Fireside

Fireside is the latest novel in the Lakeshore Chronicles by Susan Wiggs. In this book we see Bo Crutcher again, he was in the previous book, Snowfall at Willow Lake.

Here's the blurb:

Baseball hopeful Bo Crutcher is about to get his shot at the majors. That is, until life throws him a curve ball. When AJ, the son he's never met, lands on his doorstep, Bo's life becomes a whole new ball game. He needs help—fast.

Enter Kimberly van Dorn. Hired to smooth Bo's rough exterior for the media, she expects the kind of shallow pro athlete she's used to handling. But Bo is willing to sacrifice everything for his vulnerable son. Kim can train him to hit a home run with the press, but over a breathtaking winter on frozen Willow Lake, she realizes he has far more to teach her about the game of life…and putting love first.

In Fireside he gets an opportunity that he never thought he would get, to play Major league baseball. But at the same time, he gets a frantic call from the mother of his son, and it may just be life changing. For the first time in twelve yea rs he'll have a chance to spend time with son. But he knows next to nothing on raising children.

Kimberly van Dorn, left LA after a rocky relationship with a pro athlete. Not only did the jerk breakup with her, he also fired her. She comes to Willow Lake for some much needed TLC, and her mothers kind support.

Kimberly and Bo soon find that they can help each other. Bo needs help with his imagine, and to get media savvy. And Kimberly wants to get back on her feet. Along the way she helps Bo connect with his son, and loses her heart to both Bo and AJ.

I found myself glued to the couch. I was engrossed. It was fast paced and entertaining. The characters (as usual) were interesting and familiar. It's great to see some of the characters from the previous books. And the newly introduced characters weren't too shabby either. I liked Kim. Her wanting, her needing a change but also her willingness to help Bo not only with his media training but also with his son, spoke volumes in my opinion. Bo grew from a self centered bachelor to caring single father. But the scene stealer of the book was AJ, he was such a courageous boy and it showed with everything he did.

Fireside by Susan Wiggs (4/5) Romance; Published: Mira (2/09); Series: # 5, Lakeshore Chronicles; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (23); 2009 Support Your Local Library (18); 2009 Pub Challenge (4);