7One day in the innocuous farming village of Thatcher, a baby girl is born-not just any baby girl, but one of destiny and purpose unlike anything seen in hundreds of years. Her arrival sets into motion a series of unusual and far-reaching events as powerful unseen forces of good and evil wage war over her and the future of her people which hangs in the balance. Thatcher: And So It Begins by Cheryl S. Birch is an exciting allegorical tale which transports readers into a world of fantasy and the supernatural. The Glorious One and His Guardians stand against the Prince of Darkness, Ev Ilone, and his Familiars as they seek to invade Peaceful Land, overthrow King Harmony, and destroy the child, who is the first Shining Warrior in 300 years. Neleh and Zenry, the last two believers in Thatcher, work to protect the child and hundreds more born after her as they have been tasked by The Glorious One's Son, Iam. While re-reading the classic Pilgrim's Progress in 2006, Cheryl began to see and hear another story as the world of Thatcher came to her in whole scenes, complete with dialogue. The routines and responsibilities of life caused delays, but retirement and the COVID lockdown provided the opportunity for this book's completion. The first in a series, it is an inspiring story that illustrates how easily worldly pursuits and things of darkness can take our focus away from God, trapping our souls, but it reminds us that God always has a plan for our deliverance. With Him, there is always hope, and He never gives up on sharing the good news of salvation and freedom through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Cheryl is a fantasy writer and poet who lives in the Central Valley of California with her husband and two rescue cats. The fourteen pound gray kitty is her loyal writing buddy. The other is a bit too snobbish to join in. Before discovery of her true calling-a fulltime writing career-she did a plethora of things including retail management, small business owner, district director for a California State Senator, founder and president of a nonprofit, and ten years as a local pastor/ministry leader. However, being a volunteer, helping others succeed, especially children, has been the heartbeat of her life. When asked about her journey to a career as a fantasy writer, Cheryl replied, "Sharing my God inspired stories has become a new passion, a mission, and an exciting, wonderful way of blessing others." To connect with Cheryl or learn about new book releases, visit www.revcherylbirch.org.