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My debut novel was inspired by a road trip my sister and I took when we were in our twenties. The first two chapters have much truth to them. The story is a journey of hearts, of learning and sharing, and shares life messages. My focus was about love of family and how consideration and love can heal wounds and hearts, and even alter lives.
One foundation of the story is about dreams and hopes. As I started writing this story and looked back on my life, I realized I was writing about something I didn't understand -- the reality of destiny. In high school I dreamed about being a flight attendant and I applied to many airlines. They were not hiring so I went to college. But, six years later during our road trip, our car broke down in the west Texas desert and we were stranded in El Paso. We worked to pay for the repairs. While there, I met a man who worked for Continental Airlines and encouraged me to return in six months for an arranged interview. I did return. I interviewed and I got the job! How was it possible that I got the thing I wanted most ... because our car broke down in the middle of nowhere, in a town we had no plans to stop? I now believe in destiny, so I stand and say out loud, "If you believe strongly in your dreams the universe will help you achieve them!"
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
The Golden Hearts Club by Cinda K. Swalley features two sisters from Ohio and their adventures while traveling across the country. Megan and Katie had been preparing for the trip over the past year. The two girls embark upon their drive and head to Florida. While sitting in their tent, they create The Golden Hearts Club, stating that anyone who showed an act of kindness would become a member. As they travel to Arizona, Katie falls ill and Megan stops at an old inn. A Native American innkeeper allows the girls to stay in a room. Rose helps Megan nurse Katie back to health. Back on the road, the girls enter California. Because of her attraction to horses, Katie convinces Megan to stop and enter a pasture to see some up close. A man approaches when he sees the girls trespassing. Did they run away? What kind of trouble did Katie get them in?
Cinda K. Swalley created a beautiful adventure story. The Golden Hearts Club title fits the overall theme of the book. What I liked the most about the story was the actual idea of sharing kindness with people, expecting nothing in return. During today’s constant turmoil, this idea would resolve many differences. Katie and Megan put into play their idea in every encounter they had with people. While the story changes narratives, the transitions were natural and their emotions were relatable. I could connect to Katie. Her personality and hobbies are the mirror image of mine. The artistic descriptions of the places the sisters traveled to would be perfect for a travel guide. I could envision every moment as though I were traveling with Katie and Megan. The Golden Hearts Club is a book that anyone could fall in love with. It is full of adventure, colorful characters, humor, and promotes the kindness that we all need.
