The fourth installment in Rain's Sweetwater Springs series (after Snowfall on Cedar Trail) returns to the charming small town for a spirited firefighter romance. After Brenna McConnell's parents were killed in a car accident, she put her own life on hold to raise her sister, Eve, quitting college and taking over her mother's business. Seven years later, now 18-year-old Eve decides to follow in her father's footsteps by joining the fire department, leading protective Brenna to clash with firefighter Luke Marini, who hired Eve and, in Brenna's view, put her in danger. Luke is scarred both physically and emotionally, but his fear of letting anyone in is tested by his instant attraction to the fiery Brenna, who also happens to be his next-door neighbor. Soon their heated arguments give way to passion, but when Brenna manages to sell her mother's company, she finally has the money she needs to go back to college and must make a difficult choice between new love and old ambitions. This gentle love story, complete with cameos from fan-favorite characters, will enchant readers. This edition includes a story by Melinda Curtis, not seen by PW. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (Mar.)