The Firefly Hour

by Annie Rains

For a fractured family, a beloved inn becomes a place of healing in a bittersweet novel about loss, transformation, and second chances by a USA Today bestselling author.

After a hurricane barrels down the North Carolina coast, three estranged siblings reunite to repair their late grandmother’s bed-and-breakfast. The Shelter Inn still stands, suffused with childhood memories of pink-lemonade days and firefly-dotted nights. But the bonds between Amelia, Maggie, and Duncan are broken.

Amelia, the high achiever of the family, disapproves of Maggie’s aimless life, which has left her without a job, home, or vision for the future. Maggie resents Amelia’s need to control everything. Duncan, usually the peacekeeper, is preoccupied with his own problems—he’s been hiding a devastating secret from his stepsisters, and time is running out for closure.

Luckily, Grandma Laverne left behind a box of recipe cards offering wisdom on everything from curating the perfect summer day to mending a broken heart. As the family rebuilds the storm-damaged inn, the recipes help them come to terms with life’s misunderstandings—and missed connections. Can they let go of the past and forgive one another before another storm shakes them apart?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Family

299 pages, Paperback

Expected publication December 1, 2026

About the author

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1

For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bittersweet novel about loss, healing, and second chances.

After a hurricane leaves their grandmother’s North Carolina bed-and-breakfast in shambles, three estranged siblings, Amelia, Maggie and Duncan reunite to repair Shelter Inn. Amelia has been the high achiever and disdains Maggie’s aimless life while Maggie resents Amelia’s bossiness and controlling personality. Duncan, the innkeeper, has usually been the peacemaker of the three but he’s hiding a secret that he needs to disclose. What brings this fractured group together is a box of recipes left by their grandmother. Can this restore hearts and home?

I liked the story. Its coastal setting is cozy and picturesque. The characters are realistic and their quarrels are ones you might find in any family. The recipe concept was cleverly woven in and offered such a sweet way to get tensions resolved. This is a family story for readers who enjoy these offering heartfelt moments that give a sweet vibe. This a perfect read for a quiet evening before a fire and a snuggly blanket.

My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this ARC.

[Tess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankyou NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for the arc!

I really enjoyed the family dynamic and the way the story unfolded in this book. There was something about the story that kept me curious, and I liked getting to see everything from different POVs and how the siblings were trying to communicate and resolve. The brother’s POV in particular gave a lot of insight into what he was dealing with, and I found his situation quite emotional. It was especially hard to see him keep quiet about his health and carry so much on his own.

At the same time, I didn't quite feel the connection with the characters that I was hoping for. As the story progressed, I found myself understanding the siblings more and more, especially Amelia, whose perspective really grew on me and I enjoyed following their story, but I never completely felt emotionally attached to them. I think that kept me from fully getting swept up in the story, even though I found the plot and the siblings interesting.

Overall, the book was an enjoyable and interesting read for me. I liked the different perspectives and the emotional elements, even if I didn't connect with the characters as much as I sometimes wanted to.

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Duncan Harper has taken over the running of his grandmother's B&B. But a storm has left the Shelter Inn in need of repair and Duncan nowhere to be found. Neither of his step sisters can reach him, Amelia and Maggie head to the island to find their brother. But their combative relationship soon causes problems and Duncan has a secret of his own that he is afraid to tell.


I will apologise for the low score but the blurb described this as general/women's fiction and there is quite a healthy amount of romance in here. So, whilst the writing is fine and the characters are generally likeable, it is not the sort of book I enjoy. It is mainly romance with some homespun advice from Grandma Laverne by way of her Recipes for Life. They are somewhat schmaltzy (as is the whole book).

The rest of the book is filled with the girls' relationship difficulties and their love lives which, miraculously, seem to have taken a turn.

Firefly Lane was simply not my sort of book but if you enjoy a character-driven romance about live, love and family issues then you will probably enjoy this.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the digital review copy.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before we get to the actual book, “The Firefly Hour”, let me just say that I want to meet Grandma Laverne. I didn’t picture her looking like my grandmother but had a feeling they would have been great friends. So many similarities in their wisdom.

