Miralee Ferrell's Novels discussion

Miralee's new book Wishing on Buttercups
will be released February 1st!

Im currently reading an Advance copy of this book, and love it!

Who else has read a Advanced copy?

I'm very excited because my cases of author copies came yesterday! That means it's possible they COULD release a day or so early to stores. I LOVE this new book. It was a joy to write, although it was the toughest one of the series for me.

It was an amazing book. I really loved how it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!

I loved this novel, as well as its predecessor! I can't wait for the release of the third!

Miralee wrote: "I'm very excited because my cases of author copies came yesterday! That means it's possible they COULD release a day or so early to stores. I LOVE this new book. It was a joy to write, although it ..."

Miralee, Why was this book the toughest one of the series for you to write?

Melissa, I'm not totally sure of the answer to that question. I think I had to struggle more to relate to Beth than I did to my other heroines....which is strange, considering I have an extremely supportive, loving mother, so it's not like I could relate to Katherine's struggle with her mother. It might be because Beth tried to keep so much of herself and her past a secret, for fear that people wouldn't accept her or love her if they truly 'knew' her...I had to dig deep to discover what made her tick and how it would have made her feel and react.

Some of the issues that Beth struggles with are difficult ones to bring up and/or discuss with others, even close friends or relatives, so I can see how her character would be more challenging to channel. I really felt a connection with her, though, as the story progressed. Her character spoke to that part in all of us that sometimes fears showing our true selves or opening ourselves up to potential rejection.

Yes, Sarah, that's so true. I think all of us are insecure in at least one facet of our personality or our physical features...we have something we'd like to hide or change that we wish others didn't see or know. And for those who have a scarred psst, it's even harder. I believe that men, women, and teens can find something in each or one of the three books in this series that they can relate to. I did have to dig deep to truly connect and bring these characters to life.

That's one of the things I love so much about this trilogy--its ability to reach various age groups, both male and female, and the inspirational message of each. I think that readers will enjoy the stories and think, "If she/he can do it, I can too!" I love that!

Miralee, do we see many of the previous characters in this book - with the exception of Beth and Jeffery, of course!

Actually, you'll see all of them at least once, but Mrs. Roberts and Mama Cooper a lot...along with Micah and Katherine a number of times, and short appearances by Mandy, Lucy and Pastor Seth...oh, and the quilting group a couple of times.

So glad to hear that, Miralee! That's what I like so much about a series, getting to revisit and see beloved characters grow. I just finished reading a second-in-series book that barely mentioned lead characters from the first and I was so disappointed!

Yes, I agree, Carole. In fact, the reason I write character-driven fiction is because I so enjoy reading it! I love it when characters stay with me after I've finished the book.

I could relate to Beth in the way of not wanting to put yourself out there because you're "different".

I love the interaction between Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Roberts, especially Mrs. Cooper, she just says what she wants!

I agree, I love the 2 older ladies!!!!

I'm looking forward to getting my advance copy. It will be my first of Miralee's books to read. I'm thoroughly looking forward to it! :)

Warning: When you start reading it, you aren't going to want to put it down, so clear your schedule ladies!!!

Not a problem as I start books at night for that reason. :)

There were so many interwoven characters and storylines in Blowing on Dandelions, but I always looked forward to scenes between Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Roberts. Can't wait to continue with them!

Are most of you nighttime readers? If so, what's the latest you've stayed up reading?

All night! LOL Lately 9 pm .. what about everyone else?

I read all the time, but I usually stay up until one a.m. once or twice a week to finish one of the books I'm reading. I hate to stop once I start! ;-)

Carole, I'm up reading until about 11 pm. =)

Sometimes I'm up writing till midnight or 1 a.m., so you can be up reading till 11 p.m., LOL!!! ;-)

Rachel, so you're starting with Wishing on Buttercups? Did you know you can request a copy of Blowing on Dandelions on Net Galley if you sign up there to be a reviewer and follow through by posting reviews? Not trying to push, but I really think you'd enjoy the 2nd book more if you read the first one. Carole, Sarah, some of you gals who have read both, what do you think?

I think the books stand alone so you can read them in whatever order, but I would say if you can, read them in order. It really gets that foundation. Without that, you might not really enjoy the Beth story. Because honestly, I didn't like Beth in the first story. I didn't want her shacking up and her "aunt" was trying to push her off on anyone it seems.. You just might enjoy it more with that history!

I agree that the novels could stand alone, but it will definitely give you a deeper appreciation of and understanding of the characters and situations if you read "Blowing on Dandelions" first.

I'm almost neurotic about reading books in order, so of course I'd recommend reading Blowing on Dandelions first! It came to a satisfying conclusion, but so many characters were introduced with a lot of unknowns about them, which will be developed in the books that follow after.

As for how late I stay up, one of the best things about being retired is not waking to an alarm clock each morning. Around midnight is pretty normal for me, but I have been known to read until 3:30 a.m. I'm not sure how much I comprehend at that hour, though!

