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Loves, Lies, and Fireflies
Didi O’Brien is engaged—at least she was an hour ago. Now she’s not so sure. Her fiancé, the suave Kevin Cabot, has just revealed that he’s been unfaithful, and he’s not the least bit sorry. Reeling from the betrayal, with her plans for a happily-ever-after life in doubt, she prays for direction. The answer comes as a complete surprise. God has someone better in mind.
Middle school teacher, Jake Montgomery, is struggling with some issues of his own. Sadly, a year previously his fiancée had been killed in a car crash. Battling anger and despair, in a mountain-top experience, Jake wrestles with the Almighty, and is ready to live again. In his youth, he’d felt an unmistakable call to the ministry but, like the prophet Jonah, since then, he’s been running hard in the wrong direction.
Through a crisis of faith, and glimpses of mercy, Didi and Jake find each other. But can they find the strength to resolve the many obstacles that conspire to keep them apart?
Middle school teacher, Jake Montgomery, is struggling with some issues of his own. Sadly, a year previously his fiancée had been killed in a car crash. Battling anger and despair, in a mountain-top experience, Jake wrestles with the Almighty, and is ready to live again. In his youth, he’d felt an unmistakable call to the ministry but, like the prophet Jonah, since then, he’s been running hard in the wrong direction.
Through a crisis of faith, and glimpses of mercy, Didi and Jake find each other. But can they find the strength to resolve the many obstacles that conspire to keep them apart?
- GenresRomance
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2016
5 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Jan Elder
14 books379 followersJan Elder is a Christian romance writer with a zeal for telling relatable stories. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story.
Besides writing romance, she enjoys the occasional caramel cappuccino while watching Turner Classic Movies. Always an avid reader, she devours books voraciously, both Christian and secular. She was born an animal-lover and all books will, no doubt, feature a cat or dog in some way or another.
Happily married for over twenty years to loving (and supportive) best-in-the world-husband, Steve, the two live at the gateway to Western Maryland with Kassie Rae (a mini-black panther with an amazing sense of humor), and Looney Tunes (a svelte and oh-so-silly black and white tuxedo cat.) On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the countryside in search of fabulous ice cream flavors.
Want to connect with Jan or find out more about her books? Go to www.janelderauthor.com.
New books coming soon and thanks for checking on Jan Elder!
Besides writing romance, she enjoys the occasional caramel cappuccino while watching Turner Classic Movies. Always an avid reader, she devours books voraciously, both Christian and secular. She was born an animal-lover and all books will, no doubt, feature a cat or dog in some way or another.
Happily married for over twenty years to loving (and supportive) best-in-the world-husband, Steve, the two live at the gateway to Western Maryland with Kassie Rae (a mini-black panther with an amazing sense of humor), and Looney Tunes (a svelte and oh-so-silly black and white tuxedo cat.) On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the countryside in search of fabulous ice cream flavors.
Want to connect with Jan or find out more about her books? Go to www.janelderauthor.com.
New books coming soon and thanks for checking on Jan Elder!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 2, 2017
Not only is this title intriguing, but so is the whole book! There are so many topics in this book – anger, despair, deceit, abusive relationships, low self-esteem, open & honest communication, and, most of all, forgiveness. And then there are the wonderful poems that this author writes!!! I loved these lines: “as he surrendered his will to God, the frost in Jake’s soul began to melt” And: “sunsets & fireflies were God’s way of showing off” And: “breathing in a measure of forgiveness & breathing out the jagged air of condemnation” This is well-written and well-worth the read!
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October 2, 2017Loves, Lies, and Fireflies is the first book I have read by Jan Elder. The story covers a myriad of subjects, from stalking and abuse to redemption and love. I enjoyed the story and its inspirational message even though it is a little edgier than most books I read.
Didi O’Brien’s fiancé, Kevin, informs her, during dinner at a fancy restaurant, he has been escorting another woman to different events. He then tries to make it sound as if Didi is being too “female” when she’s upset. At this point, we realize something is a little off where Kevin is concerned, and what follows confirms our suspicions.
Ms. Elder does a fantastic job of showing how easily a person could fall for the charming persona of someone like Kevin, the ex-fiancé, and psychopathic abuser, only to be drawn into their web of deceit and abuse.
