Ever set out to do a favor for a friend, something you didn’t expect you would enjoy, and then discover doing the favor turns out to be a real pleasure? I recently had this experience.
Lara Schiffbauer and I have never met, but she has become one of my best friends. When I sent out a request for beta readers for Fancy, volume one of my novella series, Lara was the only one to respond. She has now read and edited all the novellas in the series, and her comments have been extremely helpful to me.
Let me tell you a little about Lara.
Lara Schiffbauer is a writer, licensed clinical social worker, mother of two, wife of one, and a stubborn optimist. She loves Star Wars, Lego people, science, everyday magic and to laugh. You can find Lara on several different social media sites, with all links listed on her website, laraschiffbauer.com.
When I first heard she was working on a novel, I decided I would buy it and read it in order to support her. When I learned later on that her novel was a fantasy, I gulped slightly, because that’s not a genre I enjoy. I think maybe my imagination is too limited for such things. But I bought the book anyhow and set about reading it. Imagine my surprise when I got into Finding Meara and discovered I actually enjoyed reading it.
To keep her safe, Hazel Michelli’s parents never told her she was adopted, or that her birthplace was in an alternative land where magic and monsters exist. She found out the truth the day a ferocious winged creature stole her from her Denver apartment and delivered her to Lucian, the sadistic Lifeforce magician who happens to be Hazel’s biological father.
“Dysfunctional family” takes on new meaning when she learns Lucian must sacrifice a daughter to maintain immortality and take over the Realm. When Hazel’s younger half-sister disappears just days before the Rite, Lucian moves Hazel to the top of the sacrificial short list.
Afraid, yet compelled to protect her four-year-old half-sister, Hazel races between both worlds, searching for Meara while being hunted by Lucian. Their lives, and the future of the Realm, leave her no room for failure.
If you have any interest in fantasies, get this book and read it. In fact, even if you aren’t a fantasy lover, you might enjoy Lara’s great writing and the suspense she keeps hanging over you as you read.
You can order this book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple and Kobo. Do it. You’ll be glad.
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Winners from last week’s drawing: Patricia Sands, A. C. Cockerill, and Kitt Crescendo. Email me at dnwalkertx (at) gmail (dot) com to let me know whether you want Heaven Sent or first three volumes of Fancy series and whether you use Kindle or Nook.
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We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
For more information about David N. Walker, click the “About” tab above.
For more information about his books, click on “Books” above.
Contact him at dnwalkertx (at) gmail (dot) com or tweet him at @davidnwalkertx.
David – This is a terrific story. I’m continually amazed by the generosity and depth of wisdom fellow bloggers are willing to share.
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Thanks, Sheri – and you’re one of the wise and generous ones.
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I enjoy reading and writing fantasy. Lara’s book sounds amazing. I will be sure to add it to my TBR list and snatch it off Amazon 🙂
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Great, Angela. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
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Well, I’m a huge fan of fantasy and this book sounds positively delicious! Thanks for the intro, David. It’s great to meet another fantasy writer and I’m so pleased she’s become a great friend to you! I’m off to order the book, thanks again.
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Hi, Tameri! I really hope you enjoy the book as much as David did! It’s great to meet you to! 😀
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Glad to hear it, Tameri. Hope you love the book.
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Sounds like something I’d enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation, David. Good luck with the book, Lara!
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Thanks, Rhonda. Hope you but it and like it.
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Thank you, Rhonda!
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Thank you so much, David, and I’m glad you enjoyed the book! It always feels so great to know people like what you write, but it’s doubly-enjoyable when people who don’t usually like the genre you write in do! You’ve been a great friend back, and I am always humbled by your kindness. 🙂
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Glad to repay you a little bit, Lara. I don’t know what I’d have done without you while getting through the Fancy series.
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David you had me at… Laura is a writer, licensed clinical social worker, mother of two, wife of one, and a stubborn optimist. She loves Star Wars, Lego people, and science. I love this lady too! You go Laura! Keep that face to the sky and spirit lifted. Nice to meet you.
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Try Lara’s book, Karlene. You’d undoubtedly enjoy it.
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I’m glad that you read Lara’s book and actually enjoyed it, David. Perhaps you are stretching that imagination of yours.
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Oh, Barb, you really think I can learn new tricks at my age?
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I recently blogged about a similar experience I had with my first blog friend, Mae Clair. She, too wrote a fantasy book (which wasn’t a big deal because I enjoy fantasy, but hers had a historical twist that left me with doubts). I enjoyed it so much that I voluntarily did a review on my blog. It was fantastic! I’m glad you had a similar experience.
Her book sounds exciting, so I’ll also be adding it to my TBR pile!
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Thanks, Kitt. You’ll find it a well written page-turner.
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