Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate, ©2013

SOMETIMES LOVE TAKES YOU ON AN ADVENTURE COMPLETELY OFF THE MAP

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.

My Review

I met his gaze, tumbled in, and saw the future. Not in the crisp clarity of photos--because I couldn't picture this over-the-rainbow life he was describing, or me in it--but in shades of color. The soft grays of mornings, the muted rose and violet of sunsets, the stark, blinding yellows and whites of middays. I saw holidays and seasons and years. Growing up, growing outward, growing old. I didn't want to live one year, one season, one day without Daniel and Nick.

   --Mallory Firefly Island, 43

"Two," you ask? One is a scrumptious little boy (he wouldn't like me to tell you that, likely) who has won my heart too. That would be Nick. His daddy's name is Daniel.

Onward to the shores of Moses Lake, Texas ~*~ Firefly Island is ahead!

Leaving Mallory's family, large family, they have adventures traveling to their Texas goal. On their new start, they've lived through this, they can live through anything. Everyday little detours that seem what-can-happen-next, at the time. Something new I have learned this year: if you turn your radio up while the deer are at the side of the road eating the fresh growth from the runoff moisture from the road, their ears will perk up and they won't move. I've seen it! Also, ALL the deer alongside the road when it is dark and they are munching! Anyway, they get through the deer, the overheated A/C from earlier in the day, and they see the lights of the lake. Almost there!

Mallory Hale Everson has a new life and adventure ahead of her. Will she cave or live it??

An unexpected tingle rushed over my skin as we descended a small hill into the utter darkness, Moses Lake dipping out of sight. An aura of romance and danger simmered through me like a trail of smoke, scented with an intriguing fragrance I couldn't quite place.

   --Mallory Ibid, 65

Intriguing and unsure, join Mallory's life spread out before her as she becomes part of this Moses Lake adventure ~ drawing her, keeping her ~ safe.

After reading the first eight chapters, I am mysteriously wanting to get to the end... right then! I have met the intriguing people from books 1 and 2, which I haven't read, and am ready for them to come alongside ~ as friends and rescuers. This is getting good. In chapter 9, they are getting ready for a dip in the lake. They being Mallory joining Daniel and Nick down at the water after a much needed nap. I am glad they are getting refreshed for the story as they bring me along. And... are you ready, they have only been here for one night and one day. Good build up. Solid story. Come along. Here we go, joining their adventure(s).

What I especially like about Firefly Island, is the wisdom given within. So much to tweak from, in our own lives. Balances. Facing the unknown and making it our own. Mallory learns to enjoy where she is, leaving behind where she has been. What is new, moving from what has been. I like how she expresses herself, recognizing the change that is occurring. Realizing love that is real, not subjective. Doing her part, rather than self-pity in feeling she has been left behind. We each have a choice to follow the path stretching out before us, just for us. Jeremiah 29:11; "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Truth for all times.

Intrigue. Firefly Island. Uncovering truth and trust. I read all but about 35 pages, only because I ran out of day. Taking a deep breath, reading the rest of the book! The twists and turns near the end were surprising. They have forever friends. I hope there is one more Moses Lake, Texas, book!

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Jarrett Studios

Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker and national bestselling author of several books, including the ACFW Carol Award--winners Never Say Never and Dandelion Summer. Lisa and her family live in central Texas.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for inviting me to be part of the blog tour for Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate. I received this book from the publisher for my review in my own words. No other compensation was received. Enjoy these other reviews on this blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/lwingate

Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764208233

ISBN-13: 978-0764208232

Link to buy book: http://ow.ly/hVNrv 

eBook ISBN 9781441260987

Lisa Wingate is celebrating the release of Firefly Island with an iPad Mini giveaway and a fun Facebook Author Chat Party (March 19th).  

  One fortunate winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• The Moses Lake series (Firefly Island, Blue Moon Bay and Larkspur Cove)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Firefly Island Author Chat Party on March 19th. Connect with Lisa, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Firefly Island and join Lisa on the evening of the March 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!