Review of "Firefly Island" by Lisa Wingate

Rating: 4.5 Stars

~  ~  ~

Review: Small towns, love, humor, a touch of mystery; they are the components that I have come to associate with Lisa Wingate’s novels.  “Firefly Island” delivers each element in an absorbing novel set in the small town of Moses Lake, Texas.  Wingate’s portrayal of small towns with a collection of interesting residents never fails to charm me.  In her latest novel, readers see Moses Lake through the perspective of Mallory, a self-professed city girl. 

My interest was piqued from the first page and remained captured through each chapter. The novel begins with Mallory’s reflections on the past year of her life as she writes a news story for CNN.  It is clear that something significant happened, and the questions build as Mallory relays her story of a whirlwind marriage and life on an isolated ranch with its fair share of history and mystery.  “Firefly Island” is told solely from Mallory’s perspective.  Wingate masterfully conveys Mallory’s doubts, fears, struggles, and personal growth.  The range of emotions is wide and deep, but I related to each of them.  Mallory’s emotions remind me of what I might feel if I found myself in a situation similar to hers.  I connected with Mallory as I shared her questions about the motives of other characters and the potentially dark secrets surrounding the ranch.  

Mallory's growth as a mother provide some of the most touching scenes. The love story that exists between Mallory and Daniel takes a back seat to the bond of love that builds between Mallory and Nick. After spending over 300 pages completely absorbed in "Firefly Island," I was a bit let down by the conclusion.  Although each issue is resolved and the mysteries are answered, I felt that the ending was too quick. The last scene fast forwards to Mallory's CNN interview and her recollection of how the mystery of Jack West was finally uncovered.  

"Firefly Island" is my favorite of Lisa Wingate's novels set in Moses Lake, Texas. Some characters from the previous books make appearances and add to the small-town charm.  I highly recommend "Firefly Island" to new and past "visitors" to Moses Lake. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summary from Bethany House:  Mallory Hale's life quickly veers off course when she falls hopelessly in love. After a whirlwind romance, Mallory finds herself leaving the bustle and action of Capitol Hill for the remote town of Moses Lake, Texas--with husband, stepson, and a U-Haul in tow.

A sweet, mishap-filled journey into marriage, motherhood, and ranch living ensues, and Mallory is filled with both the wonderment of love and the insecurities of change. But what she can't shake is the unease she feels around her husband's new boss, Jack West. Jack's presence--and his mysterious past--set her on edge, and when hints of a scandal emerge, Mallory finds herself seeking answers . . . and comes to realize that the middle-of-nowhere home she wasn't sure she wanted is the very place she'll risk everything to save.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/hVNrv       

 

Meet Lisa:  Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women's Fiction. Lisa and her family live in central Texas. 

Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/lwingate