Skip to main content

Review: Fire and Ice - Northwest Ice #1

Fire and Ice book cover on blue background

Though my initial plan was to complete the Original Six Hockey Romance series by Carolyn Miller first, I couldn't help but be drawn to the Northwest Ice series, especially after reading A Cameo for a Cowgirl. It was especially fitting that I got to read Fire and Ice, the first book in this series, during the Stanley Cup playoffs!

Book Synopsis

Hannah Wade's heart might've once been touched by a rancher's son, but her real passion has always been sports. Years later, when her sports career is cut short by injury, she jumps at the chance to be one of Calgary's first female sports reporters. Trouble is, some of the old dinosaurs she works with think she's only there to look good, add ratings, and stir controversy among the fiercely loyal hockey fans. She longs to prove herself, so when an opportunity comes along to interview newly traded defenseman Franklin James, she meets him. Or, more accurately, re-meets him. With disastrous effect.

Growing up with three sisters means Franklin thought he knew something about women, but nothing had ever prepared him for the sparkling firecracker that is Hannah. And yet her vibrant personality holds a sweetness and soft side, something that draws his interest and protectiveness when an interview goes south. And there's something about her that's vaguely familiar...

Can these two overcome prejudice and find a way forward? And what has faith - or the lack of - got to do with anything?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Another Carolyn Miller book that does not disappoint! Though I may be biased due to its Canadian setting, I truly loved the depth in this series opener and how well the characters are fleshed out, giving us a glimpse into Hannah and Franklin's hearts and walks with God. The workplace scenarios, though they could be uncomfortable for some, feel realistic and highlight the challenges that women can face in male-dominated professions, especially sports reporting. In many ways, Hannah reminded me of Cassie Campbell-Pascall, so it was refreshing to read about a former female hockey player breaking bariers in her field (not to mention, also dating a hockey player!).

Alongside the professional challenges and issues around real and perceived conflict of interest that the characters face, Fire and Ice explores what it means to trust God when there seems to be no way forward based on human understanding. I love how there are such strong Christian supporting characters, and it is a treat to see Mike and Bree Vaughn again as they offer encouragement, wise counsel, and friendship to Hannah and Franklin. For anyone who wants to read about the ins and outs of hockey, Carolyn Miller is the go-to author who immerses readers in the action, on and off the ice. Overall, this is a book that points to God's sovereignty no matter the circumstances we face in our lives.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📖
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Christian Book Review Programs

Over time, I've been on the hunt for Christian book review programs that readers can join. As a result, I've been able to compile the following list which may be of interest if you are seeking review copies of Christian books. This list mostly applies to print and ebooks, although some publishers offer audiobooks as well. If further information is available for any of the publishers below (or any missing publishers), please let me know as I am happy to update this list—thank you! Please note that you can also search for these publishers on NetGalley and other review sites in case there are no review programs available or you don't qualify for one 😊 List last updated: June 4, 2026 Christian Publishers 10ofThose Availability: US, Canada, and UK residents Format: Only books published by 10ofThose qualify for review requests so as to avoid impeding with other Christian book review programs Genre: Christian non-fiction, children's books Email for availability and eligibilit...

Review: Another Gospel?

Having listened to Alisa Childers ' podcast over the years, I really enjoyed "chewing" my way through her debut book, Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity . It's taken me so long that she's now onto her third book! 😂 Book Synopsis A Movement Seeks to Redefine Christianity. Some Think that It Is a Much-Needed Progressive Reformation. Others Believe that It Is an Attack on Historic Christianity. Alisa Childers never thought she would question her Christian faith. She was raised in a Christian home, where she had seen her mom and dad feed the hungry, clothe the homeless, and love the outcast. She had witnessed God at work and then had dedicated her own life to leading worship, as part of the popular Christian band ZOEgirl. All that was deeply challenged when she met a progressive pastor, who called himself a hopeful agnostic. Another Gospel? describes the intellectual journey Alisa took over several years as she wr...

Review: For Us

If you've been following April Barcalow for some time, you'll be just as excited to know that she has recently released a marriage devotional. Newsletter subscribers can receive a free copy, and you can learn more about the background of For Us: Seeking God's Heart for Marriage on her website. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis All throughout Scripture, when God wants us to understand the close, intimate relationship He longs to have with us, He uses the imagery of marriage. That’s no coincidence. Marriage is an echo of the lasting love we share with Him, a framework to help us understand, and a gift. But good marriage, the kind that reflects Him, doesn’t happen without intention. Without building each piece on the solid foundation of Christ. Without choosing one another, even when it’s hard. This 30-day devotional weaves together Scripture, personal experience, and story threads to seek God’s ...