Dragonfly

by Carrie Sparks McClain

She swore she would never return…

…but ten years later, after the tragic death of her beloved aunt, Aubrey Todd finds herself the new owner of her aunt’s lake house that holds her summertime childhood memories, both good and bad. There she discovers that in order to move on with her life, she will have to go back to the sleepy southern town of Walker and the boy that forced her to leave. She quickly learns that not everything is quite what it seems. The lake holds a deep, dark secret to her aunt's story and someone is determined to keep the past in the past.

268 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2014

About the author

Carrie Sparks McClain is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where she majored in public relations. Carrie began her writing career with the occasional article for her local newspaper, before challenging herself to finish her first novel. She is currently working on the second book in the Walker mystery series. She resides in Tennessee with her husband and daughter, where she enjoys cooking and music.

Reviews

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey grew up spending her summers at her Aunt’s lake home Dragonfly. All her best memories are of the time she spent there and the people she knew. But insistent teasing from a boy who didn’t know how to show her his feelings leaves her running for cover and promises to never return. Until the fateful day she gets the call that of her Aunt’s death. So she travels home to Walker to say her last good byes, and this is where fate steps in. Her Aunt leaves the lake house Dragonfly to Aubrey, which she soon finds out, is shrouded in mysteries and secrets. Aubrey slowly learns more about the life her aunt lived during the other months of the year when she wasn’t entertaining her niece during summer visits. To top Jason the boy who teased her right out of town waltzes in her life driving her crazy from the moment she lays eyes on him, but this time he is the cop working the case that seems to have her Aunt right in the center of it.

Aubrey is determined to keep Jason at a distance and he just can’t get enough of the girl that got away. Little do they know that she is being stalked, let alone the danger she is in. Aubrey and Jason are a true hot and cold, fire and ice couple. They thrive of the banter and the give and take and struggle to find a balance that makes both of them happy. In the end she pushes him away and runs again breaking his heart. It takes time and distance to find that her heart and soul belongs to the dreamy cop and the lake house in Dragonfly.

The mystery around the story keeps the pages turning and leaves you guessing as to who truly wants to hurt Aubrey. Dragonfly is a fantastic read that I highly recommend if you are looking for a mystery romance.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I started this book I was sure I knew how it would end and I was not far off. Sometimes that is a letdown for me, in this case I loved it. Carrie Sparks McClain knew exactly how to keep me reading without giving it all away. I never saw the who in the mystery of what was found in the lake. The twists and turns throughout the entire story kept me entertained and unable to stop reading. I actually dreamed about the Dragonfly house and the lake it was situated on one night.

The setting of the small town where everyone knows everyone and everyone knows each others business was perfect. The fact that Aubrey use to visit there every summer and the same people from her childhood still lived there made it so precious. These were people who care about her and wanted her to be happy. I do wish I knew the reason behind Aubrey’s tough attitude and her fear of trusting people and letting them into her life, but some things are left to imagine.


This is a book that I will definitely recommend. I believe most chic-lit readers will enjoy it.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book moved a little slow for me and the story read like a girlfriend was relaying it to me instead of me getting caught up in the words of the story. For a first book, I think the author did well. I think she has potential. I just thought the writing was a bit choppy. And could've flowed more. I didn't see the surprise element of mystery/danger coming in the book. It totally caught me off guard and was a little abrupt, but once it was fully incorporated, it made sense.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of my thoughts can be found at: http://www.teamskelley.com/2014/08/dr...

But for the quick version: I really liked it. For a debut novel, Carrie McClain really accomplished something with Dragonfly and I look forward to reading her future work!

[Tami]

Haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 7/1/14
Received my copy and hope to start soon. I have 7 others plus my current read in front. 7/14/14