Blowing on Dandelions (Love Blossoms in Oregon, #1) in David C Cook

May 27, 2013 Wanda rated it it was amazing

Blowing On Dandelions spoke to me from the very first page. Here is a small excerpt from page one and then I will explain why.

Katherine Galloway’s soft exhales sent the dandelion fluff dancing on the warm current of air, but it didn’t bring the anticipated relief. Gripping the stem, she sat in the grassy field with her eyes closed and waited. Why didn’t it come? It had always appeared years ago when she needed it. How long had it been since her mind had drifted away to a place where nothing coul Blowing On Dandelions spoke to me from the very first page. Here is a small excerpt from page one and then I will explain why.

Katherine Galloway’s soft exhales sent the dandelion fluff dancing on the warm current of air, but it didn’t bring the anticipated relief. Gripping the stem, she sat in the grassy field with her eyes closed and waited. Why didn’t it come? It had always appeared years ago when she needed it. How long had it been since her mind had drifted away to a place where nothing could hurt her? Fifteen years? Twenty?

She shook her head and an errant curl tickled her cheek.

More. Many more. But always her memory returned to those times when the dandelion fluff had carried her away to a place where mothers were loving and kind, and little girls didn’t need to be afraid of cutting words or sharp voices.

When I was a little girl I used to wait for the “flowers” to bloom just so I could blow on them and see them be scattered by the wind. My Dad would always say “They’re just WEEDS!”. What my Dad didn’t know was every time I blew on those dandelions, every hope and dream I had was scattering on the wind and I was praying they would find their way to God and, eventually, come true. This might sound silly to those of you reading this but, the small excerpt awakened long forgotten memories and brought back memories of my Dad as well. So for the first time (yes, I said the first time) a book really spoke to me.

I was able to sympathize with Katherine’s character in more ways than one. Her relationship with her mother was rocky at best and she suffered constant criticism from a woman she had tried very hard to love her whole life. Katherine had an inner strength and control that was astounding. I, too, didn’t have the best relationship with my mother when I was younger but through faith in God and prayer we now have a strong bond and I am now her caregiver.

Miralee Ferrell is an amazing writer. This is the first book I have read by her and I am so glad I read it. It left me smiling at old memories and gave me hope for making new ones. I can’t wait for the next two books in this series. If you haven’t read Blowing On Dandelions I suggest you give it a try. It’s more than worth it and look at that cover! Isn’t it amazing?

**I was given an ARC of this book for my honest opinion** ...more

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May 28, 2013 Sarah rated it it was amazing

If only life was as easy as making dandelion wishes. But as Katherine Galloway knows,“There was no fantasy world where thirty-two-year-old women—or little girls for that matter—could ride the dandelion fluff and become someone they weren’t.” A widow of three years who balances motherhood with running a boardinghouse, Katherine has accepted the hardships she faces and tries her best to keep moving forward. However, now her overbearing and acerbic mother, Frances Connors, is coming for a visit, an If only life was as easy as making dandelion wishes. But as Katherine Galloway knows,“There was no fantasy world where thirty-two-year-old women—or little girls for that matter—could ride the dandelion fluff and become someone they weren’t.” A widow of three years who balances motherhood with running a boardinghouse, Katherine has accepted the hardships she faces and tries her best to keep moving forward. However, now her overbearing and acerbic mother, Frances Connors, is coming for a visit, and she dreads having another cause of stress in her life. Katherine firmly believes in respecting her elders, particularly her mother, even though she does nothing but criticize and try to assume control. Katherine decided long ago that she will have a better relationship with her own two daughters than she has with her mother, and she moves this determination to the forefront in the wake of their grandmother’s arrival. Nevertheless, her obeisance does not preclude her from wishing that her circumstances were different and from wondering why God doesn’t change her mother’s attitude, especially when she meets a handsome single man.

