Growing Only Dandelions” is an inspirational story of a woman who has a near-death experience that propels her on a spiritual and emotional journey. This unconventional supernatural manuscript dares the reader to consider the possibility of a present and loving God through a narrative that triggers one’s imagination to question every action and inaction.Bethany, a wife and mother, is enjoying a … a beautiful day at the beach with her family. She falls asleep while her husband and son swim in the ocean. Awakened by the winds of an approaching storm, Bethany is alarmed by how dangerous the water has turned. She frantically searches for her family before rushing to the water and jumping into it. Bethany struggles against the treacherous waters and slams her head against a reef on the ocean’s floor. Falling unconscious, Bethany says “I never saw a more brilliant light.”Bethany opens her eyes in heaven and her spiritual and emotional journey begins. She is escorted through a long corridor by a man insisting that she must see “Him” right away. They swiftly walk alongside an endless stream of people shuffling forward slowly in a single filed line. Some of them are curious and reach out their arms to touch the woman being chaperoned to the front of the line. Upon contact, their “ugliness” (i.e., personal, shameful life event) is revealed to Bethany. A person calls out to her by name. Bethany recognizes that it is the voice of her estranged father. Her hatred towards him is palpable. He steps off the line and touches her wrist transporting her mind back in time to when her “ugliness” started as a young child from his abuse. Throughout the novel, Bethany is transported back in time to those milestone moments in her life that shaped her own “ugliness”. Growing Only Dandelions highlights the presence of God through strategically placed relationships, purposely left “signs” and guardian angels, all of which are gifted to us through his grace.
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This book was in my Kindle for awhile before I finally decided to read it. I was sure glad I did! Joan Hugues has a knack for descriptive writing that keeps you interested. Her characters are very well written and you really feel that you know them. This book was a pleasure to read!
I follow Joan on Facebook and I enjoy how passionate she is about her book. I urge others to read the precious gift that she has given us.
I never thought dandelions were ugly.
Growing Only Dandelions by Joan Hugues is an inspirational novel about love and forgiveness of self and of others. Hugues takes you on a beautiful journey of a woman, who has lived a life secrets, abuse, self mutilation and bullying, that has a near death experience that takes her to a place we all hope exists! She is greeted by many different people from her life. Her Guardian Angel will help lead her closer to forgiving accepting and the life and loves that have been chosen for her. This book is totally engaging from the first page to the last page! You will laugh and you will cry and sometimes you will laugh and cry together. I highly recommend this book but make sure you have a box of tissues nearby! I hope to read more from Joan Hugues.
#growingonlydandelions #joanhugues #selfpublishing
Author Joan Hughes’, ‘Growing Only Dandelions’ is a very inspirational and spiritual book.
Bethany, the main character, has a near death experience while at the beach with her family. This brings back memories from her childhood of abuse and fear.
I enjoyed the references throughout this story that God is the only one to seek and give thanks to.
‘Dandelions’ when you hear this word a wild flower or a weed comes to mind which is not considered beautiful unlike other flowers. Yet dandelions have so many benefits. This story is about a woman called Bethany, her emotional journey and how her upbringing along with life’s experiences shape her to become what she is today, a woman with low self worth. Her near death experience opens her eyes to have a different perspective on life. To be able to forgive people who have been unkind and caused pain in her life. A lesson that life is too short and one should lead it with love and kindness and make most of it each day. The quote ‘A weed is no more than a flower in disguise’ by Ralph Waldo Emerson sums up the spiritual journey of Bethany. Where through the ugliness of her past she learns to be kind to herself and to forgive people from the past.
Thank you Joan for your giveaway on Sue’s Reading Facebook Page which has left me thinking on many levels. I will be looking at my own life’s experiences in a different way and let go of things that will bring me peace. I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more books by you.
I really enjoyed this very well-written, very touching and inspirational book about love and forgiveness. Bethany rushes into the ocean to look for her husband and her son, hits her head and has a near death experience. This book will stay with me for a long time.
As I read this book all of my emotions were being touched. I could not put it down! It’s about forgiveness, excepting what you can’t change, Love and so much more. I’m so glad I read it and encourage others to read it too.