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Fireflies #1
Fireflies
Dr. Owen Whelan and his wife Sarah have seven bright and expressive children. However, one of them is very unique; he’s been followed since birth by lost souls.
However peculiar Ennis Whelan has been for the first six years of his life, not until the day he found the bird did the degree of his strangeness become so tangible.
Ennis claimed it flew away.
His sister Teagan was about to bury it.
Teagan becomes increasingly suspicious of his odd behavior but their mother dismisses her claims; that is until he starts healing people.
When he also reveals the gift of sight, he questions his father about visions of his past, including his voyage to America in 1844. Owen prayed he’d never have to share those tragic memories but he will share them, when he realizes he has no choice. Ennis’ life depends on it.
However peculiar Ennis Whelan has been for the first six years of his life, not until the day he found the bird did the degree of his strangeness become so tangible.
Ennis claimed it flew away.
His sister Teagan was about to bury it.
Teagan becomes increasingly suspicious of his odd behavior but their mother dismisses her claims; that is until he starts healing people.
When he also reveals the gift of sight, he questions his father about visions of his past, including his voyage to America in 1844. Owen prayed he’d never have to share those tragic memories but he will share them, when he realizes he has no choice. Ennis’ life depends on it.
258 pages, ebook
First published March 28, 2013
267 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
P.S. Bartlett
18 books102 followersP.S. Bartlett (pen name), an award-winning author, was born on Valentine's Day in Baltimore, Maryland, near the historic sites of Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. As the youngest of eleven siblings, she was surrounded by history and enjoyed cycling to explore these national landmarks with her friends during her childhood.
She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books.
During the pandemic, Peggy used her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also added publishing and social media management to her list of offerings to her clients.
Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors takes up much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family.
Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026, as well as continuing her work in support of authors.
Her motto is: "I'm taking a fantastic voyage. Won't you join me?"
She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books.
During the pandemic, Peggy used her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also added publishing and social media management to her list of offerings to her clients.
Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors takes up much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family.
Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026, as well as continuing her work in support of authors.
Her motto is: "I'm taking a fantastic voyage. Won't you join me?"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 29, 2013
Fireflies by PS Bartlett is an enchanting story of the close-knit Whelan family, coming to terms with their unusual youngest member.
First Paragraph:
"Ennis found a bird. He stood like a fence post, straight and still and about half as tall, cupping the small brown sparrow between his chubby palms and looking down in sorrow. Its feathers were softer than he had imagined and it didn't try to peck him or escape as he'd expected. Its tiny talons scratched him lightly and tickled his skin. Its dark blank eyes stared open, yet its body didn't move."
PLOT
Set in the tiny village of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in the late nineteenth century, an Irish family's life is about to change. A big family, Owen and Sarah support their seven children, Fagan, Connell, Liffey, Teagan, Brogan, Patrick and Ennis.
Ennis was always an unusual baby, starting with his birth. He didn't cry out for many minutes after the delivery, and his parents feared the worst. Six years later, they cherish their little miracle, but being to notice he has a mature temperament far beyond his years.
The other children are growing up too, and the oldest will be leaving the nest any day now. Fagan is enchanted with a young woman down the street, and the two girls (Teagan and Liffey) are becoming women- finally noticing the men around them. But Teagan is ahead of the times. Her father is a doctor and she desperately wants to follow in his footsteps. Unfortunately, this is the era where genders have their specific roles. Men go out and work, women take care of the homestead and children. Teagan will have none of it.
However, her dreams are the last thing on her mind when Ennis begins to act strangely. First the bird- which Teagan was sure was dead. Then the cut on her hand, that mysteriously vanished after Ennis touched it. As the week progresses, as do Ennis's odd, new powers and soon the entire family is aware of them. Their only thoughts are of protecting the young boy, but what should they do? Who can they tell? Can they protect him? Are these powers a curse or a gift?