This novel is about three siblings that are estranged. They let their own personalities skew how they see the other siblings. Well, more so the two sisters. As they gather at their deceased grandmother’s house, they see the damage left behind from the latest hurricane. But what is truly revealed is their hearts. Every corner.

This book isn’t groundbreaking. But instead, its brilliance is found more in the reminder of common courtesy, showing respect, and loving others. The novel is full of “recipes” written by Grandma Lavergne that force us to take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and choose love.
There is a moment that even though I expected it, I found it to be emotional. It is written beautifully. And I, too, could see those vibrant colors.

Thank you, Annie Rains, for painting us a beautiful work of art.

Do yourself a favor and fix yourself a mason jar of sweet tea. Sit on the porch and watch the fireflies, then read this book. Grandma Laverne would approve.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Firefly Hour is a tender, heartfelt novel about family fractures, long‑held resentments, and the quiet ways love finds its way back in. Annie Rains captures the emotional weight of sibling relationships beautifully, setting it against the evocative backdrop of a storm‑damaged North Carolina inn filled with childhood memories.

Amelia, Maggie, and Duncan each arrive at The Shelter Inn carrying their own burdens, and watching them navigate the messy terrain of old hurts and unspoken truths feels both honest and deeply relatable. The tension between Amelia and Maggie is especially well drawn—two sisters who love each other but can’t quite bridge the gap between expectation and disappointment. Duncan’s storyline adds a gentle ache, his secret casting a shadow that makes his attempts at peacekeeping even more poignant.

Grandma Laverne’s recipe cards are a lovely touch, offering small pieces of wisdom that guide the siblings as they rebuild not just the inn, but their connection to one another. The blend of nostalgia, grief, and hope gives the story a warm emotional glow, like fireflies on a summer night.

This is a bittersweet, uplifting novel about second chances, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to let go of the past. A beautifully told family story with plenty of heart.

With thanks to Annie Rains, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Firefly Hour is a touching story of three siblings as they work to reconnect and re-establish the bonds they had as children. Add in a life-threatening disease, and the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It’s a story worth reading, but have some tissues handy!

[Brittany | the nerdy fox · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

“Remember, sugar, success tastes different for everyone. Stop trying to match someone else’s recipe and perfect your own.”

Everyone needs a Grandma Laverne. This book is riddled with her recipes for life, and that was hands down my favorite part of this book.

3 siblings inherit the Shelter Inn, in coastal NC when their grandmother passed away. The oldest, Amelia, has a phD and a fancy job in NJ. Maggie, the middle child is a free spirit that doesn’t like to be tied down. And Duncan, has been the one that stayed behind to run the Inn. When a hurricane hits the coast and no one has heard from Duncan in a few days it draws the sisters to the Inn to check in.

All 3 siblings are a little broken and searching for something. As they come together to fix the Inn post Hurricane we learn more about their complicated relationships together and in their personal lives.

While I absolutely loved the recipes for life every few chapters that tied into the story beautifully, the bulk of the story with the siblings just felt childish and was underwhelming. It’s odd because the book deals with some really heavy topics, I just couldn’t connect with the characters the way I had hoped.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I've been reading mostly romcoms, but the story sounded very interesting. Occasionally, I like a heavier book and this was an Amazon First Reads for November 2026. I really enjoyed the grandmother's life recipes and each characters perspectives. The bood had great imagery and was well planned. It was a fast book; finished in under a day. If you are looking for a complex family dynamic with protective secrets, I recommend this book. I thought it wrapped up nicely. I am really bad with reviews, because I do not want to give anything away.

[Nicole Duvall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book is special! I was in tears and yet hopeful. This story of 3 siblings brought back together to mourn the passing of their beloved Grandma Laverne and determine the future of her The Shelter Inn. The weather conspires to hold them together for a bit more. This is a tale of love family and the advice of generations

