Wildflowers 99 Cent Tour

"This story deals with some strong issues, so it is not for the faint of heart." ~ Christina

"What a beautiful and sad story,one of the saddest I've ever read."  ~ Emma

A tragic love story filled with tough choices, sacrificial love, and a chance for redemption.

Wildflowers by Schledia Benefield will give readers hope amongst the darkness.

Pick up the ebook for 99 cents at Amazon.

Tour Schedule:

March 25
[YA] Between the Lines Author Guest Post
Ohana Day Academy Review
The Avid Reader Book Promo
Brooke Blogs Character Guest Post

March 26
Rayborn Rambles Review 
Cabin Goddess Author Interview & so much more

March 27
Now is Gone  To Outline or Not to Outline
Lubs Book Chatter Author Guest Post & Review

March 28
Library Girl Reads & Reviews Fairy Tale vs Reality

Sab The Book Eater Top Ten Favorite Books EVER

March 29
Pieces of Whimsy Author Interview
Curling Up With A Good Book Top Ten list 
Alli's World Character Guest Post

Have you ever feared what may be hiding deep within you?

Darkness often skulks in the blood of unsuspecting victims, but Aster McGrath is acutely aware of the violence coursing through his veins. After all, he is the son of a murderer, and everyone in the town of Bayville, Mississippi says he will end up just like his father.

When Susan Blackman moves into town, Aster has already embraced his brutal nature, but her gentle spirit draws him in and slowly melts the icy exterior of his heart. Taming his savagery, she professes her love, but will the good within him be able to overcome the evil lurking deep inside? Or will the fiend break free of its fetters and seek blood?

A GWR Publicity tour paid for by the author. Girl Who Reads is an advertising affiliate with Amazon and IndieBound; a small fee is earned when purchases are made using the above links.

Related articles

• Wildflowers - Young Adult story of "sacrificial love and redemption" (cabingoddess.com)
• Pub Day Book Blast & Giveaway: Wildflowers (girl-who-reads.com)
• Today's Feature: Wildflowers by Schledia Benefield (librarygirlreads.blogspot.com)
• Wildflowers by Schledia Benefield book blast & giveaway (frellathon.com)
• Friday Fun with Schledia Benefield (girl-who-reads.com)

Bloggers Needed! Young Adult Tour

Join the whirlwind tour for Schledia Benefield's latest young adult contemporary novel

Wildflowers

Have you ever feared what may be hiding deep within you?

Darkness often skulks in the blood of unsuspecting victims, but Aster McGrath is acutely aware of the violence coursing through his veins. After all, he is the son of a murderer, and everyone in the town of Bayville, Mississippi says he will end up just like his father.

When Susan Blackman moves into town, Aster has already embraced his brutal nature, but her gentle spirit draws him in and slowly melts the icy exterior of his heart. Taming his savagery, she professes her love, but will the good within him be able to overcome the evil lurking deep inside? Or will the fiend break free of its fetters and seek blood?

A GWR Publicity Tour paid for by the author.

Related articles

• Wildflowers - Young Adult story of "sacrificial love and redemption" (cabingoddess.com)
• Today's Feature: Wildflowers by Schledia Benefield (librarygirlreads.blogspot.com)
• Friday Fun with Schledia Benefield (girl-who-reads.com)

Friday Fun with Schledia Benefield

I would like to thank Donna for welcoming me to her Friday Fun post. 

 

I thought that I would share a little about how Wildflowers came into existence and evolved into the novel that now stands. 

 

In doing this, I want to first share a little background: To begin, I will let you all in on a part of my personality. I’m an upfront person who doesn’t mind sharing with others my past experiences. I’ve been down many rough roads throughout my life, and I believe that by sharing the choices I’ve made and the consequences of them, I may be able to do one of three things: prevent someone else from going down that road, help someone already on that path to find an escape route, or pour a little healing oil on those who’ve already made it to the end of that highway.

Before I met my husband I entered a relationship that seemed to be wonderful in the beginning, but all of that began to slowly change. Abusive language was the beginning of the spiral down, which ended in physical abuse. I suppose it was during that time that a dormant seed was planted in my heart. Years later, when I began chasing my dream of writing novels, the seed was watered, causing it to germinate. It began to grow into a beautiful wildflower. During certain times of the year here in the South, our roads are lined with gorgeous black-eyed susans. Every time I drove to town, I would allow my mind to be whisked away by their beauty. I was always taken to a story where there was a young girl named Susan with blonde hair and chocolate-brown eyes, and she was trapped in an abusive marriage. So, one day, I sat down and wrote: 

WILDFLOWERS

As I stand here today, I look down upon the face of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known—inside and out. My heart quietly breaks as the attendants close the creamy white casket I picked out only yesterday. 

