Wednesday, August 5, 2015

In Firefly Valley

GIVEAWAY

CABOT, AMANDA
IN FIREFLY VALLEY

Marisa St. George is devastated when she is a victim of downsizing and has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it's a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow's End resort. The only silver lining is Blake Kendall, a new guest who is making her believe in love at first sight. But will her dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers who he really is?

Romance readers will love this warm and witty story of mistaken identity and second chances from bestselling author Amanda Cabot.

My Review:

This is the second book in the Texas Crossroads series, but no worries if you haven't read At Blue Bonnet Lake because this reads well as a standalone. Mind you, if you have read the first book you'll be pleased to catch up with Greg and Kate and even get to attend their wedding!

A problematic love story that kept me on pins and needles, lamenting over the sheer stubbornness of a certain heroine. Because, really, the whole rocky road to romance part is squarely in the Marisa camp. Honestly, I just wanted to shake some sense into her.

At one point she is so unfair to Blake -- outrageously so -- I just wanted to spit nails. But here's the thing -- Cabot writes realistic fiction with all the grit and foibles that come with real life. Marisa comes with some baggage and as I began to understand the depth of the hurt that scarred her, I could start to really empathize with her. Yes, she over-reacted. Yes, in the grand scheme of things, I really felt she was wrong but I understood the knee-jerk reaction that pushed Blake away. It annoyed me no end that she hung onto her anger; that she was so unreasonable -- even self-righteous. Talk about stirring up a reader's nest of emotions! I really wanted to sock somebody -- preferable this heroine. LOL

A brutally honest love story that was painful to read in places but ultimately filled with hope and forgiveness.

Sidenote: There's also a bonus sweet secondary love story that helps balance the Marisa and Blake angst. Balm to my romance loving soul.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of In Firefly Valley please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 9 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

20 comments:

  1. Sound like a good read. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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  2. I would love to read In Firefly Valley. It sounds great! Thank you, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  3. Would love a chance to read this second book in the series! rmaney(at)firstarpchurch(dot)org.

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  4. I've read some of Amanda's historicals, but nothing comtemporary by her I don't think.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. It's a switch in genres and I really like it. Good luck, Patty.

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  5. This sounds like a beautiful romantic book ever
    oh dot hello dot hiya at gmail dot com

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  6. Kav, I've read the first great book in this series so now I need to read this one. I've read all her historicals and loved them.
    Deanne
    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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    Replies
    1. You'll really enjoy this trip back to Rainbow's End then, Deanne. Good luck.

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  7. In Firefly Valley sound interesting... Some heroes/heroines just drive you crazy! Add me please.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Don't I know it. I'm still gritting my teeth over this heroine. LOL Good luck, Merry.

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  8. I am forever drawn to small town getaways. Maybe I need to just move to one someday. Of course, I kind of live in a smallish town. Love stories of restoration and hope. Please include me. I'll make sure to have a stress ball handy. :) Thanks Kav!

    KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I'm enamoured with small town life. Would love to live in one -- though I wonder if it would match the fictional ones I've read about? Good luck, Kelly.

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  9. I've read some of Amanda's novels and I'd like to give this one a try too. rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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  10. Ah. Flawed heroine! My kind of book.

    Count me in, please!

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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