REVIEW
This is a captivating story. Somewhere between an Irish 'Little Women', "Little House on the Prairie' and its own story. It has the same rustic appeal, with the story relying on the characters to carry it. And oh do they carry it. Mixed in the the daily life of the Whelan family, is the plot around Ennis. His powers are done pretty subtley, and I wouldn't call this a paranormal book. I would say it's more historical slice-of-life, mixed in with a little coming-of-age and a dash of fantasy.
The story itself spans two generations. As their children grow and begin to think about starting their own families, both Sarah and Owen have flashbacks to their youths in Ireland, and the differences between them, as well as the coincidences that brought them both to America, where they met for the first time. Their strong, constant love, entwines with the new, exciting love their children are beginning to experience in a poetic contrast.
The story explores the complex relationships between one person and the next. How easily they can be made and how easily broken. How they can subtly shift or slowly fade. The bonds that can be made or lost. The potentials that were never realised and the unconditionals that are there through it all.
Ennis's powers are a little reminiscent of those of John from 'The Green Mile'. Even their personalities are a little similar- they're both very aware of the world, both soft-spoken, they never complain. If you were to be a healer, these would be the ideal components for it, so it's not surprising that they have similarities.
The characters are as realistic a band of personalities as you can get. The relationships they have with each other as so vivid, that you can forget sometimes that they aren't real people. This is especially true of the family. They are the core of this story. It's how they react to the changes in Ennis that makes this book so good. As the story progresses, a nervous energy settles over the house, and each family member goes through an almost 'five stages of grief' phase. Their inability to understand what's happening, mixed with their fear for Ennis builds and merges until it bursts out of them through anger, denial, bargaining, depression, acceptance, guilt, fear and confusion.
The ending is nothing if not feel-good, and will leave you wishing for more of the lovely Whelan family. This is one of the few books I've read that kept me guessing till the end. I honestly had no idea how it would or could end. Once you get there, the reasons for the events become clear, but a little confused. I was left wondering why, but in the end it really didn't matter. I didn't read the story for the why, I read it for the who- for the family that are so warm and caring, and will take you in as one of their own. For the charm and description.
Because the description is beautiful and incredibly immersive. I could feel the summer heat, softened by a gentle breeze, as the fireflies glide around lazily and the crickets serenade the night. It's full of the simple pleasures of life, mixed in with a little magical wonderment.
A story that reminds me of lights on a Christmas Tree, glowing in the darkness- beautiful, safe and a reminder of the love and happiness you share with the people whose names are scattered beneath it. Reading this book is like going to sleep content, with a smile on your face. There is simply nothing else like it.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author through a giveaway. This is not a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% my own.
First Paragraph:
"Ennis found a bird. He stood like a fence post, straight and still and about half as tall, cupping the small brown sparrow between his chubby palms and looking down in sorrow. Its feathers were softer than he had imagined and it didn't try to peck him or escape as he'd expected. Its tiny talons scratched him lightly and tickled his skin. Its dark blank eyes stared open, yet its body didn't move."
PLOT
Set in the tiny village of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in the late nineteenth century, an Irish family's life is about to change. A big family, Owen and Sarah support their seven children, Fagan, Connell, Liffey, Teagan, Brogan, Patrick and Ennis.
Ennis was always an unusual baby, starting with his birth. He didn't cry out for many minutes after the delivery, and his parents feared the worst. Six years later, they cherish their little miracle, but being to notice he has a mature temperament far beyond his years.
The other children are growing up too, and the oldest will be leaving the nest any day now. Fagan is enchanted with a young woman down the street, and the two girls (Teagan and Liffey) are becoming women- finally noticing the men around them. But Teagan is ahead of the times. Her father is a doctor and she desperately wants to follow in his footsteps. Unfortunately, this is the era where genders have their specific roles. Men go out and work, women take care of the homestead and children. Teagan will have none of it.
However, her dreams are the last thing on her mind when Ennis begins to act strangely. First the bird- which Teagan was sure was dead. Then the cut on her hand, that mysteriously vanished after Ennis touched it. As the week progresses, as do Ennis's odd, new powers and soon the entire family is aware of them. Their only thoughts are of protecting the young boy, but what should they do? Who can they tell? Can they protect him? Are these powers a curse or a gift?
