Fireflies and Magnolias

Dare River #3

by Ava Miles

Amelia Ann Hollins might have been raised to be a sweet magnolia, but she’s found her inner fire—the quest for justice. The secrets she carries and a tragedy from her past prompt her to volunteer at a legal clinic in the worst part of town. Here she can serve and protect the one she couldn’t save. Here she will risk everything.

Clayton Chandler’s happy life ended when his daddy died tragically when he was a boy. He lost his belief in magic and signs, but Amelia Ann is stirring the embers of passion and faith inside him again. He doesn’t plan on risking his heart. To make matters worse, he works for her rock star brother and knows better than to date the younger sister of his best friend.

When Amelia Ann volunteers to help with her brother’s charity concert, Clayton has nowhere to run. Soon he can no longer deny his fiery passion for Amelia Ann, and as the danger of her calling and her secrets threaten their newfound love, they’ll learn fireflies are magical and magnolias can burn hotter than steel.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Ebooks

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2015

About the author

Millions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.

Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.

After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fireflies and Magnolias is book #three in the Dare River series by Ava Miles. I have been in love with this series since I read the first book in the series, Country Heaven. This family has lodged themselves into my heart. This is the story of Amelia Ann and Clayton. This book will literally shred your heart into little tiny pieces and then put it all back together again.



Rye, Tammy, Amelia Ann and their father have all escaped their oppressing mother/wife and now are all living in Dare River. They are all slowly healing from a lifetime of hurt while finding out who they really are. They have come together as a family in ways they never imagined and loving the family bonds that have developed. Tammy and her children are happy and Tammy is in love with J.P. She and the children are still healing from the years she suffered at the hands of her ex-husband. Now the hurt she lived with has become Amelia Ann’s life work, she wants to help other women who have suffered in the same way. She is volunteering at a legal clinic in the worst part of Nashville and she loves every minute of it.



Amelia Ann knows what she wants and goes after it. She wants to be a lawyer and help abused women. And she wants Clayton Chandler. The problem is, Clayton is her brother Rye’s best friend and manager. Rye is a huge country music star. Clayton has a will of iron and no matter how attracted to Amelia Ann he is, he feels like it is wrong to see his best friend’s little sister in that way. But, Amelia Ann is not going to take no for an answer.



The family is working together on Rye’s huge upcoming concert that will also be a benefit for victims of domestic violence. The project brings Clayton and Amelia together and it is harder and harder to ignore the connection between them. It isn’t until Amelia Ann gets herself into a very tense situation with one of her clients and is forced to ask Clayton for help that he finally can no longer hold his feelings in.



Amelia Ann, though, is keeping a secret from Clayton and her family. A secret that could destroy all they have built between them. She knows she has to tell the truth but will they ever be able to forgive her? Will Clayton forgive her?



This book deals with a very sensitive subject, domestic violence. But Ava Miles does it in the most beautiful, sensitive way. This is a book of healing, forgiveness and the power of love. The book is devastating and amazing, all at the same time. Ava, you have done it again with this beautiful, magical story. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Susannah and Jake’s story, The Promise of Rainbows. Thank you so much for such a beautiful book and series.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick summary
Law student Amelia Ann Hollins, youngest sister of country music star Rye Crenshaw, is determined to get Clayton Chandler to acknowledge they have chemistry and need to start acting on it. Trouble is, Rye's his best friend and his boss (Clayton is his deputy manager). She's coming on strong and he's doing a great job of keeping her at arm's length.

One more thing...
Amelia Ann's got a few secrets. No one knows that she was the tabloid leak who disclosed Rye's payoff to sister Tammy's abusive ex-husband. And, she's volunteering at a legal services clinic in a rough area of Nashville.

What works about this story
Though Amelia Ann comes across as a traditional Southern belle, she's also a young woman of substance. She's decided to make domestic abuse her focus and is determined to make her own way. The spotlight on this issue is daunting, presented in a meaningful, if not distressing manner. It elevated this story to a completely higher level.

The romance is not without its issues, given Clayton's relationship with Rye and that he's seven years older. He also brings his own set of baggage but Amelia Ann is tenacious.

