Amanda S. (homemomma) reviewed Dancing with Fireflies (Chapel Springs, Bk 2) on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
If I were to sum this whole book into one sentence it would be:
What Satan intends for evil, God can use for good.
Jade McKinley is full of dreams. Dreams of singing her songs and playing her guitar for others. And, just as in reality, life doesn't always turn out the way we plan, hope, or wish. Sometimes terrible things happen and we must trust that God knows what He's doing and rely on Him to help us through those difficult times. Such it is with Jade.
Picking up the pieces of her life and dealing with situations put upon her against her will, she must learn to go forward and lean on God to get her through the darkest times of her life. I very much appreciated how the author did not go into graphic detail of certain events. If she had, I would not have read this book. Her story could belong to many other women. She never gives up, never takes the easy way out, and decides to do what is right rather than what is popular. Jade is a hero.
Now meet Daniel. Who could resist such a counterpart? Down to earth mayor Daniel Dawson has loved Jade since the moment he first met her and it made me so sad that she couldn't see it for so long. Sometimes it's the tough things that bring people together the best and while I wouldn't wish the situation on any woman, I was glad to see them picking up the pieces together. I only wished she could have come to accept her feelings for him sooner than she did. Watching them grow together to learn and let go of the past and embrace their future was encouraging and uplifting.
*My thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required they be positive.*
What Satan intends for evil, God can use for good.
Jade McKinley is full of dreams. Dreams of singing her songs and playing her guitar for others. And, just as in reality, life doesn't always turn out the way we plan, hope, or wish. Sometimes terrible things happen and we must trust that God knows what He's doing and rely on Him to help us through those difficult times. Such it is with Jade.
Picking up the pieces of her life and dealing with situations put upon her against her will, she must learn to go forward and lean on God to get her through the darkest times of her life. I very much appreciated how the author did not go into graphic detail of certain events. If she had, I would not have read this book. Her story could belong to many other women. She never gives up, never takes the easy way out, and decides to do what is right rather than what is popular. Jade is a hero.
Now meet Daniel. Who could resist such a counterpart? Down to earth mayor Daniel Dawson has loved Jade since the moment he first met her and it made me so sad that she couldn't see it for so long. Sometimes it's the tough things that bring people together the best and while I wouldn't wish the situation on any woman, I was glad to see them picking up the pieces together. I only wished she could have come to accept her feelings for him sooner than she did. Watching them grow together to learn and let go of the past and embrace their future was encouraging and uplifting.
*My thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required they be positive.*
After losing the man she loved, Jade McKinley left Chapel Springs as a way of protecting her heart. She never expected to return until the unthinkable happens. She finds herself pregnant, no money and pretty much alone. Her only choice is to return to Chapel Springs. Daniel Dawson is the mayor of Chapel Springs and is practically a McKinley family member. With his dad being in politics and the extensive traveling his parents have always done, Daniel didn't have much of a home life, other than with his grandma and the McKinley's. Jade has always thought of Daniel like a brother but Daniel began to notice Jade had grown into a beautiful woman. He has loved her from afar for years but knows that that love can never be. Then she returns home and he finds his feelings haven't changed. In fact, they're stronger than before. Jade is trying to find her footing but it's proving difficult, especially when she seems to be having some strange, not-so-brotherly-type feelings toward Daniel. What is she going to do and how does Daniel fit into the picture?
Dancing with Fireflies is one of those stories that lingers in your mind long after you close the book. You learn a little about Jade and Daniel in 'Barefoot Summer' but here you really get to see who they are. Jade is a sweet, free-spirited person who has experienced a lot of heartache. Daniel was a hero that's easy to love. His easy-going ways just draw you in. When you have a longtime-friendship-brother-sister relationship, switching gears gets complicated. The author did a great job of laying the ground work and I would definitely call it sweet torture. I loved the spiritual message of relying on God especially in the difficult times. We're reminded that times of trouble can cause us to turn from or toward God. I love what Jade's mother told her, "The same sun that burns a shallow rooted plant will nourish a deeply rooted one." Wow! A wonderful reminder that we need to be deeply rooted in the Lord so when troubles arise we won't get burned. Though this is an emotional read, you will find relief with humorous moments. Daniel and Jade were both full of personality and it was fun watching their playful moments together. You could read this as a stand alone and not feel lost, but I highly recommend you read Barefoot Summer first for a richer reading experience. So how does it all turn out? I recommend you head on over to Chapel Springs and see what 'Dancing with Fireflies' is all about.
This complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Series: A Chapel Springs Romance (Book 2)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 11, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1401687024
ISBN-13: 978-1401687021
Dancing with Fireflies is one of those stories that lingers in your mind long after you close the book. You learn a little about Jade and Daniel in 'Barefoot Summer' but here you really get to see who they are. Jade is a sweet, free-spirited person who has experienced a lot of heartache. Daniel was a hero that's easy to love. His easy-going ways just draw you in. When you have a longtime-friendship-brother-sister relationship, switching gears gets complicated. The author did a great job of laying the ground work and I would definitely call it sweet torture. I loved the spiritual message of relying on God especially in the difficult times. We're reminded that times of trouble can cause us to turn from or toward God. I love what Jade's mother told her, "The same sun that burns a shallow rooted plant will nourish a deeply rooted one." Wow! A wonderful reminder that we need to be deeply rooted in the Lord so when troubles arise we won't get burned. Though this is an emotional read, you will find relief with humorous moments. Daniel and Jade were both full of personality and it was fun watching their playful moments together. You could read this as a stand alone and not feel lost, but I highly recommend you read Barefoot Summer first for a richer reading experience. So how does it all turn out? I recommend you head on over to Chapel Springs and see what 'Dancing with Fireflies' is all about.
This complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Series: A Chapel Springs Romance (Book 2)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 11, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1401687024
ISBN-13: 978-1401687021
Kristin D. (kdurham2813) reviewed Dancing with Fireflies (Chapel Springs, Bk 2) on + 753 more book reviews
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
The McKinley family takes center stage in another book, but a different daughter tells her story as she is overcoming her past and finding her way. Jade is the daughter that left the small town, ran away, and has come home to find support from her family.
Different from the first book, I wasn't quite certain where this book would end and I loved it. I read this one quicker because I felt more invested in the story and really wanted to find out where Jade would end up. It was also easier to read as I had just finished the first book and knew the characters pretty well. I am hoping that there will be a few more books centered around this family.
The McKinley family takes center stage in another book, but a different daughter tells her story as she is overcoming her past and finding her way. Jade is the daughter that left the small town, ran away, and has come home to find support from her family.
Different from the first book, I wasn't quite certain where this book would end and I loved it. I read this one quicker because I felt more invested in the story and really wanted to find out where Jade would end up. It was also easier to read as I had just finished the first book and knew the characters pretty well. I am hoping that there will be a few more books centered around this family.
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
Denise Hunter is an author I like to savor. She is one of my top five writers and I enjoy being able to sit down, take several hours, and slowly read through her novels. Believe me, it will take more than a couple hours:) And this new series, Chapel Springs Romance is one of my favorites. The characters have really pulled at my heartstrings with their heartache and trouble. But she always leads them into mature faith.
In this one, we again meet up with Jade. If you have read the first one you might remember her a little bit. She is the one who had a thing for Beckett, the hero in that novel. You could say she muddies things up just a bit:) But now she has left for Chicago and as the book opens we see her living a life separate from her family and friends. But within the first 5 pages something happens that brings her running back home. I don't want to spoil anything but it is pretty major. And then she is coming home, back to Chapel Springs and the friends she left behind. But one of them wants to be more than friends. Always has.
Daniel is a great guy. I admired his commitment, loyalty and perseverance. Just the kinda guy you want to snag someday:) Oh, and did I mention he is super sweet? There are some pretty hilarious moments with him and Jade as they grow together and learn about honesty and friendship. But there are definitely times I had tears rolling down my cheeks. As you see the pain Jade goes through and even Daniel in his love for her and wanting to give her better than himself. It all wraps up quite neatly but I soo wished for it to go on and on. Another excellent book from Denise! Can't wait for the next one.
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
In this one, we again meet up with Jade. If you have read the first one you might remember her a little bit. She is the one who had a thing for Beckett, the hero in that novel. You could say she muddies things up just a bit:) But now she has left for Chicago and as the book opens we see her living a life separate from her family and friends. But within the first 5 pages something happens that brings her running back home. I don't want to spoil anything but it is pretty major. And then she is coming home, back to Chapel Springs and the friends she left behind. But one of them wants to be more than friends. Always has.
Daniel is a great guy. I admired his commitment, loyalty and perseverance. Just the kinda guy you want to snag someday:) Oh, and did I mention he is super sweet? There are some pretty hilarious moments with him and Jade as they grow together and learn about honesty and friendship. But there are definitely times I had tears rolling down my cheeks. As you see the pain Jade goes through and even Daniel in his love for her and wanting to give her better than himself. It all wraps up quite neatly but I soo wished for it to go on and on. Another excellent book from Denise! Can't wait for the next one.
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
Mary N. (maggysue) reviewed Dancing with Fireflies (Chapel Springs, Bk 2) on + 811 more book reviews
Loved this! Wonderful story!
