Dandelion Serenade by Lori Soard - Enchanting tale of second chances

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Lori Soard’s Dandelion Serenade, the second novella in the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series, is a quietly enchanting story that blooms with emotional depth and nostalgic charm.

About the Book: Dandelion Serenade 

Perfect pacing guides the reader through a tale of second chances and rekindled romance, as childhood friends Lauren Juniper and Nathan Brickner are reunited by the fate of a beloved landmark: an old stone bridge. Nathan, now a bridge engineer, returns with plans to replace the structure; to Lauren, that bridge is woven into her family’s history and the fabric of the town itself.

 

But the bridge isn’t the only thing in need of repair. Years earlier, Nathan broke Lauren’s heart when he left Dogwood Creek after high school, chasing a future that didn’t include her. Lauren carries a quiet unforgiveness, her heart still bruised from his departure. Nathan, on the other hand, has spent years believing he must achieve and prove himself worthy, to his family, his community, and perhaps most of all, to Lauren. These personal battles make their reunion bittersweet and layered, turning a simple homecoming into a journey of grace and healing.

 

BookHookup Book Review: Dandelion Serenade 

What makes this novella truly memorable are its likable, flawed, and relatable characters. In just a short span, Soard gives readers people who feel real, woven with longing, regrets, and a yearning for belonging. Lauren’s tension between preserving memory and embracing the future, and Nathan’s pull toward progress and self-worth, echo conflicted hearts we all understand.

Underlying it all is a delicate, symbolic thread of the dandelion, woven through the plot and imagery like a whispered wish. From childhood “dandelion wishes” to a statue in the garden at the end, of a figure holding a dandelion gone to seed—this motif resonates. Is the statue holding on to the past, or reaching for the future? That ambiguity lingers beautifully, as if every seed could land somewhere hopeful.

 

 Dandelion Serenade is part of the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series, a multi-author collection set in the charming small town of Dogwood Creek, Tennessee. Lori Soard launched the series with Chasing Snowflakes, and new novellas are planned for release every other month over the next two years — promising plenty more heartwarming tales for fans of small-town romance.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy sweet romance and Christian fiction.

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About the Author: Lori Soard

Lori Soard has a PhD in Journalism and Creative Writing, but she's hardly the stuffy professor type. She loves nothing better than a good romantic comedy and thinks the good guy should always win and the ending should always be happy.

From an early age, Lori started honing her story telling skills. As a kid she was rarely seen without a book in her hand, even walking and reading at the same time. Her first stories were about the world around her. At twenty she wrote her first novel, which she admits was horrible. At twenty-one, she sold her first article to a local newspaper. Once she got that taste of having others read her work and realizing that she could reach others and touch their hearts, there was no turning back for this natural born writer.

"If I can make someone's day just a tiny bit better," Lori says, "if I can make them smile even though they are sad, make them think things could be better, make them understand how much God loves them, then I have accomplished something. I write my stories, articles and books with that one person in mind who really needs the message. If I can change one person's perspective, then I've succeeded."

Lori is a life-long Hoosier and lives in southern Indiana with her high school sweetheart turned husband. They have two grown daughters and two granddaughters. She always has a her critters surrounding her, including a couple of miniature dachshunds and several rescue cats. "During the extreme low points in life, it has been my animals that have seen me through. There is nothing like the deep devotion of a dog or the unconditional love of a cat." Lori adores animals and while some of her dear friends have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge she will always stand by her belief that animals make the world a better place.

She loves to hear from her readers and blogs regularly.

 

Black, White, and Gray All Over - A Memoir of Resilience and Truth

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Black, White, and Gray All Over is both a personal memoir and a chronicle of a city and a profession, told with an immediacy that makes you feel as though you’ve been invited into the passenger seat for a years-long ride-along. Frederick Reynolds writes with the economy of a seasoned storyteller, sketching people, places, and moments with just enough detail to make them vivid without ever slowing the pace.

