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Book Spotlight
Author: Melissa TaggartTitle: Canvas of the Heart
Pages: 201
Genre: Sweet Romance
Date published: July 15, 2014
Synopsis:
Canvas of the Heart is romantic novel about a young woman with cerebral palsy, and how she rises above the term disability through her relationship with friends, family, and above all, the man who becomes her husband.
Funny, sexy and inspirational, the book focuses on Lindsey’s insights, struggles and triumphs, teaching us that those with disabilities can also lead rich, full lives.
Excerpt
Sitting in my room reading a science fiction book I’d just bought from the local bookstore, I was excited by the job offer I had received from the store manager who wanted to replace an assistant who had just quit that morning. He had spotted me browsing the shelves, and as I was practically a daily visitor, he’d approached me. It was perfect timing, since I’d recently graduated from high school and was looking for a way to pass the time. I was eager to tell my best friend and neighbor, Becky, about the job.
She came over almost every day to hang out with me after work. Her family had moved in next door a few months ago, but while I saw her frequently, it took me a while to warm up to her. I’d always been a shy and awkward person, which was the main reason I had no close friends. Too often, experience had taught me that getting close to people never ended well, and I’d spent enough time getting hurt. Becky seemed to accept me as I was and saw me as person rather than a person with a disability. We started chatting more and more often.
Gradually I came to trust her, and we’d known each other for more than two months before she asked why I was in a wheelchair. I told her that I had a disability called cerebral palsy, but a less severe version, which was a mix between spastic and ataxic forms. In my case, the part of the brain that controlled the ability to walk wasn’t functioning.
A knock at the door distracted me. “Come in,” I said.
“Hey,” Becky said, sending me a smile as she poked her head through the door.
“Hi,” I said, closing my book.
Becky was a cute redhead with creamy skin and a dusting of freckles across her nose. She had an outgoing personality and a warm smile. I was always comfortable in her presence.
“How did it go today?” she asked, sitting on the bed beside me.
“Great!” I grinned broadly. “I got a job.”
“Let me guess,” she said. “The bookstore?”
“I start tomorrow.”
“That’s great!” Becky hugged me.
“I’m so happy for you. You love books, so you’ll be perfect for the job.”
“Well, the pay isn’t much, but it will at least give me some pocket money.”
“Hey, it’s a start,” Becky said.
“How was your day?” I asked. Becky’s job at a music store was always a source of entertaining stories.
“Same old,” she said. “I just wanted to come over and check up on you before I get going. I have a date tonight with Jason, that hot guy I told you about.”
“Have a good time,” I said as she gave me a quick hug and left. “Let me know what happens,” I called after her.
About the AuthorGeorgia native Melissa Taggart is a believer in tackling challenges. Diagnosed with CP at the age of three months, as a child she discovered that writing offered her a way to deal with a speech impediment. It not only paved the way for better communication, but she transformed a challenge into the voice of a writer eager to teach the world that people with disabilities are people with the same lives, loves and longings as anyone else.
Through Melissa’s amusing, insightful and touching stories, she addresses issues and common misconceptions in a way that will open the eyes and hearts of readers everywhere. Her goal is to deliver her special message with humor and candidness, as well as bring greater awareness about the real world of the disabled.
When Melissa is not busy creating the universe of Lindsey, Jason and Max, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also volunteers part-time in a first grade classroom helping the kids with worksheets and games and other activities..
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