Chasing Fireflies

By: Claudia Burgoa

Narrated by: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Wonderful Story & Narration🎧Charming & Heartfelt!

This charming and heartwarming story is amazing, and I loved everything about it, from Claudia Burgoa’s wonderful writing style to the fabulous characters and storylines she created to the perfectly cast narrators who bring it all to life from the pages to your years. The story not only captivates your attention the entire time, but it tugs on your heartstrings too. Oliver Tanner was a young boy when his father died and he and his mother moved to Knox Ridge and next door to the Blythe’s. He and Kaitlynn became best of friends and we get a glimpse of their friendship through the years. Since his mom worked a lot, he became an honorary Blythe and while they never made him feel like an outsider, he still did not feel like he fit in Knox Ridge and when he was old enough, he enlisted in the army, leaving his life and his best friend behind. Though he was already pushing Kaitlin away before he left, she still promised to write and send him things, which she does, and we get a glimpse of their correspondence over the years, too. Kaitlynn followed her dreams, went to school in California, and was on her way to get a cooking show when she received a call from her sister with devastating news. Her parents, who were her rock and her life, were gone and then her selfish sister made a mess out of things, even their family’s legacy, a restaurant that was more than just a restaurant, it was the heart of the town, like her family was. She winds up returning home and is trying to bail out the restaurant since her sister ran to the ground, but it was an uphill battle and when Oliver reappears, she is not sure what to make of it. Will he run again? Why did he not respond to the latest letters she wrote to him, the ones she poured her heart out to him? This beautifully plotted story has the perfect balance of drama, charm, heartfelt emotions, and a romance that was years in the making. Claudia Burgoa, thank you for this wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, J.F. Harding and Stella Hunter did an amazing job portraying these characters, giving each a voice that fit their persona perfectly, and were believable in every role they played. Hunter’s Kaitlynn was spot on, from her strength and determination, to her lower moments, and Harding did the same for Oliver. You could hear how much heart they put into their work as they capture all the character’s emotions and projected them into their performance, making you feel every single one. These versatile voice artists are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another exceptional listen.

Chasing Fireflies

Chasing Fireflies was previously published as Knight of Wands in the Cards of Love Anthology. Now edited and extended to a novella.

Meet Kaitlynn and Oliver.
Kaitlynn is a chef and owns the family restaurant. The business is failing and she doesn't know what to do.
Oliver grew up with Kaitlynn, worked at the restaurant, till he left for the military and to top it off, he's her sister's ex. After 12 years away he's back. Has some issues and demons and is a bit lost. When he stumbles over Kaitlynn he knows exactly what he wants to do - help her back on her feet.

Chasing Fireflies is a great novella, extremely well written and had me hooked from the beginning. It has just the right amount of drama and danger, feelings and HEA to keep me at the edge of my seat. I recommend the book and give 5 beautiful stars.
This audiobook is beautifully narrated by J.F. Harding, Stella Hunter.

Beautiful and Heartfelt Romance!

I fell in Love with Oliver and Kaitlynn when they first appeared in Knight of Wands, as part of the Cards of Love series. Their story was so beautiful and I am so, so happy that Burgoa gave us more of their heartfelt friends to lovers romance!
Oliver and Kaitlynn have been best friends from the moment Oliver and his mom moved in next door when he was 5 years old. They bonded over the magic of fireflies, laughter, and the desire to make each other happy. Oliver was young and made some foolish decisions, but Kaitlynn stuck with him through it all, even when he joined the service. They tried to stay close, but time and miscommunication caused them to lose touch. Now Oliver is home, and when he sees Kaitlynn, he can't remember why he stayed away so long. Kaitlynn has suffered not only the loss of her parents but also her dreams. She is kind and selfless, but working so hard to keep her parents dream alive has made her tired and disenchanted. Oliver sees his chance to help her realize all her dreams, rebuild her trust in him, and to finally make her his. Now he just needs to convince her to give him a chance. Oliver is so charming, and kind, and his new found confidence and passion is so swoon worthy! I loved discovering the depth of their history and connection in the letters they wrote each other. It made me care even more for them and cheer for their HEA!
Stella Hunter and J.F. Harding were amazing at bringing this story to life. Hunter so perfectly moved between the young carefree Kaitlynn to the disenchanted, broken adult, and then the hope filled, loving woman she was always meant to be. This is the first time I've heard Harding and he had my heart racing from beginning to end. I truly felt the love Oliver had for Kaitlynn and the myriad of emotions as he tried to make her fall for him again. Hunter and Harding made this beautiful, heartfelt, and sexy story of love, trust, forgiveness, and second chances a phenomenal audio experience!

Finally!

I read the ebook some time ago. While listening to the audiobook made me realize there is sadness for most of it. I don’t think that was the intention of Ms. Burgoa when she wrote this book. The dual narrators did a great job of bringing this book to life.

Loved it.....

I loved when this book first came put. It was a phenomenal read but listening to was great as well. Listening to it made me imagine it as a hallmark movie. There were many laughs and tears.



Review from Amazon ebook:

This was one phenomenal book. I laughed. I cried. I could not put this one down. Claudia has such a way with words that it brings many emotions out of me. Without giving anything away from this book I dont really know what to say except I loved this book and will definitely be reading again. I hope that there will be more from this couple and the other characters.
Something to thing about when reading this book. Do long distance relationships or friendships work? We all have that one friend that no matter what distance has put between us we try to maintain it in some way. That's what Ollie and Kit Kat tried to do but was it to much time? So check out this book and see for yourself if it is as great as I think.