Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter

Dancing with Fireflies

If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know I’m a Denise Hunter fan, so I was thrilled to read her latest for review. Join me as we revisit Chapel Springs.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she’s always seen him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away; she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called her “squirt.” Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

And now, my review:

I love a lovesick hero! Reminds me of how Jesus loves us. That affection motivates the hero of Dancing with Fireflies as he steps in to help our heroine.

Jade needs a man, or more precisely, a husband. She’s planning for her future, and with her baby on the way, she has to act fast. So, she enlists her dear family friend, Daniel. He’s like a brother to her. But for Daniel, who’s been lovesick for Jade forever, finding her a husband only sounds like torture. He can’t tell her how he feels because he’s afraid of losing her trust.

Once again, Denise brings us a great romance. These two had great sparks, especially after Jade began to see Daniel in a romantic light. You can always count on this author for great chemistry.

Poor Jade’s been through an awful ordeal. I liked how the author dealt with that situation. 

Some authors who “go there” write a story that can traumatize the reader.

The story kept me reading until well into the night. No sagging middle here.

Daniel is a great hero! Giving, honorable, kind, self-sacrificing. He’s supportive of Jade and her needs during pregnancy. How delicious when he finally tells her how he feels. Jade believes herself to be broken. Her growth and healing are relatable for readers, whether they’ve suffered what she has or not.  

I appreciate Denise’s wisdom. Here’s a fellow mother who feels deeply the connection she has with her own children, no doubt, because it translates so well to the page in this story.

Another great Chapel Springs romance from Denise Hunter.

Highly recommended!