Writing is a way to make a lot of different people do exactly what you want them to do. When I can’t get my toddler to listen to me, I turn to my characters. They always cooperate!
I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and seven year old son. I have perfected the ability to write in a noisy house and create story lines while folding laundry.
Ten Things to know about me:
1. I have a fear of whales. All whales. The noise they make. The sight of them (even on tv). I don't think this phobia has a name and I've never met anyone else who feels this way. I blame it on the 3D movie when I was 7 at the Boston Museum of Science. (Thanks Dad.)
2. When I get hungry it brings out the worst in me. My friends and family know to keep me well fed. They pack snacks now.
3. I can cook but not bake. Not even a little. Not even a box of brownies.
4. If there is a song I like it is normal to hear me listening to it a hundred times (give or take) in a row.
5. I do not, under any circumstances, read directions. Who has time for that? Making mac & cheese by the seat of my pants for the last 25 years.
6. Like a black-out drunk, I have lost hours of my life mysteriously to Pinterest. If you haven't tried it yet... don't. Save your self.
7. Before I became a mother, lots of things grossed me out. Now nothing does.
8. My favorite food is food... my least favorite food is no food. I love food. (apply the same rule to wine)
9. I do not have a green thumb. I have the kind of thumb that kills any type of plant ever given to me. Whatever kind of thumb that is... I have it.
10. Writing has changed my life. Not just the career it's created but the way I feel when I write. If you have something you love to do I hope you get the opportunity to do it.
Piper Anderson Series: Book 1: Chasing Justice (FREE) Book 2: Cutting Ties Book 3: Changing Fate Book 4: Finding Freedom Book 5: Settling Scores Book 6: Battling Destiny Book 7: Chris & Sydney Collection (Choosing Christmas & Saving Love)
Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)
The Edenville Series: Book 1: Flowers in the Snow (FREE!) Book 2: Kiss in the Wind Book 3: Stars in a Bottle Book 4: Fire in the Heart (pre-order)
The Clover Series: (Book 1 & 2) Half My Heart & Change My Heart (FREE) (Book 3) All My Heart (Book 4) Facing Home
The Rough Waters Series: Book 1: The Goodbye Storm(FREE) Book 2: The Runaway Storm Book 3: The Rising Storm
The Barrington Billionaire Series Book 1: Fierce Love (Free) Book 2: Wild Eyes Book 3: Crazy nights Book 4: Loyal Hearts
The Piper Anderson Legacy Mystery Book 1: Three Seconds to Rush (Free) Book 2: Just for a Heartbeat Book 3: Not just an Echo
Stand Alones: Yours for the Taking Sweet Rendezvous Running from Shadows
So wonderfully written. A great follow-up to book one. I adore Betty so very much. There's so much love and forgiveness and resilience in this story that you can't help but keep reading. I'm excited to read book 3 to find out what adventure Frankie has gone on. I'm sure it'll be another great book.
I enjoyed book two in the Edenville series. This is not a stand alone. You will want to read 'Flowers In The Snow' first where Betty's story is told. This book continues where the last one left off but is more Simpson's story than anything. It started a little slow for me, but I liked where it went. Simpson has a completely different perspective on the events that changed Edenville years ago than Betty. The whole world thought he died on the night the KKK attacked. For Simpson to return to the scene of his 'death', he will need to come to terms with the pain of that day. I enjoyed the idea of something good coming from something tragic and making sure we don't repeat the mistakes of the past. By the end of this, I felt that wonderfully sweet aftertaste that Danielle's last book left me. Oh, and this book gives a bit of a cliffhanger, anxious for the next one.
I read the first in this series some time ago and luckily I remembered most of it. I was scrambling to remember all I could so this book would make some sense. I strongly suggest one not read this book until first reading the preceding one. I appreciate series, I appreciate series more when it is not mandatory to read them in order and authors write well enough they can concisely clear up points from previous books so the reader is on-track without having read the previous book.
This book, along with Book One, is written simplistically and aimed at one main point - racism is bad and the KKK was terrible. The second point driven home was that interracial relationships and/or marriages are not bad. Finally, the author conveyed that forgiveness is key to moving forward in one’s life and the least expected among us can forgive. A good message for young adult readers.
A young girl who think she knows everything comes to a stark reality when she meets others whose options aren't as broad or available as her own. I felt the book could have continued on to help us understand what happened to the young woman - the ending felt quite unfinished and maybe abrupt. But I enjoyed the story and seeing what the girl learned.
This book is as good as the first book in the series. It brought tears to my eyes too and I can't wait to read the next one. I was young when the civil rights movement was going on and I lived in the north so these books are opening my eyes. I'm glad I didn't have to see any of this.
What a great continuation of the Edenville series. Frankie has always been such an inquisitive child and it adds to her charm. When she meets Simpson, she has found a new friend and teacher with whom she also seems to become for him, as well.
Reading the first book caught my interest and couldn't wait for the next. Very enlightening to say the least. Trials and tribulations are evident in most families. Just some more than others. Take the trip through segregation and integration. Some of us lived it also!
I read book 1-2.I am overwhelmed with violence,truth,deep Love.So very much History about years lost,KKK,color of skin,life death,hope.its all here. Dreams and happiness.Easy to give both books a 5 star.
This is just as great as the first book. The story continues with Simpson at Betty’s house. What unfolds is the story of what happened that fateful night and how lives were affected. The story line keeps you interested with strong characters.
I enjoyed it. Good characters from the first in the series together again later in life with plenty of tension and pace. Some good, down home philosophies add to the style. And the third is well set up.
Love this book from Danielle.Simpson,s life was never easy even when he was a child but his childhood friends were the best Betty and Alma were special and it was good to listen to the life he lived with Alma
Can't wait for the next book to come out. Already bought it just waiting. Enjoyed all the books in this series. An excellent example of prejudice in the south in the late 50s and early 60s.
Reading this series has filled my heart! Betty and Simpson have captured my attention. I am looking forward to the next book. Two thumbs up! Danielle your writing is amazing!
"Love this story" What made the experience of listening to Kiss in the Wind the most enjoyable? I love the characters in this story. This series is full of amazing characters and an emotionally charged story line that is extremely touching and a pleasure to experience.
Who was your favorite character and why? My favorite Character is a tough question as it is a tie between Simpson who is an old soul who has been through so much and tries so hard to do what is right, and Franky (His best friends granddaughter) who has such a unique point of view and a very special relationship with Simpson.
Which scene was your favorite? My favorite scene in the book has to be when the town unanimously stands behind Simpson and shows their support after he reveals his secret identity. What a humbling feeling that must be and the book and narration really brought out how special that was for him.
Book two of the Edensville series continues the story. This time we hear The story of Simpson and what happened to him after he was left for dead years before during an attack by the KKK.
Forty some years have passed but the feelings and hurts are still raw. Young Frankie initiates the idea of a memorial where the atrocities happened would be a start to heal the town.
Interesting and thought provoking series, especially for those of us who were not alive when this was happening, or too young to know the extent of the issues.
This is the second story of the series of Edenville
This story tells of family and secrets that are kept. Flowers in the Snow open the characters so that you get to know each one individually. This continues how the family separately goes their own way and then get back together through letters. Then one day the last letter arrives so that Betty knows her best friend has died. Before she reads it there is a knock on the door with a big surprise. This story tells how the second generation came about. Great story about friends n relatives and how they connect
I loved this book. This whole series really tugs at my heart strings and makes me want more. I love entering into the mind of Simpson and what he went through after what happen in book one. I love the grace and forgiveness that was offered all around. And I adore Frankie.
Frankie is like all of us so innocent and just wants to know more. I love how she challenges, without even knowing it, Simpson to tell the whole story without being S.
This book will make you laugh and cry! I am so excited to read the next one!
A great follow up to Betty's story as Simpson deals with the part and finds a way to move forward with the help of his old friend and her big family.
Characters are explored in depth as Simpson struggles to do what he knows is right while knowing the pain and turmoil it will cost him and Betty's family.
Brilliantly told with as much sensitivity to the subject matter as the first part. I really enjoyed this.
First, I'm one of those readers who hates finishing a book and leaving characters behind. So I like continuations and series life these. Second, I was a happy as Betty to know Simpson was alive after all. The continued anger and issues kept me engaged, and "a little child shall lead them" surely fits here. I looking forward to the continued adventures of Betty's patchwork family.