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Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher
Annabelle, the girl who was overlooked, unwanted, insignificant, worthless.
Annabelle Fancher lives with her mother and her often-absent, alcoholic father. When he is not on the road, his presence at home creates heightened anxiety in his wife and daughter—fear caused by years of abuse. Annabelle copes with her circumstances by escaping into popular fairy tales where she dreams characters to life. When her dreams cross over into waking fantasies, and the ghostly image of a dreamed character appears before her, Annabelle begins a real struggle to separate reality from pretend and sanity from beautiful madness. This brave, young girl tenderly acquaints the reader with her lonely struggles while sharing her courage in the face of personal adversity. Hers is a story where realism and fantasy beautifully intertwine. This fictional tale does an honest job of mirroring the unfortunate reality of many young people whose home lives are private nightmares unobserved by the outside world. Most of the events in this book were taken from the lives of individuals known by the author.
Annabelle Fancher lives with her mother and her often-absent, alcoholic father. When he is not on the road, his presence at home creates heightened anxiety in his wife and daughter—fear caused by years of abuse. Annabelle copes with her circumstances by escaping into popular fairy tales where she dreams characters to life. When her dreams cross over into waking fantasies, and the ghostly image of a dreamed character appears before her, Annabelle begins a real struggle to separate reality from pretend and sanity from beautiful madness. This brave, young girl tenderly acquaints the reader with her lonely struggles while sharing her courage in the face of personal adversity. Hers is a story where realism and fantasy beautifully intertwine. This fictional tale does an honest job of mirroring the unfortunate reality of many young people whose home lives are private nightmares unobserved by the outside world. Most of the events in this book were taken from the lives of individuals known by the author.
509 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
2 people are currently reading
3166 people want to read
About the author
Richelle E. Goodrich
17 books282 followersOfficial Website: https://www.RichelleGoodrich.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichelleEGoo...
Poetry: https://allpoetry.com/R._E._Goodrich
Over the past decade, author Richelle E. Goodrich has built an unusually diverse and steadily increasing body of work that spans fantasy, poetry, inspirational writing, and dark fiction. Her career began in 2012 with the launch of The Harrowbethian Saga, a six-book sci-fi fantasy series that occupied her creative efforts for seven years. By 2019, she completed the saga with Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon’s Soul, marking a major milestone and establishing her as a committed world-builder with an eye for myth, emotional depth, and imaginative adventure. Yet even as she constructed this sprawling fictional universe, Goodrich simultaneously pursued other avenues of storytelling, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for creative multitasking.
Alongside her fantasy novels, Goodrich became well known for her collections of poetry, motivational reflections, and quotable wisdom. Starting with Smile Anyway in 2014, she developed a signature style centered on daily inspiration—a format she revisited repeatedly with books like Making Wishes (2015), Slaying Dragons (2017), Being Bold (2020), and Hope Evermore (2024). These works blend short verse, reflective commentary, and encouraging thoughts that readers apply to everyday life. Many of her quotes have found their way into classrooms, anthologies, brand campaigns, and television, helping her reach an audience far larger than the average independent author typically enjoys.
In the late 2010s, Goodrich’s creative range widened even further. She released standalone works such as Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher, a dramatic and emotionally charged novel, and Secrets of a Noble Keykeeper, a fantasy tale with a distinctly dreamlike atmosphere. These books showcase her ability to shift tone—from tender to suspenseful, from whimsical to intense—without sacrificing clarity or sincerity. They also emphasize a defining characteristic of her writing: the blending of emotional resonance with imaginative storytelling.
After concluding her major fantasy saga, Goodrich’s later work leaned increasingly toward introspection and lyrical expression. The 2020s saw the publication of The Tarishe Curse (2022), a dark, paranormal novel, followed by A Heart Made of Tissue Paper (2023), a collection of intimate poetry that explores emotional fragility, longing, and human vulnerability. In 2024 she released Hope Evermore, another daily-inspiration volume that weaves together spirituality, encouragement, and poetic insight. These recent works highlight her evolving voice—one that has grown more reflective, philosophical, and concentrated on universal human experiences.
Collectively, the past decade reflects a period of impressive productivity and artistic expansion. Goodrich has not only released a steady stream of books—across multiple genres and formats—but has grown a widespread presence through her well-circulated quotations and inspirational writing. Whether crafting epic fantasy, heartfelt poetry, or uplifting daily reflections, she demonstrates a persistent drive to create, express, and connect. Her work invites readers into worlds both fantastical and familiar, while her quotes inspire countless individuals in everyday life.
Richelle E. Goodrich delivers a rare blend of imagination, versatility, and personal authenticity. Her writing moves comfortably between the epic and the intimate, the adventurous and the contemplative. Few authors manage to cultivate such a diverse and consistent catalog within a single decade, and fewer still do so while also contributing art, poetry, and motivational writing that resonate far beyond their books.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichelleEGoo...
Poetry: https://allpoetry.com/R._E._Goodrich
Over the past decade, author Richelle E. Goodrich has built an unusually diverse and steadily increasing body of work that spans fantasy, poetry, inspirational writing, and dark fiction. Her career began in 2012 with the launch of The Harrowbethian Saga, a six-book sci-fi fantasy series that occupied her creative efforts for seven years. By 2019, she completed the saga with Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon’s Soul, marking a major milestone and establishing her as a committed world-builder with an eye for myth, emotional depth, and imaginative adventure. Yet even as she constructed this sprawling fictional universe, Goodrich simultaneously pursued other avenues of storytelling, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for creative multitasking.
Alongside her fantasy novels, Goodrich became well known for her collections of poetry, motivational reflections, and quotable wisdom. Starting with Smile Anyway in 2014, she developed a signature style centered on daily inspiration—a format she revisited repeatedly with books like Making Wishes (2015), Slaying Dragons (2017), Being Bold (2020), and Hope Evermore (2024). These works blend short verse, reflective commentary, and encouraging thoughts that readers apply to everyday life. Many of her quotes have found their way into classrooms, anthologies, brand campaigns, and television, helping her reach an audience far larger than the average independent author typically enjoys.
In the late 2010s, Goodrich’s creative range widened even further. She released standalone works such as Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher, a dramatic and emotionally charged novel, and Secrets of a Noble Keykeeper, a fantasy tale with a distinctly dreamlike atmosphere. These books showcase her ability to shift tone—from tender to suspenseful, from whimsical to intense—without sacrificing clarity or sincerity. They also emphasize a defining characteristic of her writing: the blending of emotional resonance with imaginative storytelling.
After concluding her major fantasy saga, Goodrich’s later work leaned increasingly toward introspection and lyrical expression. The 2020s saw the publication of The Tarishe Curse (2022), a dark, paranormal novel, followed by A Heart Made of Tissue Paper (2023), a collection of intimate poetry that explores emotional fragility, longing, and human vulnerability. In 2024 she released Hope Evermore, another daily-inspiration volume that weaves together spirituality, encouragement, and poetic insight. These recent works highlight her evolving voice—one that has grown more reflective, philosophical, and concentrated on universal human experiences.
Collectively, the past decade reflects a period of impressive productivity and artistic expansion. Goodrich has not only released a steady stream of books—across multiple genres and formats—but has grown a widespread presence through her well-circulated quotations and inspirational writing. Whether crafting epic fantasy, heartfelt poetry, or uplifting daily reflections, she demonstrates a persistent drive to create, express, and connect. Her work invites readers into worlds both fantastical and familiar, while her quotes inspire countless individuals in everyday life.
Richelle E. Goodrich delivers a rare blend of imagination, versatility, and personal authenticity. Her writing moves comfortably between the epic and the intimate, the adventurous and the contemplative. Few authors manage to cultivate such a diverse and consistent catalog within a single decade, and fewer still do so while also contributing art, poetry, and motivational writing that resonate far beyond their books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 24, 2017
This story is powerful. It grips the reader's emotions from the very beginning when the main character, Annabelle, nuzzles in close to your heart. From that point on, your humanity bleeds for her amidst laughter, tears, anger, and silently-offered prayers—all on behalf of children like Annabelle. It is a fictional story, yes, but it is also a dark shadow of what sometimes proves to be real.
April 2, 2012
Annabelle Fancher is the child in elementary school with no friends. No one can stand to sit by her because she is perpetually smelly and just...well...odd. Always lost in her own little world and sometimes even talking to herself. But what no one realizes is that Annabelle is the victim of countless atrocities at the hands of her drunken father. Annabelle seeks refuge in the precious few books she hides away in her closet and the safety of her dreams. Which is where she meets the mischievous Gavin, who spirits her away to a world that can be anything you imagine.
My favorite quote of the book is at the end: "There are many who don't wish to sleep for fear of nightmares. Sadly, there are many who don't wish to wake up for the same fear."
I have very few complaints about this book. In truth, they are more societal complaints about the cycle of violence and our inability to help those who truly need it the most. I wanted to scream at the characters who completely misjudged Annabelle and those who saw the situation more clearly but believed they were powerless to help. This is a book that will keep me thinking for some time, and isn't that the best kind?
My favorite quote of the book is at the end: "There are many who don't wish to sleep for fear of nightmares. Sadly, there are many who don't wish to wake up for the same fear."
I have very few complaints about this book. In truth, they are more societal complaints about the cycle of violence and our inability to help those who truly need it the most. I wanted to scream at the characters who completely misjudged Annabelle and those who saw the situation more clearly but believed they were powerless to help. This is a book that will keep me thinking for some time, and isn't that the best kind?
January 16, 2025
I fall in love with Annabelle every time I read this book. She makes you appreciate all the simple wonders in life. My heart bleeds for her—for the awful circumstances reality has dealt the poor child. And yet I love her beautiful imagination, her kind heart, and the unusually mature spirit of this wonderful creature. Her story should never really happen. Unfortunately, there are those whose lives too closely resemble Annabelle's nightmares. This book was an emotional struggle to write, but one I'm quite proud of. It is a worthwhile read for so many reasons.
