My Review
| I fell in love with Swallow Ridge–first by its name, and second, by its people. It was a sweet town, which fit right along with the sweet story of cousins being reunited.
I would hand this book over to any child with good conscience, seeing as there is no romance, suggested scenes, or questionable content. The Christianity in this was slightly confusing. From what it appeared, Destiny was not a Christian, did not accept Christ, yet was able to “take the high road” and make changes apart from Christ (I could have missed something, but this is what my impressions were). When it came to the cousins and “Grams,” they had a solid faith and gave credit to God for their ability to live differently. Also, the church service… it was more of an inspirational, “do better” speech than a sermon (there were great points, just no Scripture and very little mention of God besides “putting God first”). It was definitely a Christian book, just some things weren’t quite clear to me. This author is showing promise in her writing and I look forward to seeing how she grows in this talent. *The author gave me a free copy of this book and I happily gave my honest review* If you want to connect with the author… Interview with Lydia Me: Did the idea for Where Dandelions Grow come as a punching idea of, “Hey, I’m a story you need to write, and here’s what I’m about” or more of a subtle suggestion?
Lydia: The idea of writing a book about cousins was very much of “punching idea” complete with names that wouldn’t let me go. Kamryn, Lexie, Destiny, and Teal swam around in my mind nonstop until the rest of the story eventually followed.
Me: What was your favorite part of writing Where Dandelions Grow?
Lydia: Having a story all about the bonds cousins have thrilled me because I really love my cousins. In addition to that, Where Dandelions Grow was my first young adult book, and I so0on discovered that it’s my favorite genre to write.
Me: If you could sit across the table from any author and pick their brain about any subject in the world, who would it be, and what is the subject you’d most like to discuss?
Lydia: Ohh! Goodness, this is such a good question! I’d have a hard time picking between Brother Andrew and Patrica St. John. Since Miss Patrica is no longer alive though, I’ll go with Brother Andrew. He wrote the book “God’s Smuggler” (among other books), which talks about his life as a follower of God and a smuggler of Bibles behind the Iron Curtin. Sitting down and asking him for more stories about his life and how he’s seen God work would be utterly amazing.
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Amanda Tero Books 
Well, that's certainly a compelling first line!I'm featuring the first line from Melissa Tagg's \”All This Time\” on my blog this week. I can't believe the Walker Family series is finished! 😭 But here, I'm going to share the first line from Chapter 1 of Toni Shiloh's new release, Returning Home:Jo Ellen Baker slammed the tailgate of her pickup shut.Have a great weekend!
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Happy Friday! My first line is from Magnolia Storms by Janet Ferguson:“Fear and loss snaked around Magnolia Marovich’s heart like they always did when she studied the satellite images on the three computer screens in front of her. Not again.\”
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Whoa, that's an interesting first line. Thanks for sharing!I'm featuring \”All This Time\” by Melissa Tagg on the blog today, but for here, I'll share my first line from Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh. It's one of the three books I'm currently reading and I'm loving it so far.\”Beth Whitaker hated flowers.\”Happy Weekend!
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A small group of friends had assembled in Mrs. Pollifax’s living room on this warm July evening. The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy GilmanHappy Friday and reading!
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@ Fiction – ah, that's when I like to read a series: after it's completed. 😉 (I get impatient for the next books 😉 )@ Becky – love that first line!@ Rebecca – Ooh… what a first line!@ Caryl – thanks for sharing!
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Oh goodness, what a sad line. I wonder what caused the mother to say this? Hmmm…intrigue. Happy Friday!
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What a blessing for Indie authors to have you post their first lines and review their books. I know they are all appreciative of you, Amanda. God bless you. Hope you'll do the same for me sometime.
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Thanks for the review and the interview. Marilyn
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@ EnglishMysteries – yeah, it was. It was neat how it all turned out though.@ Sharon – Thanks! 🙂 Maybe someday. :)@ Marilyn – you're welcome!
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