Lianna and the Hombit

Magical fantasy mystery

I am in the honored position of having read this wonderful book in advance of its publication. I love Valinora Troy's writing, and I was thrilled that she asked me to work with her on this book. Much as I love her previous "Lucky Diamond" trilogy, I am afraid the little hombit has captured my heart! Lianna is a wonderful main character. It is so easy to feel for her as she goes to a strange new country after the death of her father. Her grief is depicted so well. As is the conflict within her for independence and to be nurtured. The hombit, a magical glass bird on a mission, is so delightful. It brings a lot of humor, but it is provides so much emotion in its scenes with Lianna. This is a very moving book, which is appropriate when grief is a main theme. Readers familiar with the "Lucky Diamond" trilogy will get a nice surprise with some of the people Lianna meets, but there is no need to have read the other books to enjoy this one (although you really should read the other books, as they are great). I would have loved this book as a child (I still do as an adult!). I am extremely grateful to the author for trusting me with bringing the characters to life through the illustrations.