The title of this book summarizes much about the characters created by Lindsay McKenna. They all learn how to survive in lives whose safety was breached by fire. There are all kinds of dangers, each leaves its own brand of a scar. And in STRENGTH UNDER FIRE we meet many who are living different lives than they ever pictured. Scars seen or hidden. But wounds that take seemingly forever to heal if indeed they ever do.

Silver Creek is an imaginary place where folks thrive under the care and watchful eye of neighbors who become family. Paying forward is understood. Every man or woman is judged on their character. Trust is earned. Mary has a huge role in building these relationships while investing in the budding businesses and ranches that abound in her town.

Colin has military scars, the kind that are unseen, but very real all the same. Colin has successfully walled himself off emotionally. He is given the opportunity to work with Dana as she pours herself into building her ranch. It is through the generosity of folks like Mary and others in Silver Creek that folks like Dana and Colin find a strong foothold in this community. Dana also has scars. Colin realizes that Dana has a tragic history that she holds close to her chest. He hopes that with time Dana feels comfortable trusting Colin with her past, just as he has with her. This is a unique couple, both fabulous caring characters who would be so good for each other.

STRENGTH UNDER FIRE is more about coping and finding footing after the fire. The entire Silver Creek series centers on characters finding their inner strength. The will to live and for many find success and dare we hope for happiness.

Neither Colin nor Dana are looking for anything even remotely resembling a relationship. But that is what they truly need and deserve. Lindsay McKenna opens doors for her characters. There is always an element of angst in these series. With each page, Lindsay McKenna keeps us on the edge of our seats waiting to see how these folk face down their fears. There is a sense of urgency embedded in each page of STRENGTH UNDER FIRE. Lindsay McKenna makes it a race to the end with the goal simply to survive. But for Dana and Colin, we wish for so much more. As part of the Silver Creek series, we get to revisit some wonderful characters as they play an important role in this installment.

There’s a bonus reading the Silver Creek series by Lindsay McKenna. A wealth of knowledge is imparted as an integral part of these stories. I love my home gardens. I have an issue with insecticides because I worry about my grand doggies, hummingbirds and butterflies. So when Mary is talking about companion planting, she immediately had my full attention. STRENGTH UNDER FIRE is a bold story about survival. Typical fare by Lindsay McKenna. Strong intelligent women who are competent members of society. Dana and Colin make a fabulous team as stars in this latest installment.