 

From the turbulent 1960s, through the shifting social and political landscapes of the ’70s and ’80s, to the present day, Reynolds takes us through a life lived in service—and in struggle—within the Compton Police Department. We meet an array of characters: fellow officers, community members, victims, and perpetrators, all rendered as more than just names on a page. Compton itself becomes a living, breathing character—wounded, resilient, and endlessly complex.

What makes Reynolds’s story even more compelling is his personal journey. He did not come from an easy beginning—his early years were marked by family dysfunction, alcoholism, and instability. Yet, he rose above those challenges, carving out a path defined by discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to confront the darkness, both on the streets and within himself. His growth over the years is as much a part of this memoir as the crimes he investigated or the history he witnessed.

This is not a memoir that seeks to glorify, nor one that aims to condemn. Instead, it’s an unflinching yet compassionate look at what it means to serve in a broken system, to witness both the worst and the best of humanity. The book acknowledges the violence, hardship, and moral gray areas that come with police work, but those moments are never gratuitous—they’re presented with purpose and context.

Reynolds also weaves in moments of levity and tenderness: the camaraderie among officers, small acts of kindness from unexpected places, and glimpses of his life beyond the badge. These moments provide a necessary counterpoint to the heavier material, reminding us that humanity persists even in the toughest environments.

By the time I reached the last page, I felt I’d not only read one man’s story, but also witnessed the evolution of a life—from troubled beginnings to a hard-earned wisdom. Black, White, and Gray All Over is powerful, memorable, and well worth the read, especially for those interested in the intersection of personal history and broader social change. It’s a testament to resilience, integrity, and the belief that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.

 

Journey & Background of Author Boyko G. Ovcharov (Part 2/2)

Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with Boyko G. Ovcharov, also known by his pen name Benedict Stuart. In the first part, we explored his creative process, genre versatility, and unique storytelling approach.

Today, we delve deeper into the cultural and emotional layers that shape his novels, the powerful role of music in his writing, and his exciting shift into sci-fi. Boyko also shares insights on teaching, character development, and what future projects lie ahead.

Join us as we continue to uncover the heart and mind behind this thoughtful, multi-genre author’s work.

 

On Wandering Feelings & Romance

Cultural Roots:

BH: Wandering Feelings includes folk songs and Balkan settings. How did your Bulgarian heritage shape that narrative?

BOG: I suppose incorporating cultural diversity only enhances and validates the narrative further with different points of view and perspectives. In fact, the setting features authentic and breathtaking scenery that changes in accordance with characters' thoughts, moods, situations, interactions etc. Thus everything seems interconnected and balanced out, striving for harmony, amid dramatic twists. Of course, culture is demonstrated via art, music, traditional meals and recipes, folklore, wise sayings, ways of talking, thinking, lifestyles and much more.

 

Music in Writing:

BH: You’ve mentioned quoting songs—from Coldplay to folk ballads. How does music inspire your prose and emotional tone?

BOG: Music as an art form belongs to culture, as mentioned earlier. There are different styles of music, including lyrics in various languages. However, music always delivers some powerful messages of love, sadness, strong feelings that can be experienced everywhere in the world. The universal and emotional nature of music makes it so enduring and unique. In addition, literature has its own rhythm as well. Just like spoken speech with its own intonation, even melody. Therefore, music could be seen as part of language and prose.

 

On The Proximity of Stars & Sci-Fi

Sci-Fi Themes:

BH: What ideas or questions are you exploring in The Proximity of Stars? Why pivot to dystopian sci-fi after romance?

BOG: Allegedly, those genres are quite different. However, referring back to the multi-genre approach, they are not incompatible. One thing that binds them together may be the 'human side', positive aspirations, emotional intelligence, relatability. Many readers think that both books portray a philosophical, if not an inspirational side too. That would certainly be desirable and beneficial.

