It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an aspiring author who interviews her writing heroes, must fangirl over said heroes.
Hi Rockstars!
Do you like whimsy YA romance with a dash of magic? Because if you do, I’m about to introduce you to a gem of an Indie author and friend.
I met Amber Lambda through an Instagram chat years ago (thank you social media), and not only is she a supportive writer and Insta buddy, but she is also the kindest and most gentle human. Her writing style is just as sweet, like cotton candy and pixie dust.
I’m not exaggerating.
I was able to interview Amber for this month’s Author Spotlight, and also to celebrate the release of her YA magical realism romance, Comets Fade With Summer.
The title alone feels like magical summer evenings, does it not? Check it out.
High school is hard enough without an imaginary friend you’re falling in love with…
Social chameleon Halley Brighton thought she’d already found a way to shine in this world—by adjusting herself to reflect everyone else. But when a cross-country move leaves her ghosted by all of her friends, Halley learns how lonely blending in can really be. So lonely, in fact, that her long-forgotten childhood pal West reappears to offer moral support until she can find her place again.
Too bad West is completely imaginary. Especially since he’s much taller, sweeter, and more attractive than Halley remembers.
Mortified by the thought of being stuck with an imaginary friend through sophomore year, Halley scrambles to find a real friend before school starts. Except all of her strategies keep backfiring in her face. Not to mention that West makes Halley feel seen in a way no one ever has and she finds herself wishing for things that can never be.
With summer coming to a close, how can Halley possibly find anyone as perfect as West and get her normal life back? Or even worse—what happens if she doesn’t want to?
Absolutely lovely (and hilarious), don’t you think?
I’ve always found it fun to interview authors and ask them my five Spotlight questions, and Amber was no different. Check out her answers:
Why do you write?
I want to fill the gap on the shelf with current, fun and relatable books for young teens, without all of the explicit romance and language that is so prevalent on the shelves. I write the books I wish I had as a teen, and know there has to be teens who still want them today!
What/who inspires you in life (not in your writing, but in general)?
God’s creativity and humor in the big and little things never ceases to inspire me!
What are some of your favorite things?
Manga, k-drama, shipping my favorite fictional couples, yea and coffee, cats, socks, and cute bugs like snails and rolly pollies.
What would your perfect day look like and how is it different from your actual everyday?
Ooh let’s see! My ideal day would be getting up early to study, pray, and write/edit in the quiet cozy, followed by a fun breakfast and homeschool day with my son, adventuring to the park or library where I can sneak in some reading or writing, and finishing the day out with some family time or video games with my hubby before I fall asleep reading. Right now I have to work in the evenings though, so I only get about half of these things squeezed in. And it’s usually the writing and quality quiet time that get pushed to the side amidst the tasks and errands that *aren’t* part of my ideal day haha. I’m hoping for less work out of the home in the future, but until then, planners and tiny goals have become my BFFs. XD
If you could invite a group of writers (dead or alive) to a tea party, who would it be?
The Christian Mommy Writers would definitely be my top pick for a writerly tea party! 🫶🏻
Did I not say she was the kindest and most gentle human? I also didn’t know that she homeschooled her son, which was a fun tidbit because I myself have homeschooled my kids on and off for the last ten years.
To keep in touch with Amber, or to check out her other books, click here.
I was also able to ask Amber two bonus questions for my newsletter subscribers: What’s in store for Halley and Isaac? (her Comets Fade With Summer characters) and What is her top advice for young readers? To read those answers, and learn more about my VIP Circle, click here.
Now, to celebrate the release of her novel, Comets Fade With Summer, I am doing a super whimsy giveaway this month. It includes:
- One “Girl Hero” pink and teal journal.
- One Comets Fade With Summer character art card.
- One Comets Fade With Summer sticker
- Two magnetic bookmarks (whimsy flowers in pink and blue)
This giveaway will run until October 27th and a winner will be randomly selected through my VIP Circle by October 30th. Open to U.S. residents only.
Did you like this post? Then consider joining my VIP Circle and don’t miss out on all my additional content (monthly giveaways, Digital Swag Bag access code, bookish recommendations, short inspirational messages, and more!). Click HERE.
And if you want to collaborate with me don’t be shy. I love to work with fellow writers, spotlight authors, and host writing challenges. I’ve also been known to swap short critiques on occasion. Reach to me here.
Melissa Muhlenkamp 
What a very lovely author spotlight and giveaway! Any chance you could rig who the winner is…? 🫣😉😅 Hahaha. Also, whatever happened to the HP giveaway???
I’m so glad you liked it! Unfortunately, that’s beyond my power to do 🫣. But sometimes the winners don’t reply in time, so I have to select new ones. Maybe hope for that 🤷🏻♀️? The HP giveaway winners have all been contacted, and I am mailing out the items next week. What are your name initials? Almost everyone who entered won something. Did you check your email? I actually have two extra mini Marauder’s maps left. Reply to my VIP Circle newsletter email and I’ll send you one 🫶🏻.