Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter

To be honest, I don't really feel like writing today. I'm in a funk and can't seem to get out, so it's hard to get perspective or find something encouraging when I just feel really overwhelmed. The most frustrating part is that there is no cause. I'm incredibly blessed. I have a God and a family who love me, have been abundantly provided for, and really have nothing to worry about. Yet I can't shake despondency.

When life feels pretty bleak, I know where I'm supposed to turn, but sometimes it's hard to face a God who loves you when you feel unlovable. I have to keep reminding myself of a verse in the Psalms that states "In the midst of my anxieties, your comforts delight my soul" and trust that He's got this even when I'm out of commission.

Today's read was a great way to put my anxieties into perspective for me, and on some level it was a good flashback to how God took care of me even when I was an unmarried, pregnant teenager. Even though I rated this only 3 of 5 stars, it has a lot to offer, especially good ol' Mama Jo.


Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What a heartbreaking introduction!

While I love the plot, some glaring discrepancies in writing made it hard to really appreciate the book. Denise seems to have a problem keeping her characters straight. In the first book of the series, Jade's high school sweetheart is Seth, but in this book he is Aaron (and in a subsequent book, a different character is named Seth). Daniel's parents tell him about the Allen family who, in the very next paragraph become the Crawfords, and you find out his father's name is Allen later on in the book.

Despite the glaring name problem, this is actually a really great story. In the midst of tragedy, characters experience growth. Denise does a masterful job of showing how adversity can either uproot shallow beliefs or really ground you in a deep and meaningful faith. We get to see characters realize that shame and secrets can have control of your life if we let them, but also experience the power redemption.