She's lost her dream job—but has she found the man of her dreams?
Devastated by a downsizing, Marisa St. George has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it means a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow's End resort. The only silver lining: Blake Kendall, a new guest who might make her believe in love at first sight. But will Marisa's dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers Blake's real identity?
This warm and witty story of dreams deferred and mistaken identity will have you believing in second chances.
When I read At Bluebonnet Lake, the first book in Amanda Cabot's Texas Crossroads series, I enjoyed it, and I liked the characters, but I didn't really connect with the story. So when the chance came to review the second book, In Firefly Valley, I wasn't sure if I should take it or not. I am so glad I did.
In Firefly Valley has great characters, an intriguing plot, and two sweet romances. Both of these romances are basically love at first (or second) sight, a trope I normally do not appreciate at all. But in this setting, it works marvelously. Blake and Marisa both have secrets that stretch their relationship to the breaking point just as it begins, and their issues struck me as very realistic (perhaps not the circumstances themselves, but the way they dealt with them). Then there's the second romance, where Marisa's best friend Lauren gets a second chance at love with a most unexpected man. This romance has more of a fairy tale quality to it, but it's super sweet.
Cabot brings incredibly heavy issues to the table in this novel, including alcoholism, bitterness and anger, and verbal abuse. Yet the novel somehow has a light tone—while those issues inform the plot, Cabot doesn't dwell on them; instead, she focuses on forgiveness and restoration.
I loved virtually everything about In Firefly Valley, and I'm so glad I decided to give this novel a chance! 4-1/2 stars.
Note: While this is the second book in the Texas Crossroads series, it can easily be read without having first read book one. That said, readers who enjoyed book one will love continuing Greg, Kate, and Carmen's stories.
Read an excerpt.
Buy the book.
Read my review of Cabot's At Bluebonnet Lake (3-1/2 stars).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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