Widower Micah Jacobs and his son Zachary have come to Baker City, Oregon to make a fresh start. Micah owns the town livery, and he is still grieving his late wife’s untimely death and harboring anger toward God for allowing it to happen. A chance encounter introduces him to Katherine, and his son and Katherine’s older daughter, Lucy, develop a close friendship. Micah’s life seems to be heading in the right direction when a tragic event upsets his new start and seems to push him even further away from God and from happiness. As a reluctant lodger at the boardinghouse, he finds himself in the midst of a tumultuous situation between Frances, the other boarders, and Katherine, who is often caught in the crossfire. Sometimes, though, the Lord works in mysterious ways, and perhaps it isn’t too late for healing and renewal to begin.

“Blowing on Dandelions,” book one of author Miralee Ferrell’s “Love Blossoms in Oregon” trilogy, sets a promising precedent for the remainder of the series. With intelligent, well-crafted prose, Ferrell takes readers on a literary and spiritual journey that spans the past and bridges the gap between the story’s 1880 setting and contemporary life with timeless dilemmas and relatable characters. Everybody knows someone who is difficult to love, and everyone can identify with the struggles of faith and love. “Blowing on Dandelions” presents practical Christianity and faith in action, avoiding pie-in-the-sky preaching in favor of illuminating the true message of the Gospel—i.e., loving God and loving one’s neighbors. This heartwarming novel encourages readers in their daily lives and faith walk as Ferrell dexterously weaves a story rife with adversity but also abounding in love and triumph. Suitable for an adult and young adult audience, “Blowing on Dandelions” proves to be a quick and lively read, thanks in part to short chapters and a captivating plot. There is also an “AfterWords” section appended to the novel itself, providing an Author’s Note regarding Ferrell’s reason for writing the story, thought-provoking discussion questions for individual or group consideration, and an enticing look at chapter one of “Wishing on Buttercups,” the second book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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Apr 02, 2013 Tonya rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2013-reads

Miralee did such an excellent job with this book, I can't even begin to explain.

This book has relationships at its finest. Mother/daughter relationships can be like a minefield. Us woman are so complicated and when you have mothers and daughters, both wanting the end result from each, it can be a difficult course to navigate.

The setting is the 1800's, we have a widow and her 2 daughters running a boardinghouse. Katherine ends up with a house full, full of characters you will come to love! Mr Tu ...more

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Jul 04, 2013 Veronica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical, romance, new-author-to-you

I really enjoyed this well-written story of a strained relationship between a mother and her daughter. I loved the different perspectives of this story because not only do we see Katherine's viewpoint of having to deal with hurtful comments, but we see her mother's side of why she says the things she does. We also see how Katherine's daughter feels about their relationship and how it affects her. I'm so grateful I have a wonderful relationship with my mother, but reading this made me think about ...more

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Sep 04, 2013 Sue rated it it was amazing

Shelves: would-recommend, historical-fiction

The setting of “Blowing on Dandelions” by Miralee Ferrell is in Baker City, Oregon in the 1880’s. The main character’s (Katherine Galloway) life is filled with raising two daughters and running the town’s boarding house after the death of her husband three years before. Her life definitely becomes more complicated when her mother (Frances Cooper), with whom she has never been close, comes to live with her, and when Katherine meets Micah Jacobs, the handsome new livery owner in town.

The author, M ...more

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Oct 15, 2013 Deborah rated it it was amazing

Do Dandelion Wishes Actually Come True?

Katherine Galloway knew this moment of calm wouldn't last, blown away like the dandelion seeds she scattered as a girl. In 1880, three years after her husband’s death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don't get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. Katherine must make the situation work, but standing up for herself and her family while honoring her mother isn't easy. And with a daughter entering Do Dandelion Wishes Actually Come True?

Katherine Galloway knew this moment of calm wouldn't last, blown away like the dandelion seeds she scattered as a girl. In 1880, three years after her husband’s death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don't get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. Katherine must make the situation work, but standing up for herself and her family while honoring her mother isn't easy. And with a daughter entering the teenage years, the pressure on Katherine becomes close to overwhelming. Then she crosses paths with Micah Jacobs, a widower who could reignite her heart, but she fears a relationship with him might send things over the edge. She must find the strength, wisdom, hope, and faith to remake her life, for everything is about to change.

My Review:

Despite the heartaches of life, Katherine has endured it all with grace and strength. After the tragic death of her husband, she bravely plunges on and successfully manages a boarding house in Oregon while raising two daughters alone. When her bossy, overbearing, meddlesome mother decides to move in with her, Katherine is unable to refuse her a home. On top of everything swirling around her life, a widower moves into town with his son. Katherine drew closer to God when she became a widow, but Micah drew away and turned his back to God.

Like all good romances, there has to be a conflict between main characters of some kind. Surprisingly, the secondary conflict between Katherine and her mother was highly entertaining - more so than the intended romantic tension between Micah and Katherine as they work towards the idea of a new life together. The characters were memorable, and even the small side stories of Micah and Katherine's children and townspeople proved enchanting and endearing. Overall, this was a great novel, and I am looking forward to more in the series!

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Aug 02, 2013 Cindi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical, owned-books, r-r

Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell

This is the first book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series.

Katherine Galloway runs a boardinghouse while raising her two daughters after the death of her husband. Katherine’s hardhearted, demanding, mother comes to stay with her and wants things to run her way. Will they clash regarding decisions? Will Mrs. Cooper (Katherine’s mother) squash all hope for Katherine’s happiness?

This a sweet story about love, family, forgiveness and hope. I really enjoyed t ...more

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Jun 07, 2013 Margaret Fraleigh rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: miralee-ferrell

This is the first book I have read by this author. It was amazing. Loved the story line and
the life lessions. It was a story of love and forgiveness. Can't wait to read the next book Wishing on Buttercups (Book #2) ...more

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Aug 15, 2013 Sharee rated it it was amazing

Blowing on Dandelions was such a great book. I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, at least I didn’t think I was until I read this book. The characters are not only believable, but they experience everyday issues just as the rest of us do. I think one of the best themes behind the book, is the way Katherine (the main character), handles her very difficult mother. She manages to show what the bible says in honoring thy mother. A fantastic example of ordinary life working to live out the gosp ...more

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Jun 29, 2013 Diana Montgomery rated it it was amazing

Blowing on Dandelions
By: Miralee Ferrell

I loved this story. It was one of those books you start it and you can’t put it down.
Reminded me so much of my mother. Katherine Galloway widow with two children running a B&B. living in a small town in basically a mans world back in the time of 1880’s. Just when she thinks things can’t get worst her step sister dies. Her mother then tells her she is coming there to stay with her. Bad thing is her and her mother never get along. Her mother treats her like ...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Mallory Oatman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: giveaways-i-won

I got this book on goodreads giveaways I got the advanced readers copy. This book was amazing! I was sucked in as soon as I started reading it. Each one of the characters were amazing. This story is about a widowed mother of two girls. Her mother moves into her home and never has one pleasant thing to say. This story is set in the 1800's but it relates to the world today this author knows what she is doing. This book was written so well there was not one dull moment. I couldn't put this book dow ...more

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Jul 16, 2013 writer... rated it liked it

Shelves: historic-romance, ereads

*with appreciation to David C Cook for providing ecopy to read and review without obligation.

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Apr 16, 2013 Melissa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance

While Katherine is doing her best in raising her two girls in a Boardinghouse alone, she also struggles with her relationship with her Mother. I liked how Katherine welcomed all of the Guests that came to her Boardinghouse, even when one woman was "difficult"...

The characters were very interesting, and I liked how the author describes the relationship between Katherine and her Mother. ...more

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Jun 30, 2013 Shannah Mauney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewd-on-blog

I loved this book! It was absolutely wonderful and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. You can see my full review here. ...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Shelly rated it it was amazing

I have read all of Miralee's Historical books & just finished reading Blowing on Dandelions. I was blown away. I admire her for taking on a story about Mother/Daughter conflicts & how they worked through them with the help of other loved ones & friends. It is a compassionate story that many of us have dealt with or will have to deal with sometime in our lives. Not every Mother/Daughter are best friends & this story tells how that can feel to each of them. I am so honored to have read this & can' ...more

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