The Dandelion Field
Author Kathryn Springer
Kathryn Springer’s contemporary, fiction
novel, The Dandelion Field, is a top
notch read! Newly released in January 2015, this story offers more than
entertainment.
Personally, I’d experienced a demanding
week at work. One day in particular I decided to stop and read The Dandelion Field after arriving home.
My stress melted away as I perused the pages of this delightful, well written
story. I’ve never experienced such a refreshing after reading fiction as I did that
day!
Ginevieve and Ranie Lightly are two very
important characters in this story and their stop off in Banister Falls,
Wisconsin may just anchor this mother and daughter to one location….Or will it?
Reasons arise for them to stay or go, which fuels this story with conflict. Kathryn
Springer has captured the concerns and issues from two generations. I found
myself wondering what was going to happen and concerned for how these
character’s situations would finally turn out. I felt as though I knew Genevieve
and Ranie and I like them. I’ve known people with similar personalities and
situations and felt that this story rang true in comparison.
Kathryn uses such beautiful language and
description. Her characters are varied in personality and their station in society,
yet I feel that she knew how to convey their differences very well.
This novel will appeal to teens and
their parents, because Kathryn has woven in the concerns that are important for
both age groups. I know this for a fact because I’ve shown this novel to both
age groups and the spark that lit their eyes—shone with interest! Let me tell
you, people are standing in line for this wonderful read! I highly recommend The Dandelion Field as your next novel
experience! Because this book includes discussion questions, this would make a
wonderful book club choice.
Questions for Kathryn!
How
long did it take you to write The
Dandelion Field? Also, have you desired to write this story for a long time or
was this a recent inspiration?
I finished The Dandelion Field in about six months, but the story had been
brewing in my mind for about six years! Initially, it seemed like it would fall
into the category of women’s fiction, with the emphasis on the friendship
between Evie and Gin. But when the editors at Zondervan read the proposal, they
encouraged me to focus on the romance between Gin and Dan. I loved the idea of
bringing those two characters “front and center”, so it wasn’t difficult to do
at all!
The
discussion questions that you include at the back of the novel were insightful
and many readers can relate to them. What question would you particularly like
to hear what the readers answered? Could you explain why without telling on the
plot of your novel?
I think I’d choose number fiveJ
“From
the time Gin was a child, no one really looked out for her best interests. Who
are some of the people in your life who cared about you? Protected you? What
are some of the barriers people use to protect themselves from being hurt?
I wouldn’t be the woman I am
today without the influence of some strong, godly (and extremely patient!)
women who looked past my mistakes, prayed for me and literally loved me to the
Lord.
Gin found out that even when she
thought she was alone, she wasn’t. God loved her and He placed people in her
life who would not only spoke truth, they lived it. I experienced the same
thing, and it makes me want to be that person for others!
Will
there be a sequel to this story?
I’m writing Evie’s story right
now! It doesn’t have a title yet, but it will be released in March 2016.
Readers didn’t really get an opportunity to know Evie well, other than through
Dan and Gin’s point-of-view, so I’m excited to be able to reveal more of her
character! I’ll give you a hint about the hero, Jack Vale.
He made a brief appearance in The Dandelion Field but he didn’t make a
very good impression on Evie! (Mmm. . .possibly because he was holding a
baseball bat?)
How
do you wish your readers to contact you?
I love to hear from my readers! You
can contact me through my website at kathrynspringer.com or on Facebook at
kathrynspringerauthor. If you’d like to subscribe to my free newsletter, you
can also visit my website. It will keep you posted on upcoming releases!
