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When the Dandelions Sing
When the Dandelions Sing
“When The Dandelions Sing,” is a warm, heartfelt story about a young boy named Ronnie Jefferson McFarland Jr., who is trying to understand the meaning of the word “purpose”, and what his purpose is in life.
His grammy, who nicknames him Jasper for some reason known only to her, and his grandad, give him valuable lessons through their own eyes, and a window to the past that sometimes gets overshadowed by bigger things in life, but never truly forgotten.
While Ronnie’s momma struggles with her life, he leans on others around him to gain perspective and a sense of understanding. He learns that even after people leave his world, their impact remains and he never stops learning from them. As it turns out, some of the best lessons in life come from those who seemingly have nothing left to give.
Ronnie learns that a family is not always conventional, but oftentimes made up of the people you choose for yourself, and who choose you in return. He discovers that joy can be found in the smallest of things and the simplest of moments…for even among a field of perfect flowers, the simple dandelion can sing.
“Everything has purpose, and everything, a meaning beyond what we are even meant to understand. That’s just the way it is. Purpose is not what we want it to be. It’s simply what is meant to be.”
What readers are This book is a brilliant rendition of his journey and his questions about life. It’s quite riveting-I could not put it down. It has a sense of depth and insight that while making it relatable to a large audience, it answers several life’s nagging questions for a select few.
Amazing book, the book is a feel good story telling. Everything has a purpose in life and everything happens for a reason. This book reminds us that little things count and the purpose of relationships, weather how big or small those relationships are.
The story of Ronnie “Jasper” Jefferson McFarland Jr. is one we all need to read. James Hill has written a story of a life with lessons for all of us. We all need a purpose and we can find it if we listen to our hearts and our family.
I absolutely loved this book. I could not wait to read a few chapters each night. Towards the end I could not put it down. It made me smile and at times put tears in my eyes. Great/inspirational story that brings everything together perfectly at the end. Highly recommend this book!
A story of hope and triumph, one that will feed your soul and leave you wanting more. You will walk through each stage of life with Ronnie (Jasper) feeling every emotion through a metaphorical relation to each character. My personal take is that each significant person in Ronnie’s life represents an aspect of self that either positively contributes towards personal growth or “purpose” or hinders it. But even in the end what is perceived as a hindrance is actually a catalyst for growth. I highly recommend this book- be prepared to feel all the feels.
Also, check out the authors second novel, "Phoebe's Heart of Stone", available in hardback, paperback and Kindle on Amazon!
“When The Dandelions Sing,” is a warm, heartfelt story about a young boy named Ronnie Jefferson McFarland Jr., who is trying to understand the meaning of the word “purpose”, and what his purpose is in life.
His grammy, who nicknames him Jasper for some reason known only to her, and his grandad, give him valuable lessons through their own eyes, and a window to the past that sometimes gets overshadowed by bigger things in life, but never truly forgotten.
While Ronnie’s momma struggles with her life, he leans on others around him to gain perspective and a sense of understanding. He learns that even after people leave his world, their impact remains and he never stops learning from them. As it turns out, some of the best lessons in life come from those who seemingly have nothing left to give.
Ronnie learns that a family is not always conventional, but oftentimes made up of the people you choose for yourself, and who choose you in return. He discovers that joy can be found in the smallest of things and the simplest of moments…for even among a field of perfect flowers, the simple dandelion can sing.
“Everything has purpose, and everything, a meaning beyond what we are even meant to understand. That’s just the way it is. Purpose is not what we want it to be. It’s simply what is meant to be.”
What readers are This book is a brilliant rendition of his journey and his questions about life. It’s quite riveting-I could not put it down. It has a sense of depth and insight that while making it relatable to a large audience, it answers several life’s nagging questions for a select few.
Amazing book, the book is a feel good story telling. Everything has a purpose in life and everything happens for a reason. This book reminds us that little things count and the purpose of relationships, weather how big or small those relationships are.
The story of Ronnie “Jasper” Jefferson McFarland Jr. is one we all need to read. James Hill has written a story of a life with lessons for all of us. We all need a purpose and we can find it if we listen to our hearts and our family.
I absolutely loved this book. I could not wait to read a few chapters each night. Towards the end I could not put it down. It made me smile and at times put tears in my eyes. Great/inspirational story that brings everything together perfectly at the end. Highly recommend this book!
