Helpful Score: 1
I really really liked this story. It was a sweet little story set in Toccoa, Georgia at the end of WWII. Since I am from Georgia, I felt connected to the story in a way. It is a love story, obviously, but I felt like, being written by a man, had all the romance but just a little bit of pragmatism as well. It made the story so real. I loved that it was not only about the love between a society young lady and an traveling pyrotechnician, but it was also about balancing what is right by those around you and what is right in your own heart. I sincerely hope the Mr. Stepakoff will continue writing novels because I would love to continue reading his work.
Helpful Score: 1
Great read. Ending was quick but the book was a great love story and I really related to Lily.
Helpful Score: 1
I've been wanting to read this book for awhile, and it was a great read! Jeffrey Stepakoff can certainly tell a wonderful story and have you very involved in reading about Lily's story. A very quick, sweet read, that may make you wonder how many women were like "Lily" during WWII. Lily's story will touch readers!
Fireworks Over Toccoa is a love story about a young, wild girl named Lily and her very brief love affair with an Italian firework maker named Jake. The story starts off with Colleen visiting her grandmother Lily. At this visit, Lily happens to see an article in the paper about some new finds that were displayed at a military museum. Lily recognizes one of the artifacts as being part of her property that she lost many years before. Colleen and Lily visit the museum to collect that artifact. This is where the real story begins as Lily tells Colleen and the museum owner the tale of the artifact in order to retrieve it. The tale she tells is of the brief love affair that she has with Jake, even though she was married to Paul.
In all honesty, I had this book figured out from the beginning. I think that if you read a good deal of love stories, or even watch them on television/movies, then you have a good chance of guessing what is going to happen in this book. There was only one part that actually surprised me, and that was towards the end. Knowing the plot did not deter me from enjoying this book however. The writing is beautiful. There are times that I feel like it is lyrical like a poem instead of prose. Stepakoff does an excellent job of describing the setting. Toccoa sounds absolutely gorgeous, and from the bits that I have heard he really does the land justice in his descriptions. Lily is a very dynamic character as well. I got wrapped up in her emotions and struggles.
All in all, I recommend this book as a quick read that will leave you with some warm fuzziness. Even if you feel like I did and know what the basic plot line is going to be, follow it through to the end. There will be at least one surprise in there for you. 3 out of 5 stars
In all honesty, I had this book figured out from the beginning. I think that if you read a good deal of love stories, or even watch them on television/movies, then you have a good chance of guessing what is going to happen in this book. There was only one part that actually surprised me, and that was towards the end. Knowing the plot did not deter me from enjoying this book however. The writing is beautiful. There are times that I feel like it is lyrical like a poem instead of prose. Stepakoff does an excellent job of describing the setting. Toccoa sounds absolutely gorgeous, and from the bits that I have heard he really does the land justice in his descriptions. Lily is a very dynamic character as well. I got wrapped up in her emotions and struggles.
All in all, I recommend this book as a quick read that will leave you with some warm fuzziness. Even if you feel like I did and know what the basic plot line is going to be, follow it through to the end. There will be at least one surprise in there for you. 3 out of 5 stars
My first encounter with Jeffrey Stepakoff was with THE ORCHARD, a delightful love story. FIREWORKS OVER TOCCOA was even better. I lived with Lily throughout the book and cried with her at the end. I hunch many who read this book will share my feelings. It is lovely and sad and full of love.
If you love a good love story, read this one!
If you love a good love story, read this one!
"Fireworks Over Tocca" is an engaging book which is lyrically written. The writing pulls you from the real world and transports you to another time and place. This is a perfect weekend book. I read it in one evening I just couldn't put it down. The characters are lovable, well-developed and are easy to relate to. The romance the characters share is endearing and is realistic. I honestly can't say enough great things about this book! Coming from someone who generally doesn't read romance, that says a lot!
If you are on the conservative side I have to warn you, that there is a pretty detailed love scene that sort of pops up out of no where. It's nothing I'd call too explicit or graphic, but still deserves warning. Go out and get this one, I highly recommend it.
If you are on the conservative side I have to warn you, that there is a pretty detailed love scene that sort of pops up out of no where. It's nothing I'd call too explicit or graphic, but still deserves warning. Go out and get this one, I highly recommend it.
This book was a bit of a surprise for me. Wasn't what I was expecting. But an amazingly told story.
