This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles.

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

About this book: (from the publisher) After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly  never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”

Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

About the author: (excerpted from her website) Kathryn Springer, winner of the 2009 ACFW Carol Award (Family Treasures), grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. After a number of busy years, when she married her college sweetheart and became a stay-at-home mom, Kathryn rediscovered her love for writing. It wasn’t until her youngest child started school that she decided to pursue her dream to write a novel. In August 2004, her Love Inspired® debut novel, Tested by Fire, was published. Encouraging women in their faith journey is the reason Kathryn loves to write inspirational fiction. She hosts a women’s Bible study in her home and volunteers in a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ministry. When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her curled up with a good book, spending time with family and friends or walking on the trails near her country home.

Genre: Fiction/Contemporary/Romance

Why I read this book: I liked the cover and the back cover copy.

First impressions: One of the snappiest, drop-you-into-the-heart-of-the-story first chapters I’ve seen lately.

If this book were a movie, I would rate it: PG.

Reminds me of… inspirational contemporary romance novels by Denise Hunter and Beth Wiseman

This story matters because…it showcases God’s ability to transform brokenness into beauty.

My take:  Inspirational, small-town romances should almost be a genre to themselves, don’t you think? I mean, there are certain ingredients you come to expect. The fiesty heroine. The handsome love interest. The problem that’s especially problematic for it occurring in a small town. As per The Dandelion Field–check, check, & check.

While it may not be terribly full of surprises, this romance is nonetheless a pleasure. First of all, I appreciated the nuanced shifting of the two main characters’ emotions. I was entertained by the snappy dialogue–especially whenever Gin was involved. I also liked the pithy chapters that made this novel a quick read. If it was all a shade on the simplistic side, that says more about my personal taste, and perhaps the genre, than it does about the book itself.

In my opinion, The Dandelion Field does everything it’s called to do. It delivers likable characters battling real-life problems in an appealing setting. It also delivers plenty of small-town details meant to warm your heart. You’ll certainly be rooting for the characters, and the author does a lovely job of providing a satisfying happily-ever-after for them all.

[Tweet “Cold got you down? Warm up with a new romance from Kathryn Springer and a Kindle #giveaway! http://bit.ly/1uxSg5f @TNZFiction”]

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Zondervan for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.

See what other Litfuse bloggers are saying here.

After words: Why do you suppose so many inspirational romances are set in small towns? Not being a small-town girl myself–but nonetheless drawn to their nostalgic appeal–I’d like to hear your thoughts.

Get ready for Valentine’s Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer’s The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn’t believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning? 

Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Dandelion Field

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.