Awards & Response:

BH: The book's cover won awards—how did that recognition affect your journey as an indie sci-fi author?

BOG: I could only be grateful for all kinds of recognition along the way. Presumably, any author undergoes a life journey of personal improvement in order to win the hearts of readers somehow. Several years ago, an independent publishing company with offices in Japan and the United Kingdom agreed to publish my books and create nice covers for them. Something that I really appreciate. In that case, teamwork is the key to success.

 

Teaching & Inspiration

Mystery of Learning:

BH: On Goodreads you described your students’ knowledge growth as a mystery—how does that inform your teaching and your writing?

BOG:  If we quote Einstein's ideas on miracles and imagination, we could apply the same principles to teaching and learning. We should really regard the process of growing up and learning as an everyday miracle or mystery. It happens naturally, gradually, dynamically, oftentimes subconsciously, but the results are amazing and wonderful. Of course, in writing it is also essential how to present our ideas, hone our style, create convincing characters.

Moreover, asking for the critical and honest opinions of your loved ones, family and friends, students and colleagues is another key factor for success as well. Teachers really should also be learning from their students. It is a two-way process, even synergistic at times.

Resonant Characters:

BH: Many readers see themselves in your characters. How do you balance personal experience and fictional storytelling?

 

BOG: I can only be glad if my characters are so relatable and realistic. Authors tend to create fictional stories, situations and characters based on their personal interactions with the world, their thought process, perceptions, ideas, mindset or mentality, understanding, feelings and emotions. However, there should be a fine line between real world and fiction. Usually things are much more idealized in literature. There is a good reason for that. Readers need to analyze and reflect on the plot and draw their own conclusions afterwards. If they book is somehow thought-provoking and moving, then readers feel satisfied. There are various tastes though.

 

Future Projects & Reflections

Upcoming Work:

BH: You're reportedly working on a new adventure project. What can you share about the themes or plot?

BOG: I have always seen my writing as a hobby, something that one does for pleasure. Therefore, I might create something more in the near future, but the process should be natural, and not forced. It is always ''a work in progress'' to a certain extent.

Adaptation Aspirations:

BH: You mentioned hopes for a movie or play. What elements of your work resonate most as potential screenplays?

BOG: I guess universal topics like the battle between good and evil, human development, growth, wisdom, love, life lessons and a good sense of humor are all things that are worth featuring. Hopefully, in the foreseeable future.

Advice to Younger Self:

BH: With your rich background in business, academia, and writing—what advice would you give your younger self, other aspiring authors or readers as a whole?

BOG: I might suggest being humble, sincere and ambitious at young age is always welcome and expected. However, any aspiring author or a professional might want to be brave enough to explore, experiment and achieve their goals, while thinking about others, contributing to the common good and society at large. In other words, be better selves.

Finally, once again I am so grateful for this conversation with you.

Best wishes to you and all readers' community!

 

BH: Thank you to Boyko G. Ovcharov for sharing his thoughtful insights and creative journey with us.
Whether writing as Boyko G. Ovcharov or Benedict Stuart, his stories blend culture, emotion, and reflection in ways that resonate deeply with readers. From genre-crossing narratives to rich, character-driven themes, his work reminds us that storytelling is both personal and universal.

Be sure to explore his books and stay tuned for whatever comes next from this versatile author.

About the Author

Boyko G. Ovcharov, who also writes under the pen name Benedict Stuart, is a Bulgarian author whose work spans memoir, romance, and dystopian sci-fi. With a background in business, academia, and language education, his writing blends intellectual depth with emotional insight, often exploring themes of identity, human connection, and cultural heritage. Whether weaving Balkan folklore into a romantic narrative or tackling philosophical questions in speculative fiction, his stories invite readers into richly imagined worlds grounded in universal truths.

When he's not writing, Boyko enjoys teaching, listening to music, and exploring the mysteries of learning and creativity. His books have received international recognition, including awards for cover design, and he continues to write with a passion for growth, discovery, and meaningful storytelling.

Connect with him on his FB Author page.

Journey & Background of Author Boyko G. Ovcharov (Part 1/2)

In this first part of our exclusive interview with Boyko G. Ovcharov, he shares the inspiration behind his pen name, the influence of his business background on his writing, and the creative strategies that help him navigate multiple genres. Dive into Boyko’s unique approach to storytelling, blending academic insight with imaginative worlds, and learn how his “Swiss Cheese Method” keeps his writing focused and productive. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the deeper cultural and emotional layers of his novels and his transition into sci-fi.

Pen Name Origin:

BookHookup (BH): What inspired the pen name Benedict Stuart, and how do you differentiate between works under your real name and your pseudonym?

Boyko G. Ovcharov (BGO): First of all, I have always considered my pseudonym to be some kind of nickname that can  represent a different writing genre, a stage of development, even a turning point. In general, a pen name should be positive, inspiring and suitable. It may also give the author more confidence and courage sometimes. A better self that resembles the notion of acting, as suggested even by Shakespeare.

 

Career Crossover:

BH: How has your background in business and management influenced your storytelling and research approach?

BGO: Basically, in social science and business, in particular, causal links are of utmost importance. The same goes for writing a novel. Understanding human behavior, personal motives, psychological dynamics is a key factor to effective world-building in literature. To being convincing and realistic.

 

Writing & Creative Process

Genre Shifts:

BH: You've written memoir, romance, and sci-fi. What draws you to switch genres so fluidly, and what unique challenges does each present?

BOG: Thanks for your compliment on my style. Life is incredibly diverse and complex, so various genres help us look at it from different angles. Therefore, every specific writing style has its own features, including advantages and limitations. However, a multi-genre approach can be really rewarding, but far from easy. In that case, it needs to be carried out properly and coherently, avoiding unnecessary confusion as much as possible.

Interdisciplinary Roots:

BH: How does your scientific/academic training inform your narrative structure and character development?

BOG: Hopefully, nowadays science and academic work is more practical and usually tested in real life. Presumably, the same applies to contemporary literature, i.e. blending of genres, realistic portrayals, creating relatable characters, diverse voices and experiences, as well as themes that are relevant to the present day. In other words, experimentation with narrative structure.

 

‘Swiss Cheese Method’:

BH: In past interviews, you mentioned using a “Swiss Cheese technique” to write bit by bit—can you walk us through that process during a project?

BOG: The Swiss cheese method is 'a productivity strategy that involves breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable segments' or actions. It helps avoid procrastination by adopting a step-by-step, incremental approach. Originally, it is a business management technique, which could be really useful in our daily routines and projects. It gives us a sense of accomplishment and discipline. On the other hand, it is a nice metaphor that refers to being patient, getting more mature, wiser, especially when learning and/or teaching. For example, languages or some practical skills like creative writing.

By all means, it is good not to rush and the written work itself needs be well thought out at the end.

BH: Thank you for sharing your insights with the BookHookup community. We’ll explore the cultural and emotional roots of you novels, and your shift into sci-fi, and how you balances fiction with reflection in part 2 of this interview.

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Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites. 

 

About the Author 

Boyko G. Ovcharov, who also writes under the pen name Benedict Stuart, is a Bulgarian author whose work spans memoir, romance, and dystopian sci-fi. With a background in business, academia, and language education, his writing blends intellectual depth with emotional insight, often exploring themes of identity, human connection, and cultural heritage. Whether weaving Balkan folklore into a romantic narrative or tackling philosophical questions in speculative fiction, his stories invite readers into richly imagined worlds grounded in universal truths.

When he's not writing, Boyko enjoys teaching, listening to music, and exploring the mysteries of learning and creativity. His books have received international recognition, including awards for cover design, and he continues to write with a passion for growth, discovery, and meaningful storytelling.