As in much of what the fire service does, there is history and a tradition behind the selected date. The date of May 4th is linked to the feast day of St. Florian (the patron saint of all firefighters). St. Florian was the first known commander of one firefighters’ squad in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, as well as those of his colleagues, for protecting the same humane ideas which firefighters all over the world still share today. The date is also known as St. Florian’s Day worldwide and has been a tradition for more than 150 years in Europe.

It is a tradition to wear ribbons on May 4th to commemorate its meaning. Colors symbolically linked to the main elements firefighters work with are Red for Fire and Blue for Water. Blue ribbon over Red ribbon = Water over Fire.

Embattled Brother has recently been placed on several Listopia lists on Goodreads.  In order for the listing to move up on the various lists and be more visible, readers or potential readers must ‘vote’ for them.  It would be incredibly helpful if you would kindly take a few minutes and vote for Embattled Brother vis the link below and go to “Lists with This Book.” Just a few votes can make a BIG difference in visibility.

Thank you SO, SO much!

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17391065.Lindy_Bell

Since February is the month of love, why not show a little love to your local firefighters. You might try taking some cookies, brownies, donuts, etc. by your local fire station.  I like to take fixin’s for queso along with dipping chips for something a little different. But their very, VERY favoritist thing is . . . BlueBell ice cream! It doesn’t matter the temperature outside, BlueBell is always a tremendous hit. It is the crem de la crem at the fire station. And don’t worry about the flavor – any flavor will do.

So take a few minutes and show a little love and appreciation to the men and women firefighters who work so selflessly all hours of the day and night to protect and serve their community.

Thank you, Firefighters!  You. Are. Awesome.

Leading Cause of Line-of-Duty Deaths in the Fire Service

It’s unfortunate but a fact. Cancer danger within the fire service is growing at a faster and faster rate. Research is ongoing for both preventative measures as well as on the medical side for treatment and cure. Even knowing the dangers though, both seen and unseen, firefighters never hesitate to answer the call to keep others safe.

 The following article and Information are courtesy of the

International Firefighters Association/Firefighter Cancer Support Network

 In 2025, nearly 80% of IAFF members honored at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in September 2025 died of occupational cancer. Of the IAFF member line-of-duty deaths, 247 out of 311 were due to occupational cancer.

In partnership with the IAFF, January is designated as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide fire fighters with the tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.

 Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month is focusing on “Doing It Right.” This includes best practices to reduce cancer in the fire service. Since 2005, FCSN has been a lifeline for thousands of cancer-stricken firefighters, offering one-on-one mentoring, critical support, and hope when it is needed most.

The story of Lucas Matthews is one that began in Brotherhood By Fire and grew far beyond where I originally dreamed it would go. Lucas is a strong, resilient character who has endured a difficult life, a life rife with foster homes, bullying and never being sure of where he belonged. One thing that always held true for him though was his innate sense of right and wrong. And while it wasn’t always easy, Lucas chose what was right.

In Embattled Brother, finds Lucas grappling with a situation out of his control and an officer in his command who stretches Lucas’ patience and endurance almost to their limit. Lucas is a new fire chief, in a new position, dealing with a sudden outbreak of arsons. Lucas does his best but the stress and strain are taking their toll. Brandon does an outstanding job portraying Lucas’ emotions as well as depicting the other characters who comprise Lucas’s world. Embattled Brother is a splendid, heartwarming way to finish out the Beyond the Badge series.

Haven’t listened to the others? No problem. Check out the link below to the Amazon book page and go to Audible from there.  Or . . . I have some promotional codes where you can listen for free. The only thing I ask, is that you if you use a code, please leave a review.  You can email me at lindybellwr@gmail.com for a code.

Here’s the link to the series page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLKVWW5D

Battalion Chief Jeremy Wolfe, subject matter expert and beta reader, for Embattled Brother had to say:

The story hits quickly and keeps you gripping each page through twists and setbacks tempered with small triumphs as you anticipate a satisfying outcome before the main character himself can see it. It makes a fun read with an inspiring message.

