Accept this Dandelion Review and Character Interview

Summary:

 

 

Renee Lockhart has her eye on a lofty goal…to fill the open position of morning radio show host on a nearby secular station. When her co-workers sign her up for a local TV version of “the Bachelor,” Renee goes along with it in order to raise her profile. Ben McConnell, one of the most eligible bachelors in town, insists that Renee be placed on the show, despite her bumbling audition. Ben gets much more than he expected in Renee. He gets a girl who doesn’t bow to his every whim…and a girl who opens his eyes to true, unexpected love. Enjoy a local version of the popular "Bachelor" TV show...where nothing can go right for Renee!

 

 

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My Review:

 

 

Accept this Dandelion is a page turning romantic comedy that kept me laughing and wondering what would happen next. The storyline was fun to read because it gives a behind-the-scenes look at a local version of, The Bachelor. I found myself rooting for the main character, Renee to win because she was more like an average girl — not what you would typically find on a reality show. Her antics during the book were enjoyable to read about and made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions. I also appreciated the underlying theme of finding the beauty inside a person, rather than just looking to outward appearances. This was a very enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys sweet and clean romances. It gets five stars from me!

 

 

 

Character Interview with Renee Lockhart

 

What did you think when you first found out that your co-workers signed up for the show?

 

I actually said the first thing I was thinking. Not that that’s all that uncommon. I said, “Oh heck no!” But my friend and co-worker Janice worked on me. She kept telling me it was good experience and any experience was better than sitting at home alone every evening. I realized she was right. I was pretty certain I would be a disaster and that I’d never make it on the show, but hey, at least I had a story to tell, right? I wanted to live life and so I figured, why not?!

What were your thoughts just moments before meeting Ben?

 

Well, I was nervous, that’s for sure. I had everything all planned out. What I would say…how I would smile…the way I would hold my hands. But when I saw him, it all went out the window. I realized this guy had given up a lot to do the show and even if his intentions weren’t right, mine should be. For a moment, my mind went blank and then my instincts took over. I wanted to be the real me. Hence the makeup and spitting incident.

How were you feeling when things started to go wrong on the show?

 

You mean when I caught fire? I guess that’s probably where things started to take a turn for the worse. Course, there was the mouse incident too…but that wasn’t really my fault, completely. When I caught fire, I guess you could say I felt hot. Extremely so! But once the fire was out, it was more pure mortification. I really lucked out. The audience appreciated my personality despite the many things I did wrong.

Did you ever consider backing out of the show?

 

Many times. Once I found out I was on the show, I wanted to back out immediately. But I also really wanted to heighten my public profile in hopes of getting the job on the morning show at the radio station where I work. So I moved forward. I thought I could hold any man at bay while showing a bit of my personality and gaining a listening audience. But when things started to get real and I recognized Ben as more of a real person and not some image, I wanted to leave. I think love is something everyone wants, but when your future is staring you in the face, it’s scary!

Do you keep in contact with any of the other women on the show?

Eva and I have become good friends. I knew during the show that she was the type of woman who would feel more like a sister that I’d had with my for years than an acquaintance and that’s exactly what’s happened. She was hurt over Ben at first, but she understood that if he wasn’t right for her, she didn’t want to go any farther down the path to dating him. She’s such a great woman and I hope she finds her Mr. Right soon.

 

You were willing to give a lot up for Ben. Do you think you would have regretted that?

 

In that moment, I felt like I was doing the right thing. I didn’t think he would take my apology seriously unless I showed him just how serious I was about it. I hurt him. I knew it…he knew it…giving up my option to work on the morning show was the only way to show him that I regretted what I had done. I was happy in my old job and I still had that. I don’t think I would have regretted what I did, even if I’d never heard from him again. Though I always would have wondered if he knew. But the atonement would have given me peace within myself.

 

How is everything going at work?

 

Great! Never better! I still can’t believe I get to wake up every morning and do this. A job I love and have always wanted. I mean, I basically talk for a living. Does it really get any better than that?

 

What are the plans for your next big date with Ben?

 

The station is hosting a big concert this weekend and I get extra tickets every time one comes through since I have to go for work. I’ll introduce the band on stage and hang out at the station table during intermission, but otherwise, the evening will be about me and Ben and good music! I plan to show him my dance moves go above and beyond what he saw when I thought there was a mouse in the room. Otherwise, our life is much more normal than what you saw on TV. Sometimes, we go to lunch, grab coffee, see a movie. It’s just everyday life and we’re loving it together!

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About the Author

 

Brooke Williams is an award-winning author and freelance writer. She has written hundreds of articles as well as several novels, including Someone Always Loved You and Beyond the Bars. Brooke has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morningside College, with a double major in Mass Communications and Religious Studies. She has twelve years of experience in radio broadcasting, both behind the scenes and on-air. She was also a television traffic reporter for a brief time. Brooke and her husband Sean married in 2002 and have two daughters, Kaelyn and Sadie.   
 

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