A totally emotional, gripping page-turner from the bestselling author of The Summer House about the importance of family, re-discovering who you are, and the magic of finding true love under the summer sun. Perfect for fans of Mary Alice Monroe, Nancy Thayer and Susan Mallery.Hallie Flynn’s favorite place in the world is her great Aunt Clara’s beautiful beachside house, with its inviting … beachside house, with its inviting wraparound porch and enchanting views across the sparkling turquoise ocean. For Hallie, going to Firefly Beach, filled with magical memories, feels like coming home, but in one moment Hallie is left broken-hearted when her adored Aunt Clara passes away…
As always, Aunt Clara has thought of everything. In her last letter she included a bucket list Hallie wrote as a child, for Hallie to complete. Leaving her dead-end job and predictable schedule, Hallie returns to Firefly beach and embraces Aunt Clara’s words. All the time her childhood best friend Ben Murray, with his golden charm and infuriating ability to be right all the time, is by her side.
Spending the summer with Ben, as they enjoy drinks on the pier and endless talks stretched out in the soft sand, Hallie begins to remember the things that matter most to her. But following the bucket list isn’t an easy journey. It forces her to face the pain of her past as she starts to fall for the person who has been there for her all along…
Just as her heart is healing, an encounter with a newcomer to the beach town, wealthy and talented photographer Gavin Wilson, leaves her questioning her future and shows her she has to make a difficult decision that could mean losing everything.
Will Hallie be able to fulfill Aunt Clara’s last wish and change her life? Or will a secret she’s been keeping destroy her new beginning—and the chance to experience true love?
Why readers are falling in love with Summer at Firefly Beach:
‘Grab the tissues, curl up on your favourite chair, set aside a reading day and indulge in the new Jenny Hale book. I absolutely adored this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘I fell in love with this book from the very first page… simply beautiful and if you are a romance fan then this is one not to be missed I loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘I absolutely adore Jenny Hale’s books… engaging, breath-taking and so atmospheric… Summer at Firefly Beach is a sparkling, fresh, joyous read that will make your romantic heart happy.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘A perfect summer romance!… I loved how the author made me feel like I was actually a part of their family. This book is a great vacation read!’ Goodreads reviewer
‘I gave this a 5/5 stars or 10/10 for making me cry… This was a joy to read, I ran the whole gamut of emotions in equal measure whilst reading this story. Grab a copy of this and settle back to be immersed into the lives of the characters residing near Firefly Beach.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Such a great summer read!I loved the characters… they were easily relatable and drew me right into their lives. I laughed with them, I cried with them and I didn’t want it to end.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘This is a feel good, make you smile and cry, romance novel.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘There’s so much about this book to love… an excellent beach read, with plenty to keep those pages turning.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘This was so special – the story has many moments of true grief, laughter, caring and love. Most of all love. The story is a wonderful escape into… A great summer read for when you want something different and quite unique, that reinforces the power of love to overcome most everything.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
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Ahhhh! Such a wonderful summer romance, full of feels! Jenny Hale is one of my favorites!
This was a well-written, heartwarming story. I could visualize the long, lovely summer days the family used to spend at Firefly Beach, especially at Hallie’s favorite place: her Aunt Clara’s beachside house. The family has gathered here again, but now they are mourning Aunt Clara’s passing. Hallie’s best friend, Ben, is here too, and Hallie loves having someone she can talk to about everything that is going on. Aunt Clara left Hallie the bucket list Hallie wrote as a child, with instructions to fulfill it. The characters in this book were wonderful and I enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend this book to others and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Summer at Firefly Beach by author Jenny Hale is a delightful story about family, forgiveness, and going toward your dreams! Hallie’s beloved Great-Aunt Clara has died and the family is going to her expansive home at Firefly Beach to try and cheer up Uncle Hank and make sure he is well. Hallie also has the challenge to fulfill items on a list of ‘things to do’ she had written when she was twelve. He aunt had found the list years ago and included it with a letter to Hallie before she died. Her aunt left instructions for Hallie to fulfill each wish on the list before she receives her inheritance. This is a very pleasant feel-good romance! Enjoy!
Publication Date June 17, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is more than five-star read for me! Not only for the relationship between Hallie and Ben, but for Hallie’s emotional journey along the way. Books like this make a huge impact on people who have gone through similar journeys. Much like Hallie, I went through infertility and the emotional struggle of knowing I couldn’t give a future partner a biological child. Finding somebody who wants and cherishes you, who doesn’t even blink an eye at that type of issue, is truly life-changing.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like this book. I liked the beach atmosphere but that was about it. I just didn’t connect with any characters or really even like them. I know that sounds harsh, but I just found major flaws with each of the characters. Hallie is emotionally dependent on her best friend and pretty much everyone else around her. She doesn’t seem to have any healthy relationships or self-confidence. Ben was cringy. Her career magically developed in a very short time period. Honestly, this book was pretty disappointing. I usually like Jenny Hale books.
This book frustrated me SO MUCH.
********MAJOR SPOILERS************
Hallie, our female protagonist, is traveling with her family and long-term friend, Ben, to her Uncle’s beach “cottage” to mourn the passing of her Aunt. Hallie is completely oblivious to the fact that Ben is in love with her–which literally anyone with half a brain could figure out. When Ben finally does get his act together and profess his love for Hallie (after like, what, 20 years?) Hallie finally realizes that maybe she loves him, too, as more than a friend. But wait, there’s a catch! Hallie can’t have children, and obviously the ability to have children is the number one factor in datability and self-worth (that’s sarcasm), so she pushes Ben away. But she doesn’t tell him it’s because she doesn’t want to have children, she just tells him she’s not that into him. But then he goes and kisses her anyway? WHERE IS THE CONSENT? It’s all so bizarre.
That’s not to mention Hallie’s totally creepy friend, Gavin. He invites her on a date, but she says she wants to just be friends, so they go out on a “friend date.” But this friend date is so strange–Hallie dresses up (strappy dress and heels) and he picks her up and starts driving without telling her where they’re going and it turns out they’re having dinner at his house in the middle of the woods where there is no cell reception??? Hallie was already in the car and he had food in the oven–there was no way out. This is completely predatory behavior. Nothing happened, nothing happens, but it’s just all so bizarre.
And then there’s Hallie’s sister, Sydney, who has got to be the worst sister on the planet. First she hints to Hallie that Ben is in love with her and she should go for it so her son (Sydney’s a single mom) can have a father figure. Then she tells Hallie, nevermind, you guys should stay friends because if you hook up and something goes wrong, my son will lose Ben as a father figure. SHE MAKES IT ALL ABOUT HER AND HER SON. And then Sydney goes and tells Ben about Hallie infertility WITHOUT HER PERMISSION. Sydney is the worst family member and friend you could ask for.
Hallie basically has everything handed to her on a silver platter and doesn’t seem to realize it. She gets to take two months off work (how??) to spend at a sprawling beach property, she has the best guy friend anyone could ask for who literally drops what he’s doing every time she needs help, she has her entire photography business set up for free by Gavin, she has her deceased aunt’s influence and eventually company (that she inherits). She literally does nothing for herself.
But my biggest issue with this book is how infertility is addressed. This book was published in 2019. There are plenty of ways to have children other than carrying them yourself. Yes, adoption, as addressed in the book. But also fostering. Or surrogacy. Surrogacy would even allow you to have biologically related children, which Hallie seems to think Ben is so hellbent on. Or, here’s a CRAZY thought–maybe you’d be okay without children. I don’t understand how a woman in 2019 would automatically think that infertility means she as no options to have a family. Or, even if that was true, how she could be so dumb to not just TELL Ben what the “issue” was and let him make a choice instead of making it for him. This reminded me so much of The Friend Zone, in this respect, but without the humor or steam.
3 stars – 5/10
Lite summer read
A bit of mystery, a bit of romance, and a bit of suspense about how things will progress between the characters.
Hallie Flynn is heartbroken when she learns that her great aunt Clara has passed away, spending time with her at her beachside house were some of the best and most memorable moments of her life. But what surprises her more is that her aunt sent her a bucket list she made as a child. She once had many dreams to accomplish, but life got in the way, and now she is stuck in a rut. But her aunt has a plan for remedying that… make time to complete the list, in her honor!
Summer at Firefly Beach is a story about chasing dreams, finding love, healing, and embracing change. It was easy to see Hallie needed to make a change in her life, as many folks, she became complacent, stuck in a life she didn’t plan on living… but was. Thank goodness for her aunt though, she saw Hallie struggling to stay afloat, and decided it was time to intervene, and it wound up being just what Hallie needed. Her journey to Firefly Beach brought her memories back, allowed her to find herself again, and also discover the life she was meant to live. This was the perfect afternoon escape, the words pulled me in immediately and took me on a blissful and entertaining journey! If you are looking for your next summer read, I highly suggest you get your hands on this one, it’s bound to keep you thoroughly entertained!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
This would make a great Hallmark movie! It’s a familiar story but well told. It’s all about coming to terms with loss and finding yourself.
3.5 stars
One of the best of the summer so far. This was a great story of coming home and rediscovering all the little things in life that truly make you happy. Expertly written with intriguing characters and a light carefree story. Ben and Hallie will quickly steal your heart. Recommended read for sure.
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.
I adore Jenny Hale’s books — and Summer at Firefly Beach is a special treat. Reading this book whisked me away to a wrap-around porch overlooking the ocean and a simpler time. When Hallie’s great aunt Clara passes away, she leaves Hallie with a very special bucket list to fulfill. Lovely, heartfelt writing, truly enjoyable.
Hallie is trying to follow her Aunts instructions she left for her to get her inheritance. Her family and her best friend Ben go to Firefly Beach to check on her uncle and work on her list. Her uncle is so hurt over the loss of his wife and is barely making it. As a family they are all trying to heal. Hallie and Ben have been friends most of their lives. Ben is like family to all of them and wants to support any way he can. . There is a suspicious person walking the property at different times. Hallie meets a man on the beach thinking it is mystery . He turns out just to be the hired painter for the house that her uncle hired. While getting to know him , he reminds her how much she likes photography and it also assist on her aunts list. Ben is a little jealous, but in all fairness her hasn’t told Hallie how he feels. This book is full of surprises. Hallie’s Aunt left a lot of love for her family. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Summer at Firefly Beach is the latest offering from author Jenny Hale. Hallie Flynn has had a difficult time lately. A personal tragedy, followed by the demise of her engagement, and then the death of her beloved Aunt Clara, really more grandmother like than great aunt, has brought her to this low point. Now the family, her Mama, sister Sydney, and nephew Robby, are traveling to Firefly Beach to spend some time with Uncle Hank, hoping to help him through the darkest times. Hallie needs her lifelong best friend Ben Murray to help her through her own dark times, so Ben drives her to Firefly Beach and takes up residence in the guest house.
Riding with Ben and his big dog, Beau, Hallie tries to free her mind of dark thoughts, and is briefly successful. Even when they arrive at Firefly Beach and she sees Uncle Hank, she doesn’t feel as badly as she thought she would. With Ben at her side, Hallie feels she can accomplish the bucket list she created as a child and is now her task to complete to meet the conditions of the legacy left her by Aunt Clara.
When emotions become tense and Hallie withdraws, Ben returns to Nashville and local artist/photographer/gallery owner Gavin Wilson takes Hallie under his wing, opening her eyes to her photographic talent and creativity, showing her how to edit her pictures and offering to give her a showing at his gallery.
When Ben returns, Hallie must face those emotions that caused her withdrawal before. Afraid to act on her emotions, Hallie might never complete the list or discover Aunt Clara’s last message to her. Facing her feelings may open her up to a life she has barely imagined or it may sink her into complete despair. With a warm cast of characters and delightful coastal settings, Ms. Hale spins another story of love, family, and recovery after the loss of a family’s matriarch. A lovely tale, I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
I thought that this was a sweet friends-to-lovers romance. The beginning seemed a little bit jumbled as it felt like the author tried to cram a lot of introduction into a short space, but once Hallie made it to Firefly Beach, everything slowed down and the plot became more relaxed – not unlike spending a vacation at the shore. I liked how Hallie’s past (and the secret she held inside) shaped her decisions, but I also liked how her Aunt Clara seemed to know Hallie better than she knew herself (at least in some ways). The bucket list that Aunt Clara left for Hallie proved this (which was a clever twist). The message I got was that people who know us best can still be there for us, even after they are gone. This would be a great beach read for the summer. Thank you to Bookouture (via NetGalley) for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book.
This is a wonderful book. The story is just as beautiful as the cover. I had never read any of Jenny Hale’s books and didn’t know what to expect, now I want to read all of her books! I would love to visit Firefly beach! Excellent summer read. Thank you Bookouture via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jenny Hale’s Summer at Firefly Beach seemed to be shrouded in grief and depression-like Spanish moss hanging in the trees. Hallie Flynn has a good eye for photography and design but when it comes to seeing love staring her in the face she is definitely blind. She misses all the signs. Hallie’s aunt has died and her mother, sister, nephew, and a friend have gone to Firefly beach to check on her uncle. This is a story of missing a loved one, forgiveness and putting yourself out there. Good book but has the potential to be so much more.