When Sparks Fly by Annie McDonald is a romance. Dr Daniellla Waveny has spent the last few years working for Doctors Abroad in Guyana. Having to return home quickly wasn’t part of her plan, but a dangerous virus changed all that. Will her career survive? And what of her hopes for the future?
Meeting Luca McAffery again takes her back to their teenage years and a moment that changed everything.
Luca’s life veered off into a different direction that she had did not see coming. A successful hockey coach, sculptor and wonderfully caring individual, she rarely takes time for herself. Will the arrival of a beautiful woman make her do just that – or will secrets from the past scupper any hopes of love?
The Characters
I liked Dani from the start. She was kind, caring and dedicated to her job as a doctor. She had spent years working in places and for people who really needed her. And she didn’t regret that. She was gutsy when things got tough and was the kind of person to rely on in a crisis. Luca was my favourite character though. She managed to juggle multiple plates at one time but was always willing to do more. She wanted to make up for the past and do better.
I loved the fact that she cared so much for the younger hockey players, especially Ziigy. Her dedication to understanding the First Nations peoples was a big part of who she was.
The Writing Style
The pacing of the story worked well. We got to know the two women, and what made them tick, slowly. I thought I knew where the story was going, but the author surprised me.
I loved the descriptive language, as it let me envisage an area of Canada I’m not familiar with.
The Pros
I enjoyed the community, family feel throughout. We could only really get to know these two women through their relationships with those around them. Finding out about the people of the area added a richness to the story.
The Cons
A mention of homophobia in the past.
The Conclusion
This story is one of love, hope, change and finding happiness. Set in the world of Canadian ice hockey, it gives an insight into a world of competition and rivalry – but also of encouraging teamwork and caring for each other. It’s about realizing what is important and giving yourself permission to be happy. The love story was slow-burn, but ultimately intense and hot. I enjoyed being with Dani and Luca and seeing their passion bloom.
Excerpt from When Sparks Fly by Annie McDonald
It was her hair, though, that caused words to defy Dani. Pulled back from Luca’s face that day at the rink, it now fell casually to just above shoulder-length, jet black and wavy with a hint of red. It moved like waves in a stormy sea, framing Luca’s face and providing a perfect counterpoint for the calm yet stunning blue-water eyes.
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Bits and Bobs
- ISBN: 9781635557831
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
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