A story of hope and triumph, one that will feed your soul and leave you wanting more. You will walk through each stage of life with Ronnie (Jasper) feeling every emotion through a metaphorical relation to each character. My personal take is that each significant person in Ronnie’s life represents an aspect of self that either positively contributes towards personal growth or “purpose” or hinders it. But even in the end what is perceived as a hindrance is actually a catalyst for growth. I highly recommend this book- be prepared to feel all the feels.
Also, check out the authors second novel, "Phoebe's Heart of Stone", available in hardback, paperback and Kindle on Amazon!
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2021
372 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
James J. Hill III
4 books24 followersFirst and most important, I am the proud single father to five, yes five daughters! I was born in Norristown PA, and lived there for almost 20 years. Currently, I reside in nearby scenic Chester County, PA. along with my children and our cat, Lucy Luna Hill.
I've always had a hidden passion for writing, and now can share those stories with the world. This is just the start of what is to come.
Truthfully, I hope you will give my stories a chance and enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing and creating them.
I like to think of my writing as something I had not planned from an early age. I graduated 169 out of 171 in High School. Never attended college, and was a single father at a young age. Yet, with hard work, passion and a determination to do more, here I am.
I'm also a award winning Real Estate agent and have enjoyed doing that for 16 years now!
I've always had a hidden passion for writing, and now can share those stories with the world. This is just the start of what is to come.
Truthfully, I hope you will give my stories a chance and enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing and creating them.
I like to think of my writing as something I had not planned from an early age. I graduated 169 out of 171 in High School. Never attended college, and was a single father at a young age. Yet, with hard work, passion and a determination to do more, here I am.
I'm also a award winning Real Estate agent and have enjoyed doing that for 16 years now!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 30, 2024
When the Dandelions Sing by James J Hill III…Fans of Pat Conroy and Charles Frazier may enjoy. I just don’t enjoy books written as if it is being read to me.
February 5, 2022
Read for book club, chosen because the author is a local friend of someone in the club.
There is nothing objectively wrong with this book. The prose is solid and the voice consistent. I can certainly see why the handful of other reviews are so positive and call it touching and heart-warming, etc.
I just think I'm not the right reader for this book. It's just about one boy's/young man's life over about two decades. Nothing extraordinary -just a loving, small-town American family with normal, small-town struggles. For me, this was just a slow, boring, Lifetime movie of a story, packed with repetitive inspirational cliches, with nothing even moderately exciting ever happening. The proposal and funeral scenes were almost unbearably predictable. Every character (with one exception tossed in near the end) is presumably white, straight, cis, and Christian.
There are a couple POV inconsistencies, but it doesn't detract too much from the flow of the story. More of a problem for me was the dialogue, which seemed oddly stilted, with a jarring dearth of contractions. But perhaps this is how people in that part of Pennsylvania genuinely speak, so I tried to just chalk it up to local dialect and ignore it.
Recommend if you like gentle, sweet stories about people's ordinary lives and their thoughts on loss, love, family, and Ronnie's personal favorite, purpose. Do not recommend if you like exciting stories with challenging and diverse characters.
There is nothing objectively wrong with this book. The prose is solid and the voice consistent. I can certainly see why the handful of other reviews are so positive and call it touching and heart-warming, etc.
I just think I'm not the right reader for this book. It's just about one boy's/young man's life over about two decades. Nothing extraordinary -just a loving, small-town American family with normal, small-town struggles. For me, this was just a slow, boring, Lifetime movie of a story, packed with repetitive inspirational cliches, with nothing even moderately exciting ever happening. The proposal and funeral scenes were almost unbearably predictable. Every character (with one exception tossed in near the end) is presumably white, straight, cis, and Christian.
There are a couple POV inconsistencies, but it doesn't detract too much from the flow of the story. More of a problem for me was the dialogue, which seemed oddly stilted, with a jarring dearth of contractions. But perhaps this is how people in that part of Pennsylvania genuinely speak, so I tried to just chalk it up to local dialect and ignore it.
Recommend if you like gentle, sweet stories about people's ordinary lives and their thoughts on loss, love, family, and Ronnie's personal favorite, purpose. Do not recommend if you like exciting stories with challenging and diverse characters.
April 7, 2021
‘When the Dandelions sing’ is about a 9 year old boy and his goal to find his purpose of life. His life has been challenging. Even with his strong role models, his Grandma and Grandpa who were his pillars, he’s had to endure many heartaches and losses. His ability to rebound and flourish through it all is because he embraced the counsel, guidance, education, lessons and wisdom of those who have passed”.
This book is a brilliant rendition of his journey and his questions about life. It’s quite riveting-I could not put it down. It has a sense of depth and insight that while making it relatable to a large audience, it answers several life’s nagging questions for a select few. Everyone has similar challenges. I particularly enjoyed how the characters evolved, grew and then later contributed to a greater good. The family dynamic even in challenging times was spectacular. The author’s art of bringing this together as a life ‘lesson’ is impressive. This is a brilliant, well-written account of life that’s relatable and inspiring. I would highly recommend this book.
This book is a brilliant rendition of his journey and his questions about life. It’s quite riveting-I could not put it down. It has a sense of depth and insight that while making it relatable to a large audience, it answers several life’s nagging questions for a select few. Everyone has similar challenges. I particularly enjoyed how the characters evolved, grew and then later contributed to a greater good. The family dynamic even in challenging times was spectacular. The author’s art of bringing this together as a life ‘lesson’ is impressive. This is a brilliant, well-written account of life that’s relatable and inspiring. I would highly recommend this book.
April 23, 2021
This is a touching story of life's hardships and ultimately the bonds and love of family whether or not blood related. It was told from the perspective of Ronnie (aka Jasper), an 8 year old boy and you get to walk with him as he grows and navigates his world, learning about his (and others') life purpose. At first I found the writing a bit simplistic (but appropriate for the narrator's age - so I had to come to that realization) but it definitely sucked me in and I was in tears at the end. It was an easy but very heart-warming read and I would recommend it. I'm already looking forward to reading this author's next books!
March 21, 2021
Touching and Poignant Story
The story of Ronnie “Jasper” Jefferson MacFarland Jr. is one we all need to read. James Hill has written a story of a life with lessons for all of us. We all need a purpose and we can find it if we listen to our hearts and our family.
Thank you for introducing us to such wonderfully developed characters, James! What a fabulous first novel. I can’t wait to read your next one!
The story of Ronnie “Jasper” Jefferson MacFarland Jr. is one we all need to read. James Hill has written a story of a life with lessons for all of us. We all need a purpose and we can find it if we listen to our hearts and our family.
Thank you for introducing us to such wonderfully developed characters, James! What a fabulous first novel. I can’t wait to read your next one!
March 27, 2021
I like a piece of work that can tie together meaning and possibly more ... like God. To give people a good feeling or make people feel differently about things.
This was a very good first fictional book by the author involving the importance of family and had alot of emotional and sentimental moments. I recommend
This was a very good first fictional book by the author involving the importance of family and had alot of emotional and sentimental moments. I recommend
May 27, 2021
Maybe I'm missing the point, I don't understand the solid five-star reviews. I found this book to be mediocre at best, with way too much description and poor editing. It could have been 100 pages shorter.
February 20, 2022
Beautiful
If you are looking for excitement this is not the book. I laughed, cried and pondered-a book about family, love, loss and sorrow.
A book that may cause you, the reader, to think about how you are living your life.
If you are looking for excitement this is not the book. I laughed, cried and pondered-a book about family, love, loss and sorrow.
A book that may cause you, the reader, to think about how you are living your life.
March 22, 2022
sweet story
You can’t help but to like Jasper/Ronnie! He is an endearing character. The story is sweet, but the writing is a bit.....clunky? There are sudden time hops that leave you confused and the style feels a bit stilted, but still worth the read.
You can’t help but to like Jasper/Ronnie! He is an endearing character. The story is sweet, but the writing is a bit.....clunky? There are sudden time hops that leave you confused and the style feels a bit stilted, but still worth the read.
January 16, 2022
I really enjoyed the Book and can’t wait to read the Author’s newest Book, Phoebe’s Heart Of Stone
May 28, 2024
What a heartwarming story. The hardships of life and making the very best of what you have. It hit every emotion. I laughed and I cried. I could not put the book down. A truly inspirational book. I look forward to reading additional books of his.
April 19, 2024
This touching story follows a young boy into adult hood and finding his purpose. Some parts of the book had me reflecting upon my own life. It was beautifully written.
December 15, 2023
I think I would have liked it much better if it would have been my father or grandfather writing it.
May 21, 2021
"Other's opinions of me were not my business and I should not worry myself about what people thought of me". Just one of my favorite quotes from this story.
It was a heartwarming, story about Jasper "Ronnie" Jefferson MacFarland Jr and the "MacFarland" family, who even though they endured hardships, it brought their family closer together. This story is about strength, courage and love. The character development was great and I loved the story being told through a child's eyes!
My favortite thing about this story was the strong female character roles! It was refreshing to read a story that portrayed women in a strong light, despite the era of the story.
This booked explored everything from baseball to mental health. I often found myself smiling as I imagined being a fly on the wall in their house. I felt like I was a member of the family.
Fantastic Story from a first time published author! I look forward to reading future books!!
It was a heartwarming, story about Jasper "Ronnie" Jefferson MacFarland Jr and the "MacFarland" family, who even though they endured hardships, it brought their family closer together. This story is about strength, courage and love. The character development was great and I loved the story being told through a child's eyes!
My favortite thing about this story was the strong female character roles! It was refreshing to read a story that portrayed women in a strong light, despite the era of the story.
This booked explored everything from baseball to mental health. I often found myself smiling as I imagined being a fly on the wall in their house. I felt like I was a member of the family.
Fantastic Story from a first time published author! I look forward to reading future books!!
September 19, 2023
His grammy, who nicknames him Jasper for some reason known only to her, and his grandad, give him valuable lessons through their own eyes, and a window to the past that sometimes gets overshadowed by bigger things in life, but never truly forgotten.
While Ronnie’s momma struggles with her life, he leans on others around him to gain perspective and a sense of understanding. He learns that even after people leave his world, their impact remains and he never stops learning from them. As it turns out, some of the best lessons in life come from those who seemingly have nothing left to give.
Ronnie learns that a family is not always conventional, but oftentimes made up of the people you choose for yourself, and who choose you in return. He discovers that joy can be found in the smallest of things and the simplest of moments…for even among a field of perfect flowers, the simple dandelion can sing.
While Ronnie’s momma struggles with her life, he leans on others around him to gain perspective and a sense of understanding. He learns that even after people leave his world, their impact remains and he never stops learning from them. As it turns out, some of the best lessons in life come from those who seemingly have nothing left to give.
Ronnie learns that a family is not always conventional, but oftentimes made up of the people you choose for yourself, and who choose you in return. He discovers that joy can be found in the smallest of things and the simplest of moments…for even among a field of perfect flowers, the simple dandelion can sing.
July 27, 2021
This YA novel offers a heart-warming look at a struggling American family through the eyes of eight-year-old Ronnie Jefferson McFarland Jr. who strives to find his purpose in life.
I found the narrative fresh and absorbing. I rooted for Ronnie, felt his struggle, and applauded his optimism. I felt the sadness of his grandfather’s death, the fear of his mother’s descent into madness, and the strength of his grandmother’s ability to carry on against overwhelming odds. The dandelion analogy resonated with me; I’ll never look at weeds the same. I also liked how the author used changing neighborhoods to illustrate the passing of time.
Although there were some punctuation and grammatical errors, the author repeated facts more than necessary, and the dialogue felt unnatural in places, I enjoyed reading this book very much.
I found the narrative fresh and absorbing. I rooted for Ronnie, felt his struggle, and applauded his optimism. I felt the sadness of his grandfather’s death, the fear of his mother’s descent into madness, and the strength of his grandmother’s ability to carry on against overwhelming odds. The dandelion analogy resonated with me; I’ll never look at weeds the same. I also liked how the author used changing neighborhoods to illustrate the passing of time.
Although there were some punctuation and grammatical errors, the author repeated facts more than necessary, and the dialogue felt unnatural in places, I enjoyed reading this book very much.
September 25, 2021
First of all I loved the character Ronnie because of his curiosity. Reminds me of myself—always wanting an answer to my questions. Though I thought he was a bit unrealistically mature for a little boy.
It is a touching story and reminded me to talk about (and to) my loved ones who have passed so that their legacies will live on.