Embattled Brother is the culmination of the series, bringing characters from the previous three novels together in a thrilling and suspenseful conclusion. This final installment of Beyond the Badge has a lot of suspense, drama, accompanied by a huge dollop of mystery with some inspirational family drama as well. In short, you don’t want to miss it but fair warning—those who have read it thus far, whether it was the subject matter expert, editor, proofer, or professional reviewer, all said they couldn’t stop reading it.

Here’s part of what Battalion Chief Jeremy Wolfe, subject matter expert and beta reader, for Embattled Brother had to say:

The story hits quickly and keeps you gripping each page through twists and setbacks tempered with small triumphs as you anticipate a satisfying outcome before the main character himself can see it. It makes a fun read with an inspiring message.

 Mark the date, then clear the rest of your calendar to read this fast-paced and gripping story that also has a whole lot of heart.

If you want to pre-order the Kindle version, here is the link. https://www.amazon.com/Embattled-Brother-Beyond-Badge-Book-ebook/dp/B0CXNFH1NC/ref=sr_1_1   It will be available to you first thing the morning of the release date, July 8.

And . . . whether  you read the Kindle or paperback version, it would greatly appreciated if you would please leave a review.

Enjoy!!

As mentioned above, I am thankful to those insightful professionals and friends who make suggestions for new ideas of interesting topics to include in the newsletter.  One such very insightful friend is Judy Pulice. We met and became friends through our common love of Jane Austen.  In a recent conversation with Judy, she suggested I include a section in the newsletter with a little peek behind the curtain into my writing process, including such things as where I get my ideas for my books, why do I select the names I use, why does the story go this direction instead of that and on and on. Studies have proven, and Judy is not only a prolific reader but researcher, that people identify more with a book or an author when such insights are shared.

So . . . I am happy to say the April version of Lindy’s Lines included the first installation of Lindy’s Look Inside. In this first feature, I talked about an email written by a firefighter to my brother upon my brother’s retirement. That email was used in Brotherhood By Fire, and that firefighter has become an integral part of the Beyond the Badge series.

Lindy’s Look Inside as well as Heroes Behind the Flames are available exclusively to Lindy’s Lines subscribers. If you haven’t signed up already, click here https://lindybellwrites.com/ and subscribe through the pop up. It’s just once a month and your email information will not be shared elsewhere plus there’s lots of other topics, book recommendations, updates, etc. It’s an informative way to start your month.

I look forward to sharing some fun information with you. See you there!

The interview in the January edition was of my brother, Fire Chief Larry Bell (retired). Even as his sister, in talking with him, I learned some things I’d never known before and heard about some of his experiences as chief, what it meant to lead a fire department and some of the role’s responsibilities most would never realize comes with the job.  It was very enlightening and informative.

In the February edition, I interviewed Abel Ramirez, a driver/engineer with Dallas Fire Rescue. Abel has been with the department for 46 years and is still loving his job and going strong.  It was another very enlightening interview and some of the experiences he shared were truly moving.

For March, I look forward to interviewing my nephew, Zac Bell, a lieutenant with the Mesquite Fire Department and in April Jeremy Wolfe, a Battalion Chief with the Abilene Fire Department.  Those are only the ones scheduled – I have a LONG list of other firefighters to feature! Each firefighter brings a distinct perspective and invaluable viewpoint about their experiences, and I look forward to sharing as many of them as possible.

I’ve said it before but it’s still and will always be so true – firefighters and their caring, giving attitude of wanting to help people is commendable and appreciated.  Even though they never expect a thank you, when they receive one it’s appreciated more than we can know.  So . . . when you have a chance take some snacks or goodies by a fire station (I have it on really good authority that firefighters LOVE Bluebell ice cream—just sayin’) or you might even just drop in and say thank you.  You’ll make their day.