REVIEW
This is a captivating story. Somewhere between an Irish 'Little Women', "Little House on the Prairie' and its own story. It has the same rustic appeal, with the story relying on the characters to carry it. And oh do they carry it. Mixed in the the daily life of the Whelan family, is the plot around Ennis. His powers are done pretty subtley, and I wouldn't call this a paranormal book. I would say it's more historical slice-of-life, mixed in with a little coming-of-age and a dash of fantasy.
The story itself spans two generations. As their children grow and begin to think about starting their own families, both Sarah and Owen have flashbacks to their youths in Ireland, and the differences between them, as well as the coincidences that brought them both to America, where they met for the first time. Their strong, constant love, entwines with the new, exciting love their children are beginning to experience in a poetic contrast.
The story explores the complex relationships between one person and the next. How easily they can be made and how easily broken. How they can subtly shift or slowly fade. The bonds that can be made or lost. The potentials that were never realised and the unconditionals that are there through it all.
Ennis's powers are a little reminiscent of those of John from 'The Green Mile'. Even their personalities are a little similar- they're both very aware of the world, both soft-spoken, they never complain. If you were to be a healer, these would be the ideal components for it, so it's not surprising that they have similarities.
The characters are as realistic a band of personalities as you can get. The relationships they have with each other as so vivid, that you can forget sometimes that they aren't real people. This is especially true of the family. They are the core of this story. It's how they react to the changes in Ennis that makes this book so good. As the story progresses, a nervous energy settles over the house, and each family member goes through an almost 'five stages of grief' phase. Their inability to understand what's happening, mixed with their fear for Ennis builds and merges until it bursts out of them through anger, denial, bargaining, depression, acceptance, guilt, fear and confusion.
The ending is nothing if not feel-good, and will leave you wishing for more of the lovely Whelan family. This is one of the few books I've read that kept me guessing till the end. I honestly had no idea how it would or could end. Once you get there, the reasons for the events become clear, but a little confused. I was left wondering why, but in the end it really didn't matter. I didn't read the story for the why, I read it for the who- for the family that are so warm and caring, and will take you in as one of their own. For the charm and description.
Because the description is beautiful and incredibly immersive. I could feel the summer heat, softened by a gentle breeze, as the fireflies glide around lazily and the crickets serenade the night. It's full of the simple pleasures of life, mixed in with a little magical wonderment.
A story that reminds me of lights on a Christmas Tree, glowing in the darkness- beautiful, safe and a reminder of the love and happiness you share with the people whose names are scattered beneath it. Reading this book is like going to sleep content, with a smile on your face. There is simply nothing else like it.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author through a giveaway. This is not a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% my own.
July 30, 2017
Fireflies
This book wasn't expected. I grew up in the hard coal region of PA, in an immigrant population, so Luzerne County hooked me first. The book's characters were realistic, human and their stories captivated me. I found the book well written with a plot that combined love, family and heartache seemlessly into a fascinating read.
This book wasn't expected. I grew up in the hard coal region of PA, in an immigrant population, so Luzerne County hooked me first. The book's characters were realistic, human and their stories captivated me. I found the book well written with a plot that combined love, family and heartache seemlessly into a fascinating read.
December 8, 2015
The story premise sounded very interesting.....Dr. Owen Whelan and his wife Sarah have seven bright and expressive children. However, one of them is very unique; he’s been followed since birth by lost souls.
At times it felt as if the story was written for a very young audience, the characters are very simplistic, with very black & white moral views but then some adult “issues” are addressed which means that no, Mommy will not be reading this to Tommy at night.
But this was not an entirely unpleasant experience. I loved the references to Ireland and the time period as well as the strong sense of unity and love the Whelan family has for each other. To be honest, I enjoyed Owen and Sarah’s stories of how they got to America more than the main storyline about young Ennis.
Netgalley Copy
At times it felt as if the story was written for a very young audience, the characters are very simplistic, with very black & white moral views but then some adult “issues” are addressed which means that no, Mommy will not be reading this to Tommy at night.
