Give Me Butterflies Summary, Characters and Themes

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows is a heartfelt, slow-burn romance that blends emotional healing, found family, and the soft joy of second chances.

Set against the charming backdrop of a natural science museum’s summer camp, the story follows Millie Oaks, a passionate entomologist with a bright spirit and a tender past, as she navigates her growing connection with Dr. Finn Ashford—a brooding astronomy director and reluctant guardian to his twin nieces. With wit, warmth, and vulnerability, Meadows weaves a narrative about grief, resilience, love, and the unexpected beauty that emerges when two wounded souls dare to begin again.

Summary

Millie Oaks is used to chaos, but nothing quite prepares her for the series of accidents that bring her face to face—literally—with the surly yet striking Dr. Finn Ashford.

A spilled coffee, a fender bender, and an awkward job interview later, Millie finds herself unexpectedly entangled in his orbit.

She’s an entomologist interviewing to lead the education department at the Wilhelmina Natural Science Museum.

He’s the emotionally guarded astronomy director, still grieving the death of his sister, and now the legal guardian of her young twin daughters, Avery and Eloise.

The two clash at first.

Finn is cold and standoffish; Millie is all warmth, humor, and heart.

But things begin to shift as they both become involved in the museum’s kids’ summer camp program.

Millie flourishes in the chaos of leading camp activities, creating pollinator gardens, and connecting with the children—especially the twins.

Avery and Eloise start to see her as a safe and loving presence.

Even Finn finds himself softening as he observes Millie’s nurturing spirit and unwavering patience.

As the summer unfolds, quiet gestures begin to speak volumes.

Finn starts bringing Millie coffee. Their emails become playful.

Shared laughs turn into lingering glances.

Beneath their professional façade, an undeniable chemistry grows—but both carry emotional baggage.

Millie struggles with the scars of a past toxic relationship.

Finn wrestles with guilt over his sister’s death and fear of failing the girls.

Their first kiss, stolen during a museum fundraiser, is electric but messy.

Finn pulls away, and Millie, fearing history repeating itself, retreats emotionally.

The distance grows until a crisis with one of the twins forces them back together.

Millie shows up without hesitation, and Finn realizes just how much he depends on her—not just for the girls, but for himself.

Still, their emotional walls hold.

Finn’s complicated relationship with his judgmental mother, who disapproves of Millie and unfairly blames him for Clara’s death, triggers a turning point.

He finally stands up for himself—and Millie.

Meanwhile, Millie is up for the department director role.

Although Finn supports her, she needs to succeed on her own merit.

She delivers a bold, passionate proposal and earns the job on her own terms.

Finn and Millie’s relationship continues to deepen, with honest conversations about their fears, dreams, and the future.

They share a second kiss, full of intention and clarity.

He confesses his love, but Millie, still wary, makes it clear: she needs to be chosen not out of obligation, but out of love.

Finn rises to the moment, showing through actions—and not just words—that he sees her as his partner, equal, and someone he wants a life with.

By the story’s end, Millie accepts the new position.

The twins start calling her their “almost-mom,” and she slowly moves in with Finn, merging her life with his—but never losing herself in the process.

Together, they create a family built on healing, trust, and gentle love.

In the epilogue, life has settled into a happy rhythm.

The garden is in bloom, the girls are thriving, and Millie feels whole.

One quiet afternoon, Finn proposes in the most unassuming, perfect way—folding the question into their ordinary, beautiful life.

Millie says yes without hesitation, full of love and butterflies.

Characters

Millie Oaks

Millie Oaks is the novel’s protagonist, an entomologist who is passionate about her work, specifically in studying insects and pollinators. She starts the story as a quirky, slightly clumsy character, dealing with some insecurities related to her career and personal life.

Millie’s journey throughout the book is one of self-discovery and empowerment. Initially, she is apprehensive about her potential promotion at work, fearing rejection and the pressure of expectations.

She has a somewhat vulnerable past, especially dealing with an emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend, which adds depth to her character. Despite her vulnerability, Millie is portrayed as strong, compassionate, and independent.

She not only shines in her professional role but also forms a strong emotional bond with Finn and his daughters, demonstrating her nurturing side. Over the course of the story, Millie becomes more confident, both in her job and her relationship with Finn.

Her growth is symbolized through her increased ability to face her fears and embrace love on her terms.

Finn Ashford

Finn Ashford is a key figure in the novel, and his backstory is essential to understanding his complex character. He is introduced as a gruff, serious man, burdened with the responsibility of raising his late sister’s twin daughters after her tragic death.

His grief and guilt are the main drivers behind his cold demeanor, as he struggles with balancing his demanding career as an astronomy director with his role as a guardian. Finn’s emotional journey is tied to his relationship with Millie.

He initially comes off as emotionally distant and hesitant to form connections, largely because of his fear of failing those he loves. As the story unfolds, we learn more about Finn’s vulnerability, especially his deep affection for his nieces and the guilt he feels over his sister’s death.

His character undergoes significant development, from a guarded, grief-stricken individual to someone who learns to trust and embrace emotional intimacy.

Avery and Eloise

Avery and Eloise are Finn’s nieces, who add a layer of innocence and warmth to the story. Though they are secondary characters, their emotional development is crucial to the plot.

Both girls are initially shy, with Avery being more introverted while Eloise is a bit more outgoing. They play a pivotal role in drawing Finn and Millie closer, as Millie becomes increasingly involved in their lives.

Through her interactions with the twins, Millie gains insight into Finn’s character and deepens her understanding of his motivations. The girls’ blossoming relationship with Millie highlights her nurturing and supportive nature, especially when they begin to see her as an “almost-mom.”

The girls also serve as symbols of the healing process Finn undergoes, as his relationship with them softens and strengthens over time.

Lena

Lena is Millie’s best friend and provides a supportive, grounding presence throughout the novel. She serves as Millie’s confidante, someone who listens to her fears and helps her navigate the complexities of her relationship with Finn.

Lena’s role is significant in that she offers both comic relief and wisdom, encouraging Millie to trust her instincts and push through her doubts. Though not as central to the plot as Millie or Finn, Lena’s character is integral to Millie’s emotional support system.

She provides a contrasting perspective on the romantic developments in the story.

Micah and Emil

Micah and Emil are secondary characters whose relationship provides a positive example of love and support. Micah, Millie’s assistant at the museum, has a partner, Emil, whose relationship is characterized by trust, communication, and mutual care.

Their interactions often serve as a foil to Millie and Finn’s more tumultuous relationship, showcasing a model of healthy communication and emotional openness. Their presence also highlights the inclusive and supportive environment of the museum.

This reinforces the themes of community and connection that are central to the story.

Themes

The Complexities of Grief and Healing in Parent-Child Relationships

A central theme throughout Give Me Butterflies is the exploration of grief, particularly through the character of Finn, who is deeply affected by the death of his sister. Finn’s emotional baggage and his responsibility as a guardian to his niece and nephew cast a long shadow over his life.

The way he navigates this grief—sometimes cold and distant, other times tender and vulnerable—reflects the reality of carrying trauma while trying to protect and raise young children. The book captures the nuanced and often messy process of healing from grief, not as a linear journey but as one filled with setbacks, guilt, and moments of unexpected tenderness.

Millie, too, grapples with her own past and emotional wounds, learning how to open up and heal as she builds relationships with Finn and the twins. The novel captures the beauty of shared healing, with Finn and Millie finding solace in each other as they both struggle with the weight of their respective griefs.

Emotional Vulnerability and the Fear of Intimacy

Another significant theme in the story is the fear of vulnerability and the complexity of opening up to others emotionally. Both Finn and Millie have their walls up, not just because of external pressures but because of the emotional scars they carry from the past.

Millie’s history with an emotionally abusive relationship makes her wary of opening herself up again, particularly to Finn, whom she fears might see her as an emotional crutch. Finn, on the other hand, struggles with guilt and the fear of failing those he cares about, which makes him hesitant to enter into a relationship with Millie.

The tension between their attraction and the barriers they each put up is a central part of their evolving relationship. As the story unfolds, they learn to navigate their fears, growing into their vulnerability and allowing love to bloom, even in the face of uncertainty.

The Intersection of Professional Ambition and Personal Life

In Give Me Butterflies, professional ambition and personal life are tightly interwoven, especially for Millie. Her quest for the position of department head at the museum is more than just a career milestone; it becomes a representation of her growth and her confidence as a leader.

However, the theme of professional ambition also intersects with the theme of self-doubt. Millie constantly questions whether she’s making decisions based on her true aspirations or if she’s subconsciously seeking validation through the approval of others—particularly Finn.

This theme examines how personal and professional lives often bleed into each other, with success in one area often influencing emotions and decisions in another. Millie’s journey to self-empowerment and her ability to balance her personal desires with her professional goals become an inspiring part of the narrative.

The Healing Power of Community and Shared Support

Throughout the novel, the importance of community—whether through friendships, family, or colleagues—is a recurring theme. Millie’s bond with her best friend Lena offers her emotional support and an outlet for her fears and frustrations.

Similarly, Finn’s relationship with the twins, while challenging at times, is built on mutual love and care. The book suggests that community, both chosen and biological, plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate life’s difficulties.

Even Millie’s connection with her assistant Micah, and his partner’s loving relationship, offer a contrasting but equally important model of love and support. These relationships highlight the theme that no one can face life’s challenges alone, and the strength gained from others—be it in friendship, romance, or family—is what often leads to healing and growth.

Rediscovering Love and Trust After Trauma

The development of love between Finn and Millie represents a gradual rediscovery of trust and intimacy after trauma. For Finn, the weight of responsibility he carries for his niece and nephew, combined with the loss of his sister, makes it difficult to open up to love.

Similarly, Millie’s past relationship left her distrustful and fearful of repeating old patterns. Yet, as they both face their individual fears and vulnerabilities, they slowly begin to build trust, learning that love isn’t just about passion but about emotional safety, respect, and the willingness to be vulnerable together.

Their journey exemplifies the healing that comes with rediscovering love, not as an easy or quick process but as something that requires time, patience, and a willingness to confront one’s past in order to move forward.

Personal Growth and the Journey to Self-Actualization

Both Millie and Finn experience significant personal growth over the course of the novel. Millie, initially unsure of her worth and ability to lead, ultimately grows into a confident, self-assured woman who understands her value—not just in her career but in her personal relationships.

Her journey toward self-empowerment, highlighted by her successful bid for the department head position, is a key aspect of the book’s message. Similarly, Finn’s evolution is marked by his ability to let go of guilt and accept his role as a father-figure to the twins, as well as his willingness to embrace love and vulnerability with Millie.

The book illustrates how personal growth often requires stepping out of comfort zones, facing fears, and taking risks in both professional and personal realms. Millie and Finn’s growth throughout the story is a testament to the transformative power of self-acceptance and emotional openness.