In a world where everything is taken from you, dreams have the power to heal… “Sense of Home is a delightful, genre-blending fantasy novel about family, loss, and self-discovery for fans of all ages. Tyra is a terrific heroine: gifted, brave, and driven, regardless of the depth of her grief. Kaminsky surrounds her with intriguing characters and atmospheric, wonderfully descriptive prose when Tyra enters the magical worlds shown to her by Koda, a talking squirrel who wisely informs her that ‘daytime and dreams sometimes overlap.’ That observation sets the stage for Tyra’s otherworldly voyage—one of lucid dreams, self-discovery, and healing from trauma.” — The BookLife Prize Tyra Blair’s world is broken when the beasts attack. Forced to flee her beloved homeland in the land of Azure, suddenly she and her family are outsiders in a fractured existence she doesn’t recognize. As her parents struggle to reconcile their fate in the wicked gloomy village of Marigold, and later in their grim reality of Moonvine, Tyra’s disconnection from everything familiar and those she loves threatens to devastate her completely. Only a mysterious encounter with an intelligent squirrel offers Tyra a glimmer of hope. He gifts her with a refuge from her isolation and introduces her to a magical world. But as Tyra grows, so does her ability to enter these hidden realms, and she must learn to navigate adulthood alone. On her journey of self-discovery, Tyra’s lucid dreams become the bridge to inner transformation, helping her to face her shadow and find the truth in her invisibility. But will the magic that exists within her give her the strength to heal and finally return home? A Sense of Home is a heartfelt blend of magical realism , literary fiction , and a coming-of-age, psychological fable with metaphysical elements featuring nine original black-and-white illustrations, each handcrafted by a gifted artist. Exploring family bonds, nostalgia, and the beauty of human existence, it’s perfect for readers drawn to introspective , character-driven narratives and immersive, slow-burn storytelling. NOTE: This novel explores themes of grief, family drama, war, and mental health struggles and is recommended for mature audiences. Readers have fallen in love with this story: 'A beautifully written story, blending fantasy and a deep understanding of human nature. The sensory details are exceptional! ' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wow! What a hidden gem! It's an intriguing and absorbing story! The writing is atmospheric and poetic; it carries even the heaviest emotions with an effortless flow of warmth and coziness. The dreamlike elements reflect reality as it is—layered, elusive, and deeply human.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Fascinating, Impossible to stop reading. It reminds me of the warmth of my childhood. It's a unique blend of cozy fantasy and a powerful psychological tool, offering comfort and awareness of unhealed wounds.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Kaminsky’s prose is rich and immersive, painting landscapes that feel dreamlike and vividly real. Tyra’s internal struggles mirror the external challenges she faces, making her story both deeply personal and universally resonant.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Perfect for readers who love multilayered, emotionally reach stories.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Fantastic book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An enchanting tale with atmospheric storytelling.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A truly delightful experience, like stepping into a vivid, enchanting dream. And I cherished every beautifully crafted moment.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite Sense of Home by NZ Kaminsky is an emotionally interwoven tale of literary fiction and mystical realism that beautifully explores themes of resilience, loss, family, and inner strength. The author does a great job of vividly expressing the experiences of Tyra, the young protagonist. I felt as if I was experiencing every mystical event through her eyes. The key theme is about losing one's homeland, both internally and literally, and having to rediscover one's sense of belonging all over again. Through dreams that merge reality and the supernatural world, this story paints a clear picture of the profound impact of grief and estrangement on a person's life. It is a reminder to readers that inner hurt can sometimes reshape a person's identity and even transform that individual from within. This compelling book is ideally suited for readers who enjoy reflective-style storytelling with a trace of the surreal. I fell in love with it, and you will, too. In NZ Kaminsky's Sense of Home, young Tyra's journey starts in calamity when dangerous beasts destroy her tranquil life in Azure. Ripped away from her once vibrant homeland, Tyra and her family become nomads, forced to survive in harsh, foreign lands and towns like Marigold and Moonvine. As they travel to these bleak lands, Tyra grapples with loss and estrangement. Slowly, the world begins to feel less like her home. Forbidden books and supernatural beings offer her a path forward, and in ti