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Chasing Butterflies in the Magical Garden
Chasing Butterflies in the Magical Garden, is a story of enchanting friendships and magical bonds. After following her first love to the foothills of the Carolina's, Lizzy returns to her small southern town to start a life without her childhood sweetheart. Everything she imagined her life would be, now veered off in a different direction. The biggest fear of it all, the unknown, the anticipation of a life not yet imagined. Lizzy goes in search of her identity and finds the lasting power of friendship. Lizzy's childhood friend Ripley, reunites her with a former high school classmate Dee, who had been rumored to talk to the dead. Dee and her magical garden take Lizzy for the ride of a lifetime. She opens Lizzy's eyes to the existence of everyday magic. Dee teaches Lizzy that life is not solely about living, it is also about surviving. Lizzy and Dee are both in search of butterflies in the magical garden--we call life. To each girl, the butterflies mean something different. They learn along the way, if we look beyond the things we cannot see, we may find what we are looking for.
- GenresFiction
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
7 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 25, 2015
I have never read anything by this author. After reading this story though, I'll be watching for further works from her. I discovered this author on Amazon while seeking books to read and came across one that was free. The author graciously sent me a message notifying me that this book was only 99 cents. I looked it up and quickly bought it. I read it within a couple of hours.
What I found captivating was the author's ability to capture my attention, as well as, my emotions within this story. It brought back some many fond and not so fond memories regarding my own life. We, as people, tend to forget that we learn by our mistakes/misfortunes, and accomplishments. These will give each of us the tools/know how to move on in life with relative ease, if one will just remember what we have gone through and the many individuals that were and still are in involved with our lives.
The main/secondary characters were strong and realistic. Emotions, trial and error, and listening to elders, regarding story-telling and lessons of life and faith were made believable in a "Magikal Fairytale" sort of way. I loved how animals, both natural and mythological were mentioned in the telling of this story. Quotes are given at the beginning of each chapter that correspond with the lessons of life.
The pace of the story was smooth and steady. The concept was heartfelt and enriching. It contains light romance, intrigue, and life lessons from famous people of the past and present, and regular people within the characters lives. There are definitely many situations that will capture your attention that you as a person have went through.
Though, this story isn't one of my normal reads, it turned out to be a "keeper". I would recommend this story for all readers that enjoy stories that invoke memories both good and not so good of our own lives. It's very touching to the soul.
I loved the book cover. The artistic imagery captures the eye and fits the book within it's entirety. The book description was easy read and captures the attention. There is a Book 2 for this story, so I'm now off to read it. Enjoy.....
Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!
Note to the author: Please keep up the great work and you'll find readers that appreciate your storytelling.
What I found captivating was the author's ability to capture my attention, as well as, my emotions within this story. It brought back some many fond and not so fond memories regarding my own life. We, as people, tend to forget that we learn by our mistakes/misfortunes, and accomplishments. These will give each of us the tools/know how to move on in life with relative ease, if one will just remember what we have gone through and the many individuals that were and still are in involved with our lives.
The main/secondary characters were strong and realistic. Emotions, trial and error, and listening to elders, regarding story-telling and lessons of life and faith were made believable in a "Magikal Fairytale" sort of way. I loved how animals, both natural and mythological were mentioned in the telling of this story. Quotes are given at the beginning of each chapter that correspond with the lessons of life.
The pace of the story was smooth and steady. The concept was heartfelt and enriching. It contains light romance, intrigue, and life lessons from famous people of the past and present, and regular people within the characters lives. There are definitely many situations that will capture your attention that you as a person have went through.
Though, this story isn't one of my normal reads, it turned out to be a "keeper". I would recommend this story for all readers that enjoy stories that invoke memories both good and not so good of our own lives. It's very touching to the soul.
I loved the book cover. The artistic imagery captures the eye and fits the book within it's entirety. The book description was easy read and captures the attention. There is a Book 2 for this story, so I'm now off to read it. Enjoy.....
Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!
Note to the author: Please keep up the great work and you'll find readers that appreciate your storytelling.
January 5, 2014
I loved this book, it took me on an emotional roller coaster and I loved every second of it...I loved the characters, they were believable and I found myself relating to them more and more as the book went on...I loved the style of writing, it made the book flow in a way that made it a breeze to devour in one sitting but be warned, this book is hard to put down....most of all I loved the friendships that were formed and the journey they took in order to grow....this is an amazing book to start off the new year and I can't wait to read more from this author...thank you very much Ms Jorja DuPont Oliva for this amazing, inspirational but more importantly magical book, I hope to read more of your books sometime in the near future.
December 9, 2013
A wonderful read it has me laughing and crying . I enjoyed the authors way of writing and style and the beauty of friendship and inspiration i felt through the story.
August 17, 2015
Captivating, Intense & inspiring! A Beautiful Read! I Loved It!
January 31, 2016
I loved this book!!!
It has only been a month since I lost my mom and father-in-law. So when I finally picked up my kindle and started to read this story it spoke to me. I have seen the butterflies and I do follow and understand what this author is saying. Thank you for writing this book Jorja. It came to me at a time when I truly needed it...
It has only been a month since I lost my mom and father-in-law. So when I finally picked up my kindle and started to read this story it spoke to me. I have seen the butterflies and I do follow and understand what this author is saying. Thank you for writing this book Jorja. It came to me at a time when I truly needed it...
