Miralee Ferrell's Novels discussion

Have you read
The Other Daughter ?

Please list your thoughts below!

This is the book that introduced me to Miralee's writing. I'm a fan of what I call "relationship drama," and she really caught my attention with this one. This was long before I was doing reviews, but I would love to find time to read it again.

There's an interesting story behind this book, as well. It was my debut novel (someday I'll rewrite it, as I've learned so much since then--it's a strong story but could use some tweaking). Anyway, I had NO idea what to write about, as I'd only been writing non-fiction, true-life, short stories up until then. A friend suggested basing a story on something real in my life. God dropped the idea into my heart and it ignited. A book based on the real story of a young woman sending a letter to her bio dad who she didn't know, and he'd never met, and reuniting...included with the shock value to his wife and young children. And yes, that man was my husband.

I changed the story...instead of a young woman, Brianna was a 13-yr-old girl. Instead of the man having a strong Christian wife who accepted the girl, I changed it to a wife who wasn't serving God and resented her husband and lost trust in him, for what she perceived as his lie. It's a strong story of family dynamics and fractured trust, and one that has impacted a lot of families. It's truly the story that I believe God called me to write.

Well I certainly didn't know the background, Miralee! Isn't it incredible the way God nudges your writing in a certain direction? Now I really want to read it again, and I'm curious as to how you would tweak it.

Thanks, Carole....basically I've grown as a writer...the descriptions, the dialogue, even some of the characterizations could be stronger. If you read it now, and had just read Blowing on Dandelions, you'd see what I mean.

That is just fascinating! I love when authors share the deepest parts of their lives. It make them more "real" to he as a reader. Just knowing that alone would draw me to this book. I am really looking forward to reading it.

Thanks, Wanda. I wish I'd been urged to put that info in a set of author notes at the end of the book. Readers usually really like it when they know something about the book was based on real life.

Miralee wrote: "Thanks, Wanda. I wish I'd been urged to put that info in a set of author notes at the end of the book. Readers usually really like it when they know something about the book was based on real life."

Yes, and I used to NEVER read the Author's note at the end of a book. I am so glad I started. I love your author's note at the end of Wishing on Buttercups.

Thank you...I didn't even think about writing one for The Other Daughter. I think the first book I did that for (so I could share some of my research) was my first LFY book, set in Last Chance. And I believe I was one of the only authors in that series (for sometime, anyway) to do that. Now, I can't imagine not having an author's note, as it's so fun to give background info or other little tidbits.

I have currently read this book twice!

Miralee wrote: "Thank you...I didn't even think about writing one for The Other Daughter. I think the first book I did that for (so I could share some of my research) was my first LFY book, set in Last Chance. And..."

I agree. It's fun for the reader too.

Sarah wrote: "I have currently read this book twice!"

Very cool! Thank you for your awesome support, Sarah!

After reading all these comments I'm even more excited about having won a book during the Twitter party and requested this one. Now I will have another great freebie book to figure out where to place in my TBR. The horrible dilemmas of life.

Debora wrote: "After reading all these comments I'm even more excited about having won a book during the Twitter party and requested this one. Now I will have another great freebie book to figure out where to pla..."

LOL Debora, I find that horror daily! I'm glad you won and I hope you thoroughly enjoy the book. :)

Hi Deborah, thank you! It was a pleasure interacting with you during the Twitter party. Just an update, due to a crazy schedule and being snowed in for a few days, your book is going out on Tuesday. I planned on mailing it tomorrow, but my daughter just reminded me the PO is closed due to a holiday. So sorry about the delay!