respect. I also loved the campfire events that Katy started and seeing the effect they had on the skeptics.

I liked the scenes that involved characters from other books. I laughed at how some of Katy's male relatives did a preemptive visit to the firehouse to warn off the men. I enjoyed the scenes with her brother, Robbie, which showed their love for each other as well as some of the more frustrating sibling moments. Titus, Olivia, Duncan, and others make brief appearances.

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