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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Out of all of Ava Miles books, this one is my favorite. I haven't been quite so choked up and affected in a long while by a book of this sort. I can't wait for what comes next from her!
Quick summary
Law student Amelia Ann Hollins, youngest sister of country music star Rye Crenshaw, is determined to get Clayton Chandler to acknowledge they have chemistry and need to start acting on it. Trouble is, Rye's his best friend and his boss (Clayton is his deputy manager). She's coming on strong and he's doing a great job of keeping her at arm's length.
One more thing...
Amelia Ann's got a few secrets. No one knows that she was the tabloid leak who disclosed Rye's payoff to sister Tammy's abusive ex-husband. And, she's volunteering at a legal services clinic in a rough area of Nashville.
What works about this story
Though Amelia Ann comes across as a traditional Southern belle, she's also a young woman of substance. She's decided to make domestic abuse her focus and is determined to make her own way. The spotlight on this issue is daunting, presented in a meaningful, if not distressing manner. It elevated this story to a completely higher level.
The romance is not without its issues, given Clayton's relationship with Rye and that he's seven years older. He also brings his own set of baggage but Amelia Ann is tenacious.
The bottom line
As with all of Ava's stories, family is a major element. She effectively combines romance with substantive issues and leaves you in a wonderful place. The characters are always layered and more complicated than they seem on the surface. This book continues that tradition even more powerfully. Loved it.
Law student Amelia Ann Hollins, youngest sister of country music star Rye Crenshaw, is determined to get Clayton Chandler to acknowledge they have chemistry and need to start acting on it. Trouble is, Rye's his best friend and his boss (Clayton is his deputy manager). She's coming on strong and he's doing a great job of keeping her at arm's length.
One more thing...
Amelia Ann's got a few secrets. No one knows that she was the tabloid leak who disclosed Rye's payoff to sister Tammy's abusive ex-husband. And, she's volunteering at a legal services clinic in a rough area of Nashville.
What works about this story
Though Amelia Ann comes across as a traditional Southern belle, she's also a young woman of substance. She's decided to make domestic abuse her focus and is determined to make her own way. The spotlight on this issue is daunting, presented in a meaningful, if not distressing manner. It elevated this story to a completely higher level.
The romance is not without its issues, given Clayton's relationship with Rye and that he's seven years older. He also brings his own set of baggage but Amelia Ann is tenacious.
The bottom line
As with all of Ava's stories, family is a major element. She effectively combines romance with substantive issues and leaves you in a wonderful place. The characters are always layered and more complicated than they seem on the surface. This book continues that tradition even more powerfully. Loved it.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I might have given this one 4 stars, like I have every other except... Clayton was a royal jerk through 90% of the book. Even when he and Amelia Anne were supposed to be happy together he was dickish. Acting like he was better than her because he was practically a manwhore and she was the innocent virgin who had no life experience. Kinda got old fast. Despite this, I did finish the book and while I can't see what Amelia Anne sees in him, they got their HEA.
Fireflies and Magnolias by Ava Miles is the third book in the Dare River series. The first time I read this book, I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it (which is why I didn't give it 5 stars). However, out of the first three books in this series, this is the one that has stayed with me the most. I've read it twice more and I've grown to love it.
Ameila Ann's passion for helping those women (and men) who are in domestic violence situations shows through in everything she does. The additions she makes to the benefit concert at the end of the story, the lengths she goes to in order to get a woman and her children out of an abusive situation, etc. It all adds up to her being one of those extra special people in the world who have realized their calling and will do anything to be successful in it.
Clayton is well, Clayton. He's gruff, he's abrupt, he's annoying at times, but under all the gruffness is a good man evidenced by the fact that he comes when Amelia Ann needs him the most.
Even tho' Ameila Ann works with victims of domestic abuse, the book does not have a depressing feel to it. Ms. Miles works hard to provide the information needed to be realistic but balancing out with more positive scenes and she succeeds.
I don't want to give anything away in the story, so I better stop now. Read it. You won't be disappointed (and if you're as emotional as I am, have some tissues nearby).
Ameila Ann's passion for helping those women (and men) who are in domestic violence situations shows through in everything she does. The additions she makes to the benefit concert at the end of the story, the lengths she goes to in order to get a woman and her children out of an abusive situation, etc. It all adds up to her being one of those extra special people in the world who have realized their calling and will do anything to be successful in it.
Clayton is well, Clayton. He's gruff, he's abrupt, he's annoying at times, but under all the gruffness is a good man evidenced by the fact that he comes when Amelia Ann needs him the most.
Even tho' Ameila Ann works with victims of domestic abuse, the book does not have a depressing feel to it. Ms. Miles works hard to provide the information needed to be realistic but balancing out with more positive scenes and she succeeds.
I don't want to give anything away in the story, so I better stop now. Read it. You won't be disappointed (and if you're as emotional as I am, have some tissues nearby).