Fireflies in the Field

Birch Harbor #3

by Elizabeth Bromke

A "heartwarming" novel by USA Today bestseller Elizabeth Bromke: Four sisters are ready to start fresh... as soon as they settle the secrets of their past (Goodreads).

On the verge of divorce, Megan Hannigan needs a distraction. So, she turns to the sunny tract of farmland left in her mother's will. It's the perfect locale for a budding business, but locals disagree. Only a third party can help navigate this pesky small-town grudge or else Megan's career plan is dead in the water.

Meanwhile, Megan's oldest sister, Kate, hosts a grand opening for her newly renovated Heirloom Inn. Everything is going smoothly until her high school sweetheart reveals a disastrous confession.

Amelia and her new flame are working to bring a local monument back to life. They figured the mysteries of the past were dead and buried, until Amelia accidentally discovers more information.

Claire, a teacher, capitalizes on summer break by working on her new cottage and lounging near the water. But then her principal makes a midsummer request…and a new revelation shocks the shoreline and changes everything.

Fireflies in the Field is the third installment in the Birch Harbor family saga. These romantic women's fiction titles are best enjoyed in sequential order.


Escape to Birch Harbor, Michigan and visit the Hannigan sisters, who live and love on the quaint shores of Lake Huron. Birch Harbor is a romantic women's fiction series and a family saga by the author of The Farmhouse.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Summer Reads

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2020

About the author

Elizabeth Bromke is the USA Today bestselling author of The Summer Society and The Innkeepers and over 30 more titles set in the heartland.

Across her works, readers will find buried family secrets, slow-burn sweet romance, and, of course, the true meaning of home.

Come for the quaint houses, stay for the beautiful writing. Elizabeth is about to be your next favorite small-town storyteller.

Share your own story with her at elizabethbromkebooks.com

Reviews

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer)]

I am loving my visits to Birch Harbor. This quaint coastal town is anything but boring as the sisters work through the loss of their mother, family secrets and finding themselves.

Kate is working on the officially launch of the Heirloom Inn. She is hosting a trial run as she plans the opening events.

Amelia and new boyfriend Michael are working on the Lighthouse and plans to open a museum.

Clara is struggling to find herself, be less of an introvert and put her own needs first as her sister’s task her with odd jobs. I like Clara and identify with her in some ways. I am curious how she will handle the changes to her career and of course want more with Jake.

The story however centers on Megan. She and husband Brian have put their divorce on hold. Its new, raw and unchartered. She is struggling with deciding if they should sell their home or let Sarah finish out her senior year. If they sell she and Sarah will move to Birch Harbor permanently. She can then focus on her business venture. As soon as they make plans however the town’s business council puts on the brakes. Can Megan find happiness and success in Birch Harbor?

The past is still interfering and the mystery surrounding their father continues.

I enjoyed this installment and loved how the family rallied around Megan and supported one another. The romantic aspects were sweet and if you love second chances, you’ll appreciate the growth, support and tender moments.

Lisa Larsen narrates and has become the voice of the characters, particularly the sisters. With multiple POVs, I appreciated the different voices and how she captured each sister’s essence. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Mara]

First of all you need to read House on the Harbor: and Lighthouse on the Lake or you'll be lost and confused. Fireflies in the Field picks up where Lighthouse on the Lake left off--only a few months since the Hannigan sisters' mother, Nora, died.

Oldest sister Kate has got the Heirloom Inn up and running, while Amelia and her boyfriend are still working to turn the Lighthouse into a museum and she continues to look into their father's disappearance. The youngest Hannigan girl, Clara is trying to be less introverted and is trying to juggle all the needs of the older sisters with their various projects, then has an unexpected change in her teaching career. Although we get updates on all of the sisters, middle sister Megan Hannigan Stevenson is the main focus of this book.

Megan's life is so unsettled--she and husband Brian have put their divorce on hold, they're thinking of selling their house to save money, but that would mean daughter Sarah would graduate from a different high school, and what is she supposed to do with the land, Hannigan Field, she received as her inheritance? Build a house there? She wants to work but nothing sparks her interest like matchmaking does.

It was great catching up with all of the sisters and to see another one realize a dream and be happy. I'm was happy to see Megan get off of the fence she'd been sitting on an decide once and for all if she wanted a divorce or not, decide where she wanted to live and what she wants to do with her life. We keep finding out more snippets of Nora Hannigan's life and how her decisions continue to affect her daughter's lives. I can't wait to read Clara's story.

I received a complimentary copy via BookSprout. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Elise Derr Griffin]

*** Start with "House on the Harbor" and "Lighthouse on the Lake" ***


Life was perfect for Megan Hannigan Stevenson. Until it wasn't. On the brink of divorce and searching for purpose, Megan has decided to move back to Birch Harbor with her sisters.

Kate has her hands full with the new "Heirloom Inn", while Amelia's efforts are focused on turning the old lighthouse into a museum. Clara faces unexpected changes to her career and lifestyle. Still, the sisters are determined to work together, supporting each other -- and especially Megan -- in their unique projects and small businesses.

Just when Megan thinks she's got things figured out and moving in the right direction, Nora's past catches up to the Hannigan sisters once again and threatens to crush Megan's dreams...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OVERALL
It was so satisfying to see Megan work things out and find her new place in the world. I'm excited to learn more about Clara and Jake in the future! Amelia is still determined to discover the truth of Wendell's disappearance, so "Cottage by the Creek" should be eventful!

Content: clean! Continued development of each sister's romantic interests is subtle, but helps to keep things interesting. Mild intramarital implications/innuendo; one mildly passionate kissing scene.

Language: mild (those found in the Bible)

Themes include small town gossip and grudges; healing relationships; change; divorce; startup businesses; family support systems.

This is NOT a romance novel, but there are mildly romantic subplots happening for each of the women. The focus of this installment is Megan, including the relationship with her husband, Brian. She also evaluates her attitude about life and where it has taken her.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for proofreading. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Pamela Pavkov]

Fireflies in the Field is the third amazing story written by Elizabeth Bromke in her Birch Harbor series. This story takes the reader back to Michigan and picking back up with the lives of the Hannigan sisters. These four sisters are all as different as night and day but yet so much alike. I have enjoyed getting to know each of them in the previous two books. This story centers more around Megan and her drama. She is married with a teenage daughter. Although she is suppose to be separated from her husband Brian they are spending a lot of time together. Brian has recently been let go of his position at work because if downsizing and they have put their beloved house on the market anticipating their divorce. Now they are at Birch Harbor with no jobs, no home to live in, and their daughter bouncing between her three aunt's houses. Megan has a great idea for opening up a business she really wants but when the town council rejects her application for a permit she feels everything is lost. When new information is brought forth about one of the council members Megan, Brian, their lawyer, and the other sisters are outraged and take a new plan of action.

This story is filled with family, secrets, romance, forgiveness, and a touch of revenge. Clara has located their late mother's cedar chest at the end of the story. I can't wait to find out what secrets they will discover in there. Also Councilwoman Judith Carmichael is hiding something from her past which involves the sisters and their mother.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story. All opinions are my own.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Bromke for writing another intriguing story for her readers enjoyment.

[Terri]

This is not a standalone! If you don't read the first two books in the series, you will be totally lost. I loved the continuation of the sisters and their male counterparts. I thought that more information on their father was somewhat missing from this book and that surprised me. There were a couple nuggets thrown out that still didn't make sense, but that was all.
This book seemed to focus mainly on Megan and Brian and them working on their marriage and their hopes and dreams. We've only got one sister left to be highlighted and I can't wait! I really want them to solve the mystery of what happened to their father!!!
I love Ms. Bromke's style of writing. She keeps me invested in the story and the characters are memorable enough that even I, with my short term memory problems can remember them before venturing very far into the next book. Great series!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout. All thoughts are my own.

[Brenda Moser]

This is the continuing saga in the Birch Harbor series with the Hannigan sisters. The author does a great job moving the story fluidly as she takes them on their life's journey. She brings descriptive and detailed writing , painting her scenes in vivid detail and weaving another entertaining read. I'm enjoying this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Gary Dettmer]

Not the same.

Are we sure this was written by the same author as books #1 & 2 in this series? I hear a different voice. It's ok just not the same. Rather unnerving. Holding final opinion until last book in the series out in September.

[Joyce Ziebell]

Another in this series of sisters coming together to help each other. Characters are a bit quirky, though enjoyable read.

[Nancy]

Revealed Secrets Lead to More Questions in this Birch Harbor Series

Another Book in the Birch Harbor Series. This is a contemporary family saga series about four sisters who return to Birch Harbor after the death of their mother Nora. Each book jumps back and forth to each Hannigan sister. There is romance for each one of them but it isn't really the prominent thing in each story. There are some secrets concerning her mother and a mystery of what happened to their father when he disappeared years ago.

Megan Hannigan and her ex Brian have decided to give their marriage another chance in Birch Harbor. Megan and Brian determine to pursue their separate dreams in a joint business venture. This will breath new life into their marriage and give them a fresh start. When a town permit gets denied- a new part of their family's mystery gets revealed. Why is one woman on the town council so determined to stop Megan's venture? What does she have to do with Nora's past?

The other sisters Kate and Amelia are still working on their new businesses. Kate had opened the Heirloom Inn and Amelia is renovating the lighthouse to turn it into a museum. Amelia comes across some interesting articles as she cleans up the lighthouse that makes her want to continue to dig into the disappearance of their father Wendell.

Clara is still trying to find her place in the family after discovering the secret of her birth. She wants to break out of her introvert personality and is interested in getting to know the widowed father of her favorite student. Her life is also about to change when she receives a new job assignment for the next school year.

Birch Harbor -Series a fun place to return and for the Hannigan sisters - a place to call home.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen]

This is the third book of this Birch Harbor series about the Hennigan sisters. Megan is the star of this book and being on the verge of divorce, she goes home to stay with her sisters until she figures out what to do about her marriage and the rest of her life. She inherited empty land when her Mother died. One evening she goes to see the land that is well kept and she sees fireflies that spark an idea about a business as a matchmaker that would bring locals and tourists together. Her husband, Brian, loses his job and visits Megan. When they realize they still love each other and want to stay married, they start up their own matchmaking business and use their empty field as the venue for their first gathering. With the help of all the sisters and the men in their lives, the first gala is a success. It is also the spark that Megan and Brian needed to salvage their marriage that brings them home. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book. Each book is a standalone but they are best read in order and the issue of what happened to their Father, Wendall, is still an unsolved mystery. That doesn't take away from enjoying each book. It just gives the reader something to look forward to in the next book. I recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco]

The third book of the Birch Harbor series now focuses on Megan. Books one and two mainly featured Megan's sisters, Kate and Amelia.

Birch Harbor, where the Hannigan sisters were born, is a small hamlet on Lake Huron in Michigan catering mostly for summer visitors.

After the death of their mother and splitting up the family assets, Kate, Amelia and Megan have decided to return to Birch Harbor after living for years in the city.

Megan is at a turning point in her life, about to start divorce proceedings with her husband Brian and desperately hoping for an ideal career prospect to appear. When her business plans are opposed by the town council, the sisters unite to appeal against the decision.

As in the previous books, this is full of family dramas, secrets, and mysteries, There still remains one massive mystery unanswered: what happened to Wendell, hopefully (please, please) revealed in book four. Although a series, each book is standalone without a cliffhanger. It's crucial to read these books in order, it'll be too confusing otherwise.

ARC generously supplied by the author and Booksprout, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased.

[Anonymous 5]

Ms. Bromke has given us another sweet and heartwarming story with the Hannigan sisters. If you are new to the Birch Harbor series, I would recommend you read Book 1 and Book 2 first, as this story picks up at the end of Book 2. This book primarily focuses on Megan's story. There were a lot of emotions that played out in this book as Megan makes some very important decisions about her life and what she really wants. It was nice catching up with the other sisters and getting updates on their lives. Ms. Bromke has such a unique writing style. As you read her stories you really feel like you are part of it yourself. She gives us such wonderful and endearing characters and her writing really brings the story to life. I've absolutely loved this series so far and I'm really looking forward to reading Clara's story. A really charming series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur]

I love how each book we get to know one of the sisters deeper as well as learn more about the others along the way so you really get to know them and what makes them tick. The fact that more is also uncovered in each book about the history of their family and get more clues on what happened to their father interwoven within the story too makes it even more addictive. I have so much respect for Megan now along with her husband Brian although it was touch and go there for a while on how I felt about both, but it just goes to show your never to old to make a dream come true. I am still irked with how Clara is treated as I feel like they swept her secret under the carpet and are ignoring it without really taking into account what Clara wants or how she feels so I get Clara being standoffish to them and still feeling like an outsider!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi]

The sisters had a secret very well kept by their mother till almost her death. The islanders were a tight knit community and although they welcomed the tourists they were not so much forthcoming to new residents. When all the sisters decide to move back to the island and open business the problems started. At the same time all of them were reviewing their relationships with their partners, what they wanted for their future, and the relationship among themselves. The characters are very relatable and I´m sure many readers have similar questions as they do in the story. All these topics together added up to very endearing characters make an enjoyable reading.
I downloaded a free copy of this book from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat]

A strong family story with a lot of drama but also a lot of love. 3 sisters who return to where they grew up after their mother died and fill their lives there with their partners and children. An almost divorce, the youngest who grew up as a sister but is actually a daughter of one of the sisters, finding their way to happiness with all the obstacles that come with it. The story is told from the perspective of the 3 sisters. The story also interweaves the mystery of the disappeared father. Overall a great book. Even though I had not read earlier parts, the story provides enough leads to understand the dynamics. I give this book a 4.5 star

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Isaacs]

Fireflies in the Field focusses on Megan- the third Hannigan sister. Megan is on the verge of divorce and searching for purpose in her life apart from being a wife and mother.
I could identify with her restlessness and found Megan'sstruggle to "find" herself realistic and engrossing.
I am used to reading light hearted rom coms so found this book quite heavy going in parts but did really enjoy the story.
I would highly recommend reading the first two books in this series first as otherwise the relationships may be confusing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Betty]

The Hannigan sisters are back together in Birch Harbor, working together to build their businesses. There is match-making magic in this fourth book of the series. Love begins to grow between couples, in spite of the secrets and frustrations in the small town, like fireflies seeking their mates.
I admired the way the sisters kept their love for each other strong even with conflicts, and proved that family is the most important part of life. At times this book was a bit difficult to follow since much was assumed, but I truly enjoyed it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi]

No spoilers with this review. When you start reading, you find yourself escaping to Birch Harbor, Michigan and getting swept up in the lives of the Hannigan sisters. The story line is well written, flows smoothly and captures your attention from beginning to end. A wonderful romantic series you don't want to miss. This is book 3 in the series and each book is better than the one before. You can read this as a stand alone but trust me, you'll want to read the previous books after you read this one. Wonderful and endearing characters you easily fall in love with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda]

This is the 3rd book in the Birch Harbor series and it is good to read them in order. Oldest sister, Kate, is running the House on the Harbor B & B and loves it. Amelia is turning the Lighthouse into a museum with Michael and it is going well. but Megan, the 3rd sister, is struggling with her life. Her marriage is iffy, but she does love Brian. Her daughter loves Birch Harbor and family. But Megan is still stuck wondering where she fits in. She inherits a field, a little outside of the harbor, but it is just a field. What could she do with that? And what about the family mysteries that are still swirling around them. Keep reading ...

