Ms. Woods has a very stirring "Dear Friends" letter to start off this book. "While there are often subtle messages tucked away in my stories, I hope the message in Catching Fireflies is loud and clear. There is nothing cute or normal or acceptable about bullying, whether it's a toddler on the playground or a teenager using the internet to torment a classmate. Pay attention to what may be happening to your children, no matter how young or how old. Pay even closer attention to how they're treating others. Bullying is wrong. It needs to stop. And alert parents and teachers and a united community can make that happen."
With that in mind, I started reading.
How do you review a romance book about bullying? Is this a romance book? It most certainly is. The basic storyline of boy meets girl is there. The bullying might have been a reason for the two of them to meet and even spend time together, but sparks flew.
It is also a strong message for all of us. Bullying hurts. I am not on school grounds anymore and my children are grown. I'm not even involved with the children at church. The only way I can fight this is to share with you and hope you can have some influence.
My emotions are all over the map with this story. I was scared, angry, afraid, and indignant. I cheered, laughed out loud and cried. I was out for blood.
And when I finished. . . I wanted to shout to the world. Bullies learn their behavior somewhere. Bullies come in all shapes, colors and ages. Please make sure it doesn't happen where you are. Don't be a bully in retaliation. Stand up for yourself but don't bully the bully. (yes, that could be difficult advice to follow and it comes up in the book).
I thought this might be a difficult story to read and while the subject matter is harsh, it flows well and the story is, ultimately, a romance. There are also several tangents that could lead to other books. :-)
I was very happy to see that the trilogy would all be published in 2012. I was estatic when I received all three at the same time and planned on posting a review close to each publication date with a guest post preceding the review. I mentioned how great this new trilogy would be as a winter time gift when I reviewed Midnight Promises. I take that back. Read it as soon as you can, don't wait. Give the trilogy to friends but really, don't wait to read Catching Fireflies yourself.
Stealing Home was great. Midnight Promises was fabulous. Catching Fireflies sealed Ms. Woods fate as one of my backlist authors. I'm so glad so many of them are still in print! I read Catching Fireflies basically in one sitting and while I'd love to start Where Azaleas Bloom right away, I think I need some sleep first.
Catching Fireflies is not available at the publisher at this time but is available for pre-order at amazon and Barnes and Noble with a release date of July 31. As always, check your favorite bookseller.
Sherryl Woods website. She also has a blog and a Facebook account.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the Barnes and Noble and amazon
A Sweet Magnolia Novel
by Sherryl Woods
publisher: Harlequin MIRA
On-Sale Date: August 2012
ISBN: 978-0778313595
Mass Market Paperback
Romance
18+
384 pages plus Discussion Questions
Grade: A
Product Description:
When bullying threatens to destroy a teen’s life, painful memories resurface for dedicated high school teacher Laura Reed and pediatrician J. C. Fullerton. With the support of the Sweet Magnolias, they bring the town together to ensure that a promising student’s future isn’t ruined. And to establish once and for all that bullying has no place in Serenity, South Carolina.
Both J.C.’s and Laura’s passion for the cause is deeply personal, and their growing feelings for each other are just as strong. But with so many secret hurts to overcome, can these two vulnerable lovers find the strength to believe in happily ever after?
copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012
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1 comment:
sending you thanks!! :)
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