REVIEW: Summer at Firefly Beach by Jenny Hale

Summer at Firefly Beach by Jenny Hale finds Hallie Flynn in a difficult spot—she’s lost her passion for her career, but most importantly, she lost her Aunt Clara, who she had always been close to. Everyone else received their inheritance, but before Hallie can get hers, Aunt Clara’s will insists she complete a bucket list Hallie had created when she was twelve. She doesn’t understand it, but with the help of her friend Ben, her family, and a new friend, Hallie begins a journey of self-discovery she never expected, and she might just find love along the way.

I had some issue with this book. I wasn’t crazy about her sister, Sydney, warning her away from Ben for the sake of her own son, Robby, because he needed a positive male influence in his life. It was pretty selfish of her, and I couldn’t believe Sydney would do that to her own sister. I also wasn’t crazy about one of the excuses Hallie uses to push Ben away. I’ve been seeing it a lot in books lately and I feel it’s over-done. There are also solutions to the problem, so it’s not an excuse to push someone away.

Despite this, I enjoyed the book. It was great to watch how her bucket list opened her up to new opportunities and helped her to find something to be passionate about. Other than Sydney, I liked all the characters and it was nice to see how they all came together and supported one another through all the ups and downs they faced.

Summer at Firefly Beach is a perfect beach read about rediscovering oneself, second chances, and the power of healing. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers stories.

Book Info:

Publication: June 17, 2019 | Bookouture |

Hallie Flynn’s favorite place in the world is her great Aunt Clara’s beautiful beachside house, with its inviting wraparound porch and enchanting views across the sparkling turquoise ocean. For Hallie, going to Firefly Beach, filled with magical childhood memories, feels like coming home. But all that is about to change…

As always, Aunt Clara has thought of everything. In her last letter she included the bucket list Hallie wrote when she was twelve-years-old—and Clara’s final wish is for her to complete it. For once, Hallie decides not to hesitate. Stepping away from her dead-end job and predictable schedule, she embraces Aunt Clara’s words.

Spending the summer at Firefly Beach, Hallie encounters old friends and begins to remember the things that matter most to her. All the time her childhood friend Ben Murray is there, supporting her every step of the way. But following the bucket list isn’t an easy journey. And if that wasn’t all, a run in with wealthy Gavin Wilson, a newcomer to Firefly Beach, leaves her questioning her future, and facing something buried deep in her heart which she’d rather not admit to.