Firefly Beach | Luanne Rice

Title: Firefly Beach

Author: Luanne Rice

I usually enjoy Luanne Rice, but Firefly Beach was a massive slog. It felt like she was trying to fit every possible misfortune into one story--alcoholism, domestic abuse, diving accidents, and so on--until the plot just felt bloated. Instead of making me feel for the characters, the constant barrage of tragedy was exhausting. It went on for way too long, and the narrative wove in and out so much that I found myself getting genuinely bored in several places.

While the plot was a mess, there were a few bright spots. I loved the closeness between the sisters and have always envied that kind of built-in support system. They certainly needed each other, too, since their mother was such a piece of work; it's honestly no surprise why at least two of the daughters turned out the way they did. I also really liked the hero's brother, Sam, and that sweet old dog, Homer. They were the only characters keeping me grounded while everyone else in the story was spiraling.

This book had its moments, but not nearly enough of them to save it. I've liked most of Rice's other work, but this one didn't have the right balance. It was too long, too depressing, and ultimately just didn't land.

Two out of five stars.