I’ve been sitting on this for months now. I was hoping a spark of inspiration would set me on the path to address the burning questions saturating this blog. What is the update? When will there be one? Is the next book still going to be published? Do we have a release date yet?
My name is Sarah Holyfield. I am one of Melissa’s mentioned twin daughters in her acknowledgements section of her books. I share the same love for A Pattern of Shadow and Light and the world she created as all of you. I grew up surrounded by it, and when the time was right, my beautiful mother allowed my sister and I to read her life’s work 🙂
My mother’s best friend, beta reader, and assistant for many years, Heidi, spent over a year working to groom through what Melissa had written of Book Six. Any notes Melissa had, plot points recorded, voice memos, etc. She even went through the other books and made notes of important mysteries not yet revealed. Heidi organized all of this to be able to predict the work needed to finish the series. This task could not have been done by anyone else.
As for the much anticipated update on where this project stands; here is what I can tell you. The Sixth Book will definitely be published. It is not forgotten and we are working on getting the best version of it finished and ready to be released. My mother called herself a “pantster”, writing by the seat of her pants. She said the characters and their paths often wrote themselves, and in the end she would weave their paths together so the book made sense sequentially. That being said, there is a lot to do to finish up this series. It is moving, and it’s very important to me to get it finished.
I don’t have a publication date yet. I am thankful for your patience, continued loyalty to Melissa and this series, and enthusiasm for A Pattern of Shadow and Light. I look forward to bringing this book to you all.
In lieu of a release date, I thought I would share a shade of what’s coming. I consider this to be only fair with how long it’s been since you’ve had an update. The title of the Sixth Book, titled by none other than Melissa herself:
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. I was glad to find this update and that the story won’t be left unfinished. Thank you for carrying on and honoring her memory through your work on these books. Sending encouragement to you!
This is so sweet
Awesome thanks for the update glad that you are pushing through:). So many give up in tough times!!!! This just shows the strength of your family and friends!!!!
Oh this is wonderful news! Thank you so much for the update.
Oh I am so glad to see this!
For one thing, I am such a fan of this series and Melissa herself. I’m super excited to see that Heirs of Adonnai will be published, whenever that may be!
Aside from that, though, I am also the child of a parent who died suddenly (and far too young) from Pancreatic Cancer, just as Melissa did. My thoughts and prayers have been continuously with you guys throughout all of this. It’s the worst club to be a part of.
Wishing you all the best! Thanks for keeping us up to date.
Thank you soooo much for this much anticipated update, im sure i speak for most when i say we greatly appreaceate the work being done and effort put in to conplete Melissa’s amaizing work. Also, what a great name for the book!
Thank you, Sarah for giving us this little bit of what you can share. Your mother’s books have helped shaped my perception of the world and I am so glad to know that progress is being made on the last chapters of this series.
Oh how this warms the heart. Thank you so much for the update
Sarah,
Thank you for this update -And the title “HEIRS OF ADONNAI”…. This title alone creates the excitement of it all.
Honestly, I can’t wait. But of course I will.
Thank you for working through your grief and walking in your mother’s footsteps. An incredible woman; rise into her footsteps
Your words fill me with hope. I can’t thank you enough for doing this! With all you’ve been dealing with carrying through on your mother’s legacy must surely be daunting, but you (with a little help from your friends), are going to make this happen. Thank you . I love Melissa’s books and the world she created. Just know that we are behind you 100%!
I am saddened by her loss and feel for you and your family with her passing. Her books are so great with such emotion and passion you can feel in the writing of each character. Hopefully you are all able to bring together what was a great series to the end she would of envisioned. Thank you for another update into that world I have come to adore.
Thank you, Sarah! There are a few of us in the Facebook group who defend “IT WILL BE DONE WHEN IT’S DONE” when new people find their way in. I speak for my Husband and I but your mother’s work still is a comfort series and I’ve lost count of the amount of times we’ve listened to all the books. We thank you, Heidi and everyone else involved in what little closure you can give to your Mum’s adoring fans. We appreciate it more than you could ever know.