But this was not an entirely unpleasant experience. I loved the references to Ireland and the time period as well as the strong sense of unity and love the Whelan family has for each other. To be honest, I enjoyed Owen and Sarah’s stories of how they got to America more than the main storyline about young Ennis.
Netgalley Copy
July 2, 2013
Wow! I was pulled in from the beginning, feeling like a family member and watching their lives evolve around me. I could picture myself sitting at their table waiting for Dr. Whelan to arrive home. I could picture myself racing across the fields heading to the neighbor's house. I believe this is a thoroughly enjoyable read for pre-teens and above. I'm hoping this author shares more tales of the Whelan family; how they began and where they are going. Highly recommended to all and I may purchase a few more copies as Christmas gifts!
July 17, 2017
Very sweet story about how small acts of kindness have far reaching impacts
Genuine, likeable characters.
Genuine, likeable characters.
July 25, 2017
Though this story takes place in a time far gone, it was fresh and the characters were relatable. I liked the religious/spiritual tones. Generally good people with real-life experiences. Interesting end.
May 2, 2018
I enjoyed this tale of a magical young man and his family during the 1800s. Particularly found the story of his Irish immigrant father intriguing, and also how the narrator handled their accents! That made the story come alive even more. I'm looking forward to reading more of P.S. Bartlett's work in the future. If you believe in magic, and enjoy fantastical Irish tales, don't miss this one!
April 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book it certainly raises a lot of interesting spiritual questions
May 23, 2017
The author has woven a splendid story of young Irish immigrants who fled their homeland for a better life in America in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The story was realistic and engaging. I could feel the hardships they faced as they found love during this difficult era.
Owen and Sarah Whelan are raising seven children ages six to twenty in Pennsylvania. The youngest, Ennis, is a wonderful and gifted child who amazes, but also scares his parents.
The character development was good and the descriptive narrative allowed me to see the story visually as they worked and grew as a family.
I was drawn into their dilemma from the very beginning and the story held my attention to the last page. Some have said the ending was lacking. I can find no fault with how the book finished. I would recommend Fireflies to anyone teen to adult.
Editing errors were present, but minimal. I cannot fault the great story due to a few barely visible typos.
Owen and Sarah Whelan are raising seven children ages six to twenty in Pennsylvania. The youngest, Ennis, is a wonderful and gifted child who amazes, but also scares his parents.
The character development was good and the descriptive narrative allowed me to see the story visually as they worked and grew as a family.
I was drawn into their dilemma from the very beginning and the story held my attention to the last page. Some have said the ending was lacking. I can find no fault with how the book finished. I would recommend Fireflies to anyone teen to adult.
Editing errors were present, but minimal. I cannot fault the great story due to a few barely visible typos.
July 21, 2013
Fireflies by P. S. Bartlett is like a trip back in time, when dating someone was “courting” and “courting” meant you had “intentions” of marriage. It was also a time when the impossible was a little more frightening and more likely to be explained as something from God or the devil. When six-year-old Ennis, the youngest child in a close-knit Irish family begins to show special abilities to heal and he claims to see a woman who guides his abilities, the Whelan family gathers closer together in awe and trepidation of the consequences of Ennis’ abilities. His most ardent supporter and the first to witness his abilities is his older sister, Teagan, an independent thinking teen on the verge of womanhood, ready to blaze new trails by becoming a physician like her father. Through it all, Ennis seems to have a calm and almost otherworldly way about him, accepting and understanding far beyond his years what his role in life will be. As Ennis’ abilities grow, he “feels” the thoughts and secrets of others, bringing to light old wounds, past histories and revelations that never should have been buried. Was this is his purpose in life? Is his gift truly from a greater power?
Not often does a book come along that is difficult to say who the target audience is, but Fireflies defies the “age” thing and is perfect for both younger and older readers alike. P. S. Bartlett has built a world that takes you back in time, where the air smells fresher, the sun shines brighter and the innocence of youth is still alive! There is no fast-paced action in this character-driven plot, but each page flows smoothly with characters free of angst and bitterness. There is no physical battle, the battles that are waged are of the heart and the mind, in the ability to just believe and accept. I enjoyed the slower pace and beautiful descriptions, as well as the feeling of love and unity in the Whelan family. This was a relaxing and warm read, perfect for a quiet escape into another world!