April 18, 2013
I think that this was a very sad story that made me cry but was written very well by an amazing author who apparently has a lot of talent if she can write a book that is sad but wonderful at the same time. I enjoyed reading this book and really liked that this book show's the inside life of a child who had many challenges she faced at her home and how other kids tend to make fun of her because she smelled bad and wore dirty cloths but didn't have a clue as to what her life was like at home. I would highly recommend reading I loved it. (-:
October 3, 2025
Probably one of the books closest to my heart. This story is a hard one and yet touched with sweet, tender, merciful moments. I cannot imagine a human being alive who has not been affected in some manner by elements of Annabelle's oppressive life. Her struggles are real. This book will make you feel deep emotions, and it will hopefully help you see more clearly where your helping hand is needed.
April 29, 2020
Even though this book was written by a friend of mine, I put off reading it for years. I didn't necessarily mean to take that long to read it, but I knew it was going to be a difficult one for me to get through.
This book deals with the abuse of a child. She escapes her harsh reality through dreams. She has a hard time making friends, due to her circumstances, but she is able to dream one up.
I cried for the main character of this book. I could sense her pain and isolation. People can be cruel when they do not fully understand others circumstances. Not just kids, but adults, as well. There are good people out there, too. Sometimes they are able to help, but sometimes, for whatever reason, they cannot. My heart ached for the good people in the book, cringed for those that didn't understand. I was absolutely appalled by the abuser's behavior. No one should ever be treated like that, ever. I can only imagine what some people are going through, right now, as many of us are stuck in our homes, during COVID-19. I hope this isn't happening to you.
Despite the horrific behavior, the book was hard to put down. It also had its light moments. Annabel, the main character, is able to steal away, and find joy in small pleasures. She has imaginative dreams, as well. She is able to learn and to grow. This book deals with the harsh reality of some people's lives. It is a book is definitely worth reading.
Extreme Book Nerd Reading Challenge: A book you're embarrassed you haven't read yet.
This book deals with the abuse of a child. She escapes her harsh reality through dreams. She has a hard time making friends, due to her circumstances, but she is able to dream one up.
I cried for the main character of this book. I could sense her pain and isolation. People can be cruel when they do not fully understand others circumstances. Not just kids, but adults, as well. There are good people out there, too. Sometimes they are able to help, but sometimes, for whatever reason, they cannot. My heart ached for the good people in the book, cringed for those that didn't understand. I was absolutely appalled by the abuser's behavior. No one should ever be treated like that, ever. I can only imagine what some people are going through, right now, as many of us are stuck in our homes, during COVID-19. I hope this isn't happening to you.
Despite the horrific behavior, the book was hard to put down. It also had its light moments. Annabel, the main character, is able to steal away, and find joy in small pleasures. She has imaginative dreams, as well. She is able to learn and to grow. This book deals with the harsh reality of some people's lives. It is a book is definitely worth reading.
Extreme Book Nerd Reading Challenge: A book you're embarrassed you haven't read yet.
April 29, 2012
I was totally devastated, and unable to sleep. It was a book that you couldn't put down. It pulled at your emotions; compassion for the child, anger for the perpetrator and horrified at his brutality, glad for those who reached out to help, disgusted or exasperated for the way things were handled in helping the girl, and disappointed in the ending. It was perplexing, kind of a Stephen King semi-thriller.
October 19, 2025
This book was an easy read, yet difficult to read at the same time. The narrative flowed well, but the subject matter was frequently horrifying, especially when you knew that much of it depicted real events. Even so, I loved the way the book made me feel many different emotions and then stayed with me after I got to the end. Only truly impactful books can make you feel and remember like that. The main character, Annabelle, is a young girl who, along with her mother, suffer through severe abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father. This book is graphic at times, but very readable despite its very serious subject matter. I honestly couldn't put this one down. I highly recommend this book!
August 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher is a haunting yet tender story that lingers long after the final page. Annabelle’s struggles are raw and deeply human, and Richelle E. Goodrich captures the quiet courage of a young girl enduring hardship while finding escape through imagination.
I was struck by the way realism and fantasy intertwine, blurring the line between survival and dreams. It’s heartbreaking, hopeful, and beautifully written a story that reminds us of resilience even in the darkest places. This book deserves to be read, shared, and remembered.
Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher is a haunting yet tender story that lingers long after the final page. Annabelle’s struggles are raw and deeply human, and Richelle E. Goodrich captures the quiet courage of a young girl enduring hardship while finding escape through imagination.
I was struck by the way realism and fantasy intertwine, blurring the line between survival and dreams. It’s heartbreaking, hopeful, and beautifully written a story that reminds us of resilience even in the darkest places. This book deserves to be read, shared, and remembered.
August 28, 2024
This book gave me a lot of food for thought. I know these situations exist, but I’m so grateful I didn’t have to experience it as a child or in raising my own. I like Richelle’s writing style. The subject matter would be difficult for me to write about.
May 30, 2012
Definitely hard to put down....wanted the story to keep going!!!
Want to read
July 12, 2014I really hope I win this giveaway. It looks really cute and inspirational, and I really wanna read it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews