About the book: When bullying threatens to destroy a teen's life, painful memories resurface for dedicated high school teacher Laura Reed and pediatrician J.C. Fullerton. With the support of the Sweet Magnolias, they bring the town together to ensure that a promising student's future isn't ruined. And to establish once and for all that bullying has no place in Serenity, South Carolina.
Both J.C.'s and Laura's passion for the cause is deeply personal, and their growing feelings for each other are just as strong. But with so many secrets hurts to overcome, can these to vulnerable lovers find the strength to believe in happily ever after?
Quote of the Book: "I could list them, you know, in the interest of fair disclosure and all that." -J.C. Fullerton
My thoughts and opinion: This was also a birthday gift and I gotta say that it's funny and sweet and frustrating in all the right ways. I never thought I would give books like these (bigger author name than title) a shot and also since they wouldn't fall in the YA category, but I stand corrected. This book was amazing and I'm sort of going to turn into a major romantic if I keep reading books like these.
Anyway, the characters were so distinct and I love them all in a special way. So first off, Laura Reed was witty and classy and I liked that a lot about her. Her determination to help Misty Dawson really inspired me. It would have been better if she got an award or something. "And the Best High School Teacher of the Year goes to Laura Reed!" She also reeled in J.C. without breaking a sweat because of her natural beauty and wonderful personality.
Since I mentioned his name, J.C. Fullerton was such a charming man. I don't know how he managed to fend off a relationship and stay single for that long. I'm glad he decided to settle down with Laura though because they make a really nice couple! His history and past was somewhat hidden until that speech he gave at the rally in support of Misty.
Escaping from all the love and romance and the Laura/J.C. relationship excitement, I thought that having the bullying conflicts was an interesting take on writing a romance book. I never consider the possibility of finding love from a bullying problem. I have to say, that was what I was frustrated about. Misty did not go to anyone for help besides Katie, who I think is a tremendously loyal friend. All she did was try to hide from the world which everybody knows is not possible. Her parents frustrated me the most and they were so distracted especially Misty's mom. Oh my goodness, if she hadn't woken up from her coma of delusions, I would've jumped into the story and yelled at her.
However, the person who's guilty of bullying is Annabelle Litchfield and talk about a scumbag diva. She was responsible for her actions because even though her mom, Mariah Litchfield spoiled her rotten, her mom didn't force Annabelle to do those horrendous things. I felt sorry for Mariah but Annabelle got no sympathy and she doesn't deserve to leave and run away from her consequences back in Serenity. It was probably best for Misty that Annabelle left though. While reading, I wished Greg would go away with Annabelle. He shouldn't even be allowed to be within twenty feet of Misty.
While the bullying angered me, I liked having something else to read about besides the lovey lovebirds. It gave this book depth and conflicts because all good books have one or five conflicts. I'd definitely recommend this book because it might inspire some people or tug on some heartstrings. I didn't need to read the other books in the series, but that is great for people who don't have the other books. Catching Fireflies was wonderful on its own. Did I mention that there was a history teacher named Nancy Logan? Totally awesome.
Both J.C.'s and Laura's passion for the cause is deeply personal, and their growing feelings for each other are just as strong. But with so many secrets hurts to overcome, can these to vulnerable lovers find the strength to believe in happily ever after?
Quote of the Book: "I could list them, you know, in the interest of fair disclosure and all that." -J.C. Fullerton
My thoughts and opinion: This was also a birthday gift and I gotta say that it's funny and sweet and frustrating in all the right ways. I never thought I would give books like these (bigger author name than title) a shot and also since they wouldn't fall in the YA category, but I stand corrected. This book was amazing and I'm sort of going to turn into a major romantic if I keep reading books like these.
Anyway, the characters were so distinct and I love them all in a special way. So first off, Laura Reed was witty and classy and I liked that a lot about her. Her determination to help Misty Dawson really inspired me. It would have been better if she got an award or something. "And the Best High School Teacher of the Year goes to Laura Reed!" She also reeled in J.C. without breaking a sweat because of her natural beauty and wonderful personality.
Since I mentioned his name, J.C. Fullerton was such a charming man. I don't know how he managed to fend off a relationship and stay single for that long. I'm glad he decided to settle down with Laura though because they make a really nice couple! His history and past was somewhat hidden until that speech he gave at the rally in support of Misty.
Escaping from all the love and romance and the Laura/J.C. relationship excitement, I thought that having the bullying conflicts was an interesting take on writing a romance book. I never consider the possibility of finding love from a bullying problem. I have to say, that was what I was frustrated about. Misty did not go to anyone for help besides Katie, who I think is a tremendously loyal friend. All she did was try to hide from the world which everybody knows is not possible. Her parents frustrated me the most and they were so distracted especially Misty's mom. Oh my goodness, if she hadn't woken up from her coma of delusions, I would've jumped into the story and yelled at her.
However, the person who's guilty of bullying is Annabelle Litchfield and talk about a scumbag diva. She was responsible for her actions because even though her mom, Mariah Litchfield spoiled her rotten, her mom didn't force Annabelle to do those horrendous things. I felt sorry for Mariah but Annabelle got no sympathy and she doesn't deserve to leave and run away from her consequences back in Serenity. It was probably best for Misty that Annabelle left though. While reading, I wished Greg would go away with Annabelle. He shouldn't even be allowed to be within twenty feet of Misty.
While the bullying angered me, I liked having something else to read about besides the lovey lovebirds. It gave this book depth and conflicts because all good books have one or five conflicts. I'd definitely recommend this book because it might inspire some people or tug on some heartstrings. I didn't need to read the other books in the series, but that is great for people who don't have the other books. Catching Fireflies was wonderful on its own. Did I mention that there was a history teacher named Nancy Logan? Totally awesome.
