COMFORT, Texas, March 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- A young orphan may be the next Mozart, and not even his absent parents or his rural West Virginia surroundings can hold him back. M. Bradley Davis tells an enriching, heartwarming tale in his new novel, A Spark of Magic: Musica Con Fuoco Op. 1 (now available through AuthorHouse).
For the first 13 years of Stephen's life, he has been a ward of the state. He has been constantly passed around West Virginia from foster home to foster home with hope that someone would accept him. When he was four, a caseworker noticed his aptitude for music and taught him piano. He soon accepted his talent and decided that he wanted a career in music. However, his new foster parents do not believe that he has a musical gift and deny him what he needs to realize his dreams. Instead of enduring their restricting rules, he runs away and seeks refuge in Clarkstowne, W.Va., although he knows no one there.
Now, without a last name but a huge talent for music, he chases his dreams while in search of a solid identity. He becomes enamored with Evan Ingalls, the respected conductor of the local symphony, who quickly recognizes Stephen's gift. Evan applies for custody of the boy and begins work to develop his raw talent. When Evan's wife and son, Michael, return home from a trip, the two boys become fast friends. However, as Stephen's abilities develop, friction threatens to disrupt the only secure home he has ever known. In the end, it is Stephen's character and not his talent that wins him all that he has ever dreamed of having.
An inspirational story of identity and acceptance, A Spark of Magic challenges perceptions of what it takes to survive and to find happiness.
A former elementary teacher, Davis instilled the ideas of respect, honesty and courtesy in his students along with the usual academic subjects. A respected educator, he is now the assistant director of technology for the Hill County (Texas) School District. Davis says his writing is inspired by the personalities of former students and the interactions he experiences with young people. A Spark of Magic is his third novel. He has also published Tunnel of Dreams and The Hand in the Mirror (both available through AuthorHouse).
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