 

What do you say when you are officiating the funeral of the only woman you’ve ever loved; the young, teenage girl who saved your life when you were just a wild and crazy boy heading down a path of destruction? The blossoming lady you never took the opportunity to tell just how much you loved; the beautiful bride you watched marry another, someone who could never deserve such an amazing human being. The one person you desperately desired to tell exactly how you felt. The beaten down woman trapped in oppression and obsession who you wanted with your whole heart to save, but you couldn’t find the courage to do it. 

*** 

I intended to write Wildflowers in first person, and the voice was meant to be a friend from high school Susan had helped, and he was secretly in love with her. That scene was going to be the preface of the book…BUT when I finally sat down to write Wildflowers three years later, it turned out to be a very different story. For two solid weeks before I started writing, I had dreams every night about Wildflowers and how to reconstruct the story with flashes from the present to the past. It was then that I decided that it was best to write this particular story in third person, omniscient rather than first person. Everything about my protagonist and antagonist in the story changed during those dreams. The only similarity to the original idea I had was the title, Susan’s name, and her plight of an abusive relationship. I wasn’t discouraged by the whole idea being shifted; I was exultant! I knew in my heart of hearts that all the changes I saw in my dreams would make Wildflowers a better story.  

About the Author

Schledia Benefield is the author of Plain Jane, Pretty Boy, and her soon to be released novel, Wildflowers. She attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College but chose to be a stay-at-home mom for many years. She devoted eight years of her life to working with youth as a youth minister and has been invited to speak in a rehab to hurting and wounded women, giving them hope for a better future. She was the Keynote Speaker for Division 14 of the Key Club International’s divisional rally.

Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Schledia holds a sense of pride in her southern heritage. She presently lives in Big Point, Mississippi with her husband and four of her five children. On top of writing novels, she writes youth and children’s church curriculum, and she works as a substitute teacher at East Central Middle School. In her spare time, she reads, sews, and spends time with her family.

 Blog  *  Twitter

Buy Wildflowers at Amazon! 

Check out today's Pub Day Book Blast to enter for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card.
 

Girl Who Reads is an advertising affiliate with Amazon and IndieBound; a small fee is earned when purchases are made using the above links. The views, beliefs, and opinions expressed by guest post authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, or opinions of Girl Who Reads.

 

Related articles

• Today's Feature: Wildflowers by Schledia Benefield (librarygirlreads.blogspot.com)
• Wildflowers - Young Adult story of "sacrificial love and redemption" (cabingoddess.com)
• Pub Day Book Blast & Giveaway: Wildflowers (girl-who-reads.com)

Pub Day Book Blast & Giveaway: Wildflowers

From the author of Plain Jane comes a new young adult novel by Schledia Benefield

Have you ever feared what may be hiding deep within you?

Darkness often skulks in the blood of unsuspecting victims, but Aster McGrath is acutely aware of the violence coursing through his veins. After all, he is the son of a murderer, and everyone in the town of Bayville, Mississippi says he will end up just like his father.

When Susan Blackman moves into town, Aster has already embraced his brutal nature, but her gentle spirit draws him in and slowly melts the icy exterior of his heart. Taming his savagery, she professes her love, but will the good within him be able to overcome the evil lurking deep inside? Or will the fiend break free of its fetters and seek blood?

Fans of Nicholas Sparks' A Walk to Remember will fall in love with the young love, tough choices, sacrifice and redemption found within the pages of WILDFLOWERS.

Buy it TODAY in ebook & paperback at Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bloggers Wanted: Pub Day Book Blast

Have your ever feared what may be hiding deep within you?

Darkness often skulks in the blood of unsuspecting victims, but Aster McGrath is acutely aware of the violence coursing through his veins. After all, he is the son of a murderer, and everyone in the town of Bayville, Mississippi says he will end up just like his father.

When Susan Blackman moves into town, Aster has already embraced his brutal nature, but her gentle spirit draws him in and slowly melts the icy exterior of his heart. Taming his savagery, she professes her love, but will the good within him be able to overcome the evil lurking deep inside? Or will the fiend break free of its fetters and seek blood?

Schledia Benefield is celebrating the release of her new young adult novel Wildflowers with a $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. Bloggers sign up below to join the celebration. An html formatted post will be provided.

Schledia Benefield: The Heart of Plain Jane (a guest post)

Today, I am happy to have Schledia Benefield on my blog. She is the author of Plain Jane, which I reviewed earlier this week. You can read my review here. Please give a warm welcome to Schledia Benefield.

Hi everyone! Thank you, Donna, for inviting me to share a piece of my heart.

THE HEART OF PLAIN JANE

When Donna asked if I would be interested in being a guest on her blog I was eager to have the opportunity to share what inspired Plain Jane and its purpose.

HOW IT BEGAN:

On a cold night in November of 2008 while sitting in my parked van waiting on someone, a simple phrase popped in my head. “A lovely dress covered with lace and frills could enhance even the plainest of girls, and I was plain.” I had been pondering my life-long struggle with a low self-esteem. I’m not sure exactly when I began to feel that I wasn’t pretty, but I know that I was fairly young. Despite my early struggle with self-esteem, I always felt pretty when I slipped on a ruffled dress. The more ruffles and frills it had, the better I felt about myself.

