Лято край Брега на светулките

Firefly Beach #1

by Jenny Hale, Джени Хейл

Понякога една детска мечта може да ни помогне да намерим истинското щастие

* Да построя еднометров пясъчен замък.

* Да стана фотограф.

* Да се преместя да живея на някое ново място.

* Да целуна момче, което обичам.

* Да си пожелая нещо и то да се сбъдне.

Това е списъкът с цели на дванайсетгодишната Хали. Когато е на трийсет обаче, тя проклина деня, в който го е написала. Защото последната воля на обичната й леля Клара е тя да го изпълни, за да получи наследството си.За Хали имението край градчето Бряг на светулките е любимото място на света. С красивата къща на плажа, големия дъб на двора и верандата, гледаща към тюркоазения океан. Тук тя винаги се е чувствала у дома.Сега обаче, когато пристига заедно с майка си, сестра си и най-добрия си приятел Бен, сърцето й се къса. Чичо Ханк е самотен и съкрушен. Леля Клара вече я няма, а на Хали така й липсват нейните съвети.В края на лятото ще се окаже, че за да намери отново щастието, Хали просто трябва да изпълни точките от стария списък. Колко ли трудно би могло да е това?

Genres: Romance, Summer, Summer Reads, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2019

About the author

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies.

She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family.

Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers. When she isn’t writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.

Visit www.itsjennyhale.com to get my latest book! You can also chat with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennyhaleauthor, Twitter: www.twitter.com/jhaleauthor, and IG: www.instagram.com/jhaleauthor

See all my books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Hale/e/B...

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit Summer at Firefly Beach by Jenny Hale is one of those books that I take one look at and think oohh I want to be there, darn beautiful covers get me all the time. However, as lovely as an “inviting wraparound porch and enchanting views across the sparkling turquoise ocean” does sound I actually knew of Jenny Hale’s stories so I had high hopes for a lovely beachy type of read too and thankfully that’s what readers will find with this one.

Hallie Flynn was extremely close to her Aunt Clara having spent plenty of time with her at her home at Firefly Beach. As Hallie is mourning the loss of her aunt however she left her with a bit of a puzzle. All others received a hand written letter saying goodbye and what they inherited but Hallie was left with a bucket list she’d written as a child. This summer with the help of her best friend, Ben, Hallie will need to step out of her comfort zone and figure out just what Aunt Clara’s message means.

Summer at Firefly Beach is filled with emotional moments and one may need a tissue or two when reading but not to worry there are also plenty of happier moments too. This is one that a reader will notice the character growth as it’s happening along the way and perhaps a few things might seem a little predictable but it’s done well and in a way that it’s easy to stay engaged and wait to see if there will be a happy ever after.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Теодор Панов · Rating 4 out of 5]

Много приятна лятна книжка, изпълнена със свежо лятно настроение, допълнена от малко количество семейна драма и гарнирана с романтика и преследване на мечтите. Перфектно четиво за летните почивни дни, докато сте на плажа или на отдих в хотела. Книгата те потапя бързо в лятото, като се започне от къщата на брега на океана, строенето на пясъчни замъци, фотографията, местния панаир… Атмосферата в книгата през цялото време ми напомняше на онези семейно-романтични филми, характерни за Hallmark Channel.

Да не пропусна да спомена и корицата на българското издание на книгата, която е наистина страхотна. Уловила е цялото настроение на историята – с красивия залез, звездното небе, чайките и кея с прелитащите светулки.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Romances are my go to genre when I am feeling stressed out and/or need cheering up. Summer at Firefly Beach was a nice, sweet story and a good choice for a book that allowed me to sit back and unwind.

Hallie Flynn and Ben Murray have been best friends practically forever. He's been so supportive of Hallie throughout the years including now after the recent passing of her beloved Aunt Clara. Both Hallie and Ben are joining the rest of Hallie's family to spend time at her aunt's home at Firefly Beach. Back when Hallie was a teenager she wrote a bucket list of things she wanted to accomplish later in life. Aunt Clara's dying wish was for Hallie to revisit her childhood dreams and make them a reality. Guess Hallie is going to be busy this summer.

This book is what I like to call a comfy read. You have an idea of where the story is headed but half the fun is the journey to get there. Ben and Hallie are likeable characters and the non romantic elements of the story kept it interesting.

