This doesn't even feel real. I'm officially the published author of two books. Like, what on earth?! I think this calls for a 'virtual speech' of sorts.
The Dawn Chandler Series began in a purple composition notebook twelve-year-old Eliza bought in a drugstore. I don't think that girl had any idea it would go this far. Or that the story would change as much as it did. Dawn's name was originally "Deedee", Uncle Wesley was originally dead, and the story wasn't even set in Lone Pine. Oh ya! And Caroline's name was Paris for far too long. You get the picture...
Dawn and the Letters more specifically began in Fall 2016. Sixteen-year-old Eliza started plotting in her free time between school, her bread baking business, and theater rehearsals. She wasn't done editing Dawn Chandler, but wanted to get a first draft done of the sequel so she had a better idea of where the story was going. A lover of Nancy Drew mysteries, and recently inspired by Hallmark's Signed, Sealed, Delivered she set out to write a story revolving around the characters she already knew so well with a touch of mystery and an important message. On April 18th, 2017 she completed the first draft.
Let's fast forward to now. Now I've sold over 250 copies of Dawn Chandler and received countless sweet messages from readers both over the internet and in person. I've had young girls tell me they didn't like reading until they read Dawn Chandler. I've had adults tell me themes in Dawn Chandler convicted them. I'm amazed by how much this dream of writing a series has grown. I'm amazed by how God's used me and the passion He gave me to impact people in even just a small way.
Dawn and the Letters deals with the theme of learning to love your enemies (or just people who seem unlovable). This is something I've dealt with over the years as I'm sure many of you have. My prayer is that through reading Dawn and the Letters you won't only be entertained by the character's playful banter, but also inspired to love people more and ultimately to love our amazing God.
Looking forward, I don't have concrete plans for future Dawn Chandler books, although I believe they will happen at some point. I can see the story picking up when Dawn's a young teenager, but I'm not sure yet. My plan is to take a break from the Chandlers and Jennings, as much as I dearly love them, and pour my efforts into a different story that God put on my heart several years ago. I'm super excited and a little bit nervous about it. Starting something new can be intimidating.
I want to end this by encouraging each of you to take time to develop the gifts and passions that God gave you. It can be hard work, but in the end, it's so rewarding.
A few advanced reviews of Dawn and the Letters...
"This is a sweet, fun, story perfect for any middle-grade reader. Dawn is a charming heroine, and I really enjoyed the large Jennings family (I adore sibling stories and this book certainly has enough siblings to go around)!
While the story itself is fun and the adventure is satisfying, Noel has also woven in valuable Biblical lessons and principles. Readers of all ages will be able to relate to Dawn's struggle to forgive and love her enemies."
-Olivia Smit, author
"I loved this book just as much as I did the last one! And before I dive right in, let me just say that while I think that you should read the first one before reading this one, you wouldn't necessarily have to. So don't wait to read this great middle-grade read.
While it is a middle-grade novel, I think anyone and everyone should read Dawn and the Letters! It's a nice light read with some Biblical lessons to be learned and sarcasm. Can we talk about Kenneth's sarcasm! Just like every other boy on the planet, he's always thinking about food and making jokes at every turn. In fact, the whole book is realistically sarcastic! If you don't think so too, I think you skipped childhood sitting in a castle and being very proper. You might start reminiscing your own childhood/tween years while reading Dawn and the Letters!"
-Rachael, reviewer
"Perfect for elementary-school girls, Dawn and the Letters teaches in an engaging way that loving your enemies is the best way to go. The book is short and uncomplicated for young readers, with a simple and sweet plot.
Character-wise, Dawn is a good portrayal of an average Christian girl who's definitely not perfect and has typical, twelve-year-old struggles. I enjoyed her interactions with her siblings and friends, and all the different personalities Eliza created. Coming from a big, country family, I can definitely relate to the Jennings!
I give the design an A+. The cover is so cute, and the inside has some awesome extras, my favorite being a clean-cut, artistic map of Lone Pine. Book extras amp up any book for me, and I loved what these added to the story!
Eliza Noel has penned a fresh, appealing story that will take young readers to the beautiful mountains of Lone Pine. I can't wait to see what she'll do next!"
-Korin, reviewer
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