Lily by LM DeWalt

I just finished reading Lily by LM DeWalt and published by ireadiwrite Publishing, and let me tell you, this book ended before I was ready to say The End.

Lily is a tale about a lonely female vampire living in Oregon who longs for a release from the desolate isolation she faces each and every day of her immortal life. The problem is, her very nature means she must hide herself away, never allowing herself to feel what it would be like to have a relationship of any kind. After being abandoned by her maker who she had loved intensely both as a human and as a vampire, she has been a loner, never staying in one place very long. After a brief encounter with a human male in the apartment building where she had manged to live for two years — the longest amount of time she had ever stayed anywhere — Lily packs up her meager belongings and takes off. Finally tired of her hermit-like existence, she decides she will try and find others of her kind. Perhaps she would be able to find a place where she could belong, if only for a little while.

Before long, Lily finds herself not only expected by a loving vampire family, but also meets the love of her life. Could all this mean the end of her lonely existence? Tentative yet hopeful, Lily embraces the love and warmth of her vampire family. Not wanting to think about tomorrow or consequences, Lily also indulges herself in a romantic love that cannot be. All to soon, Lily realizes her past has the power to destroy her future. And all too soon, Lily finds herself in a fight for her life and all those she loves.

As soon as I started to read this book, I felt Lily’s keen sense of isolation and loneliness and despair. She is a character that I liked right away, and she reminded me of both Lestat with her world weary nature, and Louis in the ways in which she made her nature palatable to her conscience. I felt this keen yearning to know Lily completely, but the author unfurls every nuance of her character slowly, leading you willingly along on Lily’s journey. At times I couldn’t help the feeling of foreboding that crept over me, things felt deceptively easy and so normal, but I kept waiting for that proverbial other shoe to drop. But it also had me chuckling. I, for one, will chuckle whenever I think of coffee or a park bench. And it also has moments where you will say, “Awww.”

It was refreshing to read a vampire story from a female protagonist’s perspective. The only thing I found challenging was suspending my disbelief long enough to believe in love at first sight. I’ve discovered I’ve become cynical in this regard, unfortunately. This cynicism just made me want to believe in it all the more, if only to prove to myself that I haven’t become too jaded in my old age. When have any of us encountered true love? The kind of love that loves unconditionally and accepts you for exactly who and what you are, flaws and all, no matter what they may be? This book asks you for a moment to imagine what it would be like to bare your true self and leave everything exposed. That kind of vulnerability is very frightening, but empowering as well. It will make you want to take a closer look at all the important relationships in your life.

The question of nature vs. nurture also arose for me. Lily was still so young in a vampire sense, and unsure of herself. She was so much like an abandoned child who out of necessity must learn to fend for herself, but desperately needed the bond of love and family. Would she have been more confident and more immune to the feelings of loneliness and isolation if her maker had been a better nurturer who gently guided her? Or was this sensitivity just her nature?

Lily brings the suspense like a thriller, but it is also a sweet story about finding true love and finally finding a family to call your own. It’s about the bonds of trust and loyalty, and moving beyond the things that hurt us deeply and embracing our future. It has endearing characters, rivalry, and a villainous villain you will absolutely love to loathe. You will also be posed with the inevitable question; but you will have to read the book to find out what that question is.

A couple nights ago the Millan Foundation Spay and Neuter PSA launched on the National Geographic Channel. In case you missed it, here it is.

Like Cesar Millan, I agree with spaying or neutering your pet. It’s part of being a responsible pet owner. Every second an animal is abandoned at an animal shelter because there aren’t enough forever homes for them. Every second.

Every year, animal shelters in the US euthanize nearly 4 million dogs and cats. In Canada, the number is nearly the same. That is approximately 8 million innocent lives lost, and that number only represents the deaths we are aware of. The actual number is probably much worse. Unwanted animals die from exposure, disease, starvation, poisoning, and even cruelty. It is not a fate that any living creature deserves.

So please, spay or neuter your pet. Don’t add to the number of lives lost. Help prevent it.

You are the love of my life.

You know how they say the Universe conspires to bring you the things you desire? (The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho) I believe this to be true. (My Youngling is the most precious and beloved gift I have ever wished for and received.)

I believe that family may agree to disagree, love you flaws and all, and be your biggest fans and supporters. Family believes in you even when you don’t believe in yourself, and are there to pick you up off the cobblestones when you can’t walk anymore. (Did I ever tell my sisters just how fabulous they really are? What would I ever do without you? You, dear sisters, have been my rock and know my heart best.)

I also believe that true and dear friends (who I also consider my family) come into your life to help you grow and broaden your horizons. They perform unexpected acts of service that come from the heart with no desire or expectation for recompense. They may even help you to sprout wings you didn’t know you had and fly. (Thank you friends for being the extended family I always hoped for but never dared to dream I could have.) They also share great books with you. (Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and Connected Parenting by Jennifer Kolari)

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I also believe that there are people who touch your life only briefly but have profound meaning and messages to share. Today someone I will always remember, though I may never see them again said something to me that changed my life. (In regards to how my Youngling feels about me: “You are the love of her life.” Thank you for that, because I never thought of it that way. You are an amazing teacher.)

I believe I have been truly, truly blessed and fortunate in my life. So today I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes with you, dear reader. A quote from one of the people on the list of things I believe in. May it be as profound for you as it was for me, and make as much of a difference for you in your journey as it has made for me today.

“Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I believe that today was truly a wonderful day. What do you believe in?