The bottom line
As with all of Ava's stories, family is a major element. She effectively combines romance with substantive issues and leaves you in a wonderful place. The characters are always layered and more complicated than they seem on the surface. This book continues that tradition even more powerfully. Loved it.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your heart sings a song of love, only the soft tones of an accompanying guitar can make your feelings a ballad. Too bad Clayton Chandler and Amelia Ann Hollins, country music star Rye Crenshaw’s baby sister seem to hit sour notes every time they are together. The harder she comes on, the more distant Clayton becomes. How can she convince him they were made to make sweet music together when he pulls the “I’m your brother’s best friend” or “You are too young, and naive about the world,” and my personal favorite, “Rye would kill me,” cards over and over.
What Clayton doesn’t know is there is so much more to Amelia Ann, she is dedicated to a cause near to her heart, abuse, specifically, spousal abuse. But Amelia Ann also carries a dark and painful secret in her heart, one that could shatter her family, her friends and their opinion of her.

Clayton is getting closer to the truth and time is running out for Amelia Ann to make her confession, knowing that any chance she had with him would be gone forever. Can she make amends with the person she wronged? Will that help the pain in her heart that Clayton will never see her as his woman, as opposed to Rye’s baby sister to protect? Or will a tale from the past and the glow of fireflies light the magic sparks of love as their wings gently fan the flames?

Ava Miles’ Fireflies and Magnolias is just one more warm and sensual addition to her amazing tales of romance. Told with her signature flare for all things love, Ms. Miles keeps that small town flavor of her previous series while bringing together a cast of more worldly characters. Rye Crenshaw is still larger than life, Clayton still needs to use less starch, and Amelia Ann? She is caught between being the feisty woman she can be and living in the shadows of her famous brother. Each page is filled with emotional turmoil, some good, some bad, but these characters bring it all home for Ms. Miles, once again, with humor, heart and swoon-worthy love.

I received this copy from Ava Miles in exchange for my honest review. Summer is coming, and her stories will make the perfect reading companion. They may even shine brighter than the sun!

Series: Dare River - Book 3
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Ava Miles, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 392 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging, Heartwrenching, Tragic, Heartwarming, Fascinating & Intense! An Excellent Read! I Loved It!

[Carolee Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice wrap up of the Hollins family. Family for all the flaws and imperfections are still family. Lots of forgiveness and growth. Very tough read, trigger domestic violence but handled so beautifully and sensitively. On to the rest of the McGuiness family in book 4.

[Nanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been really enjoying this series, and I love the writing - Ava is a really talented author. My only problem with this book was the way Clayton treated Amelia Ann most of the time. I think there's a difference between being gruff and being mean, and he crossed that line a few times in the story. Maybe that'd be reason for a 4-stars rating, not 3. But - SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
... But I didn't like the end. There was this conflict, and Clayton broke things off with Amelia, in a really predictable way, and then he proceeded to treating her badly time and time again, only to be forgiven in the blink of an eye when he realized what a jerk he'd been. I can't even remember if he apologized for all the mean words he said to her. I just can't enjoy a story where I keep thinking 'tell him to go to hell' and the h keeps pursuing the H.

[Samantha Kauchis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might have given this one 4 stars, like I have every other except... Clayton was a royal jerk through 90% of the book. Even when he and Amelia Anne were supposed to be happy together he was dickish. Acting like he was better than her because he was practically a manwhore and she was the innocent virgin who had no life experience. Kinda got old fast. Despite this, I did finish the book and while I can't see what Amelia Anne sees in him, they got their HEA.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Oh Ava this book had me crying buckets. What those poor ladies are going through is just so wrong. The families in these books makes my heart stretch more with pride like I know them. These stories are truly beautiful and wonderful. Thankyou Ava hugs xx

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Dare River is like coming home. If you have read the previous books in the series, you feel like you are a part of the family, and have just been away for a while. It feels good to be back, and reacquainted – a chance to catch up. This is the story of Clayton Chandler and Amelia Ann Hollins – and what a story it is! Amelia Ann is famous country star Rye Crenshaw’s baby sister. Clayton is Rye’s deputy manager and best friend. They have both harbored feelings for each other, but have kept them buried. Clayton knows that he cannot have Amelia Ann. She’s his best friend’s baby sister, eight years younger than he is – and SO innocent – totally opposite of him and the type of women he associates with.

Ava Miles delights with this installment in her Dare River contemporary series (after The Chocolate Garden). The evolution of Clayton and Amelia Ann’s relationship makes enduring love believable. The story is poignant and heart wrenching. It is a layered, powerful story of love, loss, hope and redemption - a brilliant and epic family drama – it fills the senses...courtesy of Ms. Miles’ amazing narrative. The characters are complicated, flesh and blood real. You relate to them. You feel their pain, their joy, their sorrow…

Amelia Ann is not typical of the southern girls of her upbringing and breeding. She knows how to act, what to do…but she seems to be lacking a filter when it comes to saying what she thinks. This totally throws the uptight and buttoned down Mr. Chandler. Amelia Ann has wanted him for quite some time, and has decided to go after what she wants – no holds barred. It is so much fun to watch the interaction between these two. She is just what Clayton needs – whether he is willing to admit it or not. I laughed, I cried, and I laughed and cried at the same time while reading this wonderful book. What a voice Ava Miles has in her story telling. She makes her characters feel like a part of your family – and oh so lovable! You can’t help but fall into their lives and feel like a part of the family.

I highly recommend FIREFLIES AND MAGNOLIAS. It’s magical - and not to be missed!

*An advance reading copy was generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! While I have read a few Dare Valley books, this is the first book I have read from the spin-off Dare River series. This book really does stand alone, and the author quickly but effectively sets up the necessary family dynamics from books 1 and 2 without making it feel like a summary. While I certainly want to read these books to learn more about the characters' stories, I didn't feel like I was missing out going into this story.

Clayton and Amelia Ann were just perfect together! Amelia Ann is a former southern belle who is learning to stick up for who she is and what she wants. She has decided that she wants Clayton, but he is determined to do everything he can to fight his attraction to his friend's little sister.

Amelia Ann also wants to make a difference for a cause she deeply believes in: domestic violence. She assists with her brother's benefit concert and volunteers at a clinic in a dangerous part of town. When Clayton gets to know about this side of her, he realizes he can't ignore his feelings any longer.

While this contained the great romance and storytelling that I love about the Dare books, there was still so much more to the story.

I found the underlying theme of domestic violence in the book to be very moving. I had no idea about some of the statistics mentioned, and it was really powerful to hear some of the stories of the abused women. I felt that the author handled this theme really well without letting it overpower the story.

I also really enjoyed the family dynamics in this book. Even though the Hollins family has been through some difficult times, this book really showed them coming together and trying to put the past behind them.

An excellent read and 5 well deserved stars! I can't wait for the next book from this author!

** I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Miles newest novel in the Dare River Series, is a joy to read. Full of southern charm, families, love and mistrust. It also has a little magic to warm your heart.

Amelia Ann Hollins is a young woman attending law school, and volunteering at women's shelters in her off time. It's a cause very close to her heart after learning of her sister's years of abuse from her very wealthy and well known husband. Her sister is doing well now, in love with the perfect man for her and her children. Amelia Ann has been in love with a man forever, but he keeps her at arms length for reasons she cannot accept. She tries her best to flirt and torture him at every turn.

Clayton Curtis is her brother's (Rye Crenshaw) best friend and manager of his country singing career, which is skyrocketing. He sees Amelia Ann as a serious temptation, but she is his best friend and boss's baby sister. She's still in law school, which he finished years ago. He's having a harder and harder time convincing himself she is off limits. They are working together for a charity concert that is going to do him in. A late night rescue of Amelia Ann in a dangerous situation breaks down the walls. He can't fight her anymore, and realizes he is in love with her. But a secret Amelia Ann has been keeping can ruin it all.

Clayton was gorgeous with a big heart, but at times I wanted to shake some sense into him! His heart was broken once, a betrayal he can't forget and he is unwilling to give his heart again, until he has no choice. The Dare River and Dare Valley stories are such enjoyable novels with real characters and situations. I'm looking forward to Jake and Susanna's story.

I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fireflies usually mean the start of summer in the south, but for Clayton and Amelia Ann it was the start of an unconventional relationship. Clayton is the best friend and manager of Rye Crenshaw, Amelia Ann’s old brother and famous country singer. When circumstances place Amelia Ann with Clayton to plan a benefit concert for domestic violence, Amelia Ann’s passion for the cause puts Clayton in the roll of hero. As much time and heart Amelia Ann devotes to working for a nonprofit domestic violence center, she cannot erase her biggest transgression. In the end will Amelia Ann have that spark that lights the fireflies to melt the wall of ice around Clayton’s heart?

Ava Miles has written another great read. While this story just as romantic as the others, it also illustrates the despair of domestic violence for all family members involved. The characters illustrate the depths of Mile’s emotions surrounding both true romance and domestic violence.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Ann has always been the quintessential Southern girl. But when her family goes through some changes, she realizes she needs to start living for herself. And what she wants is Clayton. So she sets her sights on him relentlessly. When a secret she is keeping emerges, will it be the end before they even have a chance.

Clayton knows that he cannot get involved with Amelia Ann no matter what he feels. She is his best friends baby sister and you just don't do that. Not to mention being younger and inexperienced. But there is only so much control a man has. And when she is put in a dangerous situation, he finally relents to his passion for her. When Clayton asks for a sign from his deceased father, will he get it. Seeing Amelia surrounded by Fireflies the first time he thinks maybe. But a second time and he knows and understands the sign. But will he follow the signs and make her his?

This story deals with some strong subject matters involving domestic abuse which were handled very well and made into an inspiration for Amelia Ann. Great story!!

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the third in the Dare River Series. This story is Amelia Ann and Clayton's story. Amelia Ann is a law student, has an internship at a "fancy" law office which her brother's best friend and Manager Clayton secured for her, and volunteers in a law practice for an under-served community. She is determined to be successful, to throw off the southern princess helpless labels, and to be her own woman. She is also in love with Clayton, who is avoiding her, and she is harboring a family secret.

This book is amazing. It made me laugh, it made me cry. It shows tremendous growth for Amelia Ann, and for Clayton, who finally lets he heart go and finds love. This book grabs you and doesn't let go. Be prepared to finish it in one sitting. It's a must read.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great trip to Dare River! This series just keeps getting better and better. What do you get when you expertly intertwine a sensitive, serious subject with a very determined southern belle and a stubborn hot guy? Fireflies and Magnolias by Ava Miles! This book had everything that I love in a book - something to make me laugh, make me cry, make me think. Devastating reality, secrets, forgiveness, family, and new love all made for an amazing read. Amelia Ann and Clayton's love story did not disappoint. Clayton proved to be no match against a very determined Amelia Ann! Gotta love a strong female lead that goes after what she wants and gets it! So looking forward to Susannah and Jake's story now.

[Bigedsgirl1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this 3rd installment in Ava Miles' Dare River series! Clayton and Amelia Ann are a couple that you root for, while at the same time wanting to smack Clayton upside his head a time or two. To put it mildly, he's got some issues; one of which is trusting a woman with secrets, and Amelia is hiding one from not only him, but her family as well. The backdrop to their romance is the planning and executing of a benefit concert to spotlight the plight of domestic abuse victims and raise money for the aid of such victims. This is a story that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride and at the end, all you want to do is ride again.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't visited Dare River yet, now is the time to jump in. Once again, Ava Miles creates a story that will make you smile, laugh and cry.

The trials and tribulations of families, how they overcome and become stronger, are what make up this magical book.



"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in the Dare River series and each one gets better and better. A well written story and the characters have great connections to each other. I love how the storyline revolves around one couple but entwines with all the others. Amelia Ann and Clayton are attracted to one another but a secret could destroy everything. This story pulled me in fro the start and held me until the end and I laughed and cried throughout. This book is well worth reading.

Received copy for review.

[Bev Fasig · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, an emotion packed read. Ava's books are true page turners!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loving Ava Miles writing style

Amelia Ann & Clayton's story was painful to read as it felt dragged out but I still totally enjoyed it

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's see....here we have the story of the youngest sibling, Amelia Ann, law student and domestic abuse advocate. Her love, Clayton Chandler, so he's a little older than big deal oh yea....he's her country super star brother' best friend and business manager.

Its a sweet story full of lost love and betrayal that scars the soul so that something real and true has a hard time living under all that hurt.

He looks to his dearly departed (country music legend) daddy for guidance and a sign as to what he should do. Fireflies play a poetic part in this relationship. I won't ruin it, this is something you need to learn on your own.

I don't know, this one was a little slow for me. The domestic abuse scene and the reality of it's effects didn't bother me. Gave me something to think about and cry over. You'll understand once you read it. But they danced around their feelings for one another for so long then BOOM they in love and mating like rabbits. OOP...spoke to soon, now the truth of what she has done and he can't trust her.

