I read the first draft of this book (in case you have not picked up on the absolute excitement for this fabulous book before, I beta-read this beauty) in October of last year. That was the start of my love for this series and this book!!! Taylor once again had me falling in love all over again with this amazing read!
Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean
My sisters think I’m crazy.
But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.
She told me to search far and wide for him.
I haven’t stopped looking ever since.
When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.
It’s destiny.
My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.
Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?
My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.
Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.
The memory silences them.
The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.
I will find Paul . . . I will.
Praise for Chasing Fireflies
It was like Taylor Dean left a trail of chocolate chips leading to a plate of delicious cookies at the end. Yummy! I had to eat every single one and now I’m full and feasting on the satisfaction of a well written story.
-Author Charissa Stastny
Taylor Dean is such a creative and skilled author that she has the ability to make the unusual and the unthinkable seem real.
-Lisa, Goodreads Reviewer
As always I loose myself in Taylor’s books, experiencing rather than reading the story, from that first glance and butterflies in my belly, to the inevitable heartache, to the amazingly captivating events that lead us to the blissful happily ever after.
-Mylissa’s Reviews and Book Thoughts
Excerpt
Am I chasing a dream? Just like the fireflies my sisters and I tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. The fireflies always eluded us, flying within inches of our eager fingertips, their incandescent lights teasing us with the promise of magic.
Just like the elusive fireflies, will my dream of the mysterious Paul always be just short of fulfillment? Am I clutching at the tenuous threads of enchantment?
Is my desire to find Paul just a silly fantasy?
Maybe it’s high time I accept the foolishness of my dreams. Maybe it’s time I live in reality and stop dabbling in the realms of the supernatural.
Then I remember the Red Bird and my confidence bolsters. My vivid memories of Miss Pearl remind me that she hadn’t felt like a lady who would lead me astray.
It’s real. It’s all real. Please let it be real.
Review
This book is the 7th in the series of The Power of The Matchmaker, and so far is my favorite one! Taylor takes us on a real adventure with this read, and moves us all the way to China. Savannah, our leading lady, was told by Miss Pearl at a young age that her match was Paul, and she should search far and wide to find him. When an opportunity presents itself to go to China, and she just so happens to read an article about a hot CEO named Paul living in China, she makes the decision to go and meet Paul.
Upon meeting Paul, all seems to fall in place. But why does she feel a fluttering in her stomach every time Julian is near, and is Paul as perfect as she first thought?
This was such a captivating read, once again.
Savannah is such an enjoyable character. She is very shy, a real introvert, but takes this chance of going to China, to make subtle changes, and gets out of her comfort zone. I could truly relate to that. I was not always as outgoing, and still often struggle with my confidence, so reading about Savannah and her struggles, was something I could very much grasp. It was so realistic, and so understandable. She makes a great leading lady, trying new things, pushing herself beyond what she is comfortable doing, and becoming a much stronger, more complete person in the process.
Paul is not a very likeable person, you will have to read the book, to find out why I am NOT a fan!
Julian is a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. He moved to China a while back doing the same teaching position Savannah is doing, and ended up staying there. He is a very genuine guy, and swoon worthy! He immediately takes notice of Savannah, even though she is so quiet and in the background of the group. He is able to see past the noise and notice the depth that lies in this quiet person. It is such an experience watching, reading, enjoying the story unfold.
And then the whole read gets that lovely, magical touch and influence of Miss Pearl, who plays her part perfectly to bring the right match together.
I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the perfect book boyfriend all over again, I dreamt of China, and the wonderful experiences it has to offer. Taylor makes me want to pack up my bags and go on the journey of a lifetime right along with the main characters, experiencing new and exciting adventures. This book is absolutely amazing, and I’m positive I will be rereading it many, many times again.
Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.
Blast Giveaway Details
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/21/16
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LOVE your review, Mylissa! Thank you so much! My heart is happy!