Fire Investigator Sadie McGregor is called to her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri to investigate a suspicious fire which claimed the life of a local college student. By appearance the fire looks accidental. What Sadie and the handsome new police chief discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community and may cost one of them their life.
Professional Reviews
LASR - 'Best Book'
Fire Investigator Sadie McGregor has been called to her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri to investigate a suspicious fire which claimed the life of a local college student. By appearance the fire looks like the girl was just careless. What Sadie and Sheriff Quinn Harrington discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community of Emerald Point and put Sadie’s life on the line.
Sadie’s life isn’t the only thing at stake. Struggling with the guilt of having been responsible for the fire that killed her family, when she was only seven, Sadie doesn’t feel she’s worthy of God’s love and forgiveness. Will Quinn be able to prove otherwise before it’s too late?
It has been a long time since I’ve read a book where the research has blended in so seamlessly with the story. That’s not because other books are badly written, but because this one is so well written. The author has presented technical knowledge about the structure of fires in such a way the reader absorbs it almost without conscious thought as it lends information and depth to the story.
It’s no surprise that Sadie McGregor is a conscientious, feisty, loyal and friendly lady. Her yellow VW ‘Bug’ emphasizes her unique personality, her individuality. The reason for her choice of career as a fire inspector soon becomes clear as the author adds more and darker layers to her heroine. And when she returns to her home-town to unearth the mystery of a fatal fire she is surrounded by many friends pleased to see her, or are they?
Police Chief Quinn Harrington can’t believe his eyes the first time he sees Sadie at the fire site. And his confusion deepens the more he gets to know her. While he works beside her to unravel the facts surrounding the fatality he discovers he’s got to face a few of his own demons. And one of them is Sadie’s disenchantment with God. Will the God, who has seen him through some dark times, answer his prayer that Sadie will, once more turn to God for strength and celebration?
There are plenty of secondary characters who all have their part to play in revealing the plot. Their parts may vary in duration, but each one is fully formed and three-dimensional.
Almost every emotion imaginable is depicted in this story, and as the flowering relationship between Sadie and Quinn blossoms into love evil is stalking them everywhere they go.
This is a beautiful, yet hard-hitting story, fluently written, presenting characters you fall in love with, and ensures you’ll keep it on your shelf permanently and re-read often, which is why I have given it a Best Book rating.
5 Star 'Top Pick' from Night Owl Reviews
Another Fastastic Novel!!!! Anne Patrick's novel, "Fire and Ash" is a well-written novel that flows wonderfully. I would call this novel a "religious romantic mystery." You have more than one story going on within the novel and yet they all stay together and you don't get lost.
There is Sadie, who's had a personal experience with fire and has lost her faith in God. There is Quinn, who also has a personal experience of loss and yet he drew strength from his belief in God. There is the Ingram house fire.....who and why the fire.......was Larissa, a college student, murdered or was it an accident? Who's trying to prevent Sadie from investigating the fire? Will Quin (Emerald Point's Sherrif) and Sadie (a State Fire Marshal Investigator) get through their differences and be able to forge a strong relationship together? You'll have to read "Fire and Ash" to learn the answers.
Amazon Reviews
5 Stars from Shawna Williams-
Fire investigator, Sadie McGregor, meets Police Chief, Quinn Harrington, during the investigation of a suspicious fire that claimed the life of a local college student. When evidence suggests the son of a respected citizen may be involved, small town politics come into play. Neither Sadie nor Quinn realizes just how dangerous that can be.
This is a book that people will enjoy even if they don't typically read Inspirational fiction. The elements of suspense, romance and faith intertwine effortlessly. I was never pulled away from the story as the characters expressed their personal faith, nor did I feel like it was an afterthought. It just played beautifully into the development of the characters and story.
On that note, it's clear that Ms. Patrick took great care in her research of personality and profession for both Sadie and Quinn. Each character was unique, likable and believable. Together they complimented each other quite well
I appreciated that Sadie was a strong and independent heroine, and yet, still very much a girl; and that Quinn, was a sensitive, masculine guy's guy, who liked dogs and wasn't ashamed to drive his girlfriend's yellow VW bug. That's secure!
So once again, I find myself applauding Ms. Patrick on her ability to weave elements together in perfect balance, and with a twist as well. Fire and Ash was a completely refreshing story, that also made me crave lemonade. If you want to understand that last comment, then you'll have to read the book.
5 Stars from Love to Read Novels-
Sadie McGregor is a fire investigator. When a suspicious fire kills a college student in her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri she is asked to return to investigate it. There she meets up with the handsome Sheriff Quinn Harrington. As they work together to discover the truth of what really happened they find a lot more than ever bargained for... both privately and professionally.
Anne Patrick has done it again! I loved this story! Fire and Ash is the perfect blend of mystery, suspense and romance. The chemistry of all the characters flowed so naturally and was so believable you felt by the end of the story that they were your very close friends. One thing I really appreciate about Anne's work is she writes about real people who have real problems. She shows you how they struggle with issues in their life but she also shows you how the Lord places certain people in your life at certain times for a certain purpose. I also like how Anne never really allows you to know who did it until the end. I always think I know the answer but then another clue pops up and it leads to another suspect. She always keeps you guessing. I highly recommend Fire and Ash! Great job Anne!!
5 Stars from D.Thorne -
I really enjoyed this novel and thought it was the best of Anne Patrick's work that I've read yet. The characters are in-depth, the setting familiar and homey, the arson investigation interesting and the romance sweet. This is a great read for a car trip or long afternoon. I pretty much read it in one day. Great characters and storyline. Very entertaining.
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