I didn’t relate to the characters, having never been in their situations, but as the novel progresses, I cheer for Didi when she meets Jake. Jake, a teacher, whose fiancée was killed in a car crash, questions the Lord about all that happened in his life. His questions are slowly beginning to be answered when he meets and is attracted to Didi.
Loves, Lies, and Fireflies deals with mature subject matter. Nevertheless, it is dealt with within an inspirational context. There are numerous references to the Lord along with how God’s leading has impacted the characters’ lives.
I received Loves, Lies, and Fireflies from the author. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
****Disclaimer*****
There is one word, an abbreviation for a curse word, near the beginning of the book. I was surprised to see it. Although a case could be made that it fits the storyline, I feel it could have been left out without changing the story.
Didi O’Brien’s fiancé, Kevin, informs her, during dinner at a fancy restaurant, he has been escorting another woman to different events. He then tries to make it sound as if Didi is being too “female” when she’s upset. At this point, we realize something is a little off where Kevin is concerned, and what follows confirms our suspicions.
Ms. Elder does a fantastic job of showing how easily a person could fall for the charming persona of someone like Kevin, the ex-fiancé, and psychopathic abuser, only to be drawn into their web of deceit and abuse.
I didn’t relate to the characters, having never been in their situations, but as the novel progresses, I cheer for Didi when she meets Jake. Jake, a teacher, whose fiancée was killed in a car crash, questions the Lord about all that happened in his life. His questions are slowly beginning to be answered when he meets and is attracted to Didi.
Loves, Lies, and Fireflies deals with mature subject matter. Nevertheless, it is dealt with within an inspirational context. There are numerous references to the Lord along with how God’s leading has impacted the characters’ lives.
I received Loves, Lies, and Fireflies from the author. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
****Disclaimer*****
There is one word, an abbreviation for a curse word, near the beginning of the book. I was surprised to see it. Although a case could be made that it fits the storyline, I feel it could have been left out without changing the story.
June 20, 2021
Didi and Jake seem to be in the right place at the right time for each other. Both have broken relationships, both feel an almost instant attraction for each other, and both are cat people. But is this what God wants for them in the long run? And can they trust God to lead them through the rain into the sunshine the other side.
True love never runs smooth and that's certainly true here. With a hero and heroine you have to root for, an amazing cast of true to life secondary characters, and two adorable felines each with their own personalities, not to mention a villain I wanted to thump a couple of times, this is one gripping, unputdownable novel. I think my new favourite colour is twilight blue.
I loved this book. Pulled in from the get go, my brief read in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep, turned into non stop reading, until I realised it was time to leave for church and several hours had passed. Definitely a keeper and going straight back into my TBR pile.
True love never runs smooth and that's certainly true here. With a hero and heroine you have to root for, an amazing cast of true to life secondary characters, and two adorable felines each with their own personalities, not to mention a villain I wanted to thump a couple of times, this is one gripping, unputdownable novel. I think my new favourite colour is twilight blue.
I loved this book. Pulled in from the get go, my brief read in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep, turned into non stop reading, until I realised it was time to leave for church and several hours had passed. Definitely a keeper and going straight back into my TBR pile.
March 2, 2023
Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
So, Christian fiction isn't so much my thing. When I first started reading this book I had to, sort of, get used to all the references to Bible passages, etc. I wasn't feeling too positive because I felt like I was getting more of a lesson than a novel. But! This author seems to have a good sense of humor and the plot and characters were really easy to get into. I ended up really enjoying the story.
So, Christian fiction isn't so much my thing. When I first started reading this book I had to, sort of, get used to all the references to Bible passages, etc. I wasn't feeling too positive because I felt like I was getting more of a lesson than a novel. But! This author seems to have a good sense of humor and the plot and characters were really easy to get into. I ended up really enjoying the story.
January 20, 2017
Romance is not my favorite genre. I read them occasionally. When looking at the cover of this book I expected a light, fun romance. It was much more than that. It was a good story with in depth characters and a lot going on. It was a bit long but it kept my interest. I was never bored. It's a story about regrets, mistakes, loss, grace and God's forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
November 28, 2016
A woman running into a marriage with a mentally disturbed person and a man running fast and hard from his own perceptions of faithfulness find each other. The right timing, interruptions by events out of their control, and self-revelation will either make them stronger together or apart.
