I wouldn’t even be working on Book Two of Island of Sheqer without the encouragement of my family and friends. When they tell me they enjoyed Book One and ask when the next one is coming, it fuels me to keep writing. On the days when I feel unsure about whether my words are making an impact, those reminders push me to keep going. Their support means the world to me.

But here’s the truth: encouragement alone isn’t enough for a writer. What I also need is feedback from readers outside my close circle. Let me share a story. A few years ago, a friend of mine made a CD. I loved it and thought it was wonderful. Later, I played it for a mutual friend without saying who made it. At first, he shrugged and said, “It’s okay.” But the moment I revealed it was our friend’s music, his response completely changed: “Wow, that’s amazing!”

That moment stuck with me. It showed me how feedback can shift when we know the person behind the work. Family and friends often cheer us on because they love us (and I’m so grateful for that), but there’s also something powerful about hearing from readers who don’t know me personally. Their honesty helps me grow.

So as I work on Book Two, here’s what I need most:

✨ Encouragement from family and friends. Their support keeps me motivated and helps me continue developing the characters.

✨ Honest, constructive feedback from other readers. Their perspective helps me sharpen my storytelling and take the story to a deeper level.

If you’ve read Island of Sheqer and you’re not a family member or close friend, I would especially love to hear your honest review. It will make Book Two stronger—and it will mean more to me than you know.

👉🏿 To make it easier, I have a couple of free author copies to give away in exchange for an honest review.

📬 You can reach me here:
🟠 Website: arielchildsbooks.com
✉️ Email: books@arielchildsbooks.com
🟠 Or simply leave a comment below.

Thank you for walking with me through this journey. Book One was just the beginning, and with your voices, Book Two can grow into something even more powerful.

🌱 Stories don’t grow in isolation. They grow in community—through encouragement, challenge, and honest conversation. Every reader who shares their thoughts becomes part of that growth. Island of Sheqer is more than my book; it’s a story I hope will belong to all of us, shaped by many voices along the way. Together, we can make Book Two something truly unforgettable.