[Elaine Coghlan]

Fireflies in the Field bk 3...Birch Harbor by Elizabeth Bromke.
Totally fallen in love with this series from Elizabeth.
However, you really do need to read the first two books in the series, as they all follow on from the first.
Each chapter is in the view of one of the Hannigan sisters, which gives the story a true to life feel.Excellent and spellbinding with wonderful plot in-depth characters.
Had me on the edge of my chair throughout the whole book. Excellent and beautifully presented. I definitely recommend this. 5*+

[Pam Vogt]

Another great book in this series which I absolutely loved. The story line was easy to follow and the characters were well developed. Learning more about the Hannigan sisters and how they help each other is so life-like. Megan and Brian put their divorce on hold and are trying to move forward in their life. Nora's past catches up to the sisters and threatens Megan's new dream. Will she be able to use the land she inherited, Hannigan Field, to pursue her dreams. It was nice to learn how the other sisters are progressing in their lives. I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.

[Ann]

This is a wonderful addition to the Birch Harbor Saga series. This is NOT a stand alone book, you need to read House on the Harbor (book 1) and Lighthouse on the Lake (book 2) or you will be lost.This book picks up where book 2 ends. It is well written and holds your attention. This is a beautiful series that you don't want to miss. I loved it and look forward to the next book in this series. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland)]

Each book in this Hannigan saga keeps getting better and better! I’m completely hooked on these women and their family drama. Everything is so convoluted and interconnected with these mysterious underthemes. I loved watching Megan and her relationship and ideas for the future unfold and I really am excited for Clara to spotlight next and hopefully to see more of that younger high school generation and their shenanigans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika]

I really enjoyed the family aspect of the book. They all have very different personalities but they compliment each other. The Hannigan sisters are trying to build a new life in Birch Harbor. But there are questions and ghosts around them. What happen to their father who just disappeared from their lives? Why is a summer resident so hateful toward them? A little mystery with the summer mixer and summer party. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington]

The Birch Harbor series examines a family of four sisters who come back to their roots in Birch Harbor when their mother, Nora, dies. Each book explores one of the Hannigan sisters. The emphasis is not on romance, although it is lightly touched on.

Catch up with Megan this time as she and her husband, Brian, are still trying to figure out what to do about filing for divorce. They have options to explore. She has some property to build a business on, but meets local resistance.

Grab your copy and keep up with each of the sisters and the decisions they have to make along the way.

[Janet Graham]

The Series Keeps Getting Better
This series of books need to be read in series order. It had been a while since I had read the previous books and I was a bit lost at first. This is an intricate story about a group of sisters reuniting after the death of their mother. There are family secrets to be revealed and family property to be divided. And, of course, the only one who knew everything was the deceased mother. This is a very good series that is worth reading. It is clean but not sterile. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.

[Molly]

Changes among the Hannigans are ongoing. Sarah seems to be working out how to fit in, and making some mistakes along the way - poor Clara.

Clara is working on her own fitting in, and getting to know the man she never knew as her father, while still negotiating the sisters who are her aunts and mother

Nothing too simple for these ladies , sorting relationships, careers and family


Mysteries and drama aplenty!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W]

Fireflies in the Field is the third book in A Birch Harbor Novel series and is an engaging read.

This book starts where Lighthouse on the Lake left off and follows the Hannigan sisters with the main focus on Megan. I enjoyed this book and learning more about the lives of the four sisters after their mother passed away. There are surprises and mysteries from the past, decisions made in the present, and a look at the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna]

Although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first two, this story is still a wonderful addition to the Hannigan sisters series. Now that Kate and Amelia seem to have found their destinies, Megan is trying to figure out where she belongs. Can she and Brian save their marriage? Is a new career in her future? I've enjoyed taking these journies with the Hannigans. I can hardly wait for the culmination and Clara's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy]

This is the 3rd in the Birch Harbor Series. Kate the oldest has gotten her project up and running, The Heirloom Inn. Amelia and her boyfriend are working on turning the lighthouse into a museum, Megan is trying to open a match making business while a divorce is in the works with her husband Brian. Clara, the youngest has a chance in her teaching and is trying to help each of her older sisters with their projects.

The story is full of family secrets and mystery. You need to read this series in order to follow the storyline.