There were just two things that slightly annoyed me with the story. I'm not a fan of the whole character being totally oblivious to another characters true feelings trope in romance novels. It's just not realistic to me that a grown adult would not be able to pick up on signs and kinda makes that person look like a moron. I also found myself side eying part of the ending although I very well could be in the minority with that opinion. However, those things are minor quibbles as overall it was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Forever for providing me with a free copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an e-copy of Summer at Firefly Beach from NetGalley for my honest review.

A heart warming and emotional read. A story of family, memories, loss, love and wisdom. A wonderful beach read!!

[ItaPixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer at Firefly Beach was a nice, quick read.

In this story we follow Hallie Flynn through her grieving for her late aunt, and her quest to choose the right path for a happy life, starting at Firefly beach and at the Starlight Cottage with the help of her family and her best friend, Ben.

The writing was well done, I liked the small town vibes and the characters, but there were some things that didn't sit well with me, like Hallie's stubborness to reject the best things of her life, or how she is too scared to even try to do something different, but I've still enjoyed the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.

[Jean Parry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hallie's life is filled with sadness when she loses her beloved Aunt Clara. She soon discovers a secret from her aunt's past that helps Hallie cope with the devastating news she receives regarding her health. She learns to accept the love that she desires and finds her artistic passions. I didn't enjoy reading it all. I didn't find any passion or intrigue in it. Any time I began to read a book I always jot down my predictions and if I'm only half right I consider the book to be a success. However, if my predictions are right on I know it's not the best book—meaning I've already read this story several times before. There wasn't any physical passion between the protagonist and her love interest. I wasn't even sure why he adored her so much. Hallie seems needy and whiny to me. I didn't enjoy it all and couldn't find any commonality with the characters.

[Shelleen Toland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallie Flynn's aunt Clara has passed away and left her inheritance to the family. She left a bucket list for Hallie that Hallie wrote as a child and needs to fulfill it.
Hallie left her job to come to Firefly Beach and needs to decide what she wants to do with her future. Also helping her is her best friend Ben who is always there for her, her mom and her sister. I love Hallie's nephew Robby as he seemed so cute and needs a man figure in his life. Hw always seemed to be with Ben and Hallie that at sometimes I forgot he was Hallie's nephew and not her son.
All during this Hallie has a secret and what will happen when it comes out?
I enjoyed this story and the setting as I wanted to be there.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC to review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallie Flynn and her sister Sydney loved staying with their great Uncle Hank and great Aunt Clara at Firefly beach and it was like a second home for the sisters. Sadly Aunt Clara passed away from cancer six months ago, the place doesn’t seem the same without her and Uncle Harold is really struggling with his grief.

Aunt Clara left everyone in the family a letter, in Hallie’s case it’s a copy of the bucket list she wrote when she was twelve and has she accomplished everything on the list? Build a Sandcastle like Uncle Hank’s, become a photographer, live somewhere new, kiss a boy and make a wish and have it come true?

Hallie’s spending her summer with her family and best friend Ben Murray at Firefly beach, and they have private access to the beautiful beach and an amazing view. Tackling the tasks on her bucket list isn’t as easy as it seems, it forces Hallie to look back at the past, face the future and she starts to develop feelings for Ben. But Hallie has a secret, it’s painful and she doesn’t know how she can get over her loss. Wise words from Aunt Clara help, a story about moving on from the past, making peace with it, opening your heart to change and the possibilities that come with it.

I received a copy of Summer at Firefly Beach from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, four stars from me and I look forward to reading other books by Jenny Hale.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm, hopeful, and touching!

Summer at Firefly Beach is a charming, emotive, friends-to-lovers tale that takes you into the life of the heartbroken, sorrowful Hallie Flynn who at the request of her late great aunt Clara’s final wishes attempts to complete her childhood bucket list, rediscovers passions long forgotten, and finally recognizes that the one person who’s always been standing right beside her is everything her heart’s ever wanted or needed.

The writing is fluid and smooth. The characters are troubled, supportive, and kind. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, love, loss, family, friendship, community, romance, starting over, taking chances, new beginnings, and following one’s dreams.

Overall, Summer at Firefly Beach is an easy, tender, lighthearted tale by Hale that is entertaining, compelling, and perfect for a day at the beach.

