Sandra Hanley spent her childhood making up stories and illustrating them. An avid reader, she has devoured about 3000 books in many genres. She taught elementary school for eight years, and middle school for five. She lives in beautiful Inland Northwest with her husband. Her hobbies are painting, crocheting, reading, writing and dreaming up imaginary worlds. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter at www.sandralena-hanley.com for upcoming stories in the Royal Rescue series for adults, as well as the Valdeor Chronicles for tweens and teens.
I think what I love the best about Hanley's stories, is that they never follow a predictable pattern. You have a cozy quest, but nothing goes quite like a "typical" quest story... the love interests are uncertain, there's a wholesome family, interesting people to meet and reconnect and a delicious attention to setting. I want more of the siblings! This was bittersweet, with seeing the Reina ill and the changes in her and her husband, but oh the children have captured my heart! I need a book about Jarell. *coughs in a gentle yet hinting manner*. Or the younger twins!!! They were too adorable. I loved the fact that at times, Xylander felt like Prince Rabadash had gone on a quest with Susan and Edmund. Another rollicking, inspiring, delightful adventure. Happy are the readers when they see Valdeor on the new releases!
Synopsis from the author: Princess Lauryn always expected to be the heir to Valdeor’s throne. Now she finds herself in a race against her twin brother Allyn to discover the whereabouts of the legendary firebird. Showing virtues on the quest will win her place as the next Reina.
Prince Allyn has never coveted the crown nor the responsibilities that go with it. But he must become a leader when he finds himself in dangerous territory with his younger brother and the pretty princess of Samarantha under his care.
Apart, the twins face foes on faraway shores, heartbreak, and betrayal. Can they reunite, tackle the firebird, and save Valdeor from the machinations of a foreign prince?