This review copy was provided by NetGalley and GMTA Publishing, LLC (Imprint: Mythos Press)in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: March 30, 2013
Publisher: GMTA Publishing, LLC (Imprint: Mythos Press)
ISBN: 9780615754284
Number of Pages: 294
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Ya/Adults
My Rating: 4 stars
Available from: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Not often does a book come along that is difficult to say who the target audience is, but Fireflies defies the “age” thing and is perfect for both younger and older readers alike. P. S. Bartlett has built a world that takes you back in time, where the air smells fresher, the sun shines brighter and the innocence of youth is still alive! There is no fast-paced action in this character-driven plot, but each page flows smoothly with characters free of angst and bitterness. There is no physical battle, the battles that are waged are of the heart and the mind, in the ability to just believe and accept. I enjoyed the slower pace and beautiful descriptions, as well as the feeling of love and unity in the Whelan family. This was a relaxing and warm read, perfect for a quiet escape into another world!
This review copy was provided by NetGalley and GMTA Publishing, LLC (Imprint: Mythos Press)in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: March 30, 2013
Publisher: GMTA Publishing, LLC (Imprint: Mythos Press)
ISBN: 9780615754284
Number of Pages: 294
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Ya/Adults
My Rating: 4 stars
Available from: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
June 6, 2022
“Fireflies” most likely started when I was born. When I make that statement, what I’m really saying is growing up as the youngest of eleven children in a blended family of five half-sisters, two half-brothers and a sister and two brothers by your shared parents, was as much interesting and fun as it could be tragic and confusing. However, this story isn’t about my family, although my experiences of being raised in such a chaotic yet loving atmosphere certainly fed my creative process and gave me tons of material to work with.
I’ve always been fascinated with history as well as the paranormal. I’ve been especially curious about the area where my mother grew up, as a second generation American of completely Welsh heritage. My father on the other hand is a mystery, except for the fact that he was Scotch-Irish. Other than that, I know very little of his lineage. My Mother, however, was able to pass down how my Welsh ancestors, primarily my great grandparents, came over from Cardiff Wales in the late 1800’s by way of Philadelphia and settled in a little town called Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. Writing “Fireflies” gave me even more opportunity to research the area and study the immigration process.
My next objective was girl power. I wanted a character that embodied those formidable women who paved the road with opportunities for women of today. She had to be a brave, insightful and smart as well as possess grace, humility and the faith to go for what she wanted and be determined not to settle for anything less than her dreams. In essence, a girl who wanted it all; a career, family and love and the ability to prove to everyone that it was possible. Teagan wasn’t really ahead of her time; she was a trailblazer for women of the future.
It was also important to me to prove that not all paranormal events are negative and that the objective of these spirits isn’t always to terrify and threaten. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly enjoy a malevolent and frightening haunting as much as the next reader and they certainly keep the pages turning. I just wanted to share a story about what could happen if we looked at these visitations from another perspective, through the eyes of a complete innocent. My hope is that we may all learn something from Ennis about seeing the unknown as we see a flower or a tree; it’s just there and how we perceive it, regardless of how others do, is our truth.
I’ve always been fascinated with history as well as the paranormal. I’ve been especially curious about the area where my mother grew up, as a second generation American of completely Welsh heritage. My father on the other hand is a mystery, except for the fact that he was Scotch-Irish. Other than that, I know very little of his lineage. My Mother, however, was able to pass down how my Welsh ancestors, primarily my great grandparents, came over from Cardiff Wales in the late 1800’s by way of Philadelphia and settled in a little town called Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. Writing “Fireflies” gave me even more opportunity to research the area and study the immigration process.
My next objective was girl power. I wanted a character that embodied those formidable women who paved the road with opportunities for women of today. She had to be a brave, insightful and smart as well as possess grace, humility and the faith to go for what she wanted and be determined not to settle for anything less than her dreams. In essence, a girl who wanted it all; a career, family and love and the ability to prove to everyone that it was possible. Teagan wasn’t really ahead of her time; she was a trailblazer for women of the future.