Good first book for this author… I would have loved more action and dialogue but I can see the point of this book being more of a theme than a plot driven story. Wonderful takeaways to live more simply and focused on what really matters.
It is a touching story and reminded me to talk about (and to) my loved ones who have passed so that their legacies will live on.
Good first book for this author… I would have loved more action and dialogue but I can see the point of this book being more of a theme than a plot driven story. Wonderful takeaways to live more simply and focused on what really matters.
March 6, 2022
when the Dandelions Sing
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. It was slow going at first, because of the memories of a little boy, but as he got older he appreciated the lessons learned from his unconventional raising. I cried at the end, because some of the words touched my own life. I try to find appreciation, in the small things, and to count my blessings, in the storms of life.❤️
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. It was slow going at first, because of the memories of a little boy, but as he got older he appreciated the lessons learned from his unconventional raising. I cried at the end, because some of the words touched my own life. I try to find appreciation, in the small things, and to count my blessings, in the storms of life.❤️
May 1, 2021
What a beautiful story about the lessons/meaning of life, through a young boy's eyes. With more than one moment of reading through tears, it took me back to moments with my Grandparents and late Pops. The Mom related so much to my Grandma's own story, it made me think a lot about how she survived, and made the best of it. Beautifully written!
December 26, 2023
"Everything has a purpose, and everything, a meaning beyond what we are even meant to understand. Purpose is not what we want it to be. It's simply what is meant to be." We should all realize this before we die. Everyone that we encounter in our life can teach us something if we are just attuned to it.
June 1, 2021
I’m starting my review by saying that this isn’t my usual style… but it’s yours if you love a sweet family story that packs an emotional punch. Though not ‘my style’ I can honestly say that I enjoyed reading this one. 😁
February 25, 2022
Beautiful story!
This was a great story about the meaning of family and how important they are. I loved the characters in this story.
It made you wish for a Grammy and Grandad like these.
This was a great story about the meaning of family and how important they are. I loved the characters in this story.
It made you wish for a Grammy and Grandad like these.
March 5, 2022
I loved this book. It was very easy reading and had a wonderful story. There many lessons in this book that can be put into my own life. I laughed, smiled and cried. After reading about the author, I am even more in awe of the writing. I think his real life helped to give meaning to this story.
April 21, 2022
Wonderful!
This story is wonderfully written. It is about family and the ups and downs of the McFarland’s life. Hopes and dreams and questions unanswered. It is a chronical of life through the eyes of the youngest. I really could hear the Dandelions sing!
This story is wonderfully written. It is about family and the ups and downs of the McFarland’s life. Hopes and dreams and questions unanswered. It is a chronical of life through the eyes of the youngest. I really could hear the Dandelions sing!
April 22, 2022
This is the first book by this Author I have read. It is an amazing read. It made you sad and hopeful, it made me care, but it also made me happy and excited to see how things in life shape you. How the choices you make shape you. I found my self rooting for the characters.
September 17, 2022
Jasper
Very heartwarming story about a close knit family . Jasper or Ronnie was a great kid with a heart of gold . He loved his grandpa & Grandma more than any other . It was a little long but had a great ending. Not sure if I would recommend it sorry .
Very heartwarming story about a close knit family . Jasper or Ronnie was a great kid with a heart of gold . He loved his grandpa & Grandma more than any other . It was a little long but had a great ending. Not sure if I would recommend it sorry .
May 1, 2023
WOW,JUST WOW!
LOVED this book! Loved that it was written in narrative form, using Ronnie/Jasper as the as the story teller. Actually makes one think about human nature, and why we're here. What is our individual purpose in life? Enjoy the book!!!
LOVED this book! Loved that it was written in narrative form, using Ronnie/Jasper as the as the story teller. Actually makes one think about human nature, and why we're here. What is our individual purpose in life? Enjoy the book!!!
August 6, 2023
Find your purpose.
As we go through life, what we think or feel is most important in life, becomes inconsequential. This book will leave you looking for and reflecting on all the little dandelion moments in your life.
As we go through life, what we think or feel is most important in life, becomes inconsequential. This book will leave you looking for and reflecting on all the little dandelion moments in your life.
May 12, 2021
Beautifully written
May 12, 2021
Brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews