Chasing Fireflies
Written and Self Published by
Chloe Fowler
Now available for pre-order on Amazon Kindle
Softcover available for purchase October 25, 2021
“Everything happens for a reason…”
Let me begin with a quick shout out to NetGalley and Chloe Fowler for allowing me early access to this amazing story! I was looking for interesting reads from first time authors and behold, there was Chasing Fireflies. It’s tagline, “Everything happens for a reason” had me immediately intrigued, and from page one I was instantly involved. Deceptively beginning as that kind of story; shy girl meets shunned boy, we realize immediately these are far from generic characters. Rainey, well-loved and from a well-off family, struggles with the injustice of her sister being born with a defective heart. Feeling guilty over her own perfectly beating organ, she overcompensates by not allowing herself to plan a future, not allowing herself friendship beyond her best friend Jo. And Liam. A rumored delinquent, he sheds from the rough side of town, his family a perfect portrait of domestic dysfunction. For him, each new day is just an extension of the day before, and while Rainey refuses to even think of her future, Liam desperately reaches for his, striving for the day he is old enough to leave the hell of his life behind him.
This story is about friendship, illness, first love, and the disparities between the well-offs and the have-nots. It’s a story about the love of family, the lack of family, mean people, good people, good friends, and about friends fading away. And mostly, it is about the confusion of growing up and learning to see beyond what you have been taught to see. And to reach for the impossible….
It would be so easy for me to just tell you all about these two young people; to explain their budding relationship in intimate detail. It would be so easy to dissect each scene and explain why I found them so impactful. But I won’t. Because I REALLY want you to read this for yourself. What I will tell you is that I love that Liam, neglected and abused, is still a champion for those weaker than himself. I love that Rainey, so painfully shy, still has an inner strength even she does not know she has. The evolution of other characters is amazing, as is the reminder to look at an individual with our own eyes, instead of through the mouth of another. The most fitting of quotes? “You can’t pick your family”. This comes from a surprising source; and even if this book was not written as well as it is I would still add it to my own shelf just for this surrounding scene.
You should know this story contains domestic violence, bad language, and school bullying. But these situations are not unreadable; on the contrary, they are integral, as our plot is shaped around the consequences of the actions involved.
As a debut novel, this work is incredibly well written. Specifically worth mentioning is that even though this falls into the YA genre, the characters are not type casted as ‘squealy’ juvenile. I can only expect continued excellence in the author’s future efforts. I have become an instant fan of Chloe Fowler and will look forward to many more of her new releases. I will be posting a written interview with Ms. Fowler on her release date of Chasing Fireflies, October 25, 2021.
Check in if you have a chance and learn more about Chloe Fowler and Chasing Fireflies!!!!
What a wonderful, real, emotion provoking plot. Always love supporting new authors. Can’t wait to read!
Thank you for your support, Jess. You’re awesome!!!
I really want to read this book after reading this review. I love how Dawn explains the characters. The cover is so inviting. Yes I think I will be buying this one.
Thank you! And I think both your daughters will enjoy reading this, too!
Looking forward to the interview.
I hope you enjoy it!
This book sounds so intriguing! Definitely sounds like a must read!
I loved it!
I am mostly a mystery; thriller reader but after reading your review I will be looking for this novel when it becomes available. I want to learn more about these characters find out what makes them tick and where this story line ends up.
I can’t wait to read your interview with this new author and learn more about her writing style and what inspiresher to write.
Bravo
I really loved the characters in this book! And I can’t wait to post the interview!
I’m eager to read the book and to share it with my teacher friends who are on the lookout for meaningful YA novels.
Yes, this novel is PERFECT to share with your teacher friends!!!
I normally would not read this type of book. But you have me intrigued. I would hope the writing is as good as you say it is. Based on the good quality of writing in your blog, which establishes your credibility, I am more inclined to read the book.
WOW, I’m hooked from the “Everything happens for a reason” statement to your indepth, but not to revealing, description and discussion of the characters, their challenges, disappointments and accomplishments. I’m always interested in what the YA book world bring to light for young adults and juveniles. I find it good practice to keep my finger on the pulse, to better understand and support our youth. I definitely will read “Chasing Butterflies”. Looking forward for your interview with Chloe Fowler and more of your insightful blog! Thank you❣️