When Didi’s attorney fiancé reveals what a cad he is, Didi walks out on their fancy restaurant dinner not realizing she’s caught the attention of a man healing from loss. That man, Jake, has some lessons to struggle through, though, before he can accept the blessings he’s avoiding. They begin a sweet relationship even as Didi’s former fiancé spirals into criminal behavior and Jake opens his ears and heart to his true calling. They may be able to face their past mistakes and save each other, but unless they are each obedient to their first love, God, they can never move forward, either alone or together.
Love is there—maybe even too quickly. Lies—well, justifying our selfish desires, withholding information either intentionally or innocently, and simple naiveté are all shades of misleading. Fireflies are God’s way of showing off, Didi’s father always said. Didi and Jake just need to pay attention.
Told through multiple viewpoints, Elder’s tale of love gone right and wrong is a sweet one with lots of description of food and fun, friendships and everything fun about falling in love is a very nice read.
When Didi’s attorney fiancé reveals what a cad he is, Didi walks out on their fancy restaurant dinner not realizing she’s caught the attention of a man healing from loss. That man, Jake, has some lessons to struggle through, though, before he can accept the blessings he’s avoiding. They begin a sweet relationship even as Didi’s former fiancé spirals into criminal behavior and Jake opens his ears and heart to his true calling. They may be able to face their past mistakes and save each other, but unless they are each obedient to their first love, God, they can never move forward, either alone or together.
Love is there—maybe even too quickly. Lies—well, justifying our selfish desires, withholding information either intentionally or innocently, and simple naiveté are all shades of misleading. Fireflies are God’s way of showing off, Didi’s father always said. Didi and Jake just need to pay attention.
Told through multiple viewpoints, Elder’s tale of love gone right and wrong is a sweet one with lots of description of food and fun, friendships and everything fun about falling in love is a very nice read.
February 6, 2017
The main characters are, Didi O'Brian a sweet, friendly, Christian girl. Kevin Cabot, her fiance', is a good looking, charming lawyer (also a jerk).
Jake Montgomery, middle school history teacher. Coming out of a year-long depression after the tragic death of his fiance'. Other starring characters are Didi's cat Maisie and Jake's cat Lucy. There are plenty more supporting characters too.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints and really held my attention.
After breaking up with Kevin, Didi sees how much of her life he was controlling and wonders how she let him. She begins dating Jake (a little too quickly in my opinion) but agrees to take things slow. Their love story is sweet and yet complicated. Kevin becomes more and more obsessed, nearly committing murder.
There are very sweet moments in this book, there are very suspenseful moments in this book. There were moments that made me want to scream and moments that made me cry too. All elements of a good book! This was the first book I've read by Jan Elder, it won't be the last.
Jake Montgomery, middle school history teacher. Coming out of a year-long depression after the tragic death of his fiance'. Other starring characters are Didi's cat Maisie and Jake's cat Lucy. There are plenty more supporting characters too.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints and really held my attention.
After breaking up with Kevin, Didi sees how much of her life he was controlling and wonders how she let him. She begins dating Jake (a little too quickly in my opinion) but agrees to take things slow. Their love story is sweet and yet complicated. Kevin becomes more and more obsessed, nearly committing murder.
There are very sweet moments in this book, there are very suspenseful moments in this book. There were moments that made me want to scream and moments that made me cry too. All elements of a good book! This was the first book I've read by Jan Elder, it won't be the last.
September 10, 2017
Read it in less than two days! Stayed up late as this heartfelt romance introduced characters that I loved, and dealt with true issues and struggles. It was suspenseful! A surprise at every turn. I carried it with me everywhere! I loved the locations and the cats. Felt as though I knew the towns, neighbors and encouraging friends and family that Didi and Jake both were blessed to have. Loved the way both characters were Christ followers who sometimes misunderstood what God was actually doing as they wrestled with their own shame and confusion - very realistic, indeed.
