Fireflies, I Miss You

Once again, I am reviewing for a blog tour, and once again, I absolutely loved the book I chose for the tour. Everything I've read by Amanda Cabot has been top drawer as far as her quality of writing, the plots she weaves, and the characters she develops. In Firefly Valley is another example of Amanda's excellent writing abilities.

Marisa is moving back to Dupree, Texas, because she got fired from what she thought was her dream job. Blake Kendall is coming to Dupree, Texas, and the Rainbow's End Resort, because he has hit a major writer's block. To find that his friend who owns the resort is getting married is icing on Blake's cake.

Lauren is Marisa's friend and the mother of seven-year-old Fiona. Lauren has been widowed for a year and Fiona's biggest wish is a new daddy. Drew Carroll is moving to Dupree after he came to a parting of the ways with the new owners of his company.

Carmen is Marisa's mother, and she has been mourning her husband's disappearance for the last eight years. When Eric shows up at the resort, Carmen accepts him with open arms, but Marisa is less welcoming than an iceberg. Her father deserted her on her graduation day and missed most of her important childhood events because of his drinking.

Each of these people has something to overcome, a place in his or her own heart to open up, and, most of all, grace to accept. Marisa has to release the anger she feels against her father and come to a place where she can forgive him. Blake needs an idea that will keep him meeting his contract deadline. Lauren has to come to a point where she is ready to love again, and Drew has to overcome a reputation as a ladies' man.

While Amanda has woven three love stories into this novel, she has done it skillfully, seamlessly, and engagingly. Her characters have depth, empathy, and gumption. The pacing of her plot is neither too fast, nor too slow. Goldilocks would definitely approve.

One of the things I miss from my childhood is chasing fireflies (only I called them Lightning Bugs), and Amanda has added a special memory of fireflies into the warp and woof of this novel. The fireflies create a touchpoint to connect most of the characters, especially for Lauren and Marissa with Marissa's father.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a summer evening chasing fireflies.

My thanks to Revell for allowing me to read and review this book.