An author’s dream: You have a new novel coming out and when you drive by your favorite bookstore in the world, they’ve devoted their entire front window to your book. And they’ve also planned a huge book release party.

Sometimes dreams do come true. This morning as I drove through downtown Palmer, Alaska, I saw that the front windows of Fireside Books had been painted with the cover of my new book, To the Bright Edge of the World. (The owner’s niece, Tiffany Cheezem, did the beautiful painting.) The sight of it set off a wave of emotion in me – thrilling excitement, love and gratitude, and also a sense of nostalgia. Fifteen years ago, I used to walk by that window with anticipation and read the sign, “Bookstore Coming Soon.” A few years later, I was hired as a bookseller at Fireside, and the owners, David Cheezem and Melissa Behnke, quickly became dear friends.

David, Melissa and all the staff at Fireside Book were instrumental in welcoming my debut novel, The Snow Child, into the world, and I’m so grateful to once again have their support.

The Bright Edge book release party is at 6:30 p.m. August 2 at the train depot in downtown Palmer, Alaska, just across the street from Fireside Books. Everyone is welcome! Copies can be reserved by contacting Fireside Books at (907) 745 2665 or www.goodbooksbadcoffee.com.