With Angel’s Wings
by Stephanie Collins
Genre: Memoir
Word count: 100,000
With Angel’s Wings is the true story of Laura, a young wife and mother of a three-year-old daughter. Her husband, Kevin, a marine, is deployed overseas, leaving Laura to give birth to their second daughter and handle the two young children on her own.
Thirteen days after the birth of her youngest, the pediatrician detects a heart murmur. That leads to just the first of multiple diagnoses for both of her daughters, sending Laura on an unexpected and emotional journey into the world of parenting medically-fragile, special needs children.
Right when Laura fears she will break under the incredible pressure, she encounters the beauty of true love, in a most unexpected and unconventional way.
With Angel’s Wings is available from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon UK.
Stephanie, how did you come up with the title for your book? Does it have any special meaning?
“With angel’s wings” is a quote from the story. It describes a stuffed angel cow that was presented as a gift to Laura and her daughter, Hannah. Secretly, the phrase was chosen as the title as a hidden “I love you” to the bearer of that gift – my angel, my husband.
What was the hardest part of this book to write?
I’m most proud of my honesty in the recounting of my tale. That being said, openly admitting to my darkest thoughts and feelings, as well as my biggest stumbles and falls, was difficult. I also struggled through scenes depicting pain endured by my daughters. Reading them still makes me cry.
Does your book have any underlying theme, message, or moral?
To parents of special needs children: “You aren’t alone. You CAN do this.” To professionals serving those families: “Here’s a perspective to remember when working with such families.” To the general public: “Are you curious about a life far removed from the normalcy of yours? Come peek through this window…”
What would/could a reader or reviewer say about this book that shows they “get” you as an author?
I think it would be nearly impossible for someone to read this book and not have a pretty good understanding of who I am. There is even a fair amount of inner dialogue to clear up any question about motivation or intent. With Angel’s Wings is simply me on paper.
Give us an excerpted quote from your favorite review of this book:
“I found this book impossible to put down! I had to keep reading to see how Laura and her family would make it through all that life was throwing at them.”
Where can people learn more about your writing?
http://www.withangelswings.net/
