For Gilbert, it was a labor of love, developing his main characters, Megan Bourne, a journalist and freelance writer, and Brian Fleming, a Chicago school board administrator. When Megan and Brian meet, it is kismet, which leads to a slow burning and eventually, smoldering relationship. This heightened romance marries all the facets of Native American lore into a timeless love story made poignant by love and loss in the Land of Enchantment.

    For him, it is a victory, not just in the creation of the book, but in what happened while he was writing it. It is a testament to any writer, artist, and author trying to stay true to their craft while facing untold obstacles.

    First, his father died. Putting words on paper seem to help him find solace in his grief. Then a series of operations, including two total hip replacements, left him unable to work, physically and emotionally stressed and with (perhaps) a permanent limp.

    But all this, in an odd way, left him time to write, which he did, faithfully focused despite pain and the need to provide for his family.

    Shortly thereafter, when his mother died, the dream of becoming a novelist became even more of a passionate pursuit.

    Gilbert kept the faith, rewriting, editing and honing his story while seeking the help of professional editors. He wrote to eighty-five book agents, only to find the trail getting colder on the road to success.

    He then forged a working relationship with Aventine Press, resulting in a beautifully told romance that speaks well past its specific genre.

    Gilbert found the writing of the book to be only the first step into a longer journey. But with each step forward he has redefined and focused on the goal at hand.

    From various roles in the entertainment industry to backbreaking work at a day job, to the life a published writer, Gilbert reflects, “It’s the hardest job I’ve ever loved.”