Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff

Lily was married for just days before her husband was sent abroad to fight in WWII. Now, he and the other soldiers are returning, and the small town of Toccoa, Georgia plans a big celebration. But a handsome and kind Italian immigrant, responsible for the elaborate fireworks display the town commissioned captures Lily's heart and soul. Torn between duty to society and her husband, and a poor, passionate man who might be her only true love--Lily must choose between a love she never knew and a commitment she'd already made. [borrowed from GoodReads]

Fireworks Over Toccoa is Lily's story - and although the story really takes place throughout a span of a couple of days, her flashbacks take you back several decades to a dry, hot Georgia summer and a love that is unforgettable.

Although the story started a bit slow for me, and even had me a bit confused (since it starts with two children finding something unnamed near a lake, then to a woman named Colleen, and finally to Colleen's grandmother Lily), once Lily actually commences her story, I became totally immersed in the town of Toccoa, it's residents and the relationship between Lily and Jake. Mr. Stepakoff's writing is rich and vivid, yet simple, it really gives the story this lazy, summer feel (I'm not sure if I explained that properly), but it felt just right.

Lily and Jake's relationship is something to behold. I loved how fireworks came into play throughout the story and how it was used as a metaphor for their love of one another. I've read several reviews where they compare this to Nicholas Sparks' work - and as an avid reader of Nicholas Sparks, I can definitely see the similarities. But don't let that be the factor that determines whether you read this or not. Mr. Stepakoff has created a beautiful story with characters that you will feel as if you know and will regret when you reach the last page and know that your time with them is over.

This is a bitter-sweet tale that will sweep you up and deposit you at its end with tears in your eyes but a smile on your face. I really enjoyed it.

This book was provided for review by St. Martin's Press.