March 16, 2023
4.5 stars!
I've had this retro read on my Kindle for quite some time and decided to give this new-to-me author a try. What a pleasant surprise! What I thought would be a fluffy, amateurish read turned out to be quite the opposite. Truly a story of betrayal, romance, loss, and 2nd chances, Love, Lies, and Fireflies, will keep you turning those pages well into the night. This may have been my 1st book by Jan Elder, but it certainly won't be my last!
I've had this retro read on my Kindle for quite some time and decided to give this new-to-me author a try. What a pleasant surprise! What I thought would be a fluffy, amateurish read turned out to be quite the opposite. Truly a story of betrayal, romance, loss, and 2nd chances, Love, Lies, and Fireflies, will keep you turning those pages well into the night. This may have been my 1st book by Jan Elder, but it certainly won't be my last!
May 19, 2017
I won this book in a contest, so figured I should read it. I really enjoyed it! Elder does a great job with her characters, with fun touches of humor. I love the cats too. She's got lots of good insights woven into the plot. I will definitely look forward to reading more books by this author.
July 13, 2017
Trust
A book full of choices & how they affect our lives, good or bad. Jake found how giving his ALL to God rewarded him with a life of happiness. Deli paid a price for bad choices due to not asking God for His guidance. Loved this Christian book!!!
A book full of choices & how they affect our lives, good or bad. Jake found how giving his ALL to God rewarded him with a life of happiness. Deli paid a price for bad choices due to not asking God for His guidance. Loved this Christian book!!!
August 2, 2017
Great Read by Jan Elder
Great book - hooked from first chapter. Christian fiction met all expectations with a little suspense thrown in. Now reviewing other books written by Jan.
Great book - hooked from first chapter. Christian fiction met all expectations with a little suspense thrown in. Now reviewing other books written by Jan.
August 10, 2017
Loved this book! A sweet and fun read with great characters.
March 11, 2017
Love, Lies, & Fireflies by Jan Elder
Didi O'Brien was in the midst of planning her wedding, that is until her finance informs her that he has been unfaithful and he seems to be rather smug about it....seriously, smug? Yet he expects her to act as if he had said, “it's been a nice day”. With her life-plans unraveled around her, she is at a loss to what her next steps are to be. Praying for guidance in the days and weeks to come she is surprised at God's answer.
Middle school teacher, Jake Montgomery has loved teaching while still grieving the death of his fiance over a year ago. Feeling it is time to break through the despair and anger, he wrestles with God and is ready to start living his life again. However, not as he has been, he once felt the call to the ministry and feels it is time to stop running from that calling.
Circumstances bring Didi and Jake together more than once, but are either of them ready for a relationship? Didi's x-finance has turned controlling, stalking and even sinister/evil..she could be in danger. I was holding my breath at certain scenes especially the one on the road in the rain and the river...oh! Can Jake protect her? I really like Jake and Didi together and love their first date, it was kinda funny and sweet. I love the humorous parts of the story that had me chuckling along with the characters. The characters are well developed and I could relate to them. Didi and Jake are my favorites. Love, Lies, and Fireflies is a light, fun, romance with characters facing heartbreak, hope, new beginnings, betrayal, grief, danger, love and faith, discovering God's will in their lives as they learn to trust Him. I especially appreciate the inspirational elements woven within the storyline. I love the cats in this story as I love cats!
~I gifted a copy of the book from the author, (no monetary gain were exchanged), I was not required to leave a review, this is my honest review~
Didi O'Brien was in the midst of planning her wedding, that is until her finance informs her that he has been unfaithful and he seems to be rather smug about it....seriously, smug? Yet he expects her to act as if he had said, “it's been a nice day”. With her life-plans unraveled around her, she is at a loss to what her next steps are to be. Praying for guidance in the days and weeks to come she is surprised at God's answer.
Middle school teacher, Jake Montgomery has loved teaching while still grieving the death of his fiance over a year ago. Feeling it is time to break through the despair and anger, he wrestles with God and is ready to start living his life again. However, not as he has been, he once felt the call to the ministry and feels it is time to stop running from that calling.
