Tested by Fire

Tested by Fire
Kathryn Springer

Scarred ex-cop John Gabriel didn't need anyone else's problems, but he couldn't refuse a request from his former chief. Until John learned what the favor to Chief Kelly entailed: keeping an eye on his granddaughter, Fiona, a young police officer facing a dangerous work situation. John quickly saw that Fiona was in trouble - the fiery redhead lacked departmental support as she investigated a serial arsonist. And when the attractive rookie was trapped in a burning building, John was the one who ended up rescuing her.Yet could Fiona's strong faith rub off on the cynic and make John believe in the Lord…and in the love that was miraculously blossoming in the stony soil of his heart?

John felt like he was in a doll’s house. Or a storybook cottage. Everything around him was bright and feminine. Not frilly. Feminine.

The love seat and chairs in the living room were covered in a white-and-blue floral print and there was a rolltop writing desk stacked with books that took up an entire wall. A candle was burning on a small table by the window.

He walked over to blow out the candle and saw an open Bible next to it. It obviously wasn’t a decoration. Some of the verses had been highlighted with fluorescent pen, and there were bookmarks sticking out everywhere.

Fiona emerged from a room down the hall and caught him studying it.

“Part of the Kelly family legacy? A badge and a Bible?”

“No.” She held his gaze. “But it will be.”

KATHRYN SPRINGER

is a lifelong Wisconsin resident. Growing up in a “newspaper family,” she spent long hours as a child plunking out stories on her mother’s typewriter. She wrote her first “book” at the age of ten (which her mother still has!) and she hasn’t stopped writing since then. Initially, her writing was a well-kept secret that only her family and few close friends knew about. Now, with her first book in print, the secret is out. Kathryn began writing inspirational romance because it allows her to combine her faith in God with her love of a happy ending.

Tested by Fire

Kathryn Springer

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name; you are mine!

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire,

You will not be scorched,

Nor will the flame burn you.

—Isaiah 43:1-2

This book is dedicated to:

My parents, for your love, encouragement and support through the years.

Cindy—you were the one who believed in this book, in these characters and in me. Thank you for listening, for asking questions, for allowing me to alternately whine and squeal with joy (depending on what was in the mail) and for all your prayers.

Love you, friend!

Grandpa Goldsmith—thank you for the writing gene!

And especially to Pete, who gave me the freedom and the time to pursue my dreams.

When I was tempted to quit, you said “Don’t.”

You are—and will always be—my hero.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen