Fireside

Susan Wiggs is one of those authors that you can trust to write a book which is an enjoyable read, whatever its subject. In 'Fireside' the main character, Bo Crutcher, is a baseball player. As an Englishwoman I know next to nothing about baseball and wondered if this would put me off the book; no it didn't, partly because the baseball isn't that central a part of the plot, but more because the author knows how to create a story and how to write characters about whom we care. As the story begins we meet Kim van Dorn who has fled her collapsed relationship and returned to her mum in the small town of Avalon. Kim's life has changed hugely but her skills as a publicist for baseball players might actually come in handy when she meets Bo Crutcher who has just got the big break of his career. But Bo's career isn't the only thing going on in his life. He has suddenly had to take responsibility for his twelve year old son, a boy he has never previously seen, and as Bo tries to begin to be a father as well as learning to perform for the media, he may have an opportunity to form a relationship with Kim. But with Bo's career and his care for his son at odds, what future is there for them? This was an enjoyable story with appealing characters, particularly as the relationship between Bo and his son AJ unfolds. The romance side of the story felt subordinate to much of the action but it was well told nonetheless and this is a very worthwhile read for those who like gentle love stories. Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2009

This was a perfect comfort-read with a lot of depth and interesting characters. Like all Susan Wiggs books, Fireside is both well-written and thoroughly entertaining. For a Susan-Wiggs fan, this book delivers everything we've come to expect: fantastic writing, rich characters, and a captivating plot. For a new reader, this is wonderful introduction to a phenomenal author. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the Lakeshore Chronicles!

This is my favorite Willow Lake book so far. Bo Crutcher is hilarious, and his personality just jumps off the page. I loved the "fire and ice" combination he and Kim created. A.J.'s storyline really got to me -- it was such a stark portrayal of what could really happen.

How can you not like a Susan Wiggs book? And how can you not love Bo Crutcher? This is an entertaining read and a great study of human nature.

I've read all the Willow Lake books so far and this one, set in the dead of winter, is my favorite. The story of Kimberly, Bo and AJ is another great example of Susan Wiggs's ability to build a love story that is insightful, interesting, and charming.