Dancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance)

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.

This book is the second in the Chapel Springs Romance series. It can be read as a standalone because all important details from book 1, Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance Book 1), are summarized. However, I'm glad I started with the first book because I appreciate the dynamics of the McKinley family and I was glad to see Madison and Beckett from Barefoot Summer again. In this second book, Jade left home when she couldn't cope with the grief of a lost love. A year later, she returns home, needing support and hiding a secret. She turns to family friend, Daniel, to help her not knowing that he has loved her for a long time. Daniel was truly a worthy hero. He was always there for Jade, willing to give her anything she needed whether it was emotional support or a job. He even set her up on dates while his heart was tortured over his unrequited love. Jade went through several traumatic things in her life but she is still strong. However, she's afraid to love again for fear of losing that love and so she shuts herself from any possibility, even with Daniel. This story played with my emotions more than the previous book. I kept waiting for the truth of Jade's situation to come out and then when Daniel agrees to help her at his own expense, it was heart-wrenching for him! To be so close and yet so far from the love of his life! Although the way Jade would realize her love for Daniel was a little predictable, it was still a tear-jerker for me. The inspirational thread throughout the novel is light until Jade's mom has a discussion with her towards the end of the book. I really enjoy reading about this family, even if this story played with my emotions. This series reminds me of Susan May Warren's Christiansen family series and I'd highly recommend it to readers who enjoy series about siblings. Overall, highly recommended!

What a great follow up book to Barefoot Summer! I gave that book 5 stars cause I loved it, but I loved this one even more. Am I allowed to give 6 stars?! This is Jade's story! She wasn't in the first book too much, as she was in Chicago for the majority of it. This one actually doesn't start out the best...but keep on reading and you won't be sorry I promise. Jade returns to Chapel Springs Indiana in desperate need of a job, a place to stay, and her loving family. I love the McKinley's, and I wish everyone could have a family as great as they are. Jade also starts spending a lot of time with Daniel, a man who she knows as an adopted brother....and he discovers the secret she has been hiding from her family. I cannot even tell you how much I loved this book, and I couldn't read it fast enough. Loved!!! Can't wait to read the next one.

I really like Denise Hunter's books. Her characters are well developed, likable and live in towns that are small town America where everyone knows each other. However, I wasn't sure that I would like Jade as she seemed somewhat fragile and weak in Barefoot Summer but as I got to know her, I changed my mind. She lost her first love in a car accident and it has left her afraid to care deeply about anyone. In addition, her brother died at the age of seventeen of natural causes. Needing to start a new life, she left Chapel Springs to live with her friend, Izzy, in Chicago. While working in a coffee shop, she invited a regular customer to have dinner in their apartment. Izzy is off work and will be home so she feels safe. Unfortunately, Izzy is called into work leaving Jade alone with the guy who slipped a date rape drug into her drink and raped her. When she finds herself pregnant and no where else to turn Jade goes home to Chapel Springs. Different events happen to cause her to postpone telling her family but a family friend, Daniel, helps Jade through some tough times. She doesn't want to live at home or with siblings and doesn't have a job. Daniel really helps her when her family would but she isn't ready to tell them. Daniel has loved Jade for a long time but she thinks of him as a friend. Jade's feelings for Daniel finally do begin to change but she won't allow herself to care for Daniel. Their's is a story that is filled with obstacles because of his parent's expectations of him and Jade's emotional barriers. It is a great story that teaches us to have faith to reach out to love and live each day.