Thank you to Forever for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallie’s beloved Aunt Clara has passed away and Hallie is bereft over this enormous loss. Hallie returns to her favorite place in the world, her Aunt Clara’s beachside home in Firefly Beach. Here she will nurse her wounds, help her uncle in his grief, uncover a family secret, and begin to imagine a new life for herself. Hallie navigates through all of this with her best friend Ben by her side. ⁣
⁣
This is everything a reader expects from a good beach read- a beautiful locale, a little mystery, and a love story. The grief that this family is experiencing was beautifully written, although at times heartbreaking. The love story was organic and while a little predictable, sometimes that’s appreciated. After a slew of heavy reads this lighthearted, feel-good story was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you @bookouture for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Твоят живот е бял лист хартия. Трябва да мечтаеш за него, да си го представиш такъв, какъвто искаш да бъде, а после да се бориш за него. Това е шедьовърът, който всеки трябва да създаде сам."

[Galya Ozan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Просто дишай и следвай сърцето си!

[Venka Gospodinova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Приятна лека и не натоварваща лятна история. Чете се леко и приятно.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Hale and I was so happy to get the chance to read this. What a sweet romance and the family drama was so good. I love this beach read and I can not wait to read more books by hale. You are going to love how this ends. I was left wanting more of Ben and Hallie's story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story held my interest for the same amount of time a firefly glows in the dark. In the end Ben deserved better.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallie Flynn and her family gather at her favorite place ever. It is the home of her now deceased great Aunt Clara. The home is lovely and brings with it very warm memories to Hallie. She is devastated by the loss of her aunt.

Aunt Clara has left inheritances to the family, which include Hallie's mother and sister. When it came to Hallie, however, instead of a sizable inheritance, she receives a letter that included a bucket list that Hallie wrote as a a child. Clara insists that Hallie complete that bucket list before she can receive anything.

Some of the things on that list seem impossible. Hallie must take on some real challenges. Hallie has already made great strides, as she left her non-fulfilling job to go to Firefly Beach. Now, will she go further and actually strike out on her own with her incredible talent in photography? Will she kiss a boy she loves? Will she complete the bucket list before the summer is over?

One person right by her side in life, ever since she was a child, is Ben Murray. They are best friends, incredibly close, and he is there with her now helping her to cope with her loss and to consider her bucket list. Meanwhile Hallie meets a painter named Gavin Wilson, and he turns her head and this really has a chance to change her future. If this happens, what of Ben and their close relationship?

One thing about this book is the fact that Hallie has a secret. It is a devastating one and has shaped Hallie into the person she is today. Sharing this secret would take a lot, and the way Hallie handled it was done well in this book.

I enjoyed all of the characters in this book, especially Hallie's uncle Hank. Her mother and sister were quite wonderful too, as was her nephew Robby. This book had an excellent family feel to it and I was drawn in from the very first page. I also enjoyed the romantic aspect of the book and how best friends had a chance at finding love, despite overwhelming challenges. This was quite an emotional read and will make for the perfect book to take along to the beach.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I opened the book and took my first glimpse of it, I knew I would simply fall in love with it. When Aunt Clara died, Hallie was left with a bucket list she had written as a child. She left her job and went about fulfilling the wishes of the innocent younger Hallie and Aunt Clara. In the process, Hallie discovered a thing or two about herself. Ben her best friend stood steadfast by her side through it all… Was Ben her soul mate or did the newcomer Gavin bring new dreams? Read the book to know Hallie’s story.

Jenny Hale’s writing was as beautiful as ever. There was a rhythm in her words as if the prose was beating to an ancient love story. The story steeped in grief after the death of a beloved was filled with hope with new dreams and a second chance to become all that we can be. Not many books can bring about the strange melody of the heart, this is one of the best.

Writing emotions is the most difficult thing. Jenny Hale made it look so easy. I was into the book from the first line and emerged out of my kindle only at the end. A beautiful story which strung my heart with color and dreams

[Jodie (That Happy Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haillie Flynn has experienced a lot of loss in the past few months. Her marriage has recently ended in divorce, and her beloved Aunt Clara has died leaving her Uncle Hank alone at Firefly Beach. Haillie, her family and her best friend Ben make their annual summer trip to Firefly Beach to try and heal and spend time with Uncle Hank. Aunt Clara has left a final wish for Haillie - to complete the bucket list that Haillie wrote when she was twelve years old.

I really enjoyed the sense of romance felt while reading this book and the overwhelming companionship of Haillie and Ben. The read is an easy one and ideal for a beach read. I thought the progression of Haillie's artistic career was a little too quick to be truly believable, but typical of this type of romance novel.

