A review by momadvice
Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff

3.0

I took a gamble on reading this book because it is nothing like anything I would normally pick up. I am not a big fan of the romance genre though so my thoughts on this book come from that place.

This book was a cross between The Notebook and Bridges of Madison County… a beautiful story of unrequited love that will leave you a tad frustrated and rooting for true love in the end. I read about it in a magazine and considering the author’s credits (producing shows like The Wonder Years, Dawson’s Creek, & Sisters) thought it would be a great book to add to my beach bag.

The story takes place during WWII and Lily Davis is awaiting the return of her husband, Paul, from the war. The two married too soon and had only been together two weeks before Paul was shipped off to war. Lily is left for three years on her own waiting for the man she hardly knows to return so they can begin their life together. During that three years though, Lily has changed so much and her fiery, independent spirit has grown even more fiery and independent.

As the town prepares for the soldiers’ return, Italian firework expert, Jake Russo, is hired to put together a welcome home firework show for the town. A chance encounter, brings Lily and Jake together and Lily finds herself falling deeply in love with Jake…a love like she has never experienced before.

Within a few short days, Lily begins to question who she is and who she would be if she stayed with her husband Paul. She is left with the tough decision of honoring her soldier husband and family’s wishes or following her heart and leaving with Jake.

The author captures their love beautifully in this short book with a surprising twist at the end that will leave your heart aching for Lily and the decisions she had to make.

A quick read that is perfect for the romance-loving reader and Nicholas Sparks die-hards. This is definitely chick flick material!