It was also important to me to prove that not all paranormal events are negative and that the objective of these spirits isn’t always to terrify and threaten. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly enjoy a malevolent and frightening haunting as much as the next reader and they certainly keep the pages turning. I just wanted to share a story about what could happen if we looked at these visitations from another perspective, through the eyes of a complete innocent. My hope is that we may all learn something from Ennis about seeing the unknown as we see a flower or a tree; it’s just there and how we perceive it, regardless of how others do, is our truth.
February 22, 2017
This was a very good book. Am on to the second one.
June 4, 2013
I have read many many books in my life... and only on one hand can I count the stories.. that made me completely forget where I was as I read them. Fireflies is at the top of that list.
I felt that I was in the 1800's... and was happy to be there. I could feel the Whelan wood porch beneath my feet and smell the air that surrounded it.
The Whelan family has become my family. I want to know what happens next in their lives... It was the most inspiring, love-filled, family oriented page turner of my life. I hope that Peggy keeps writing... for to be a part of her imagination and not even realize it, was an outstanding realization and beautiful experience.
I have to admit... as I got near the end of the book.... I was so involved with these characters... that I HAD put the book down. I didn't want the story to end... EVER. BUT all good stories must have an ending... and I must say... as I sat and sobbed with emotion... it made me want to go back to page one... and start reading it all over again. I have only had five books that have made me feel that way out of hundreds.
I highly recommend this story for ALL AGES: for libraries, and children, and grown ups. I would love to see it become a movie.
My only regret right now... is that I have to wait for PS BARTLETT to release her next work of art. OUTSTANDING. 6 OUT OF 5 STARS.
I can't wait to read it to my grandchildren... most importantly, I know they will read it to theirs.
I felt that I was in the 1800's... and was happy to be there. I could feel the Whelan wood porch beneath my feet and smell the air that surrounded it.
The Whelan family has become my family. I want to know what happens next in their lives... It was the most inspiring, love-filled, family oriented page turner of my life. I hope that Peggy keeps writing... for to be a part of her imagination and not even realize it, was an outstanding realization and beautiful experience.
I have to admit... as I got near the end of the book.... I was so involved with these characters... that I HAD put the book down. I didn't want the story to end... EVER. BUT all good stories must have an ending... and I must say... as I sat and sobbed with emotion... it made me want to go back to page one... and start reading it all over again. I have only had five books that have made me feel that way out of hundreds.
I highly recommend this story for ALL AGES: for libraries, and children, and grown ups. I would love to see it become a movie.
My only regret right now... is that I have to wait for PS BARTLETT to release her next work of art. OUTSTANDING. 6 OUT OF 5 STARS.
I can't wait to read it to my grandchildren... most importantly, I know they will read it to theirs.
May 2, 2013
Ennis was holding a small still bird, until a breeze ruffled his hair and it flew away. He was six years old and his life was about to change. His mother tended to baby him as he was nearly lost at birth, small and not breathing for what felt like the longest time. His Da was a doctor, his brothers and sisters growing healthy and strong. Theirs is a happy family. His sister Teagan was the first to notice that he was changing, starting to be able to do things no person should be able to do. What follows is a charming, riveting story of hidden secrets, dangers, and families. Of lives changed and lives saved. Of Angels and spirits and human frailties.
This is a story that reaches back to Ireland and forward to a future full of possibilities. You will find yourself caught up in it's spell, like being surrounded by fireflies to delight and entrance you.
This is a story that reaches back to Ireland and forward to a future full of possibilities. You will find yourself caught up in it's spell, like being surrounded by fireflies to delight and entrance you.
July 2, 2013
The beautiful cover of this book and the summary of the storyline drew me in. I am always fascinated with the dynamics of families. This book is a great example of a family that loves one another through both the happy and hard times. A reminder that things worth having are not always the easiest choice but definitely worth the effort and the work.
