I've known her for a bit over three years, and I've been waiting for this day! She puts so much heart and feeling into her stories, and I'm so very excited that you all get to experience some of her lovely writing now, too. So, without any more of my rambling, let's get on with this post.
About the Book:
Like a speck of dandelion dust riding the tides of a prairie wind, life is fleeting. Though I never realized just how fragile it was until that day . . .
Charity always had a dream. It was simple, really. Find a guy, fall in love, and get married.
The day she met Ryder, Charity knew he was the man God had chosen for her. But she never expected their relationship to be tested and tried through the fires of a freak accident. Suddenly, her world is thrown into chaos, and the bleak, white walls and sterile smells of a city hospital fill every spare minute. And then there comes the dreaded news. It was likely Ryder would never make it out of the hospital bed.
As her carefully laid plans for the future come crashing down around her and the sun seems to set on her dreams, can Charity still find hope in the dark of night?
Like a dandelion, life is beautiful. But treasure every moment. . . for one day, the flower will be gone.
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Purchase on Lulu *slowly pushes you allll to buy a copy*
About the Author:
Faith Potts is a teenage writer, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the southeastern US. When she's not writing stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading books, or creating pottery, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and – of course – blowing dandelions.
My Review:
Oh, where do I even start?! My crituqe partner is releasing a book! And this book is just incredible. It's been so amazing to watch Faith go through the whole process of the book. Getting the idea, writing a couple lines down and planning a short story, and then it just took off from there. Sometimes, it seemed to take forever for her to finish, and I'd tease her about it. Yet, looking back, she wrote it in record time. I just wasn't the most patient person on the planet. ;)
But I'm supposed to be reviewing the book, so here goes.
The characters were amazing. From Char to Drew, and Ry to Hannah they all played a part in the story. None of the characters were just "there" because they had to be. They were all vital to the plot.
Ry and Char's relationship was the sweetest, and I so loved reading all the scenes between them.
The writing was sweet and simple. It fit the story well. And it sounded like it was supposed to; like an 18 year old girl narrating her story. It was perfect. Also, have I mentioned that I adore Faith's writing style? In some ways it's similar to mine, and it's always such a treat to be able to read any story she writes!
I think the story line came together well. And I was so happy with the ending. It wrapped up the story well, yet left room for a sequel. And after all the heartache of the book, the epilogue was like a breath of fresh, crisp, sweet mountain air.
So yes, I love the book. I adore it. perhaps not as much as Faith's yet-to-be-published historical fiction novel, but almost as much. It's beautiful.
So go read it. 'Kay?
Author Interview:
1.) This is your first book to be published. How exactly does that make you feel? (Other than excited. ;))
Ecstatic? Through the roof? I seriously feel like bouncing around like a toddler (and may or may not have already done that and got some stares...). I've been flapping my hands like the fan girl I am, and I can.not.stop.staring at the beautifulness.
2.) If you could chose one hymn to represent the book, which one would you chose?
Oh, tough one. *bites lip* I could give so many answers here. Someone suggested I'll Fly Away because "dandelion dust flies away"...but I'm going to say God on the Mountain. He's still God of all, no matter what hardships we're facing in life.
Life is easy, when you're up on the mountain
And you've got peace of mind, like you've never known
But things change, when you're down in the valley
Don't lose faith, for you're never alone
For the God on the mountain, is the God in the valley
When things go wrong, He'll make them right
And the God of the good times
Is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night
We talk of faith way up on the mountain
Talk comes so easy when life's at its best
Now down in the valleys, of trials and temptations
That's where your faith, is really put to the test
For the God on the mountain is the God in the valley
When things go wrong, He'll make them right
And the God of the good times
Is still God in the bad times
The God of the day, is still God in the night
The God of the day, is still God in the night
3.) How has your relationship with God been impacted throughout the writing and publishing process of DD?
So deeply. Like, wow. Although I didn't realize it until I was quite a ways into the story, the inspiration was from God. He helped me through the first draft, and then pointed out the areas where I had veered off and showed me what to correct. There were times I actually cried while writing/editing this book, because the themes touched me on such a personal level.
4.) Often times, we writer's are reflected in our writing, even if it's not intentional. In what ways does DD mirror you and your life? Or, to ask it a different way, how are the story and characters like you?
Speaking of the characters, Charity is basically me. I've written several young adult girl characters, but never related to one as well as I do with Char. And the story? I see reflections of myself in some (okay, most) of Charity's inner struggles, but I can't really say I relate to the plot. I mean, I don't have a boyfriend in a hospital in Oklahoma, sooo...
5.) What is one thing you feel God has taught you as you wrote DD?
To cherish those nearest me. To not take things for granted. Whether it be all the amazing people in my life or small, seemingly insignificant things like friendly smiles, golden sunsets, and dandelions, they're all gifts from God that should be appreciated.
Giveaway:
Blog Tour Stops:
Wednesday, June
28th
Thursday, June
29th
Friday, June 30th
(Release Day!)
Now go and get yourself a copy! ;)
Great interview with great questions and answers! Really enjoyed reading it. :) I love how God works in our stories. <3 Best part.
ReplyDeleteYay for it being the official release day!!
Thank you! I had fun thinking about questions to ask. ;) And yes, God does work in some amazing ways. <3
Delete*squeals* Yuuss!! So exciting!
*tackle hugs you* Oh goodness, thank you, girl!! <33 What would I do without you?! Your review and entire post made my day <3
ReplyDelete*hugs* Haha, well, I'm not sure what I'd do without you, sooo...we're even. ;) *grins* Yay! It was supposed to make you happy! :D
DeleteGreat post and I have a review copy of this and must finish soon *glares at school work for keeping me busy*
ReplyDelete*grins and nods* Yes, you must. It's amazing. ;)
DeleteOh, this sounds rather good. :) I should read it sometime.
ReplyDeleteIt is! And yes, you should. ;)
DeleteAHHHH this is exciting! I must get my hands on this story soon. *nods*
ReplyDeleteYusss! Oh, you like d'This Quiet Sky", right?! Okay, so, this totally reminds me of it and you need to read it right now. *nods* xD
DeleteMy post still isn't up yet. *face-palm* I knew I was forgetting something...BUT I WILL STILL POST. Time, I just need a leeeeetle more time. ;P
ReplyDeleteSo excited about this book, though! I want to buy it and hold it to my heart in all its beautifullness. <3
Haha, yeah...I've almost forgot pretty much every post I needed to do this week. xP If you find a way to get it, can you send me some more time, too?! xD
DeleteYess, me, too! It's so amazing and sweet and beautiful!
I enjoyed your review, Jesseca! :)
ReplyDeleteThe author interview was a lot of fun to read! :)
Thank you, Rebekah! And wasn't it?! I had fun reading through it when I got her answers back. ;)
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