DANCING WITH FIREFLIES by Denise Hunter

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

For more information on this book or other books by Denise Hunter, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/

BAREFOOT SUMMER by Denise Hunter

Madison McKinley seems to have it all. She loves her job as a veterinarian and she's part of a very loving and supportive family, that everyone loves. Though Madison is grateful she still struggles to put her twins death (from years ago) behind her. She can't sleep from a recurring nightmare and it's affecting her life and her job. Madison thinks if she can win the upcoming Regatta race and fulfill her brother's dream, that the nightmares will disappear. She must first learn to sail though. Beckett O'Reilly has always loved Madison but knows she would never look at someone like him. He's changed from the troublemaker he was in high school but his family hasn't. Madison will do anything to win this race, even if it means working with Beckett. But as they work together there is a chemistry between them that cannot be denied. Beckett carries a secret though that could change everything. Can their new romance find strength in adversity or will it fade into the sunset? Will Madison find the peace she seeks in fulfilling her bother's dream?

What a great start to the Chapel Springs Series and might I say I love the cover! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the folks and by the end of the book you really feel like you're good friends and can't wait to return. Beckett O'Reilly was such a great guy. He related to Madison so beautifully despite his own problems. Madison was easy to relate to. You can totally understand her feelings and emotions. Together they were great and I loved sharing their moments with them. The author did a beautiful job of covering a lot of family difficulties with grace and truth, but the most difficult was the death of a loved one. Just about everyone has faced that at some point and I loved what Madison's mother told Madison. "Life is a gift, however long it lasts. It's God's to give and take away as He sees fit. We go through life thinking we're entitled to our ninety, but we're not entitled to anything. All we can do is trust that He knows what He's doing. That He has a plan for all of us and that no pain He allows in our life will go unused." WOW, what powerful and comforting words. Now don't get me wrong, there are lots of playful moments to this story as well. It maintained that delicate balance which is so pleasing to the reader. Bottom line here is that you'll fall in love with the folks of Chapel Springs, I know I did. So if you're feeling the need to get away from the cold weather, I recommend you sail away to Chapel Springs for a Barefoot Summer!

As a side note, "A December Bride" is Layla O'Reilly's story (Beckett's sister). "Dancing with Fireflies" is Jade McKinley's story which I am looking forward to reading next.

Series: A Chapel Springs Romance (Book 1)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 28, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1401687008
ISBN-13: 978-1401687007

For more information on this book or other books by Denise Hunter, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/