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Pastor and fireman Nick Foster found the body in the inferno engulfing his church. From the bullet wound in the head, it's clear this is no ordinary fire victim. The quiet community of Newpointe, reeling from the shock of the dead man's identity, struggles with the agonizing question: who did it - and why? Paramedic Issie Mattreaux is no icon of virtue, but she cares enough about her teenage nephew, Jake, to track him down when he turns up missing. Only, what she finds is far more than a harmless bonfire on the outskirts of town. After a chilling attempt on Issie's life, Nick takes on the role of protector even as he struggles with the tragedy that has struck his church. Whoever is behind the fire is far from finished. Unknown to Nick, that person's twisted agenda now threatens to consume everything he loves most. The Newpointe 911 series by award-winning novelist Terri Blackstock offers taut, superbly crafted novels of faith, fear, and close-knit small-town relationships, seasoned with romance and tempered by insights into the nature of relationships, redemption, and the human heart.… (more)
User reviews
Bivocational pastor and firefighter, Nick Foster, is having a hard time dealing with the loss of his church as well as the discovery that he has feelings for paramedic and "bad" girl, Issie Mattreaux--who is not a Christian. Even though Nick is a pastor, Blackstock allows us to see his vulnerabilities and makes him believable. As Nick struggles with feelings of being failure and questions his call from God, we are reminded that no one is perfect, but grace is indeed sufficient.
There are several subplots involving Susan and Ray Ford's grief over the death of their son, and their rejection of God because of it; the influence of peer pressure on Issie's nephew, Jake, and how his need for acceptance leads to consequences; and Stan and Celia Shepherd's baby is born.
The book is a great blend of action, mystery, and some romance, but the most compelling aspect of the book is the underlying message of God's love, grace, forgiveness, and sustaining strength throughout life's trials and joys--without being "preachy."