First of all let me personally say that I’m sorry for your loss, losing a parent is a terrible thing to happen. Thanks for the update, I’m sure I don’t just speak for myself but take all the time you need. I spoke to Melissa a few times online and cane to realise what a lovely person she was, always ready to interact with her fans.
Dear Sarah,
Thank you, for the update, the understanding of a need for one, and the joy of being able to share your beautiful mother’s amazing imagination.
Thank you!
Thank you for the update! I just finished my third read through and I am aggressively standing by for the rest of the series.
Hello Sarah!
As a fan of the series and your mothers work, I just want to thank you and Heidi for all the hard work you have been putting in for the community! We truly love the world Melissa created and are very appreciative of you working to try and wrap up the story for us the best you can.
I wish you and your family the best! I know losing a loved one can be very difficult, especially with the added stress of trying to finish the masterpiece your mother has created!
I truly look forward to reading the Heirs of Adonnai!
Best Regards,
Will
Thank you for this update, i wait in anticipation along with all the others who love this series.
Thank you
Thank you for the update! I can’t imagine the work that has to go into constructing the next book, let alone the emotions you all must be experiencing as you embark on such a task. All I can say is thank you and I hope you have been able to pull some joy from working on her stories.
Dear Sarah, thank you for this update. I am beyond impressed by this major task Heidy and your family has taken on. I own all of the books in the series and will be buying book 6 upon release. I’m thrilled you are all pulling thru to bring this book to fruition.
Thank you for pushing forward and for the update!
I’ve loved Melissa’s writings and found them a comfort, joy, and companion ever since they entered my life
Thank you so much for the update Sarah, I’ve been reading fantasy for 40 years and your mother’s work is amongst the very best I have read. It’s amazing that you are continuing the journey I wish you all the best and thank you for the title.
Sarah,
Thank you for the update. Also, my deepest condolences for your loss. I applaud you in trying to finish your mother’s work. Your mother’s writing has moved so many of us that I’m sure it did you as well. I look forward to the completion of your mother’s work and wish you well in all your future endeavors. God Bless you.
Jim Miller
Sarah, thank you so much for the long awaited update! As a huge fan of this series I am grateful for you and Heidi bringing your mother’s beautiful story to it’s conclusion. I’ve read a lot of fiction and Melissa was truly a genius, and one of the best, she deserves to be more well known than she is, I tell everyone about this series. I wish you and Heidi all the best in this massive undertaking.
Thank you for the update! Looking forward to Heirs!
Thank you for the update. The title of the 6th book is perfect. Take as much time as needed. When its finished and I read this book I know it will be like no time has passed because the world and especially the characters Melissa created continue to live on in story. Thank you Sarah, Heidi, and everyone working on this project.
Thanks for the update!! I’m excited to read the next book as it’s like Melissa is still with us. I’m sorry for your loss, but I think it’s nice that everyone will always be able to pick up one of her novels and feel her presence! Just know that every interaction I ever had with her was very pleasant and awesome!
I am so grateful to hear it’s being worked on, I can’t imagine how difficult it is to do.
I check back frequently, as this series is just so incredibly well done, and there is no pressure and no rush. The fans will check back ❤️ I would suggest perhaps putting an update on Facebook if you are able as that’s where many fans are located.
Hiya Sarah ..
Thanks for the update, much appreciated. It couldn’t have come at a better time.
the update and the title alone were more then enough to put a smile on my face. I understand that this task that you, your family and most especially Heidi have undertaken isn’t an easy feat. But as ever I am willing to patiently wait not just for the publication of book 6 but to see justice done as best as possible to this great, incredible and wonderful story.
The one thing have missed, is the back and forth between Melissa ( I supposed I can name her now, though I have resisted all attempt) and myself as well as other fans alike, whilst we wait the release of the next book or just for the sheer pleasure of just interacting with her.