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Firefly Hour by Annie Raines
“Life’s a lot like baking, sugar,” she’d say, flour dusting her arms as she rolled out a pie crust. “You follow the recipe, but sometimes you gotta trust your instincts and throw in a pinch of this or that. Don’t be afraid to listen to that little voice that guides you. That’s where the magic happens."
Grandma Laverne is still a wise woman in my opinion even after she's gone. I loved how the author puts this loaded quote into this story. To me, it says everything!
This was a wonderful story! I enjoyed it lots! I wish there was more of hurricane Daniel
There are times when we are very busy with our lives but I do understand Amelia a little bit.
Every person has some regrets about what we should've done or didn't do.
I liked this story very much because it has lessons to learn from. One lesson I took away from this story is to learn to appreciate the people we love while they're still here. Tomorrow's NOT promised
I'm giving this one 5 stars for a job well done and for keeping my interest. This is definitely women's fiction at its best
You'll want a box of tissues by your side. Some of this is sad.
The author has done well with a certain subject in this heartfelt story. Some things just aren't meant to be kept hidden no matter what. Especially if your body betrays you. Its really not fair is it?
I just loved Maggie. I so wished I had her carefree spirit and energy. She was my favorite character for that very reason. It's not often I see a real life person with that kind of spirit. Most of us are weighed down by life. Like the older sister Amelia. Ive felt like her in more ways than one. I wish I was more like Maggie but unfortunately I'm not.
I really did enjoy this novel and it's one I will be thinking about long after it's over.
I'm giving this story 5 stars for the excellent storytelling. I was kept glued to the end.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel covers a lot of emotional territory but lacks truly engaging characters. It made for a moderately interesting read with some heavy issues including grief, loss, and terminal illness.

Following the death of their beloved grandmother, three siblings are reunited on a hurricane-ravaged island. As they assess the damage to their grandmother’s bed and breakfast, the Shelter Inn, they also encounter the damage to their relationships with each other – some based on long-standing sibling conflict and others due to secrets kept beyond their due date.

Amelia is the eldest and “the responsible one”- translate that into the critic who needs to be in control. The middle sibling, Maggie, is a free spirit who lacks direction and is the target of Amelia’s sharp tongue. Lastly, there is Duncan, the youngest stepbrother who has been running the Inn with Grandma Laverne and now faces a life-altering crisis. He has served as the peacekeeper amid the turmoil between his stepsisters. While many of the issues among these three are relatable, the characters themselves are not particularly likeable. Woven into the story are a few minor characters that add a little color, dimension for romance, and second chances for happiness.

While the characters muddle through the tension of their fractured relationships, the overarching theme is one of impending loss. It makes for a heavy read with occasional bursts of wisdom inserted through Granda Laverne’s recipes for food and a well-lived life. The conclusion is both sad and satisfying, taking place over a year later from the main action.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[labyr · Rating 1 out of 5]

At the core of the story are the three siblings Maggie, Amelia, and Duncan. Amelia is the no nonsense go getter, Maggie is the whimsical wild child, and Duncan is the kind, here for you brother. We see each sibling POV as they navigate romance, family, and Duncan’s devastating secret while Grandma Lavern remains the thread at the heart of it all.

Unfortunately, this was not my cup of tea. While I did find Grandma Lavern’s recipes for a good life a cute inclusion in the book, most of the novel did not work for me. It very much felt like I was reading a book at all times and I was never able to dive into the story, and often resorted to skimming to finish the book. I didn’t feel invested in any of the characters or the plot with both feeling one dimensional. I will say it was a quick, simple read that others may find more joy in.

* As always these are my opinions, this review is for me to process my reading more than anything else, and one man’s 1 star is another man’s 5 star!
**Advanced Readers Copy provided by NetGalley

[Mona Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of *The Firefly Hour* before publication. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

*The Firefly Hour* is a warm, emotional story about family, grief and second chances. After a hurricane damages their late grandmother’s beloved bed-and-breakfast, Amelia, Maggie and Duncan are brought back together to repair the Shelter Inn. The problem is that the inn is not the only thing that needs fixing — their relationships with one another have been fractured for years.

I really liked the sibling dynamic because none of them arrives without baggage. Amelia is the organised, high-achieving one who has very definite opinions about how everyone else should live, while Maggie resents being judged and feels as though she has never quite found her place. Duncan is usually the peacekeeper, but he is carrying a secret of his own that gives his storyline a much more emotional edge. Their disagreements felt believable because there is clearly still love underneath all the frustration.

The Shelter Inn was probably my favourite part of the book. I loved the nostalgia surrounding it and the memories of summers spent there with their grandmother. The box of recipe cards she leaves behind, filled with little pieces of advice about life and healing, could easily have felt overly sentimental, but I found it quite charming. As they work on rebuilding the inn, those memories gradually force the siblings to confront the misunderstandings and hurt they have avoided for years.

This is definitely more of a character-driven family story than a fast-paced novel, so there were moments where the pacing felt a little gentle for me. Some of the emotional developments are also fairly predictable, and you can see where certain relationships are heading. But I still found myself invested because I wanted the siblings to stop hurting one another and finally have the conversations they had been avoiding.

I also liked that the book does not present healing as something instant. The hurricane may physically bring everyone back together, but repairing years of resentment takes much longer than repairing a building. There is a nice message here about forgiveness, grief and understanding that people can experience the same family history very differently.

Overall, *The Firefly Hour* was a heartfelt and comforting read with a lovely setting and believable family relationships. It is bittersweet in places, but ultimately hopeful, and I enjoyed watching Amelia, Maggie and Duncan slowly find their way back to one another. A lovely choice for readers who enjoy family dramas, second chances and stories about rebuilding after loss.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.

Genre: Women's Fiction / Family Drama

After a hurricane devastates the North Carolina coast, three estranged siblings return to their late grandmother's beloved bed-and-breakfast to rebuild both the inn and their fractured relationships. Guided by Grandma Laverne's treasured recipe cards filled with life lessons, Amelia, Maggie, and Duncan begin the difficult journey toward healing, forgiveness, and finding their way back to one another.

A few things that I LOVED:

This is a beautiful story about family, forgiveness, and the complicated but enduring bond between siblings.

Grandma Laverne's recipe cards added such a heartfelt and unique element to the story. They felt like little gifts of wisdom woven throughout the book.

The setting of the coastal North Carolina inn was warm, nostalgic, and easy to picture, making it feel like a place you'd love to visit.

The emotional moments felt genuine without becoming overly sentimental.

This is a character-driven novel that focuses more on relationships than plot twists. It explores grief, forgiveness, and second chances with warmth and heart. If you have siblings, I can almost promise you'll shed a tear at least once. And if you've ever had a grandmother you turned to for advice, whether she's still with you or lives on in your memories, you'll find yourself smiling more times than you can count.

The Firefly Hour is a heartfelt reminder that families aren't perfect, but love has a remarkable way of finding its way back. Annie Rains has written a touching story full of hope, healing, and the kind of wisdom that stays with you long after you turn the final page. I recommend it to readers who enjoy emotional family stories with memorable characters and a strong sense of place.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very deep sad story about Duncan and two sisters.

First time reading this author found on first read.
This is a very sad deep novel about love and loss and a family member dealing with a fatal illness plus sisters navigating different personalitys.
This is a good book for debate, he never told his family he had huntingtons disease his father (sisters stepfather) died from the illness so he knew what was coming and saw his family two step sisters and step mum dealing with the grief, not wanting to put them through it again ten years later and losing gran three years ago he stayed quite, this book starts where he is getting really sick and hard to hide it now (he hears dead gran chatting to him, I wondered about that, it was fitting being he is close nicely done) don't want to give it away but it's a shock what he chooses to do that would also make a good debate. What would you do. His sister's are not happy in life he can see this and both are alone and lonely. They both do have love interests but it's more in the background not what the book is really about. I cried near the end. We do get a 11 months later. But still a sad story that covers many area.
The recipe parts I did feel was long and very often. (But then I am not into self help books)
It did remind me of a series by Kelly Collins where a recipe book gets sneakily past on to a person needed love and single instructions are in the beginning telling you to pick one recipe to cook ect the book has hint about the food but with life lessons as well it's like a granny giving you advice. In a way this book reminded me of that with the recipe.
A deep meaningful read will look at more work from this author.
Ps thank you for the good cry.

[J.C. Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandma Laverne's bed and breakfast, The Shelter Inn, sits in a small town on the North Carolina coast. After a hurricane hits, three siblings come together to repair the inn, but the only thing they seem to have in common is Laverne herself and the reunion ends up in angry words and tears.

Amelia has just gotten a high paying job she's been working towards for years, while Maggie floats from job to job and relationship to relationship. Amelia thinks her sister is only at the inn because she has nowhere else to live. Duncan, who is usually the one who works to bring peace between them has been running the inn since their grandmother's death, and he's a bit preoccupied with something he's not yet ready to share.