I'd rate this book 3.5 /5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars).

[Johanna Murray · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was exhausting and took me forever to finish because I just never wanted to read it.

To summarize: nothing happens.

The main character thinks about no one but herself. Everyone kisses her feet and everything in her life is perfect. There’s really no plot, but a lot of unnecessary filler.

WHY IS THIS BOOK SO LONG?!

I skimmed over the majority of the last half of the book and oh boy am I glad I didn’t spend the time trying to read it word for word.

I wanted an easy, nice beach read. Instead I got some random words on a page. I cannot understand how anyone gave this a good review.

Update: turns out all of the positive reviews on the Goodreads page for this book are from individuals who received the book for free in exchange for a review. Makes more sense.

[Aneta Batakchieva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Приятно съм изненадана от този бисер,на тази не чак толкова харесвана от мен авторка.Но когато нещо наистина ми въздейства,няма как да не го оценя подобаващо.Страхотно лятно предложение,с доза мистицизъм,умерена семейна драма и много,много любов.И тази невероятна корица...
Само ти се иска да вървиш по пясъка,бризът да нашепва любовни думи,а вълните да гъделичкат пръстчетата.
Ами просто скачай - в историята 🏖

[Антоанета · Rating 3 out of 5]

За мен тези книги са тип "бабешки" (без да обиждам бабите). :D Стават за сценарий за Hallmark, но като цяло са скучни и нелепи. Самата мотивация на героите ми е неправдоподобна, а краят (и не само краят) винаги е прекалено захаросан. Общо взето сюжетът е за 2-2,5 и само гласът на Гергана Стоянова спечели още една звезда към оценката.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking a star off. That whole one person making a major decision while withholding information without giving the other person a chance to make up his/her own mind and/or their own decision.

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring did not finish. If I had to read the Aunt's obituary one more time, the book would have gone out the window.

[Цвети Запрева · Rating 5 out of 5]

Понякога една детска мечта може да ни помогне да намерим истинското щастие..
Хали е само на дванадесет години когато пише списък с желания... осемнадесет години по-късно, шест месеца след смъртта на своята любима леля Клара - Хали трябва да изпълни точките от списъка си, ако иска да получи наследството си.
Освен загубата на своята леля, Хали се разделя и със своя годеник и последните месеци за нея не са никак лесни.
В опит да помогнат на нейния обичан чичо да превъзмогне загубата на леля й, Хали и семейството й се завръщат в малкото рибарското селце - Брега на светулките. До нея е и най-добрият й приятел Бен, с който се познават от деца. Приятелството им винаги и било на първо място, затова и двамата не са давали глас на зараждащите се чувства, а опитите си да открият любовта на друго място се отдалечават.. но сега Хали е необвързана, а чувствата на Бен стават все по-силни.
В Брега на светулките Хали намира вдъхновение във фотографията, тя става все по-силна и намира сили да говори за проблемите си.
А къде е мястото на Бен в живота й?


"Лято край Брега на светулките" за мен е най-емоционалната книга, която съм чела на Джени Хейл до сега.
В нея се говори за любовта, за тъгата по загубата на любим човек, за необходимостта на обърнеш нова страница... и за прошката, и за това колко е важно да простим на другите, за да свалим товара от плещите си и да продължим напред.
Както във всяка своя книга Джени Хейл ни пресъздава цялостната атмосфера, благодарение на което читателя се пренася на това приказно и романтично място.
"Лято край Брега на светулките" е неангажираща е лека история.. прекрасно четиво за летните месеци.

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Summer At Firefly Beach" by Jenny Hale was such a cute read! Hallie has always loved spending her summers at Firefly Beach at her Aunt Clara's home. After her aunt passes away, and everyone is left a goodbye letter telling them what they have inherited, but Hallie is left with a bucket list that she wrote as a child. Hallie spends the summer with her long time friend Ben figuring out the meaning behind it. Along the way, they also realize maybe there has been something between them. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow, and thought this was very well written. If you are in the mood for a touching story that deals with grief, love, family and friendship, give this one a try!

Thank you to the publisher for this gifted review copy! All opinions are my own!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Bernadette Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Spoiler alert ~ tissues are needed.**

My thanks to the Publishers via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. I gave this a 5/5 stars or 10/10 for making me cry.

Jenny Hale is quite a prolific author of romances set in America, her well written stories are character driven and draw the reader into the lives of the characters and their world.

This was a joy to read, I ran the whole gamut of emotions in equal measure whilst reading this story.

Hallie is a little lost after losing her great Aunt Clara. Hallie is given a letter from great Aunt Clara that includes a bucket list that she had written when she was younger. As Hallie tries to complete the list and realises that there are decisions that she needs to make about her future and what it is that she actually wants from life. Her childhood friend Ben is there helping her to fulfil some of the bucket list. As secrets that she had kept hidden are brought to light, will she get her happy ever after or not?

Grab a copy of this and settle back to be immersed into the lives of the characters residing near Firefly Beach.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallie has kept secret from her family just why her engagement ended. Still recovering from everything, the untimely demise of her beloved Aunt Clara means she's really struggling to cope. Aunt Clara has left them all letters but Hallie's is different from everyone else as it requires her to complete the bucket list she wrote when she was just 12 years old before she can have her inheritance. That's when her best friend from childhood, Ben Murray, comes to help her and her family. He has always been able to make her feel safe, secure and loved but even he doesn't know that secret. Together they all travel to spend the summer a Firefly Beach with Uncle Hank, who is still reeling from the death of his beloved wife. Can they help each other? Should Hallie do what her Aunt asked? What will her inheritance be? Can she share her secret and will doing so help her find true love or destroy the possibility of her ever doing so?

Jenny Hale is one of those select, few, highly talented authors who writes emotive, enthralling romantic reads that I just cannot resist because I know I will thoroughly enjoy escaping into them. This is another of her brilliant stories.

The story has believable characters, many of whom are struggling with losing someone they've loved. That doesn't, however, make this a sad story - just the opposite really, it definitely has some laugh out loud moments, too! It is a story of reconnecting, sharing, revelations, new beginnings and following your dreams. Ben is the sort of man any family would be lucky to have as a friend, he's amazing. It is a heartwarming family story that I loved reading and have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending. If I could give it more than 5* I would!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Cardmaker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hallie Flynn's favorite place in the world is her aunt Clara's beautiful beachside house, with its inviting wraparound porch and enchanting views across the sparkling turquoise ocean. For Hallie, going to Firefly Beach, filled with magical childhood memories, feels like coming home. But in one moment, Hallie's left brokenhearted when her adored aunt Clara passes away. In her last letter, Aunt Clara included the bucket list Hallie wrote when she was twelve years old—and a final wish for Hallie to complete it. Stepping away from her dead-end job and predictable schedule, Hallie embraces Aunt Clara's words. Spending the summer at Firefly Beach, Hallie begins to remember the things that matter most to her. Best of all, her childhood friend Ben Murray is there, supporting her every step of the way. But a run-in with wealthy Gavin Wilson, a newcomer to Firefly Beach, leaves her questioning her future and facing something buried deep in her heart. Will Hallie complete the bucket list and change her life? Or will the secret she's been keeping destroy her new beginning—and the chance to fall in love?

Wow, I can't believe the high rating here for this book. I did manage to finish it but it was torture. I admit to scanning the last half. I did not like the main character, a rich, self-absorbed, whining woman who doesn't appreciate all that's been given to her. There were no interesting characters here and the whole concept was ridiculous to me for a book written in 2019. It reads more like one written 50 years ago.

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first read by Jenny Hale. Multiple people told me she writes Hallmark movie-style books. Several of which are - you guessed it! - Hallmark movies. With that in mind, I knew it was going to be light and fluffy, maybe a little cheesy, but in the most endearing of ways. I do agree with that, for the most part. The setting is beautifully presented and I love the imagery portrayed throughout. My struggles mainly lie with the heroine. Well, and the hero sounds like the most perfect man to have never walked this earth.
Hallie is obnoxiously entitled. Her one hurdle (insert spoiler) isn't explored enough to offset everything handed to her on a silver platter. I wish this struggle had been explored more to balance out all of the things that just drop into her lap with little to no effort.
I really liked her sister, Sydney. Sydney's personality completely makes sense to me based on the little information we know about her. Her actions and suggestions are made out of fear and poor personal experiences with her ex. She seemed like one of the few characters to act in a normal flawed human way.
I'm interested in reading another book by this author. I think she has a voice that I would enjoy with a different MC and trope.