Circumstances bring Didi and Jake together more than once, but are either of them ready for a relationship? Didi's x-finance has turned controlling, stalking and even sinister/evil..she could be in danger. I was holding my breath at certain scenes especially the one on the road in the rain and the river...oh! Can Jake protect her? I really like Jake and Didi together and love their first date, it was kinda funny and sweet. I love the humorous parts of the story that had me chuckling along with the characters. The characters are well developed and I could relate to them. Didi and Jake are my favorites. Love, Lies, and Fireflies is a light, fun, romance with characters facing heartbreak, hope, new beginnings, betrayal, grief, danger, love and faith, discovering God's will in their lives as they learn to trust Him. I especially appreciate the inspirational elements woven within the storyline. I love the cats in this story as I love cats!
~I gifted a copy of the book from the author, (no monetary gain were exchanged), I was not required to leave a review, this is my honest review~
September 3, 2016
I love a good story-teller that pulls me into the lives of their characters so deeply that after I finish the book, I find myself wanting to go hang out with them again and again. Author Jan Elder accomplishes that in Love, Lies, and Fireflies with a beautiful tale of heartbreak, hope, and new beginnings. Shades of sinister kept me looking over the heroine’s shoulder, but there was also plenty of lightness with comedic moments and sparkling dialogue.
Didi O’Brien’s world spins out of control when her controlling fiancé Kevin Cabot casually admits to cheating on her. When Didi doesn’t crawl back to him as he expected, his creepy level elevates as he stalks Didi and refuses to acknowledge their breakup. Meeting the charming Jake Montgomery is a lifeline to Didi—helping her to feel safe and valued, and illuminating just how unhealthy the relationship was that she’d had with her former fiancé. Jake was also previously engaged but lost his fiancée in a terrible car accident over a year ago. He feels ready to move on, but is still haunted with questions about the tragedy. Is it too soon for a new relationship for either of them? Can Didi and Jake find freedom from their pasts and have a future together?
‘Love, Lies, and Fireflies’ is an enjoyable, cozy read, with an inspirational overcoming theme that covers betrayal, grief, and discovering God’s will. The characters are engaging and relatable, especially Didi. She’s optimistic, loves cats and hates cucumber—which made me want to exclaim “me too!!” The sweet romance is just delightful too with one of the best first dates I’ve read! The story concludes perfectly with a surprising and tender ending sure to make you sigh. An enjoyable and entertaining story!
Didi O’Brien’s world spins out of control when her controlling fiancé Kevin Cabot casually admits to cheating on her. When Didi doesn’t crawl back to him as he expected, his creepy level elevates as he stalks Didi and refuses to acknowledge their breakup. Meeting the charming Jake Montgomery is a lifeline to Didi—helping her to feel safe and valued, and illuminating just how unhealthy the relationship was that she’d had with her former fiancé. Jake was also previously engaged but lost his fiancée in a terrible car accident over a year ago. He feels ready to move on, but is still haunted with questions about the tragedy. Is it too soon for a new relationship for either of them? Can Didi and Jake find freedom from their pasts and have a future together?
‘Love, Lies, and Fireflies’ is an enjoyable, cozy read, with an inspirational overcoming theme that covers betrayal, grief, and discovering God’s will. The characters are engaging and relatable, especially Didi. She’s optimistic, loves cats and hates cucumber—which made me want to exclaim “me too!!” The sweet romance is just delightful too with one of the best first dates I’ve read! The story concludes perfectly with a surprising and tender ending sure to make you sigh. An enjoyable and entertaining story!
February 15, 2017
Love, Lies & Fireflies is the first book that I’ve read by Jan Elder and I loved it. It overflows with God’s grace from the first page to the last. Jan Elder’s characters are likeable and relatable causing the reader to genuinely care for them and what happens to them. She does not shy away from writing difficult scenarios and letting them play out in a realistic fashion. There are many nuggets of Godly wisdom to pull from the pages of this book. The natural way that living for God is presented in this story caused me to want to depend more fully on God in my own life. It is my favorite kind of book, one that is entertaining yet draws me closer to my God.
October 17, 2016
I love stories where two people who have been through something painful are able to find their way to each other and connect in a special way. I wouldn't say it's fate that brings them together, it's definitely God. This was a wonderful love story - one that I enjoyed reading. I do not like the books that are so mushy I make me squirm or want to close it and move on to something else. This was just right!
I loved the characters of DiDi and Jake. I felt the author did a wonderful job of showing their growth and emotions throughout the book. The only critique I have is how quickly Didi seemed to bounce back after Kevin's admission of cheating, however I think it was necessary for the storyline and for the possible connection with Jake. I did not like Kevin's character at all. And don't take this the wrong way - Ms. Elder did an outstanding job of showing all of his evil features. I picked up on them in the very first scene and saw him just grow more evil as the story went on. I felt scared for Didi at different times because I just wasn't sure what Kevin would do. I enjoyed this aspect of the story as I think it broke up the "love" storyline enough to keep my interest.
If you are just merely looking for a love story, I don't think this is the one for you. If you are looking for something more in depth, more character development, and a hint of drama/excitement, then pick this book up today. You won't be sorry! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a good review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
I loved the characters of DiDi and Jake. I felt the author did a wonderful job of showing their growth and emotions throughout the book. The only critique I have is how quickly Didi seemed to bounce back after Kevin's admission of cheating, however I think it was necessary for the storyline and for the possible connection with Jake. I did not like Kevin's character at all. And don't take this the wrong way - Ms. Elder did an outstanding job of showing all of his evil features. I picked up on them in the very first scene and saw him just grow more evil as the story went on. I felt scared for Didi at different times because I just wasn't sure what Kevin would do. I enjoyed this aspect of the story as I think it broke up the "love" storyline enough to keep my interest.
If you are just merely looking for a love story, I don't think this is the one for you. If you are looking for something more in depth, more character development, and a hint of drama/excitement, then pick this book up today. You won't be sorry! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a good review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
January 20, 2017
Have you ever read a book that resonates in your psyche, as though you and the author are on the same wavelength? Love, Lies, and Fireflies is one of those treasures for me. Author Jan Elder dares to tackle hard subject matter like stalking and controlling personalities, yet her prose is sprinkled with delightful bits of humor, creating a thoroughly captivating story.
Didi exhibits self confidence in her career as a writer for a local magazine, but when it comes to relationships, her naivety endangers her. Jake is a truly swoon-worthy hero, handsome but unassuming, a true gentleman. But he has secrets of his own. The supporting cast is fantastic; different personalities sparkle off the pages. I could easily imagine some of Didi’s friends having their own stories. (Hint!)
The relationship between Didi and Jake blossoms, but thorns threaten to destroy them both. Journeying with them to complete surrender to God touched my soul and encouraged me to follow their example of faith.
Love, Lies, and Fireflies is a great, worthwhile read and earns five stars. Highly recommended. Disclaimer: This review is my own honest opinion. I have in no way been compensated for it.
Didi exhibits self confidence in her career as a writer for a local magazine, but when it comes to relationships, her naivety endangers her. Jake is a truly swoon-worthy hero, handsome but unassuming, a true gentleman. But he has secrets of his own. The supporting cast is fantastic; different personalities sparkle off the pages. I could easily imagine some of Didi’s friends having their own stories. (Hint!)
The relationship between Didi and Jake blossoms, but thorns threaten to destroy them both. Journeying with them to complete surrender to God touched my soul and encouraged me to follow their example of faith.
Love, Lies, and Fireflies is a great, worthwhile read and earns five stars. Highly recommended. Disclaimer: This review is my own honest opinion. I have in no way been compensated for it.
September 4, 2016
Love, Lies and Fireflies, written by Jan Elder, is the third book I've read by this author.
This book was a great book with a lot of excitement going on from crazed people, to crazed love, to genuine love, to out right liars, quite a few surprises...and we can't forget to mention...cats. I'm actually not a cat fan...extremely allergic so when I saw it had cat's in it...I wasn't thrilled. I don't like them because what they do to me....but Elder has great skill in writing and was able to make me love the storyline even though cat's were completely through the entire book.
My favorite character...Jake! Jake is the kind of guy any person would want in their life. He has such a sad background yet through it all he was able to dig himself out of that background and become a successful human being because of...Christ!