There is so much discord and anger, especially between the two women in this novel. They are coming together because their grandmother's inn has weathered a storm, and then Duncan's secret comes to light—at least for the reader if not for his sister's right away. There is much to be sad about in this novel, but Rains has created a story that still feels hopeful even though the characters she writes are carrying so much on their shoulders. The recipe cards Grandma Laverne wrote and kept in a box were a huge bit of levity in this family drama, and even when it becomes clear that this story is heading in a difficult direction, it's almost impossible to be unhappy.

This is a beautiful novel. The family dynamic was convoluted, but realistic, and Rains brought the past into the present so well. Few books have made me feel like this one did. I would definitely recommend this read.

[AF Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like half book was missing. This felt like a collage of photos on a board in a dorm room. Each photo tells only its own story - but no context - no background.
Amelia had a life she built for herself- after stopping for dinner- sees coworkers having a party she wasn’t invited to. Finding a wee kitty- she feeds it - all of a sudden she’s back at Shelter Island- welcomed back- and slips back into a life built on a lot of memories. Huh? Really?? What happened to the cat? Her sister had no complaints about being ignored?? Wow- my sisters would have wanted apologies written in blood- or at the very least- good whiskey.
We meet brother Duncan- cab driver recognizes Duncan- no discussion of commonality- or even Duncan try to catch up. Doesn’t even make it to the house- drops dead on the beach for his sisters to find. Maggie spends a lot of time making pancakes? Huh!! Why?? Yeah- she runs a bed and breakfast. She goes from making and admiring her beautiful pancakes and goes for a walk on the beach. I found myself hoping she turned the burners off. So many holes in the continuity.
Grandma’s recipes?? Really - advice on a recipe card? All of a sudden Amelia is being proposed to by a guy named Matt mentioned briefly in the beginning- she owed him apologies. Book done???!!! Totally unsatisfactory.
I gave it 3 stars because what I read was well written and beautifully edited for grammar, spelling et al.
There used to be a magazine called Redbook. It was a “woman’s” magazine- full of recipes, fashion advice, appropriately curated advertisements, and short stories or serial stories. That’s what this book reminds me of. A set of magazines stories.

[Christine Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firefly Hour by Annie Rains has it all. First of all this book has a great title that takes you back to childhood days growing up in a space where joy is found sitting around at dusk watching the world with people who love you. Throw in a bed and breakfast, The Shelter Inn, off the coast of North Carolina, run by your favorite Grandma and you are on your way to happy endings. It is the recipe of great contemporary, uplifting fiction that is sure to predict a big bow tied up nice and fluffy during the epilogue. However, everyone knows that life can’t always be that perfect.

Separated by miles and life decisions, sisters Maggie and Amelia are returning to their summer place to help their step-brother, Duncan clean up from a recent hurricane and their Grandmother Laverne’s recent passing. While Amelia and Maggie disagree and berate each other at every turn, Duncan has his own decisions to make that will inevitably affect them all.

A great, summer read that invokes memories of days gone by, sibling rivalry, love lost and found, illness, fear, and bravery to start again, Firefly Hour has it all. I loved and appreciated Grandma Laverne’s recipe cards with life lessons written on the back for future generations to find and use. Even though I found this to be a charming addition to the story, I found them to get a little excessive as the story went on. In the end, I enjoyed the story and will suggest it to others.

The statements and opinions on this book are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.

[Jan Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Firefly Hour
Annie Rains
December 01,2026

After a hurricane along the coast of North Carolina Amelia phones her brother Duncan sporadically to make certain their grandmother LaVerne’s inn is still standing. No response to messages or calls, she packs up the car, takes time off and heads down the coast to find out if he was hurt in the storm. After arriving she finds the door locked, the front window broken… upon entering she carefully goes from room to room. Suddenly she hears footsteps, then someone plodding down the stairwell. Uncertain, she grabs a kitchen knife and prepares for trespassing. To her surprise, her sister,Maggie rounds the corner.
The Firefly Hour will be published on December 01, 2026 by Lake Union Publishing. I was able to read and review Rains latest novel via NetGalley. It is a wonderful story of three siblings that have grown apart since their grandmother’s death. Duncan has stayed behind in Shelter Inn keeping it occupied and a place for many to vacation. Maggie has never found a home to stay. It has been one boyfriend and city after another while Amelia received her PHD, and found a job in New Jersey. She did well but never quite felt at ease there. Readers will brace themselves after meeting Duncan. He’s had medical problems. The family has not been informed so his story becomes the basis for the plot. This genuine heartbreaker will keep readers full time until the conclusion. Do enjoy!

[Melanie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Firefly Hour brings three estranged siblings back together after a hurricane damages their late grandmother’s North Carolina bed-and-breakfast. Amelia, Maggie, and Duncan already have years of resentment and misunderstandings between them, so repairing the Shelter Inn quickly becomes about much more than fixing storm damage. Duncan is also keeping a serious secret from his stepsisters, adding another layer to an already complicated reunion.

I especially liked Grandma Laverne’s recipe cards, which contain advice for everything from creating the perfect summer day to repairing a broken heart. They could have felt overly sentimental, but instead they give the siblings a believable connection to their grandmother while gradually pushing them to reconsider their relationships with one another. The inn itself also works well as the center of the story because it holds so many of their shared childhood memories.

This is a quiet family story about grief, resentment, forgiveness, and the possibility of starting over. Some of the emotional conflicts resolved a little more neatly than I expected, but I enjoyed spending time with this family and watching them slowly find their way back to each other.

My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.

[Amanda Sexton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book as part of Amazon’s First Reads. I thought it sounded interesting, but the editing on the book was very much lacking, and I quit at 6%.

B&B went through a Cat 5 hurricane, yet a large wreath is still hanging on the front door.

Window in dining room is broken, yet the room still had flowers on the table, and there was no sign of destruction outside of the broken window, though all of the porch furniture had been blown off the back deck on the other side of the window.

The author used repetitive adjectives in very close proximity. Ie. “Crisp” twenty dollar bills for the taxi driver….”crisp” white paint on the front door as she carried her luggage up to the B&B.

Nicknames are supposed to be capitalized if that is the name someone is called by. First time Grandma’s recipe card is thought of, Grandma says, “Life’s a lot like baking, sugar,”. It took me completely out of the story to figure out whether she was referring to the white, sweet baking item, or the child is Sugar…..hint, she was referring to the child.

The final straw was when one of the main characters was described as, “pulling prayer hands together at her chest."

Each of these things alone, I would have kept reading, but in such a short span of space, my frustration level overflowed, and I chose to DNF.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia, Maggie, and Duncan grew up spending magical summers at their late grandmother’s bed-and-breakfast, the Shelter Inn, on the coast of North Carolina. But as adults, the once close siblings have drifted far apart. Amelia, armed with her PhD and relentless ambition, openly criticizes Maggie’s meandering, uncertain path. Duncan, the steady caretaker of the Inn since their grandmother’s passing, often finds himself caught in the middle—especially as he carries a secret with serious consequences.
When a hurricane leaves the Shelter Inn badly damaged, the three siblings reunite to repair what’s broken. In the process, they discover the box of handwritten recipes Grandma Laverne left behind—each one paired with a bit of her heartfelt wisdom. As they work side by side, her gentle guidance helps them confront old wounds, misunderstandings, and the tangled challenges of their adult lives.
This engaging story captured not only my attention but also my heart within just a few pages. I nearly read it straight through to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I dry my eyes after finishing this beautiful story, I can not say enough good things about this book. I don’t know, perhaps this story hit me at a more emotional time for me, but I truly loved this story. The story of three somewhat estranged siblings coming together to fix the B&B owned by theirrecently deceased grandmother Laverne, hit all the right notes for me, this book was heartbreaking, heartwarming, emotional, many of the factors that in my opinion make a good story. Amelia, Maggie and Duncan each have issues, secrets, that come out at the appropriate time during this tumultuous reunion. I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but suffice to say this story shows the ultimate love and support these siblings have for each other and the coming of many realizations for each sibling. The added stories and recipe cards from grandma Laverne was a touching and significant part of the book.

[Kimberly Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following a devastating hurricane, three estranged siblings come together at their deceased grandmother’s bed and breakfast on North Carolina’s Shelter Island. As children, summers spent at their grandmother’s inn on the island had been idyllic, but life has not turned out as Amelia, Maggie and Duncan expected. Will coming together allow them to rebuild the closeness from the past and to take charge of their lives once more?

I enjoy this type of novel about fractured families and rediscovering what’s important in life, but many aspects of this novel felt forced. Amelia and Maggie are flawed characters – and that’s fine – but they also felt far too immature for their ages. And the grandmother’s saccharine “recipes” didn’t work at all for me. Setting and themes were enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandma Laverne left behind her recipes, so when her grandchildren arrive after a hurricane. Amelia, Maggie, and Duncan, who hasn't seen each other, came to rely on the recipes. So many recipes to help them through life. It is a rocky start as they area ll there. They haven't been close, and they are far apart as they all come to the The Shelter Inn. A little sibling rivalry at its finest, secrets they aren't sharing, and they each need to work on themselves, to discover who they really are, what they want, and hopefully learn to take a step into letting go of the past and seeing what they have now.
It is a story of heartbreak, love, learning many things, but it was a story of all they went through from arriving, to as their journeys unfolded and all they had to face.
I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley.

[Barbara Bahr-gerstner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story!

I rarely write book reviews as I often find it difficult to eloquently express my views. I just have to say that this story has ALL the feels and I've highlighted more than ever.
I laughed, got annoyed and cried, a lot.
With each chapter I anxiously awaited the next life recipe from Grandma Laverne's stash.
This story is filled with so much love, torment and beauty. It made me think about my own life, regrets and loved ones whom I hold so dear.
I was a bit worried that it would be cheesy, but was pleasantly surprised to find it warm and thought provoking.
Lessons learned? Believe in your dreams and make them happen. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you and always be honest with them. Appreciate the life you've been given and live each day as if its your last.

Thank you to Annie Rains for this wonderful wonderful story.

[Joanne Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. It was about a brother and two sisters who used to come to their Grandmother’s B&B every summer. They are adults and the oldest sister has a PhD and a great job but she is miserable. The younger sister had tended to move from place to place. The brother now runs the B&B. The Grandmother had these recipe cards with real recipes and also life lesson recipes. The brother has the same disease that killed his father. He doesn’t tell his sisters even thought he found out at age 19. He is now 30 and going down hill. He finally tells them and leaves with a girl he had a crush on as a teenager to go away. She had a bad experience and now has PSTD. He is gone a year but then comes back to the B&B and dies. The older sister realizes she is miserable and comes back to the B&B to run it with her sister (who took over for the brother).

[Paula · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

The Firefly Hour is a heartfelt story of three siblings who are trying to renovate their grandmother’s B&B, while needing to reconnect even more too. I like how the story unfold from all the siblings POV. As in life all three see the past and present from a very different perspective. By Annie Rains, the repairs on the inn are easier than the repairs of their relationships. I especially liked that it was a story of two sisters and a brother. Duncan POV and situation added so much to the story being the most emotional of the three. I may start a recipe box that includes life’s little wisdom for the future generation too. Her wisdom helped jump start them to slowly come to clear misconceptions, forgive, grief so healing could begin and find acceptance. A relationship and character driven story it gives wisdom to the reader too.

[Dana Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a hurricane, two sisters travel to their grandmother's inn to check on their brother after he suddenly stops responding to their calls and messages.

The sisters have always had a complicated relationship and are constantly at odds with each other, while their brother has always been the one who keeps the peace. But this time, something seems to have happened to him.

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. The premise was intriguing, and I was looking forward to the mystery, but I never felt fully invested in the story. It moved too slowly for my taste, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. While I can see why it might work for other readers, it simply didn't hold my attention.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Firefly Hour by Annie Rains, published by Lake Union Publishing
This story  was just ok for me. I found it started skimming the story at around 60%
I wasn't engaged with the characters, although I appreciated that the story was about Duncan's illness and how he was dealing with it, when and how to tell his family. There is lots of emotion in this novel. I'm not sure how I felt about the addition of Granny's recipes for life, I feel it interrupted the story and could have been presented differently involving the characters directly.
I did like the setting and the family run business.
This is the first novel I've read by this author and I would read more, I just found this one lacked a bit for me personally