Title: Fireworks Over Toccoa
Author: Jeffrey Stepakoff
Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell’s Books): “An unexpected discovery takes eighty-four-year-old Lily Davis Woodward to 1945, and the five days that forever changed her life. Married for only a week before her husband was sent to fight in WWII, Lily is anxious for his return, and the chance to begin their life together. In honor of the soldiers’ homecoming, the small Georgia town of Toccoa plans a big celebration. And Jake Russo, a handsome Italian immigrant, also back from war, is responsible for the elaborate fireworks display the town commissioned. But after a chance encounter in a star-lit field, he steals Lily’s heart and soul–and fulfills her in ways her socially-minded, upper-class family cannot. Now, torn by duty to society and her husband–and the poor, passionate man who might be her only true love–Lily must choose between a commitment she’s already made and a love shes never known before.”
Thoughts: Fireworks Over Toccoa reminds me of Bridges of Madison County mashed with the movie, Titanic. If your first response to this description is that this is not a good combination, you are 100 percent accurate. In my opinion, Fireworks Over Toccoa is what gives romance novels a bad name.
The truly sad part is that it could have been quite beautiful. The entire story hinges on how much the reader cares about Lily. Unfortunately, she comes across as a poor, little rich girl that is forced into a choice between love versus responsibility. Antonio is more interesting a character, but the disjointed vignettes that are meant to expose his secrets are misplaced and distracting. The imagery is absolutely horrible. (My personal favorite mentions how her skin was like butter melting on hot grits.) What was meant to be beautiful turns out to be clunky and awkward.
Fireworks Over Toccoa could have been gut-wrenching and passionate. Instead, it is cliched, predictable and just plain cheesy. The best part about the novel is that at 260 pages, one can finish the entire novel in a matter of a few hours. No more time is needed to experience this example of bad romance.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my review copy!
Mollie, I appreciate your comments. My review is my opinion and my opinion only. I cannot help how others may use my review to influence their own reading choices. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and there is room for both in this world. No one is right, and no one is wrong when it comes to our reactions about books.
There are very interesting details in this novel, some that you could not invision unless reading for yourself. There is more to the people and the background of this story than the descpriction you have given.
can relate with this lady. So yes take in someones opinion but remember it is only their opinion, do not let them make your decision also. Honestly the idea of you all take her opinion as your final decision is somewhat relating to this book, Lily always did "what was best for her family" until this one moment in her life she had yearned for her own well-being and acted upon true gut feeling. I ask that you read the book then decide for yourself.
was married. In reading this book you notice she is a child at marriage and in those day and times things were different from how they are these days. Yes, most of you obviously know that, but the point is at the age of 17 you are acting still as child. I am unsure of most of your ages but in reading this book it will take you back to your younger days, in which you…. cont….
You know Michelle I completely and utterly disagree with you. I believe this book should be given a chance and that the people responding should remember this is just your opinion, and that there maybe something in this book to intrigued their own spirit. Something deep inside their soul that did not realize had been there. For example the comment Sarah made in regards to the affair was incorrect. Yes she had an affair but it was not a week after she.. cont…
I figured that the description would be enough to help people to decide whether they want to read it or not.
No problem! If I can save you from wasting your time with this drivel, then I've accomplished something!
The premise could actually be quite beautiful. I just could not get over some of the imagery, it was that bad. Yes, it is a great lesson not to judge a book by its cover.
The cover is gorgeous. It's too bad that the rest doesn't live up to the cover.
Yeah, it was enough for me too.
Thanks for helping me avoid that one! I'm not a big fan of cheese … and your initial description kind of turned me off as well!
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Well, I'm skipping this one for sure! Thank-you for your honest review.
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You know I thought that this book looked so interesting, and the book cover is so pretty – but there's something about the idea of a woman having an affair a week after getting married to a military man that just kind of turned me off. Glad to hear I'm not missing much!
The Bridges of Madison County reference is a big enough red flag for me – I won't be picking up this one :).
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