As I contemplated what I recognized to be my own defense mechanism, Plain Jane came to life in my heart. I quickly scrambled through my purse, pulled out an envelope, and scribbled down the phrase. As the ink bled through to the paper, I knew I would be telling a tragic story of a girl whose self-esteem had been damaged through words as well as the lack of them and the path her life took as a result.

WHAT IT IS ABOUT:

The preface of Plain Jane begins with: “I crawled onto my bed with a bottle of sleeping pills in one hand and a bottle of vodka in the other. This way won’t hurt, and it shouldn’t take too long, I thought to myself. I could no longer endure the pain, the pain of being completely alone in the world.” Within the first sentence the reader is vividly aware that Aralyn’s story is one that leads to the issue of suicide.

I’ve had many responses to the preface, but I have been most frequently asked, “Is this a true story about you?”

WHY I HAD TO TELL HER STORY:

In response to that question I quickly answer, “No, Aralyn’s life is fiction; nevertheless, I did reveal many of my own emotions and struggles in order to tell her story." At times I had to tap into the deep recesses of my own heart and hurts to make her come to life. While my life was not the same as hers, I did face many similar situations which led to a low self-esteem, depression, and an attempt to end the pain I felt I could no longer endure.

What I went through was difficult for me to face, but once I reached adulthood I began to volunteer my time working with teenagers and often shared one-on-one or in small groups about my struggles. I wanted to try and help others who felt hopeless. Then in 2005 a family member took his life. I felt the pain of those left behind, and I watched my aunt suffer greatly. I knew what it felt like to be on both sides of that coin. I understood wanting to stop the pain, and I understood the pain suicide caused the family.

After that, I still shared my battle with depression in small settings, but I wanted to do more to help stop as many as I could from taking their lives. I know that it does get better and there is hope. I’ve written stories throughout my life and have always dreamed of writing a novel, so when that phrase popped into my head, I realized that I could tell a story that serves several purposes.

THE PURPOSES:

To begin with, I wrote Plain Jane through the eyes of the main character so that maybe those who do not comprehend being in that kind of darkness can learn compassion and gain understanding. I secretly hoped that there would be many readers who have picked on their peers or even bullied them who would finally see the pain they have caused others. I desired parents and adults to be able to see resemblances in their children or friends and get them the help they need, but most importantly, I prayed that someone experiencing the darkness of depression would find hope.


Thank you Schledia for your guest post and sharing about Plain Jane. It is an incredible book and think everyone should read it. You can find out more about Plain Jane and Schledia Benefield at the following links...

Plain Jane Facebook 
On Twitter: @Schledia

Buy Plain Jane at Amazon

The views, opinions, and beliefs expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Girl Who Reads. Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the links above. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.

Emotional, Powerful: Plain Jane

Plain Jane by Schledia Benefield
Paperback, 272 pages
Published February 2011 by Xlibris Corporation
ISBN 9781450032803
Read June 2011

I knew from the preface that this would be an emotional story. What I wasn't expecting was to be catapulted back to my childhood. In many ways, I could have been Aralyn and I saw what life could have been had I made a few different choices growing up. The first few chapters had me both shedding tears at the loneliness Aralyn felt and smiling at the memories of being a child of the 80s (big hair, fluorescent clothing, and multiple watches).

Schledia Benefield writes a powerful story that many teenagers would identify with. Once you start reading you'll find yourself swept up into the emotional undertow that is the life of Aralyn (aka Plain Jane). Several times I would find myself picking up the book thinking I would spend only a few minutes reading a couple of  pages, maybe a chapter, but then hours later realize I had blown through many chapters. This is due to both the compelling story and the easy flow of words on the page. 

I believe every teenager and anyone who has teenagers, works with teenagers, knows a teenager should read this book. It is a realistic look into the mind of teenagers. Many times when I read stories of tragic teens there is a sense that too much has occurred (you know, "can't the character catch a break" runs through your mind), but not with Plain Jane. Just like in any person's life there are highs and lows and we get to experience both with this story. 

Plain Jane is the best piece of realistic teen drama I have read in a long time. The plot is spot on; you would think that you are reading a real person's biography. The writing is superb. Like I said, the words flow nicely and the chapters transition seamlessly to the point you don't always realize you finished one chapter and started the next.


You really should read this book and now would be a great time to buy it. For the rest of the year, 25% of profits from Plain Jane will be donated to the Yellow Ribbon Foundation, a suicide prevention program. You'll want to have a Kleenex or two handy when you embark on this journey, but you don't want to miss out on this powerful, emotional novel. 

I'm excited to announce that Schledia Benefield will be on my blog on Friday with a guest post about what inspired her to write Plain Jane. 


I received Plain Jane free from the author. The above review is my honest opinion and was not influenced by the receipt of a free book.