Sarah and Owen's stories about getting to America added an interesting element to the book and created some interesting plot twists. My heart ached for the family as they learned to cope with Ennis' special gift and come to terms with the way it would impact them all. I laughed, cried and fell in love with the family. I loved what the title ends up symbolizing and the way it all comes together in the end.
Congratulations P.S. Bartlett on an amazing book and thanks for such a fun read. I'm looking forward to your next book!
Sarah and Owen's stories about getting to America added an interesting element to the book and created some interesting plot twists. My heart ached for the family as they learned to cope with Ennis' special gift and come to terms with the way it would impact them all. I laughed, cried and fell in love with the family. I loved what the title ends up symbolizing and the way it all comes together in the end.
Congratulations P.S. Bartlett on an amazing book and thanks for such a fun read. I'm looking forward to your next book!
August 16, 2014
The story of the Whelan family is set in the 1800s. It would take absolutely brilliant writing to really take us back in time to a different century – and the writer has achieved this quite impressively.
This is one of those books that has to be read at a leisurely pace so you could appreciate the beauty of the narrative. While it focuses on Ennis’ extraordinary gift, this is as much about his father Owen, who also has a story to tell. This then explains the difficult situation that the family has to come to terms with.
The supernatural and paranormal elements are seamlessly combined with 19th century life so vividly imagined. It's a combination that's quite difficult to pull off because of the sheer complexity of the individual elements.
'Fireflies' is an enjoyable read with interesting characters and an intricate plot told in a beautiful narrative.
This is one of those books that has to be read at a leisurely pace so you could appreciate the beauty of the narrative. While it focuses on Ennis’ extraordinary gift, this is as much about his father Owen, who also has a story to tell. This then explains the difficult situation that the family has to come to terms with.
The supernatural and paranormal elements are seamlessly combined with 19th century life so vividly imagined. It's a combination that's quite difficult to pull off because of the sheer complexity of the individual elements.
'Fireflies' is an enjoyable read with interesting characters and an intricate plot told in a beautiful narrative.
July 20, 2014
I requested this book from NetGalley because it looked interesting. Unfortunately, I found the beginning slow and full of info dumpage. The line "Doctor Owen Whelan was a good man, a loving husband, and a devoted father" is typical of the bland sort of storytelling that puts me to sleep. I couldn't get past the 3% mark. Although I thought the chosen time period could have been interesting, the way the author conveyed the characters' manner of speech was horribly distracting. "Not a 'tall," for example, just irritated the heck outta me.
July 31, 2013
Strong writing that encompasses a family, its history, romance, and the psychic gift of a boy. Irish dialogue tends to tell events while omens come from Ennis, creating suspense. I liked the interludes of family history that affected the time of the story. I also like ghost stories and was kept reading by these past characters contacting the family characters.
January 24, 2015
Fireflies
Bartlett, P.S.
wow this book is amazing, i am lost in its pages waiting to find out the lives of this pioneering family. I love the description of the sons eyes, and the mothers tender love, the sister trying to protect her brother, and the soft young love of urgent youth. This is a very sweet story.
Bartlett, P.S.
wow this book is amazing, i am lost in its pages waiting to find out the lives of this pioneering family. I love the description of the sons eyes, and the mothers tender love, the sister trying to protect her brother, and the soft young love of urgent youth. This is a very sweet story.
August 19, 2013
A wonderfully magical and surprisingly addictive read! From the very first chapter I was in love with this family and their community. I could have read it straight through if it weren't for taking care of my own family. Nicely sprinkled twists and surprises throughout. I look forward to Ms. Bartlett's next novel.
own-tbr
April 23, 2013Won Ebook from LibraryThing 4/15 (dwnld. from Smashwords), review to follow
May 31, 2013
An interesting story about a young boy who is touched by angels. He can heal the sick and injured. Set in the 1800's this is a story of faith and great historical perspective.
July 12, 2013
Very easy read. Looking forward to reading the prequel.