These interviews are available exclusively to Lindy’s Lines subscribers. If you haven’t signed up already, click here https://lindybellwrites.com/ and subscribe through the pop up. It’s just once a month and your email information will not be shared elsewhere plus there’s lots of other topics, book recommendations, updates, etc. so it’s an informative way to start your month.

See you there!

I do book reviews for book clubs across the Metroplex, and I love it!  I get to meet so many wonderful people who love books, who love visiting, and who love to learn about new things. After giving my review of Brotherhood By Fire, so many people regularly say such things as “I never knew they did that.” or, “I didn’t realize what danger they’re in with exposure to cancer-causing agents,” and on and on.  And then I get to hear about the number of times paramedics have been to homes and assisted a seriously ill family member, the kindness the paramedics have shown to them or to a family member. Many times they want to show me pictures taken with the paramedics who have been to their home often, kind and helpful every time. The stories go on and on and I absolutely love hearing them. They reiterate so resoundingly what I try to convey in all of my books.

I mention in my Brotherhood By Fire review and it’s a very true statement, firefighters tell me it is their honor to serve. Nothing makes them happier than knowing that when they’re on a call, they’re on their way to help someone who may be having one of the worst days of their lives. Their hope is that they can help make it better in some way. What a wonderful outlook. We could all think more along that line!

Another thing I love about visiting with people about my books or about being an author is how so many people have firefighters in their families.  And, in every instance there is a gleam of pride in their eye and a smile on their face when they tell me about them. Whether it’s a husband, brother, nephew, niece, grandson, granddaughter, et., etc., the pride is there and very rightly so.  I am privileged to have two fire service members in my family – my brother who retired as Fire Chief in Abilene a few years ago and my nephew who is currently a Lieutenant with the Mesquite Fire Department.  I know firsthand that pride when I talk about them. I am incredibly proud of both of them and what they contributed and are contributing to help others, save lives, and saving and protecting property by fighting fire safely and effectively.

It’s so, so true. You just can’t appreciate firefighters enough. If you have a firefighter in your family or know a firefighter, give them a call, send them a text, or  drop them an email thanking them for what they do, for their sacrifices and for their service.  And if you just so happen to have an extra batch of cookies or brownies hanging around, drop them by a fire station. They’re not looking or even expecting a thank you or recognition of any kind but when one is received, it’s greatly appreciated.

Do you have a firefighter in your family or one you’d like to have some recognition? I’d love to hear about them! I’m in the process of introducing a new section introducing a firefighter each month in my monthly newsletter, Lindy’s Lines. I’d love to feature as many firefighters as possible so please reply in the comments section and let me know about the firefighter you’re wanting to recognize and a little bit about why you’d like to recognize them.  I think it’s going to be a fun and informative addition to the monthly newsletter!

Thank you, firefighters. YOU ARE SO AWESOME AND AMAZING!!

The characters in all of my books are so vividly real to me that I hate when a book ends. I miss what they’re doing, what they’re thinking and their interactions with other characters in the books.  That’s one thing that’s so exciting about To Become A Brother –Lucas Matthews, a minor but surprisingly very memorable character in Brotherhood By Fire is back but as the primary character.  To Become A Brother is his story, picking up where it left off at the end of Brotherhood By Fire. I have to admit, I feel an emotional attachment to all of my books and all of my characters too but this one . . .  this one especially resonates with me  

Brandon’s interpretation of all of the characters is great but I have to admit, I smiled at the voice he used for the judge at the end of the book.  Give it a listen and let me know what you think.  All in all – an outstanding audio version of To Become A Brother.

Lucas is a special guy – steady, but true. He’s quiet and unassuming but fiercely loyal and protective of those he loves.  He’s an inspiration to me, and I think he just might be for you as well.  Enjoy the listen and be looking for the rest of Lucas’ story in the final installment of the  Beyond the Badge series – Embattled Brother.

Happy Listening!