This book was a great book with a lot of excitement going on from crazed people, to crazed love, to genuine love, to out right liars, quite a few surprises...and we can't forget to mention...cats. I'm actually not a cat fan...extremely allergic so when I saw it had cat's in it...I wasn't thrilled. I don't like them because what they do to me....but Elder has great skill in writing and was able to make me love the storyline even though cat's were completely through the entire book.
My favorite character...Jake! Jake is the kind of guy any person would want in their life. He has such a sad background yet through it all he was able to dig himself out of that background and become a successful human being because of...Christ!
September 13, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author, and it certainly won't be my last. She has a written a story that pulled me in from the first pages and kept me reading. The story is a wonderful combination of interesting characters, faith and romance combined with some suspense that made for an very compelling read and one that I didn't want to put down after I started it. It is a beautiful story showing God's love and protection for His children and the second chances that can be found through Him when the hurts of the past are are put behind and the future is entrusted to Him. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and it is definitely one that I do recommend. I do look forward to reading more by this author.
October 4, 2016
This novel was an enjoyable read. The story ran at a steady pace at the beginning which picked up later on.
It pulled on my emotions when Kevin the Cad started with his absurd reasoning about his relationship rights. It's unfortunate, but many men think this way and think woman need to be kept in control while they go out and do whatever they want. Jealousy and manipulation is a very real issue and causes a lot of heartache and can even lead to murder.
Jan told this story very well and often I felt like climbing into the story and giving Kevin a piece of my mind.
Romance is drawn out within this novel as each person has their issues to work on.
I will recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good love story combined with drama and a little suspense. It is an excellent read!
It pulled on my emotions when Kevin the Cad started with his absurd reasoning about his relationship rights. It's unfortunate, but many men think this way and think woman need to be kept in control while they go out and do whatever they want. Jealousy and manipulation is a very real issue and causes a lot of heartache and can even lead to murder.
Jan told this story very well and often I felt like climbing into the story and giving Kevin a piece of my mind.
Romance is drawn out within this novel as each person has their issues to work on.
I will recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good love story combined with drama and a little suspense. It is an excellent read!
October 21, 2016
The author gives a story of how love and trust can be found again, even after tragedy. Didi has her life plan changed when her fiancee is unfaithful. Decisions need to be made and she prays she will make the right decisions. Jake has lost the love of his life and he is trying to move on with life and possibly fall in love again. The feelings of trust, love and forgiveness are found in this great story. I enjoyed reading this story very much. I received a copy of this story from the author and this is my personal, honest opinion.
October 6, 2016
Love, lies and fireflies
Didi has quite a time with her ex. She gets involved with Jake and he is a lot different then her ex. Has a lot of suspense in the book, very interesting book. Enjoyed it a lot and loved the cats in the story. Having pets in the story always makes it better. I did receive the book from the prism book group.
Didi has quite a time with her ex. She gets involved with Jake and he is a lot different then her ex. Has a lot of suspense in the book, very interesting book. Enjoyed it a lot and loved the cats in the story. Having pets in the story always makes it better. I did receive the book from the prism book group.
September 16, 2016
A terrific Christian romance/suspense. Love, Lies and Fireflies is a well written book with a great plot and well developed characters. Grabbed me at the very start and could not put the book down. Highly recommend.
November 17, 2016
God provides a way
Lovely story of finding love together. Obstacles and even danger to trust in God and overcome. An abusive ex fiance waits in the wings, but her new love helps her find the strength to move on.
Lovely story of finding love together. Obstacles and even danger to trust in God and overcome. An abusive ex fiance waits in the wings, but her new love helps her find the strength to move on.
September 8, 2016
A young couple fights their way through personal disasters to realize their meant to be together.
Ms. Elder’s novel brings plenty of drama and intense suspense. Love truly conquers all.
Ms. Elder’s novel brings plenty of drama and intense suspense. Love truly conquers all.
October 19, 2016
A wonderful story about a subject important to women of any age. Jan Elder gifted me this ebook to read and review. If this is an example of her ability to write we will be hearing more from her.
January 2, 2017
Inspirational read with twists and turns about overcoming hurt in relationships, especially with an additive and abuse partner.
