“People can be more forgiving than you can imagine. But you have to forgive yourself. Let go of what’s bitter and move on.” ~ Bill Cosby
When people ask me what BENEATH THE MIMOSA TREE is about, I try not to get off course when I give them my “elevator summary of the plot.” Ultimately, the novel is about forgiveness, about time healing all wounds, about not only moving past something that caused a lot of pain, but also forgiving it. While one character lives with guilt and regret, the other is full of hurt and bewilderment. Can forgiveness be found between these two main characters, Annabelle and Michael?
As in real life, forgiveness plays a pretty big part in who we are as people. The ability to let go of both the small things and the big things help us become stronger, more loving individuals. It’s not easy to move on from hurt, but what’s the alternative? To hold onto it forever? That doesn’t seem healthy or in our best interest. Even when someone has disappointed us beyond belief or surprised us with actions that are astounding, we sometimes need to give it some room—let it have its space—and then, forgive it.
I’m really glad my first novel touched on this theme. It’s been great to hear people comment on the story. This week in particular, I’ve received some wonderful feedback from readers. I’ve enjoyed hearing from readers about how the novel related to their own lives. There are some striking similarities in some stories I’ve recently been told.
The novel I’m presently working on (and 20,000 words into…very excited!) has a whole new theme to it, and I can’t wait to put it out there for folks to read and digest the way they have BENEATH THE MIMOSA TREE. (As a little teaser for the new novel, it also delves a little into the world of professional baseball, but that’s all I’ll say about it right now. I may be a blogger, but I’m not a big mouth!).
Incidentally, if you live in the BALTIMORE METROPOLITAN AREA and can make it to THE BALTIMORE BOOK FESTIVAL next weekend, please stop by the author’s tent on SUNDAY. I’ll be there saying hi to folks and signing books from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
For more information on THE BALTIMORE BOOK FESTIVAL, CLICK HERE.
“You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.” ~ Lewis B. Smedes