December 2, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. I t did capture my attention right away and I enjoyed reading it a lot. But at the same time I'm bothered by the plot of this book. It's being sold as Christian fiction but has more of a New Age metaphysical feel than a Christian one. Or perhaps it's more New Age combined with Catholicism. Either way, the material is disturbing. Everything written concerning good and bad spirits, birth, death, life, and angels goes completely against what the Bible teaches about these things. Yes, I understand the book is fictional, but even so you don't write against what the Bible teaches, not while advertising the book as Christian. The main family does go to church regularly, and they seek out the Pastor when needing advice. But then the Pastor's wife comes in and takes over, telling them a bunch of stuff contrary to the Bible. Instead of speaking the truth, the Pastor then agrees with her! The climax toward the end takes place in church but again is completely alien to Christianity. As far as the storyline itself goes, it's pretty good. It keeps you turning the pages and reading to the end. If you're not looking for good Christian content, then you may enjoy this book. Otherwise, you'll probably be left like me, scratching your head and wondering how this can be called Christian.
January 6, 2019
This is the story of a young boy named Ennis. He lives with his parents and his 6 siblings in Pennsylvania. Since his birth, Ennis has been followed by lost souls. But nothing comes to light until he is 6 years old and helps a hurt bird by healing it. His sister, Teagan, witnesses this but tell Ennis that he can never tell anyone what happened. One day, Teagan is injured badly, and Ennis heals her. At this time, his sister thinks they must tell their parents because she does not understand what is happening.
Their mother dismisses the claim that Ennis is healing people until she and their father witness it for themselves. Soon Ennis reveals he has a gift of sight and soon starts questioning his parents about their past voyage to America from Ireland. And he can see that a neighbor is physically hurting his children. His gifts start to bring many past secrets to light, and soon Ennis realizes the connection between his father's past and the reason for his gifts.
This is a pretty decent story. It moves pretty fast. The writing isn't great - seems to be written for middle grade readers. She does a good job developing the characters. At the end of the book, it left me wanting to know what happened to them, so I took that as a good sign. The author wasn't consistent with her writing - the characters were immigrants from Ireland. Sometimes she would write as they had an Irish accent, and sometimes she wouldn't. It was like she forgot whom was speaking. But, if you can overlook that, it is a sweet story.
Their mother dismisses the claim that Ennis is healing people until she and their father witness it for themselves. Soon Ennis reveals he has a gift of sight and soon starts questioning his parents about their past voyage to America from Ireland. And he can see that a neighbor is physically hurting his children. His gifts start to bring many past secrets to light, and soon Ennis realizes the connection between his father's past and the reason for his gifts.
This is a pretty decent story. It moves pretty fast. The writing isn't great - seems to be written for middle grade readers. She does a good job developing the characters. At the end of the book, it left me wanting to know what happened to them, so I took that as a good sign. The author wasn't consistent with her writing - the characters were immigrants from Ireland. Sometimes she would write as they had an Irish accent, and sometimes she wouldn't. It was like she forgot whom was speaking. But, if you can overlook that, it is a sweet story.
August 6, 2017
Very good book! Highly recommend. An enjoyment from beginning to end. Really liked the ending was quite a surprise. All in all a really good read. Would recommend it to anyone.
Very good book. Would recommend it to anyone who likes books about angels and miracles. Definite a++++++++++++ for this book.
Very good book. Would recommend it to anyone who likes books about angels and miracles. Definite a++++++++++++ for this book.
February 20, 2018
Eve story of faith and trust.
I wasn't sure where this story was going but the more I read the more the significance became clear to me. Christians will enjoy it the most I think, at least I did as it brings a potent reminder of my faith.
,
I wasn't sure where this story was going but the more I read the more the significance became clear to me. Christians will enjoy it the most I think, at least I did as it brings a potent reminder of my faith.
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July 23, 2017
Interesting read
A lot of different elements combined to make a fascinating read and some thought provoking questions. Great book, once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.
A lot of different elements combined to make a fascinating read and some thought provoking questions. Great book, once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.
November 7, 2018
Great
The clean story with a beautiful storyline keeps u guessing and wondering each step of the way! Enjoyed it a while lot
The clean story with a beautiful storyline keeps u guessing and wondering each step of the way! Enjoyed it a while lot
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