Flourishing
Positive psychologists say accomplishment rates right up there with experiencing positive emotions and relationships and meaning and engagement in life for people to flourish.
If this is the case, then I'm flourishing! Completing Flower Girl, my second novel, and having it poised for publication on January 11th—well, that's an accomplishment by itself. Add to that is the review Flower Girl just received by Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review.
Donovan’s review highlights the kernels within the journey of the character Suzanna Jordan that make for a flourishing life. Donovan picks up on the underlying theme—Life is messy, but beneath peoples� imperfections, they can find a way to carve out meaning and accomplishment in life:
� . . . readers will avidly follow Suzanna’s pursuit of a better life and her realizations about what influences have blinded her, in the past. Its attention to realistic descriptions of this process and the changing momentum of Suzanna’s world creates an outstanding inspection of the undercurrents and influences life holds as she strives to keep her personal North Star firmly in mind against all odds.�
The final paragraph of the review fills my heart with accomplishment, meaning, and positive emotion. I want to write stories about the human experience—to show how ordinary people tackle challenges, live through sorrow and betrayal, struggle with doubt, but find a way to act on their aspirations. I want to deliver stories that transport the reader to the most unexpected places within themselves. Donovan’s last paragraph of the review shows that in Flower Girl, I might have achieved this.
“Collections strong in women’s literature and fiction surrounding domestic violence and recovery processes will find Flower Girl an evocative, compelling read that chooses no easy paths to resolution. Suzanna’s changing choices and perceptions are outstanding examinations of the darkness that pervades her world, and provide important keys to recovery that women will want to learn about.�
For the complete review, visit:
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