I agree, girls....if at all possible, read Blowing on Dandelions first. I'm the same way, I hate reading a series out of order, unless it totally takes off in a new direction with the main character in the second book being a very minor character from the previous, with nothing at all that you need to know. This series is really woven together, but each story comes to a conclusion at the end of the book, if that makes sense.

Yes, they can be read as stand alones but I really loved getting to know the characters in the first book and then following through to book two. I just reviewed a book, a second book in a series, and I had no time to read book one first. I am kicking myself because I would so loved to have read them in order.

Talk about staying up late... When I first started reading years ago it was nothing for me to be sitting up at 4am. Since I have reached what sometimes feels like my twilight years I just can't sit up that late. I fall asleep on whatever page I was reading. LOL

Do you have to have a blog to apply? I know many do, and I don't. Mostly because I rarely read blogs before purchasing a book. I do post here and about five other online stores. I didn't real use it was a second in a series. Thanks for the heads up on that.

Rachael wrote: "Do you have to have a blog to apply? I know many do, and I don't. Mostly because I rarely read blogs before purchasing a book. I do post here and about five other online stores. I didn't real use i..."

Hi Rachel, Were you referring to applying for Netgalley? =)
You "dont have" to have a blog to apply..( I dont think..) -- but they do ask for your thoughts for each book that you read.
I hope that helps!

Miralee wrote: "Rachel, so you're starting with Wishing on Buttercups? Did you know you can request a copy of Blowing on Dandelions on Net Galley if you sign up there to be a reviewer and follow through by posting..."

I think if you can, its best to read this series in order. =)

Melissa wrote: "Rachael wrote: "Do you have to have a blog to apply? I know many do, and I don't. Mostly because I rarely read blogs before purchasing a book. I do post here and about five other online stores. I d..."

Thanks...anybody got a link. I love posting reviews. However some places require a blog to review. The Book Club a Network doesn't which is how I got picked for this one.

A link for netgalley?

Tonya wrote: "A link for netgalley?"
Yes

Rachael, NetGalley mentions both reviewers and bloggers, so I don't think you absolutely have to have a blog. Their website is netgalley.com, and here's a link that lists what they look for from reviewers:

http://netgalley.uservoice.com/knowle...

Hope this helps!

Rachel, Carole is correct. You don't have to be a blogger to get a Net Galley copy of my book. Just go in, sign up as a reviewer, be willing to come back and post your review on Net Galley after you read the book, and they ask you to post on places like Amazon, CBD, B&N, etc. That's what the publishers really want to see. Once you're signed up, type in my name or the name of the book you want and request it. It's very simple. Let me know if you have any problems after you try it, and I'll help you out.

Hey everyone , This was my second book to read of Miralee and both was awesome. I do say that you need to read Blowing on Dandelions before reading Wishing on Buttercups. I have both of my reviews posted here on Goodreads . They both rated a 5 star.
I loved the characters in both of these books and the two older ladies will keep you laughing.

I signed up for netgalley, so far only got approved for one book to review. Maybe it takes a little while. Of course I will have to get that one read anyway. Maybe have to review at least one first.

Janice and Rachel, if you don't have approval for my book by Monday, please let me know. I can get the widget from my marketing director and get you started. You don't have to have reviewed a book before you get approved.

Janice, I see what you meant now....yes, sometimes as a new reviewer they won't give you a second book until you post your reviews for the first. They want to know you'll follow through. Did you ask for one of mine?

Yes I did and I got the new one but have to read Blowing on Dandelions first. Gonna to get to reading. Actually since I posted that they approved let me add another one but it does not have the option to send to kindle, maybe some don't.

Thanks. I have signed up...but on mobile. Like Goodreads, I really need to get on a real computer. I have been ill, but I will try to as I want to read the first book before reviewing the second that I know is on the way.

I think you should be able to send to your Kindle, Janice. I think when you go to download it you can choose, but I'm not sure. But when you get the file, you can send it on to your Kindle, yourself. So glad you already got approval, and I appreciate that you're going to read Blowing on Dandelions first. Good decision!

Rachel, yes, it makes it hard reading on a mobile if it's a phone. A tablet or computer is easier, but you do what you can do, right? So sorry to hear you've been ill. Rest, read, and get better!

Janice wrote: "Yes I did and I got the new one but have to read Blowing on Dandelions first. Gonna to get to reading. Actually since I posted that they approved let me add another one but it does not have the op..."

Janice all titles show have a "Send to Kindle" button to the right of the book cover. OR you can download the book to your computer and email it to your kindle.

Thank you for sharing that, Wanda. I haven't used Net Galley enough to be familiar with it yet.

I had mine directly sent to my Kindle email. Thanks much for letting me know I should read this one first. Got one in the mail today, also, that I agreed to review. The only good thing about having been bedridden is I have had more time to read. I'm well on my way, though, so homeschool with my daughter resumes on Monday. Late nights here we come! Lol

I'm so glad you were able to get it loaded on your Kindle, Rachel. I used to homeschool my kids, too. I'm glad you're feeling better and will be on your feel Monday. Don't push too hard between now and then!