Dancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance)

I was quite intrigued when I heard that Denise Hunter has called this her favorite book that she's written. Wow--I don't know that I've ever heard an author admit a favorite, and I love that she did! I couldn't wait to read it after that. First, let's talk about the cover and title (I know, I know, never judge a book by these things--but don't we all?) Love them both, and both made me want to dig into the story (long before its release date)! I liked Barefoot Summer very much, but I think I might be with Denise on this one--it's definitely one of my favorites of hers (and possibly my #1). Jade is a sweet, kind character--someone you would want to have as a friend. I love the gentle relationship she shares with Daniel. If I had any criticism, it would be that Jade's family isn't quite as involved in her situation as I would think a family like hers would be (you would think her father's protective instincts would be in overdrive). Having said that, I can understand why the author downplays the family's involvement a bit. If she had had to delve into all of their reactions and emotions (and she does a little), the book would have been pretty lengthy (not that I would have minded more pages!), and the focus would have shifted away from Jade and Daniel. So I think that aspect isn't totally believable, but then again, not every page needs to be totally realistic. The story itself is wonderful; it held my attention with every page. It's sweet and romantic, and I love the fact that it shows that love is a choice. These characters choose to love each other, but thankfully for them, they quickly realize that they are quite attracted to each other. It's obvious that Denise Hunter has a husband and sons--she knows how to write male characters! (In fact, some of her previous novels have bothered me a bit because she tends to write about amazing, loving men who fall for snippy women.) I'm really looking forward to the next novel in this great series!

Jade is both musically gifted and emotionally sensitive. Guarding her heart from the deep pain in her past has become second nature. So when she gets embarrassed over a mistaken love letter, she decides to leave her small town and her family and strike out on her own in the big city. But things don't go as expected and tragedy strikes. Jade runs back to the place where she knows she'll be safe. Home. Daniel is strong, steady and reliable. He's also been secretly in love with Jade since high school. As a close family friend, he spent a lot of time with her and her close knit family making up for the closeness and warmth his own parents lacked. This is a poignant and tender love story of two people cautiously moving toward each other, one hesitant because of the emotional scars she carries the other wary of frightening away the woman he knows is the love of his life. It is so well done, the balance between grief and growth so delicately wrought, that I felt as if I was being swept up in the same tide of emotion that carried Jade and Daniel. I'm a fan of this author as it is and I was eagerly awaiting this second installment in the Chapel Springs series. I was not disappointed - this is now my favorite Denise Hunter book. Very well done!

This is one of my favorites Denise Hunter books. I loved both of the lead characters, and I also find the McKinleys to be a great family. I adore the descriptions of their get-togethers. They just feel warm and real. The story is not too complex, just a sweet, romantic story that had me rooting for the characters from the beginning. Some of the plot points are tragic, but even so, Hunter infuses the story with hope and the simple joys of real life. The consequences of evil can seem hopeless, but this story shows that even a terrible action can be transformed into something new and beautiful. The hurt and pain are still there, but healing is possible. Hunter doesn't sugarcoat things, but neither do things feel gratuitous or unnecessary. I do think that those who have experienced sexual trauma or rape might tread carefully, especially at the beginning of the story. The other thing that didn't ring quite true for me is how long she hid her pregnancy. Not sure if it was entirely realistic but I could suspend my belief since she did keep herself away from her family. I was skeptical though that other people in the town wouldn't notice and mention it to someone in her family. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. While this could be read as a standalone, there is enough backstory in book one to make me glad that I read it first. Plus, it's just a really good story in its own right, so I say read it first. This story kind of capped off my summertime reading, but it's a great read for anytime. Pick it up if you're looking for a sweet romance with realistic life issues. I'm looking forward to book three in the series for sure.