Clark Fork author hosts signing for first novel

Clark Fork author, Deborah A. Elster, has recently released her first novel, “Only From Heaven”. Elster, a physical therapist for over 44 years, said her book is a story of love, loss, acceptance, peace and redemption.

In the novel, Reggie Thomas receives a frantic call from her niece, Jennifer Fiala. Lizzie, Jen’s mom and Reggie’s younger sister, has been found dead in her condo by a friend. Reggie flies to Florida to support Jen and her father, Franklin, Lizzie’s “ex,” while they arrange for the funeral and settle the estate, said Elster. Introspection follows Reggie as she, Jen, and Frank reconnect and share their grief and memories of an enigmatic woman who continually pushed her family away — but why?

“A Monarch butterfly, a lady in white … what significance do they have as Reggie ponders her mixed emotions about her sister?,” Elster said of the novel. “How do they help Reggie find peace and understanding? Is she able to find reconciliation?”

“If you like ‘The Shack’, you will love ‘Only From Heaven’. Deborah A. Elster skillfully tells the story of a hard life that finds redemption in surprising places. This book is a great tonic for our present age,” says Mary Haley, award winning Sandpoint writer and author of “The Great Potato Murder”.

“A story that rings true to life for anyone who has grown apart from a loved one and needs redemption, personally and spiritually.” Rochelle Cassella, congregational director of communications for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.

“ ‘Only From Heaven’ is a dreamy story of love and loss and acceptance. Lizzie’s depressive personality has a profound effect on those who love her. Funny how we all tend to feel we come up short when a family member carries such a burden … But as the lady in white offers peace, acceptance and unconditional love to Lizzie’s sister, so can we … for ourselves and others,” Sandpoint resident Kimberlee Langford said of the novel.

Elster has been a resident of Clark Fork for four years.

“The first time I came through this area, it felt like home — the Adirondacks of upstate New York. So, we moved here within six months of finding this gem.”

Born in Herkimer, New York, her love for the outdoors and mountains was fostered while spending summers at her family’s Adirondack camp. She and her husband have moved many times throughout the U.S., even living fulltime in their 40-foot motorhome for over six years. “I earned my mother’s nickname for me — her ‘gypsy daughter’. She has written many non-fiction articles on various topics; her love for writing now brings you her first novel.

“Only From Heaven” can be purchased in Sandpoint book and gift stores, as well as on Amazon in book or e-book format. A signed copy can be purchased by emailing her at [email protected]. A book reading, discussion and signing will take place at Kokanee Coffee, 509 N. Fifth Ave, Sandpoint, at 9:30 a.m. today, April 21.