One month from today my latest book will be released–October 6. PUZZLE HOUSE is near and dear to my heart but is different from my usual fast-paced suspense and mystery novels. However, that makes sense. I’ve been living a different sort of life for more than five years. My life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with brain tumors and a genetic condition known as Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) in 2012.
Neuro…what?
That’s what Rachel Summers, the main character of PUZZLE HOUSE says when she’s diagnosed with it!
So what exactly is Neurofibromatosis Type 2? I’m glad you asked!
It’s a rare genetic condition that allows tumors to grow anywhere on the nervous system, but especially in the brain (almost always on the auditory nerve and vestibular nerve) and the spine. The Rare Disease Act of 2002 defines a rare disease as one that affects 1 in 1,500 people. So exactly how rare is NF2? About 1 in 25,000 to 40,000 people have it so as you can see it’s extremely rare which is why you probably haven’t heard of it either.
The tumors are almost always benign, but there’s two meanings for benign. One being non-cancerous and the other being harmless. The good news is that my tumors are not cancerous, the bad news is they are definitely not harmless. You might think Puzzle House is a really depressing story, right? I certainly hope not. My first goal when writing a story is always to entertain and that’s true with this one as well. In fact, the subtitle of the story is a novel of healing and hope.
I’m not going to give away the plot but I’ll give you a little hint. While unconscious after an auto-truck mishap, Rachel has a very special visitor who asks, “Do you want to be healed or to be a healer?” She makes her choice and that’s when her adventure begins.
I’ll be having more posts and information about PUZZLE HOUSE in the coming weeks but for now, I’d like you to know that it’s available to preorder on Amazon at the following link– PUZZLE HOUSE I hope you’ll take a moment to look at it and preorder it.
THANKS!
GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!
Tiaras & Tennis Shoes 
I would love to read this book. You are a very strong person. I admire how you are coping with this. My best to you.
Thanks so much Audrey.
Sounds like an interesting premise. My husband had NF1 (no, it didn’t even spoil his looks; the cancer seemed completely another thing). I think I always wondered whether NF2 didn’t logically have to exist, but this is the first time I’ve heard of anyone actually having it.
Thanks, Priscilla. It is rare but I’m not the only. There are a few facebook groups for people with NF 2. NF1 and NF2 are two different diseases, I’m not sure why they are both called the same since different chromosomes are involved with the 2 diseases.
Thanks Pam. I hope so!
Stories from our heart are often the best. Puzzle House will be no different, I’m sure.