March 29, 2017
My thoughts on Jan Elder:
Jan is a wonderful writer who tries her hardest to capture the thoughts, mindsets and moods of the characters that she writes or imagines. I have been honored to review books for Jan Elder because she is such a sweet and humble lady. You can just tell that she is truly grateful for her readers.
My thoughts on Love, Lies and Fireflies:
I am not going to pretend or lie by saying this book grabbed my attention right away. It took some time to get into the storyline...I mean I was immediately taken into Moostletoe but this is a different book completely. It took some work on my part to read this but once I did, I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns. I am not completely done with this book but I have a feeling that I will love it.
Didi O'Brien.....wow.....I felt my heart torn out when she found out that her Fiancee had been unfaithful. I mean, can you believe someone you love so much would be willing to do that? I know for me, I have a hard time trusting as it is and I could not even begin to imagine the feelings and emotions that Didi was going through.
The way Jake Montgomery seems to go after Didi in a loving and caring way while helping her to move on just screams romance to me. He really does see to her needs and loves her for who she is. He scores some points in my book. I adore that he loves cats. We need more male cat lovers in the world.
Kevin Cabot, wow....I am not sure what to say about him other than that he is creepy, stalker and he would give me nightmares.
Jan is a wonderful writer who tries her hardest to capture the thoughts, mindsets and moods of the characters that she writes or imagines. I have been honored to review books for Jan Elder because she is such a sweet and humble lady. You can just tell that she is truly grateful for her readers.
My thoughts on Love, Lies and Fireflies:
I am not going to pretend or lie by saying this book grabbed my attention right away. It took some time to get into the storyline...I mean I was immediately taken into Moostletoe but this is a different book completely. It took some work on my part to read this but once I did, I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns. I am not completely done with this book but I have a feeling that I will love it.
Didi O'Brien.....wow.....I felt my heart torn out when she found out that her Fiancee had been unfaithful. I mean, can you believe someone you love so much would be willing to do that? I know for me, I have a hard time trusting as it is and I could not even begin to imagine the feelings and emotions that Didi was going through.
The way Jake Montgomery seems to go after Didi in a loving and caring way while helping her to move on just screams romance to me. He really does see to her needs and loves her for who she is. He scores some points in my book. I adore that he loves cats. We need more male cat lovers in the world.
Kevin Cabot, wow....I am not sure what to say about him other than that he is creepy, stalker and he would give me nightmares.
March 30, 2017
Deirdre O’Brien cannot believe her ears when her fiancé, Kevin Cabot tells her that he is dating another woman. Although she tells him that their relationship is over, Kevin remains a controlling, jealous, and destructive force in her life. His erratic behavior slowly escalates until he is nothing more than a ticking time bomb. The suspense builds until he finally explodes. It was instructive to read as Didi recognizes their abusive relationship and begins to rebuild her life. I really liked her “Homework Projects” and her journaling.
Jake Montgomery lost his wife Victoria over a year ago. “Fourteen long and difficult months—months of hurt, loss, and loneliness.” Jake is quirky, shy, quiet, and secretive. He is running from his past, the pain, and God. But he has a good heart and feels responsible to protect Didi from her abusive ex.
Scenes of drama and danger. Action and suspense build as the plot races to the dramatic conclusion. Sweet romance and fun moments add a lightness to the dark topics of abuse. Didi and Jake are strengthened by their circle of friends. “Her greatest gift…had been her unshakeable faith.”
(Topics include various forms of abuse and also suicide.)
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are uniquely my own.
Jake Montgomery lost his wife Victoria over a year ago. “Fourteen long and difficult months—months of hurt, loss, and loneliness.” Jake is quirky, shy, quiet, and secretive. He is running from his past, the pain, and God. But he has a good heart and feels responsible to protect Didi from her abusive ex.
Scenes of drama and danger. Action and suspense build as the plot races to the dramatic conclusion. Sweet romance and fun moments add a lightness to the dark topics of abuse. Didi and Jake are strengthened by their circle of friends. “Her greatest gift…had been her unshakeable faith.”
(Topics include various forms of abuse and also suicide.)
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are uniquely my own.
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