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hannahnana73's review against another edition
3.0
misunderstanding and lack of communication trope prevalent much. had a lot packed in.
cstaude's review against another edition
3.0
A heartwarming story about a young woman’s struggles after she survives some pretty harrowing things, death of a fiancé and later date rape and a subsequent pregnancy. The trauma sends her fleeing homeward where the guy who has always loved her from afar is now the mayor of her tiny hometown. Friends to lovers tropes ensue and it’s an enjoyable read along the way. This is actually Christian fiction so the traumas are understated and the book doesn’t soapbox with scriptures excessively either.
kdurham2's review against another edition
3.0
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 second in the series and although this can possibly be read by its own, I would suggest starting with the first one Barefoot Summer, my review went up last night. A note that I stated in my review of the first book - this is Christian fiction, but it was not heavy handed in the least bit.
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 second in the series and although this can possibly be read by its own, I would suggest starting with the first one Barefoot Summer, my review went up last night. A note that I stated in my review of the first book - this is Christian fiction, but it was not heavy handed in the least bit.
lexangel9999's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Hard core romance where you can predict that the 2 main characters are going to end up together. Good story, just predictable.
digitlchic's review against another edition
She did it again!
Denise Hunter writes romantic tension like few people I know. This book hit a tough topic but did so with a delicate touch. Might the descriptions be too much for some? Very possibly (I wouldn't suggest it for a teen), but in general I found the author found a good balance of giving enough information to set the scene without giving too much. She pushed the envelope a bit in one love scene, but frankly I feel like it was an accurate picture of the struggle to make good choices in dating. Very much enjoyed this story and look forward to the rest in the series.
Denise Hunter writes romantic tension like few people I know. This book hit a tough topic but did so with a delicate touch. Might the descriptions be too much for some? Very possibly (I wouldn't suggest it for a teen), but in general I found the author found a good balance of giving enough information to set the scene without giving too much. She pushed the envelope a bit in one love scene, but frankly I feel like it was an accurate picture of the struggle to make good choices in dating. Very much enjoyed this story and look forward to the rest in the series.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
Denise Hunter's Dancing with Fireflies is a lovely novel of healing, friendship and unexpected love. Jade McKinley left the small town of Chapel Springs to begin a new life in Chicago. When she returns a year later, she finds herself depending on close family friend Daniel Dawson as she tries to get her life back on track.
Jade and Daniel have been friends for years but while Jade's feelings for him have always been friendship, Daniel's feelings for her have much deeper. Daniel watched as Jade fell in love with another man and he was there for her when she lost the love of her life in a tragic accident. Jade never recovered from the heartbreak of that loss and she has no intention of ever experiencing a pain like that again. When circumstances force Jade to seriously plan for her future, she seeks Daniels assistance in finding employment and a place to live and their friendship deepens. A surprising suggestion from Jade takes their relationship in a new direction, but will Jade's fears stand in the way of their future?
Jade is close to her family but she has valid reasons for keeping her secrets from them. She is independent and determined to make it on her own, but she does not let her need to succeed on her own keep her from accepting help when it is offered to her.
Daniel is such a wonderful, caring man. He loves being the mayor of Chapel Springs but his parents' expectations for his political future weigh heavily on him. Daniel never hesitates to give Jade whatever she asks, and while it is great that his support for her is unconditional, it is a little heartbreaking watching him get hurt in the process.
Jade and Daniel's shared history provides a wonderful backdrop for their evolving relationship. Their friendship is easygoing and uncomplicated despite Jade's current predicament and Daniel's longstanding love for her. Jade slowly begins to view Daniel as a man (versus a male friend), but she does not examine her changing feelings for him too closely. Daniel's feelings for Jade continue to deepen, but fearing she would reject him if he confessed his love for her, their relationship remains platonic. After Jade's unexpected proposition, they become even closer, but will their friendship give way to romance?
The circumstances surrounding Jade's pregnancy are unexpected but Ms. Hunter adroitly handles a difficult subject with a great deal of sensitivity. This part of the plot is never downplayed, but it never overshadows the overall storyline either. Jade's reactions are realistic and it is easy to understand the reasons for the decisions she made for her future.
Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter is an engaging and heartwarming novel. The characters are well-developed and appealing. The storyline has plenty depth and the relationship between Jade and Daniel is believable. A lovely faith-based romance that I highly recommend.
Denise Hunter's Dancing with Fireflies is a lovely novel of healing, friendship and unexpected love. Jade McKinley left the small town of Chapel Springs to begin a new life in Chicago. When she returns a year later, she finds herself depending on close family friend Daniel Dawson as she tries to get her life back on track.
Jade and Daniel have been friends for years but while Jade's feelings for him have always been friendship, Daniel's feelings for her have much deeper. Daniel watched as Jade fell in love with another man and he was there for her when she lost the love of her life in a tragic accident. Jade never recovered from the heartbreak of that loss and she has no intention of ever experiencing a pain like that again. When circumstances force Jade to seriously plan for her future, she seeks Daniels assistance in finding employment and a place to live and their friendship deepens. A surprising suggestion from Jade takes their relationship in a new direction, but will Jade's fears stand in the way of their future?
Jade is close to her family but she has valid reasons for keeping her secrets from them. She is independent and determined to make it on her own, but she does not let her need to succeed on her own keep her from accepting help when it is offered to her.
Daniel is such a wonderful, caring man. He loves being the mayor of Chapel Springs but his parents' expectations for his political future weigh heavily on him. Daniel never hesitates to give Jade whatever she asks, and while it is great that his support for her is unconditional, it is a little heartbreaking watching him get hurt in the process.
Jade and Daniel's shared history provides a wonderful backdrop for their evolving relationship. Their friendship is easygoing and uncomplicated despite Jade's current predicament and Daniel's longstanding love for her. Jade slowly begins to view Daniel as a man (versus a male friend), but she does not examine her changing feelings for him too closely. Daniel's feelings for Jade continue to deepen, but fearing she would reject him if he confessed his love for her, their relationship remains platonic. After Jade's unexpected proposition, they become even closer, but will their friendship give way to romance?
The circumstances surrounding Jade's pregnancy are unexpected but Ms. Hunter adroitly handles a difficult subject with a great deal of sensitivity. This part of the plot is never downplayed, but it never overshadows the overall storyline either. Jade's reactions are realistic and it is easy to understand the reasons for the decisions she made for her future.
Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter is an engaging and heartwarming novel. The characters are well-developed and appealing. The storyline has plenty depth and the relationship between Jade and Daniel is believable. A lovely faith-based romance that I highly recommend.
mb_booklady's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good story about a big-brother figure and the way his feelings changed over time. The McKinley's have Daniel Dawson at all of their family functions since his parents decided politics were more important than raising their son. With 5 McKinley children, all of whom seem to have big hearts,bringing another kid home wasn't a big deal.
As he grows older, Daniel realizes that one of the little girls, Jade, has grown from a "squirt" into a beautiful young woman. However, since Jade is dating someone else, Daniel says nothing. When that guy dies in a car accident, Daniel patiently waits for Jade to finish grieving. Before Daniel can say anything about his feelings to Jade, she moves away for a year.
When Jade returns to Chapel Springs, pregnant, Daniel becomes her confidant. It is only a matter of time before she learns of his secret, but will she have the strength to return his love?
Although I liked this story, it seemed more sad and traumatic than Hunter's other stories (such as Big Sky Romance series.) One reason I wanted to read more of Hunter's work after reading the Big Sky Romance series was because, unlike some Christian fiction, her stories weren't so heavy and filled with trauma, death, and/or sickness. I think I will take a breather from this series before trying to read the next book.
As he grows older, Daniel realizes that one of the little girls, Jade, has grown from a "squirt" into a beautiful young woman. However, since Jade is dating someone else, Daniel says nothing. When that guy dies in a car accident, Daniel patiently waits for Jade to finish grieving. Before Daniel can say anything about his feelings to Jade, she moves away for a year.
When Jade returns to Chapel Springs, pregnant, Daniel becomes her confidant. It is only a matter of time before she learns of his secret, but will she have the strength to return his love?
Although I liked this story, it seemed more sad and traumatic than Hunter's other stories (such as Big Sky Romance series.) One reason I wanted to read more of Hunter's work after reading the Big Sky Romance series was because, unlike some Christian fiction, her stories weren't so heavy and filled with trauma, death, and/or sickness. I think I will take a breather from this series before trying to read the next book.
emmierose_721's review against another edition
3.0
Wasn’t my absolute favorite book, but it was a fun book nonetheless. You definitely have to be in the mood to read it. I did very much enjoy the ending, though I did feel like it was a bit rushed.
