Emily has had more adventure in her 10 years of life than most have in a lifetime. Abandoned by her biological parents, she was raised for three years by creatures which should have - in all reality - harmed her, not nurtured and cared for her. She was then whisked away to an orphanage where she gained a new love for a sport. Emily was then forced to enter the home of a wretched foster parent who worked her to the bone, and left her sick, scared, and mentally confused and uneasy. Her story of misfortune doesn't end there though. Emily is faced with a dangerous disease gained by not eating enough good food, and is taken to a children's hospital. Things begin to look up when she meets a few interesting patients, and a wonderful nurse called Sarah, and of course the Rainbow room. That happiness begins to fade when a mean medical director takes over the hospital and seems to be making it his life's mission to ensure children do not get better by being happy. A miracle to her unhappiness seems to appear in the form of a magic bottle one day, and from then on the real adventures begin. Come find out what the message in the bottle stated and what adventure Emily's life took her on afterward.

The Magical Tales of Dr. Baer: Emily's Miracle - A Story of Hope by Christopher Lombardi is an appealing, informative and ingenious tale, introducing readers to the innocence of being youthful on all levels of emotion and within all aspects of life. The author has created a highly relatable book for young children, with the insecurities, issues, and pure innocence the main character presents within different parts of the book. The character development is well thought out and highly creative. With the plot going from troublesome and a bit depressing to light hearted, funny, and exciting, it is a book that will keep young readers and some adults entertained for a good while.

The Magical Tales of Dr. Baer: Emily's Miracle - A Story of Hope is a lengthy children’s novel by Christopher Lombardi, which chronicles the adventures of Emily Sweet, an abandoned child who overcomes a difficult fostered upbringing. Emily’s Miracle is split into three parts, which narrate her journey to distant and secret lands, where she encounters incredible machinery (both for good and evil purposes) and talking animals, not least the enigmatic giant panda whose job it is to care for children everywhere. Amidst all this fantasy lies the story of a sick and mistreated child, who yearns for a loving family of her own, and learns the importance of hope and happiness along her journey.

Emily's Miracle - A Story of Hope is rather a heavy read for the intended age group, but when read with an adult I can well imagine children enjoying the personalities of Emily and her friends. The novel itself contains all of the classic elements that one would expect from children’s stories, such as the visually unappealing stepmother figure and the wicked hospital doctor (who eats raw onions), and on the whole I found it to be a pleasant read, if a little unoriginal. Author Christopher Lombardi, however, makes his purpose clear throughout the story, in the sense that Emily’s Miracle is really a novel intended to inspire all readers to join CSFR’s fight to make sad children happy, which is a very worthwhile cause. Overall, I’d say that the book is a worthwhile read for anyone who believes in and wants to contribute to this cause.

"In Emily's Miracle, Chris Lombardi speaks with a true voice; allowing the innocence of youth to inform, enlighten, and guide us all to those paths we seek; an engaging, imaginative, page turning ride."

Chris Lemmon (Actor/Writer and author of "A twist of Lemmon: A tribute to my father").

"Emily's Miracle is a feast for the senses...Lombardi blends fresh creativity with a sense of stated purpose."

-- Thomas Hill. Launchpad book reviews.

There are a few things you can expect when picking up a children's book. It has to be engaging, creative, and full of good lessons about life. You may expect the hero or heroine to have endured a great hardship, and chances are he or she is whisked away on an adventure that leads to all sorts of unforseen twists and turns.

Such is the case with Emily’s Miracle, the first release from author Chris Lombardi. Emily’s Miracle is a full-length adventure children's novel that is sure to be a feast for the senses. The author blends creativity with a sense of stated purpose as he meanders through the story of a little girl who had a rather rough start in life but then overcomes her shyness and fears to become a very important and special young lady.

The story begins with a narrator telling us about the humble and meager beginning of ten-year-old Emily Sweet. She is abandoned by her parents and left on a doorstep. She ends up spending time with wolves in the wilderness before being rescued. She falls under the protection of child protective services, who eventually finds a home for her.

Unfortunately for Emily, she ends up at the home of Haddie-Jo Kluttermuck, who couldn’t care less about her. Reminiscent of Cinderella, who is juxtaposed between her evil stepsisters, Emily is at the mercy of this maniacal, self-absorbed guardian.

Later, after she has been discovered to be ill, she comes under the tutelage of Nurse Sarah Walsh of the local children's hospital. Emily befriends many of the patients and starts to feel better. Nurse Sarah stumbles upon a message in a bottle one day that presents a surprise for her and her young patients.

The children at the hospital are introduced to a curious-looking lovable stuffed panda bear... who talks! The children are so excited! But their adventures are just beginning. That is if the sinister Dr. Hornsby, despiser of childhood happiness, doesn't get in the way.

While Dr. Hornsby comes up with a plan to destroy the children's' fun, Nurse Sarah learns more about the mysterious teddy bear, who is part of an organization that tries to bring more happiness to children--especially the ones who are sick, lonely, and afraid. She learns of a secret island where the organization exists. Nurse Sarah assists the organization in getting Emily safely to the secret island. Emily has been chosen!

Emily enters a whole new world full of more imagination than she could ever conceive of on her own. She meets new friends--some human and some animals--and learns of all the fun things they every day. There are no parents, no mean people, and no worries! What's not to love about that if you're a child; it's like getting to spend your entire life at the playground.

Chris Lombardi has done a very wonderful job with this first novel. His mission of helping children in their quest for happier, healthier lives comes through as we see Emily transform from a turtle in a shell to a beautiful, radiant, and capable girl. Many of Lombardi's supporting characters are well-thought out and play integral roles in either supporting Emily or plotting to get the best of her.

Perhaps the best part of the novel is the level of detail and attention Lombardi pays to creative
aspects of the piece. The secret island is completely invented from scratch; I imagine that he was able to put himself in the mind of a child who was looking for the most extreme way to have the most fun possible. Together with the dozens of contraptions, vehicles, and living beings that Lombardi created, this story appeals to the sensibilities of children, and is fresh and original.

This book is recommended for children ages nine to thirteen, but can easily be enjoyed by young adults and those who are "young at heart." I recommend this book to anyone who may be stuck emotionally and needs a pick-me-up!

Thomas Hill
Launchpad Book Reviews

Why is it important that children read "Emily's Miracle" and other Dr. Baer stories to come?
It's important that EVERYONE reads them. Of course, children are the first priority. "Emily's Miracle" is exciting, uplifting and inspiring, and show children in all circumstances that there is hope - that victory can be theirs if they persevere and ASK FOR HELP when needed. (Going to secretisland4.com can offer them help if needed). As for adults, well, lets just say they need reminding that there are a lot of children in need of help and that they need to do their part to see that no child is neglected in ANY way. I also feel that adults would actually enjoy the story and all of its plots and twists. "Emily's Miracle" is the first of many exciting and inspiring child saving adventurgations to come. Though a bit longer than many books of its genre, I've kept the chapters short, enlarged the font, and divided it into three exciting parts sure to keep any child's attention - so don't be afraid of its size because it reads quick. It's just the way it needed to be told. The child saving stories to follow definitely won't be as long, but I can promise will be just as or even more exciting. One cool thing is that after I have written more stories, they can be read in any order without confusion. Lastly, when you purchase a Dr. Baer story, partial proceeds will go directly into the "Dr. Baer Foundation" that will help to build or upgrade play-rooms in children's hospitals along with supporting parents of children who have taken ill or gone missing. That's the bottom line. For more information on CSFR Inc's second child saving adventurgation, visit secretisland4.com and check our UPDATES page. Thank you!