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Operation Romance #3
Operation Fireworks
Not all secrets can be kept. Jake McGill wants to spend his vacation time in the mountains. As a bonus, he gets to take kids on hikes, teach them to shoot, and run the fireworks show for the Fourth of July at camp. But the instant attraction he feels for the camp director wasn’t something he’d anticipated. Single mom Deb Magarry has always put her son first. When she agrees to stand in as director for the summer camp they attend together every year, romance is the farthest thing from her mind. Especially not with Jake and all the ghosts he resurrects from her past. How will Jake convince Deb to give him a chance when she’s determined to keep her heart, and her secrets, under lock and key? Operation Fireworks is the third book in the Operation Romance series. Read this charming contemporary Christian romance to bring back fond memories of campfires and summer love today.
152 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2016
About the author
Elizabeth Maddrey
71 books265 followersUSA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 14, 2026
What a delightful read. Deb made a mistake in her teenage years, and Jake wronged someone in the past. Now the two of them meet up 15 years later working at a summer camp. I enjoyed Deb's relationship with her son Sean as well as the chemistry between Jake and Deb. This story has tension, a secret, conflict, faith, and a redemptive arc. Great story.
October 11, 2023
Our God is a God of the impossible. That's God at work. Trust Him.
Jake and Deb's love story is magnificent and timeless. They knew each other in high school, actually each crushing on the other. She was the only one to do anything about her crush. Now she is the camp director and Jake has come to the camp for the trail guide and riflery instructor and fourth of July fireworks. She is short a counsellor and asks Jake to be the counsellor for the younger boys. He is reluctant, but of course he agrees. He meets Sean, who is Deb's 15 year old son and they bond instantly. As Jake and Deb get to know each other, they fall in love. Jake finally realizes that Sean is his son. He is angry that Deb never told him. Sean wants to see Jake after camp, so Deb finally tells her parents and Sean who Sean's father is. When she loses her job in her small town as a math teacher, she contacts her friend in DC who says she is an answer to prayer and offers her a job as department head and teacher for the more advanced classes. Deb and Sean move to DC, which is where Jake lives. He owns a company with his friends, Gabe and Rick, our friends from books one and two. Jake and Deb finally tell each other that they love each other and Sean is thrilled.
Jake's lips against hers stopped her objection. Electricity coursed through her body. She met his kiss, her hands sliding up his arms to join behind his neck, pulling him closer. Time stopped.
Sean was a blessing straight from God. Did she have any right to deny that blessing to Jake?
It's me saying I love you and asking if there's any chance you'll ever love me back. I love you, too, Jake.
I need you to kiss me again, the way you do that makes the world explode into a kaleidoscope of color. It might take me a while to get it just right. We have all the time in the world.
Elizabeth has written another fantastic book about owning a company, being a math teacher, being a camp director, having a son, and of course, falling in love. I recommend this book and all of Elizabeth's books to everyone.
Jake and Deb's love story is magnificent and timeless. They knew each other in high school, actually each crushing on the other. She was the only one to do anything about her crush. Now she is the camp director and Jake has come to the camp for the trail guide and riflery instructor and fourth of July fireworks. She is short a counsellor and asks Jake to be the counsellor for the younger boys. He is reluctant, but of course he agrees. He meets Sean, who is Deb's 15 year old son and they bond instantly. As Jake and Deb get to know each other, they fall in love. Jake finally realizes that Sean is his son. He is angry that Deb never told him. Sean wants to see Jake after camp, so Deb finally tells her parents and Sean who Sean's father is. When she loses her job in her small town as a math teacher, she contacts her friend in DC who says she is an answer to prayer and offers her a job as department head and teacher for the more advanced classes. Deb and Sean move to DC, which is where Jake lives. He owns a company with his friends, Gabe and Rick, our friends from books one and two. Jake and Deb finally tell each other that they love each other and Sean is thrilled.
Jake's lips against hers stopped her objection. Electricity coursed through her body. She met his kiss, her hands sliding up his arms to join behind his neck, pulling him closer. Time stopped.
Sean was a blessing straight from God. Did she have any right to deny that blessing to Jake?
It's me saying I love you and asking if there's any chance you'll ever love me back. I love you, too, Jake.
I need you to kiss me again, the way you do that makes the world explode into a kaleidoscope of color. It might take me a while to get it just right. We have all the time in the world.
Elizabeth has written another fantastic book about owning a company, being a math teacher, being a camp director, having a son, and of course, falling in love. I recommend this book and all of Elizabeth's books to everyone.
July 5, 2018
Deb is trying to make the best of a rebellious mistake she made in her youth. Jake is trying to change his life after he wronged someone. Little do they know, what working one summer at a camp will do to them both. They’re both searching love, acceptance and healing from their past. Can they find it, or will this summer just make the problems more complicated?
Elizabeth Maddrey has written a sweet book. I read it in one day. It flowed smoothly, and I really didn’t want to put it down. The fun thing was that I read it on July 4th. What a fun way to celebrate the day. This book had humor, drama, and bits of romance, as well as fireworks! It really was an enjoyable book to read!
I highly recommend getting this book for your summer reading!
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
Elizabeth Maddrey has written a sweet book. I read it in one day. It flowed smoothly, and I really didn’t want to put it down. The fun thing was that I read it on July 4th. What a fun way to celebrate the day. This book had humor, drama, and bits of romance, as well as fireworks! It really was an enjoyable book to read!
I highly recommend getting this book for your summer reading!
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
July 16, 2026
Good novella
This was a good novella. It's a quick read by a new to me author. I enjoyed Jake and Deb's second chance story. This book is set at a summer camp where Deb is the fill-in camp director, and Jake is a volunteer camp counselor, teaches rifles, and sets up the fireworks for July 4th.
They met 15 years earlier. He didn't remember her, though. I won't give any spoilers away, but they both had a lot of baggage they had to sort through. I really enjoyed the faith element in this and how they found redemption and forgiveness for their past issues. Deb was a teacher and loved calculus. Thought that the math science people would like that info.
There were a couple of grammatical errors with words missing in a handful of places, but they didn't distract from the story.
I'd recommend this book and hope to read the previous novellas in this series.
This was a good novella. It's a quick read by a new to me author. I enjoyed Jake and Deb's second chance story. This book is set at a summer camp where Deb is the fill-in camp director, and Jake is a volunteer camp counselor, teaches rifles, and sets up the fireworks for July 4th.
They met 15 years earlier. He didn't remember her, though. I won't give any spoilers away, but they both had a lot of baggage they had to sort through. I really enjoyed the faith element in this and how they found redemption and forgiveness for their past issues. Deb was a teacher and loved calculus. Thought that the math science people would like that info.
There were a couple of grammatical errors with words missing in a handful of places, but they didn't distract from the story.
I'd recommend this book and hope to read the previous novellas in this series.
December 29, 2025
Operation fireworks
I enjoyed reading this sweet, heartwarming story. Deb and Jake went to the same high school. When they saw each 15 years later at a camp for kids where they were leaders, Deb was nervous. Her son Sean got to know Jake and thought he was cool. Then the truth comes out. I liked how there was forgiveness shown. This is an inspirational story that shows real life experiences and growth.
I enjoyed reading this sweet, heartwarming story. Deb and Jake went to the same high school. When they saw each 15 years later at a camp for kids where they were leaders, Deb was nervous. Her son Sean got to know Jake and thought he was cool. Then the truth comes out. I liked how there was forgiveness shown. This is an inspirational story that shows real life experiences and growth.
July 8, 2026
This book is a breath of fresh air, with no swearing or sexual innuendos. I appreciated the storyline most of all. Although Deb made a mistake in high school, she has changed and lives a wholesome life. The viewpoint of her 15 year old son was interesting and a small look into teaching Math was fun. Sean also has changed his life around after doing things wrong in high school. Although a book or redemption, it is not at all “preachy”.
February 1, 2022
When I need a book that's romantic but clean, easy to read but still gives me truths to ponder, I turn to Elizabeth Maddrey's books. Jake and Deb are two characters with a unique dynamic--not to mention a history between them--and I love what Elizabeth did with their story. A fun read for summer or any time of the year!
September 25, 2025
I really liked this book. Loved the stronger Christian aspects of it. Sean was a really good kid. Some tough decisions there. Makes you wonder, " what would i have done?" Enjoyed how Deb finally started to be more flexible and allowed God to do great things for them all. Best book in the series so far.
July 4, 2026
Nice surprise
This is the first book I've read by this author. The story and characters are well developed. I enjoyed the way the plot unfolded and the Christian elements. I'll be reading more of Maddrey's books.
This is the first book I've read by this author. The story and characters are well developed. I enjoyed the way the plot unfolded and the Christian elements. I'll be reading more of Maddrey's books.
July 5, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters of Deb, Jake, and Sean. The story was good and shows God’s forgiveness. I would recommend this book.
February 12, 2019
Excellent
A really good story and I enjoyed it very much. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
A really good story and I enjoyed it very much. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 21, 2023
cute, sweet second chance at romance story. I just want more at the end. The wrap up seems to quick.
June 28, 2025
Fireworks!
I love that God can make what looks like a huge sin become one of His greatest blessings. He truly makes all things new.
I love that God can make what looks like a huge sin become one of His greatest blessings. He truly makes all things new.
July 12, 2026
A hidden secret and a chance for love.
February 14, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book as I went through the whole series. The author has good insights in how Christ can change lives, so that the past is redeemed.
July 28, 2026
cute
Cute story. Liked the camp set up. And Sean. I did not like how Deb made her whole life about son but wasn’t going to tell him he met his dad? No way.
Cute story. Liked the camp set up. And Sean. I did not like how Deb made her whole life about son but wasn’t going to tell him he met his dad? No way.
June 18, 2016
Operation Fireworks by Elizabeth Maddrey is a wonderful Christian novella and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's the third story in the Operation Romance series but can be read as a stand-alone.
God is at the heart of the novella. Characters pray to God and turn to Him when the going gets tough. Faith and trust in God is pivotal. When life presents hard decisions, one needs to trust God to make a way when there seems no way.
Linked in to faith and trust is the theme of how big is your God? "Don't try to make God smaller than He is." Sometimes we limit God's size and our expectations. God is bigger than we think, so dream big and see God in action.
Elizabeth Maddrey deals with the topic of teenage pregnancy and an unwed mother. She presents this sensitively. The young mother regrets her behaviour but does not regret her son. He is the love of her life and at the centre of her world.
Within the novel is the theme of family. There is actual family and there is the Christian camp for youngsters that functions like a family. Elizabeth Maddrey shows that it is important for people to feel loved and to belong.
Education is another theme. Education can give choice. Sean aged fifteen wonders about being a marine rather than going to college. He is advised to go to college and then become a marine. Education is important.
Operation Fireworks deals with the theme of forgiveness. It is important to ask for, to receive and to give forgiveness. Unforgiveness creates a barrier between us and God. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is the face in the mirror.
I always adore Elizabeth Maddrey's books and can highly recommend them all. Give yourself a treat and buy Operation Fireworks today.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
God is at the heart of the novella. Characters pray to God and turn to Him when the going gets tough. Faith and trust in God is pivotal. When life presents hard decisions, one needs to trust God to make a way when there seems no way.
Linked in to faith and trust is the theme of how big is your God? "Don't try to make God smaller than He is." Sometimes we limit God's size and our expectations. God is bigger than we think, so dream big and see God in action.
Elizabeth Maddrey deals with the topic of teenage pregnancy and an unwed mother. She presents this sensitively. The young mother regrets her behaviour but does not regret her son. He is the love of her life and at the centre of her world.
Within the novel is the theme of family. There is actual family and there is the Christian camp for youngsters that functions like a family. Elizabeth Maddrey shows that it is important for people to feel loved and to belong.
Education is another theme. Education can give choice. Sean aged fifteen wonders about being a marine rather than going to college. He is advised to go to college and then become a marine. Education is important.
Operation Fireworks deals with the theme of forgiveness. It is important to ask for, to receive and to give forgiveness. Unforgiveness creates a barrier between us and God. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is the face in the mirror.
I always adore Elizabeth Maddrey's books and can highly recommend them all. Give yourself a treat and buy Operation Fireworks today.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
July 9, 2016
Jake McGill and Deborah Magarry meet when he volunteers at a summer camp during his vacation. He planned to teach shooting and put on a fireworks display, but he found he also had to supervise a cabin of elementary grade boys. He didn't recognize Deborah but she remembered him from high school where she had gotten pregnant then moved away with her family. Her fifteen year old son is a counselor in training at the camp and his looks favor Jake's.
Jake and Deborah are just starting to get closer when he realizes that Sean is his son. The complications multiply as all three of them have to come to terms with the situation. I felt for the characters and hoped that they could work out their lives to everyone's satisfaction. The story was well written and made me want to read the other books in this series. The author's style was easy to read and dealt with complex situations!
Jake and Deborah are just starting to get closer when he realizes that Sean is his son. The complications multiply as all three of them have to come to terms with the situation. I felt for the characters and hoped that they could work out their lives to everyone's satisfaction. The story was well written and made me want to read the other books in this series. The author's style was easy to read and dealt with complex situations!
June 19, 2016
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
In my honest opinion, it's a great book. It great flow and really relatable characters. I enjoyed this book very much. I enjoyed how the characters had real emotions and they dealt with things that were difficult. It was preachy either. They loved Jesus, and they were real people with real issues going on. I liked the camp setting too.
All in all, it was a good, clean, sweet, Christian read.
In my honest opinion, it's a great book. It great flow and really relatable characters. I enjoyed this book very much. I enjoyed how the characters had real emotions and they dealt with things that were difficult. It was preachy either. They loved Jesus, and they were real people with real issues going on. I liked the camp setting too.
All in all, it was a good, clean, sweet, Christian read.
June 23, 2016
Operations fireworks
Jake takes a job at a camp and Deb from his younger days is also working there but he does not recognize her. He is attracted to her anyway. He becomes good friends with her son. This book was very interesting from start to finish. Loved the characters, Jake,Sean and Deb. A really good summer read with the camp theme. Loved re-visiting characters from the other books in the series. I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
Jake takes a job at a camp and Deb from his younger days is also working there but he does not recognize her. He is attracted to her anyway. He becomes good friends with her son. This book was very interesting from start to finish. Loved the characters, Jake,Sean and Deb. A really good summer read with the camp theme. Loved re-visiting characters from the other books in the series. I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
July 6, 2016
Operation Fireworks was another delightful read by Elizabeth Maddrey. I loved the relationship between Deb and her son. And the way that Jake found out about who Deb really is was great. I felt that the characters were realistic and the emotions they felt as a reaction to the events taking place were believable.
Elizabeth Maddrey has the great ability to draw you into a story and make you experience the emotions the characters are feeling.
Elizabeth Maddrey has the great ability to draw you into a story and make you experience the emotions the characters are feeling.
August 3, 2016
This is the first book that I have read by Elizabeth Maddrey and I really enjoyed it. This book is #3 in the Operation Romance series and I will be reading the rest in the series. I loved the little bit of a mystery on how Jake and Deb knew each other! This storyline was so easy to read and kept me going from beginning to end. Good, clean Christian romance. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2016
Fun novella. The ending was different than I expected and the story kept my interest all the way through. I enjoy everything I read by this author. God is involved in the story line, but not in an overwhelming way. The characters were developed well.
June 18, 2016
This was a different kind of love story with lots of fireworks.
I loved the characters especially Sean ,the storyline and the ending.
God's love and forgiveness is shown throughout the book.
Another good book by an awesome author.
I loved the characters especially Sean ,the storyline and the ending.
God's love and forgiveness is shown throughout the book.
Another good book by an awesome author.
June 19, 2016
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I kept turning the pages and could not stop myself. I loved the Inspirational thread and the characters seemed real. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
June 16, 2016
This was a very sweet story.most short stories can tend to be,in my opinion, on the cheesy side but Operation Fireworks was tastefully written. I will definitely read more books by this author
June 21, 2016
Ebook
Story about young love, a pregnancy and the growing up of the two parties. They are thrown together years later and live changes for all 3 of them
Story about young love, a pregnancy and the growing up of the two parties. They are thrown together years later and live changes for all 3 of them
April 10, 2017
This was a very quick read for me. The story flowed well. The characters had some depth. It was not a predictable story. Just when you think everything is going to work out, things change. This was an easy read. It did not get bogged down by too much description or distraction. You come away from reading the book with a sense of hope. I really enjoyed Operation Fireworks and look forward to reading other books by Elizabeth Maddrey. I did receive a copy of this book as an Advance Reader Group member for my honest and unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews