Book Review: Fireflies and Chocolate by Ailish Sinclair

Fireflies and Chocolate is the story of young Elizabeth Mantieth, told in her own distinctive voice. Elizabeth has a lilting Scottish accent, so rich and natural I can hear it easily in my head. She speaks to us directly, and she’s a charming storyteller, though she goes through some troubled times. She lives in the time of the Jacobite rebellion, and a period when children and adolescents were kidnapped and sold into indentured servitude.

Dark days and nights lie ahead for Elizabeth, but there is light in the darkness: her own strong spirit, and good people around her (along with some thoroughly despicable characters, sadly quite believable).

I was impressed throughout with the excellence of the writing. This story covers several years, but the pace never drags nor seems rushed. And I’m familiar with some of the locations Elizabeth ends up in (which I won’t reveal), and Ailish Sinclair captured them so deftly I can’t help but wonder if she’s visited them herself.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction with strong, engaging heroines; I’d say it’s for readers young adult and older.

Fireflies and Chocolate makes me eager to read Ailish Sinclairs other historical novels. And for those who like contemporary romance, check out her Dancer’s Journey series, which Ailish describes as “much, much naughtier.”

Ailish’s website is a pleasure in its own right, with her own beautiful photography of Scotland, and she often recounts local history and lore. I encourage you to explore it and her books —especially with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.