Chasing Fireflies

De: Claudia Burgoa

Narrado por: J.F. Harding, Stella Hunter

The first time I met Oliver Tanner he was five years old. I was four. That day, he was entrusted to my keep.

He was as large and loud as a church mouse.

That day, I taught him how fireflies were magic with the persistence of a person. That’s what I loved about them. No matter how far they strayed, they remembered where they came from, and who their family was.

After high school, he joined the army and left Knox Ridge. Years later, the town had changed. My dreams were shattered. We had nothing left.

I had forgotten all about the magic of the fireflies.

Until, he came back to town. Everything about him was comforting. He brought some light to my darkness, but I knew the light could only last for so long.

Fireflies only stay for the summer.

He had outgrown our small town.

©2019 Claudia Burgoa (P)2022 Claudia Burgoa

Loved Oliver and Kaitlynn!

Oh, my heart! Chasing Fireflies by Claudia Burgoa was a heartfelt, emotional childhood friends-to-lovers romance that did crazy good things to my heart. Claudia's characters have a way of nuzzling their way deep into your heart and making a last impression long after your finish reading. Kaitlynn and Oliver have this deep connection that is instant from the start, but will it stand the test of time?

Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding narrate this audiobook and are perfection together. Both narrators bring their southern charm and grace to their performances of Kaitlynn and Oliver. Stella conveys Kaitlynn's passionate and determined sides brilliantly as she works hard to achieve her goals and get out of her small town. J.F. showcases Oliver's hopes and dedication to his career as he strives to finally stand on his own two feet and support his family. Kaitlynn and Oliver have this slow burn chemistry that simmers and then later turns scorching hot!

Overall, I loved this audiobook. If you are a fan of a childhood friends to lovers romance with a brave, charismatic hero, a fiercely devoted heroine, small towns, family restaurants, a single mom, trips to Tybee Island, military, culinary school, an irritating older sister, slow burn steamy times, letting writing, and a HEA that will last a lifetime, then you will love Oliver and Kaitlynn's romance. I always look forward to more from Claudia Burgoa.

Fabulous listen!

Childhood friends. That is what Kaitlynn and Oliver were. From the time they were 5 & 6 years old, the two were best of friends, playing in the yard and chasing fireflies. As time goes by and life goes on,these two remain close, but life takes its toll, and communication is now far and few between. When they both come back to the their hometown, will things pick up where they left off? Will their smoldering embers from childhood ignite? This is a beautiful romance, one I could sink my teeth into. Both have flaws, both have issues from their past, and both are looking for each other. But getting to that point is a journey! Claudia Burgoa takes us on that journey, letting us learn and grow, and feel all the emotional turmoil these two have. This is one that will stick with me for a while and makes me want to chase fireflies.

JF Harding and Stella Hunter are a favorite team of mine. These two know how to tell a story. Harding is Oliver, with his emotions coming to the surface as the story progresses. He had my heart from childhood on. Hunter is Kaitlynn, the overworked, sentimental daughter, wanting to keep her parents restaurant alive. I could feel her pain and frustration and budding love. These two brought all of it for me and I loved every minute.

Emotional

Having read numerous books by Claudia Burgoa I knew that this book was going to be an emotional roller coaster of a read and I was not wrong.
Chasing Fireflies is a beautifully written story of childhood friends Kaitlynn and Oliver. Living in Knox Ridge they were joined at the hip, until Oliver joined the army and left crushing all of Kaitlynn’s dream.
The performances by J.F. Harding and Stella Hunter brought this emotional story to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen to and they did justice to the story that Ms. Burgoa wove.
Now they are back in Knox Ridge, but for how long? These two are meant to be together. Can they rekindle the magic of their friendship and in doing so find a lasting love?
One click and find out.

Coming Home

I liked how the narrator, Stella Hunter, had a slow, easy southern accent that fit perfectly with Kaitlynn. JF Harding brought Oliver to life without the southern accent, a reminder that he moved to Georgia later. This is such a beautiful story of a young girl and a young boy growing up together as best friends, with Ollie like a member of Kaitlynn’s family. Sadly, senior year he first dated Katlynn’s older sister and then left to join the army.

This is where the story moves from a sweet childhood to the difficulties of an adult life that doesn’t go as planned. But I had to root for this couple to find their way back to each other, because they were truly meant to be together.

a wonderful story

I first read this book when it was part of a novella series, so I was excited to see that Claudia had republished it with additional scenes. It was one of my first books from Claudia and it was fun getting to go back and spend time with these characters again via audiobook.

I loved getting to see Oliver and Kaitlynn when they first got to know each other as kids. It made them reconnecting and getting a second chance at romance even better.

This story is still on the shorter side, but well paced. It's perfect for when you are looking for a sweet, engaging book you can read or listen to in a weekend.