Publication Date: February 16, 2021
While passionately in love with his wife Katie, Andy also loves being a firefighter and when he is diagnosed with cancer, his whole world is turned upside down. What seemed so certain only days before, is now an unknown. Andy tries to protect Katie by not telling her, but her fears, and his increasing pain and moodiness only succeed in fueling a growing divide between them.
The fire station and its comradery are Andy’s refuge, but station officer Lt. Mike Bentley wages a vendetta against Andy, only making Andy more determined not to reveal weakness of any kind. In spite of Bentley, the C shift crew rallies to support Andy until events take a downward turn.
Firefighters face a myriad of dangers but invisible dangers can pose the greatest threat of all. Will courage, duty and even love be enough to save Andy from this unseen threat? If the worst should happen, would his greatest legacy be the love of the fire service or his love for his wife? Time can only tell because in the end, the unforeseen might have the greatest impact of all.
Andy Garrett loves his job as a firefighter. He and his wife, Katie, have only been married for a few years when Andy makes a decision that will have a lasting impact on them both. Author Lindy Bell delivers a heart-tugging story with Fully Involved.
Andy finds the perfect match in Katie, but when he opts to minimize concerns about his health, a wedge is created between the two. The author does an excellent job of showing both perspectives. Andy tries to be the strong protector and ignores warning signs, while Katie sees his behavior as being distracted and uninterested. All it takes is a few whispered suggestions from a jealous coworker, and Katie fears her marriage might be over.
If there is one takeaway about firefighters, it is that they believe strongly in supporting each other. When one person has a problem, they all jump in to resolve it. However, Andy’s determination to keep the status quo creates a sense of alienation. When Andy gets hurt while fighting a fire, it creates an opportunity for his crew to pull together.
It’s a tough story to read, but only because of the emotions contained within the pages. The love Katie and Andy have for each other is beautiful to behold but painful to see at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions among the fire crew, especially the evolution of the relationship between Andy and Lt. Bentley.
Firefighting is not a job without danger. In fact, this story underscores the hidden risks. The fact the story was inspired by a true story emphasizes the importance of ensuring that those we expect to protect us also need to be protected.
Fully Involved will fully engage your emotions. There will be laughter because Andy has such an incredible personality. The tears will appear, but so will the appreciation of a beautifully crafted story once the last page is read.
A project ten years in the making, Lindy Bell’s soon to be released debut novel, Fully Involved avidly reflects her admiration and love of the fire service. Thoroughly researched, the quest for accuracy for the book led Lindy to participate in the Plano Citizens Fire Academy, attend classes and accompany firefighters on ride outs. With a retired fire chief and a current paramedic/firefighter in the family, Lindy has witnessed firsthand the dedication and humbleness of first responders which fueled the impetus to convey the importance of the legendary fire service brotherhood and create cancer awareness and its growing effect on the fire service.
Lindy’s first book, Jane Austen Celebrates~Holidays & Occasions Regency Style, is a showcase Regency Era holidays and their impact on modern holiday celebration traditions. A member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Lindy has spoken to a variety of groups and taught Continuing and Adult Professional Education courses at Southern Methodist University (SMU).
A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Lindy currently lives in Plano, TX and works from home for a governmental executive recruitment and training firm. As hobbies, Lindy enjoys supporting Plano Fire Rescue by volunteering with the Plano Fire Rescue Association, writing, reading an engaging novel and cross stitching.