January 21, 2014
One of the great books I have read in a long time. The character were great and I felt like they were real. I just loved Lizzy (not just cause we share a name lol) and the growth she had. It was like I was growing with her. Dee was a great person and friend to Lizzy. It was like I was there living in their world. I can't wait to read more from Jorja. I would tell all my family and friends they need to read this book. It made me laugh and cry.
April 24, 2014
An amazing book written by an amazing author. I actually read the book in a day but it was so enlightening that I had to read it a second time. I grew up with the author in the small town so reading her book brought back so many memories of my younger days. I can't wait for her next book to be released. Kerp up the great writing. Love it!
April 11, 2014
Wonderful book in which I could not out down. It left me wanting more and I can't wait till the next one comes out. Thank you so much for sharing your life's story with your readers. Amazing and so well written. Would love to see a mini series
October 26, 2015
FINALLY ON KINDLE! check out the reviews on the paperback page!
November 27, 2017
Unbelievable
Breathtaking ,I've read it twice; great job hopefully i will ride out and meet you one day
Thank you
Alaina
Breathtaking ,I've read it twice; great job hopefully i will ride out and meet you one day
Thank you
Alaina
January 29, 2014
What a wonderful story about what is really important in life and how so often the most wonderful things come from the things that weren't planned. The author connects with you on such an emotional level you find yourself felling like you honestly know the characters. I found myself laughing, crying and cheering right along with the girls. To be blessed enough to have a friendship that opens your eyes to things you would have never seen and to live out loud like you never thought you could is remarkable but to be able to capture those feelings on paper to make everyone who reads them feel like they are part of them is nothing short of amazing which is exactly what DuPont-Oliva does it is hard to believe this is her first book. Cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us
February 3, 2014
This is a must read for any girl who has survived young love and healed to love again! Ms. Oliva has a way of taking you into the world that quickly swept her up as you share her trials, fears, successes and her ability to see the beauty in all things unseen and small. The hardest part about this book was putting it down and then wanting to continue to read when it came to an end. Loved the characters, her way of making sure the value of each person real and more lovable... I would recommend this book to girls 17 and on....
June 6, 2014
This was an excellent read! It really hit home for me and because it hit so close to me, it took me a little longer to read but I really enjoyed it. It really shows that even when things don't go just as you imagined, there can be even better things that open up to you. Even though life can be hard to survive and even though things don't always turned out as planned, better things do come along... ones you never could have imagined. I really recommend this book to everyone. This will be one I read again and again.
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February 7, 2014Chasing Butterflies is a well-told story that truly reminded me of Lisa Verge Higgins' books. Definitely a "New Adult" novel, it's colorful, honest and inspirational in its innocence. Lizzy and Dee discover true friendship - that rare and valuable relationship that transcends broken hearts, lost loves and even death. Over rough roads and sandy beaches, this duo grows up and into adulthood with strength and integrity. Bravo for Oliva's debut novel.
April 12, 2014
I am an avid reader and read this book in less than a day!! I couldn't put it down..the characters are so alive. I was on this journey with them, Jorja did an incredible job of bringing each and every character (no matter how small or large a part they played) to life. I laughed, I cried, I recognized the best and worst things about growing up in a small town. I can't wait for book #2 to come out!! Loved it!!
February 8, 2015
Such a innocent read...Beautiful book...It took me a little longer to finish this book because it took me longer to get into the story. However, once you get into the story it is heart touching. The saying 'never judge a book by its cover' is right. I never expected to read the story I did judging by the cover. I will have to read book 2 now just to see what it is all about.
May 27, 2014
One of those books you can't put down.
March 23, 2014
fun and fresh story! captivated frome beginning...
May 31, 2016
Enchanting, engaging, summer reading bliss! Took me back to my own youthful adventures when life was simpler and I was a bit wilder!
“Chasing Butterflies in the Magical Garden” is the first of the Chasing Butterflies series by author Jorja Dupont Oliva. The entire Chasing Butterflies series is great summertime reading following the lives of Lizzy, Ripley and Dee as they explore love and the thrill of finding big dreams in unexpected places.
Much to their surprise, the girls find that even in a sleepy little town life carries a fair mix of adventure and disappointment as well as some secrets that some would like to keep hidden. Perhaps Dee one the main characters explains it best, "Everyone has a story. Some are just trying to get out to live again."
If you're in the mood for a light read that is both entertaining and captivating, I highly recommend “Chasing Butterflies in the Magical Garden.”
“Chasing Butterflies in the Magical Garden” is the first of the Chasing Butterflies series by author Jorja Dupont Oliva. The entire Chasing Butterflies series is great summertime reading following the lives of Lizzy, Ripley and Dee as they explore love and the thrill of finding big dreams in unexpected places.
Much to their surprise, the girls find that even in a sleepy little town life carries a fair mix of adventure and disappointment as well as some secrets that some would like to keep hidden. Perhaps Dee one the main characters explains it best, "Everyone has a story. Some are just trying to get out to live again."
If you're in the mood for a light read that is both entertaining and captivating, I highly recommend “Chasing Butterflies in the Magical Garden.”
October 4, 2014
This was my first book. You never get over the first book. It always holds a special place in your heart!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews