The City of Toccoa celebrated the book release on the night of March 29 and throughout the day on March 30 with a number of events culminating in a fireworks show in the evening.
The fireworks show was sponsored by 1st Franklin Financial Investment Center, Stephens Federal Bank, AM 630 WNEG Radio, Stephens County Historical Society, [ash-ling] Booksellers, BJ's Restaurant, Acree Oil, First Citizens Bank, City Tatum, Dale Moseley and Main Street Toccoa.
Music for the fireworks show was provided by the TFC Jazz Band and Vintage Vocals.
Fireworks Over Toccoa: On February 11, Jeffrey Stepakoff read from his upcoming novel Fireworks Over Toccoa published by St. Martin's Press. The reading was held in the Mitchell Allen Meeting Room of the Currahee Military Museum in the historic train depot in downtown Toccoa. (You can listen to the event by downloading this audio file. An enhanced online excerpt of the book can be found on this website.)
About the Author: Jeffrey Stepakoff has been writing professionally since receiving his MFA in Playwriting from Carnegie Mellon in 1988. His credits include the Emmy-winning The Wonder Years, Sisters, Major Dad, Disney's Tarzan, and Dawson's Creek (as co-executive producer). This is his debut novel. He lives with his family north of Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit Stepakoff's facebook fan page or visit his website.
Book Summary: Every so often that story comes along that reminds us of what it’s like to experience love for the first time—against the odds, when you least expect it, and with such passion that it completely changes you forever. (An enhanced online excerpt of the book can be found on this website.)
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 she’s never known before.
Fireworks Over Toccoa takes us to a moment in time that will resonate with readers long after the book’s unforgettable conclusion. A devastating and poignant story, this debut novel will resonate with anyone who believes in love.
What people are saying about Fireworks:“A luminous love story that readers won’t soon forget, Fireworks Over Toccoa transports you to another time and place. It is at once heartbreaking and triumphant—an affirmation of love in all its forms.”--NYTimes bestselling author, Emily Giffin
“Fireworks Over Toccoa pinches the heart, telling a poignant tale of love and loss, of making choices and letting go. Lily and Jake's passion shimmers from the pages, enveloping the reader in their private kudzu-covered world. With carefully-crafted characters, a lush and very real setting, this is a not-to-be missed book. Move over Nicholas Sparks!”--Karen White, award-winning author of The House on Tradd Street
“Fireworks Over Toccoa literally explodes with life. Its insights about place and love versus duty are as sharp as an eagle’s eye. I absolutely loved every character and hated for their story to end. Kaboom! A brilliant first effort from Jeffrey Stepakoff! Congratulations!”--Dorothea Benton Frank, NY Times bestselling author of Return to Sullivans Island
"Fireworks Over Toccoa is the poignant recollection of a young woman's coming of age and finding love, set against the vivid tableau of small town America during the Second World War, Stepakoff skillfully crafts a remarkable tale of fate and chance, choice and consequences, rewarding readers with a mesmerizing experience."--Pam Jenoff, International bestselling author of The Kommandant's Girl and Almost Home
“Fireworks Over Toccoa is a terrific story--moving, whimsical and original, a real page-turner destined for the big screen.”—Joanne Harris, International Bestselling author of Chocolat
“An unexpected love affair of Lily Davis, a WW II bride, is brilliantly portrayed by Jeffrey Stepakoff. Filled with suspense and surprise, I couldn't put it down. As dazzling as the fireworks which brought this war-time couple together, their passionate love affair is spellbinding. I was mesmerized to the last page!”--Marjorie Hart, National Bestselling author of Summer at Tiffany
Attention Fireworks Fans
Tour downtown Toccoa while listening to Jeffrey Stepakoff talk about places that inspired his novel. Download the map and the podcast and begin your tour. This podcast was developed through a partnership with AM 630 WNEG Radio. Main Street Toccoa thanks News Director Charlie Bauder for his help in this Main Street Toccoa project.
Into Geocaching? Visit the Fireworks Over Toccoa cache at N34 34.722 W083 19.936 or visit www.geocaching.com.