Now we have Susannah and Jake to look forward to.

[Debbie Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love All Around

I enjoy a series with characters who seem real, and in Fireflies and Magnolias, they do seem real. One thing I like about he characters is that while they are quite well off financially and have lived very privileged lives, they still have the same worries and problems as " normal" people.

This book does connect the family seen in previous novels and does it well without having to retell earlier novels. With the characters, we see growth as they realize things they have done which might have or do affect those near and dear to them. We are able to see a major change in one family member and how hard it is for others to accept that. We are able to see one character admit to a deed, which she considered the right thing to do, deal with her family's hurt and feelings of betrayal, yet have them realize that family trumps all.

And of course, there is love. We see maturing love but we see young love which is a sweet thing to watch develop.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I like them both, Clayton & Amelia Ann aren't my favorite couple; still the romance was believeable.
The domestic abuse plot loomed large and was heartbreakingly good. I do wish something had been mentioned about emotional abuse, which can be devastating on its own and which often preceded or accompanies physical abuse. With most of the Hollins family, including the children being victims of emotional abuse and witnessing the emotional effects of physical abuse on Jascinda's children, it really should have gotten a mention. But I do understand the focus on physical abuse, and I cried a lot.
I'd rate this 4.5 stars because of the above and because Mrs. Hollins' transformation feels a bit speedy for me.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing - Pure emotional journey

What an amazing story that encompasses a love story, Fresno coverage of domestic violence, plans around a benefit coverage and meeting new characters. I’ve been up until 1 am each of the last three nights reading the first 3 books in this series with tears running down my cheeks as I read the last words craving more.

This series is beyond fabulous. I love the characters and getting to meet and discover new ones in the rich tapestry this author has stitched. 5 stars isn’t high enough praise.

[Ljones · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖

What a rich story about family, secrets, deception, forgiveness and love. I love how this series weaves all of the books in the series together. This can be read as a standalone, but you will want to devour the entire series. Amelia Ann has loved Clayton, her brothers best friend, for a long time. They pick at each other whenever they are together.. Can she get him to give her a chance? Amelia Ann has secrets she has kept from her family. What will happen if her secrets come out? Will her family turn their backs on her?

[Ms. Julie Ostermeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and Heartfelt Masterpiece

I recently read my first book by Ava Miles, "Nora Roberts Land" and knew I had to read other books by her. "Country Heaven", "The Chocolate Garden" and now "Fireflies and Magnolias" each addressing realistic issues and uncomfortable situations like dysfunctional families and domestic violence. We all want to belong and be loved. That's the main theme in all Ava Miles' books but she has the knack to make you laugh and cry while she tells the story. I'm into the next book in the series.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional story about healing after domestic violence!

Law student Amelia Ann Hollins has found her life’s work with domestic violence victims. But falling in love with one of her brother’s best friend and assistant manager Clayton Chandler might derail her future when he can’t understand her reasons to protect her sister.

Fireflies and Magnolias by Ava Miles delves deep into domestic violence (not Amelia Ann) and you will need a tissue to read the concert scene without a few tears.

[Anne Peugh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tedious beyond measure!

I read the first in this series, Country Heaven, and really liked it. Book 2 was not nearly as good but I read book 3, Fireflies and Magnolias, to finish the family stories. I really had to flip through many pages to get through. This "hero" was unlikeable and I couldn't fathom why the "heroine" liked him, let alone loved him. However, I did like the strong message against abuse against women.

[Ellen M. Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

True love prevails. It might be a rocky road at times. Amelia Ann and Clayton seem to be at odds with each other. Clayton is aloof and pulls back from emotional involvement in his relationships. He is Rye's manager and best friend. Amelia Ann is Rye's brother. Overcoming their age difference, Clayton's trust issues, family reactions and Amelia Ann 's deep dark secret keeps you reading and wanting more.

[Consuelo Ornelas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anger an love?

Amazing these two words go hand in hand. A story written in such a way that will have you happy and in tears. Heart of mine don’t ache so as I read this story....I have known friends in this situation with no idea how to see a light with a better direction. We are blessed with our Lord in our souls.
Thank you Ava for such a moving story❤️.