*Entering Spoiler Part*
**TRIGGER WARNING**
I’m glad the topic of rape was not just glossed over but was presented as wrong. Jade came out of it so strong, and her twin baby girls are adorable. One thing that I did not like was... I understand that she was scared, but I feel like it would have been best if she reported her attacker to the police just so he can’t do any more evil, sick things.
That ending was so cute. Daniel is honestly the sweetest especially when he said “I already am” ( in response to his now wife saying she hopes to make him the happiest husband) in the epilogue.❤️. I also loved how Daniel helped Jade work through her fears.
Overall, 2.5 stars.⭐️⭐️ I didn’t hate it, in fact, I really enjoyed it, but some topics presented in this book aren’t suitable for younger readers. Also, the plot wasn’t that original. Read to me like a Hallmark movie.
*Entering Spoiler Part*
**TRIGGER WARNING**
I’m glad the topic of rape was not just glossed over but was presented as wrong. Jade came out of it so strong, and her twin baby girls are adorable. One thing that I did not like was... I understand that she was scared, but I feel like it would have been best if she reported her attacker to the police just so he can’t do any more evil, sick things.
That ending was so cute. Daniel is honestly the sweetest especially when he said “I already am” ( in response to his now wife saying she hopes to make him the happiest husband) in the epilogue.❤️. I also loved how Daniel helped Jade work through her fears.
Overall, 2.5 stars.⭐️⭐️ I didn’t hate it, in fact, I really enjoyed it, but some topics presented in this book aren’t suitable for younger readers. Also, the plot wasn’t that original. Read to me like a Hallmark movie.
msethna's review against another edition
5.0
A huge thank you goes out to Netgalley for this ARC. I loved the story Dancing with Fireflies and truthfully I wish I would have picked this up before now. Denise Hunter has a way of creating characters that capture our hearts and reel us in to the store. Right from the beginning, I was rooting for Daniel and Jade to find their way together. If Denise Hunter's other stories are anything like this one, I will gladly pick them up and read them.
bekaaaah's review against another edition
5.0
Jade McKinley left her small hometown of Chapel Springs to pursue big dreams in the city. When something terrible happens, she packs everything and decides to return home. Meet Daniel Dawson, the guy who has been like a big brother to Jade since she can remember. As they grow closer and closer, he’s reminded of his strong feelings for Jade, but can she return them?
Let me just say, I don’t read a lot of contemporary romance books. I usually skip them over for suspense, action, dystopian, historical, etc. because sometimes they can be pretty boring. Dancing with Fireflies, however? Absolutely adorable! I loved the characters, the plot, the romance, the dialogue, and the CHARACTERS. Jade and Daniel were so cute and funny and I have to admit, I laughed out loud quite a few times. Jade’s family was adorable and I immediately fell in love with all of them! The story was so well balanced. It was serious and realistic, yet hopeful and romantic. Denise Hunter is a very talented author; she wove an inspirational tale of a woman learning to love again so well that it made me feel joy, sadness, and everything in between.
If you are looking for a book that makes you laugh, cry, or just plain happy, Dancing with Fireflies is it! It was inspirational, emotional, romantic, funny, and so very entertaining. I am very happy to add it to my bookshelf!
**I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are entirely my own.
http://willbakeforbooks.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-dancing-with-fireflies-by-denise.html
Let me just say, I don’t read a lot of contemporary romance books. I usually skip them over for suspense, action, dystopian, historical, etc. because sometimes they can be pretty boring. Dancing with Fireflies, however? Absolutely adorable! I loved the characters, the plot, the romance, the dialogue, and the CHARACTERS. Jade and Daniel were so cute and funny and I have to admit, I laughed out loud quite a few times. Jade’s family was adorable and I immediately fell in love with all of them! The story was so well balanced. It was serious and realistic, yet hopeful and romantic. Denise Hunter is a very talented author; she wove an inspirational tale of a woman learning to love again so well that it made me feel joy, sadness, and everything in between.
If you are looking for a book that makes you laugh, cry, or just plain happy, Dancing with Fireflies is it! It was inspirational, emotional, romantic, funny, and so very entertaining. I am very happy to add it to my bookshelf!
**I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are entirely my own.
http://willbakeforbooks.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-dancing-with-fireflies-by-denise.html