The Perfect Match by Susan May Warren

Ellie Karlson is new to Deep Haven. As the town’s interim fire chief, she is determined to lead the local macho fire crew in spite of their misconceptions about her. But when someone begins setting deadly fires, Ellie faces the biggest challenge of her life.

Especially when sparks fly with one of the volunteers on her crew: Pastor Dan Matthews. As Ellie battles to do her job and win the respect of her crew, she finds that there is one fire she can’t fight—the one Dan has set in her heart.

Awards:
2004 American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year

A Romantic Times Magazine TOP PICK – 4½ stars

My Review:
Ellie Karlson, the protagonist, faces an uphill battle as interim fire chief. Chauvinism is alive and well in this small town, and she has her hands full as the boss of a firehouse full of men. Written in omniscient voice, this novel is one that I happily read beginning to end. I like getting inside the heads of the characters to better understand their thinking.

The characters are well-rounded. Ellie never feels good enough and carries a chip on her shoulder. This creates a good bit of tension that equates to interesting reading. When people are hurting, Dan, the town preacher, is uncertain which words to use or Bible verses to quote. He's a loving pastor who wrestles with his inadequacies. How refreshing!

Minor characters, Joe and Mona, go through difficult times and face a tough decision.

There's drama in this novel. There's romance. There's mystery with a crime to solve. What more could a reader of Christian Fiction want? I give this one a thumbs UP!

If you would like to read the first chapter, go here.

If you'd like to buy a copy, click here.