Mr. de l'Autin was introduced to me quite by accident, and I am very glad that we met at the local Barnes&Noble bookstore where Mr. de l'Autin happened to be writing one evening when I recognized him. A store clerk had recommended the book, Reach to the Wounded Healer to me and I was unable to put the book down until I completely finished reading it. The story of Paul de la Moret, from his infancy to early adulthood, is a fascinating read, rife with Roman Catholic mysticism and religious allegory. From an early age, Paul, the central character in Reach to the Wounded Healer has visions of a lovely lady, who chooses him to ultimately be a vessel of God- a true living sacrifice. The lady, the Virgin Mary, appears to Paul whenever a tragedy is about to occur, and Paul's relationship with the Virgin Mother of God goes from one of suspicion to one of sublime obedience to the will of God. Reach to the Wounded Healer is also a book about a boy's journey into manhood, and can be viewed from various perspectives. The passages involving the Ukraine portray a more simple, almost fairy-tale like land that has dangerous undertones of rebellion in it. Mr. de l'Autin's descriptions of this country are very vividly done, and one feels as if one is actually experiencing the reality of the simple Ukrainian lifestyle while reading the book. Of paramount interest to me were the descriptions of Oak Grove plantation and New Orleans. The flavor of this unique part of Louisiana is brought to life by Mr. de l'Autin's exquisite writing skills. I highly recommend Reach to the Wounded Healer as a must read book.

B. Andrew Hughes
University Student

WOW, WOW  what a great book!!! I felt like I was living the whole story myself!  There is so much going on that I sat for almost ONE HOUR like I was in another world?or to put it another way I was living in our Cajun world all over again. The people come alive in this magnificent book!  The visions of the mysterious woman, Mary, were just so realistic. I felt like I was there with Paul, John, Marc and all the people painted so vividly!

Billy Ledet
Artist

Dear Mr. de l'Autin

I just completed the book. I'm afraid you caused me to miss a few hours of sleep, since I just couldn't quit reading some nights, especially when Paul was trying to escape from the Ukraine.  You have a real gift in the manner in which you write.  Your characters were so captivating, especially Paul and John. The Louisiana setting and  Hurricane Betsy brought back many memories. Thank you for such a thought provoking book.

Sincerely,
Leah Quebedeaux

The enjoyment of fiction requires “the willing suspension of disbelief.” Because de l’Autin is such a convincing writer, I was able to suspend, even in the most supernatural parts of this novel, what normally would have been disbelief. Reach to the Wounded Healer is a fine piece of work. Not once did I want to put the book down. From the gripping first chapter about a boy’s experience of a Louisiana hurricane to the last page, the story carried me right along and left me wanting more. I finished the book in short order and am now anxious to read the next installment in de l’Autin’s trilogy of novels.

Marjorie

I've finally finished your book. I've been on a series of trips over the last month and each time I returned home, I eagerly returned to find out what was going to happen next.
This story was rich with geographic flavor. From the rich flavors of Mim's bayou cooking to the difficulties of trekking though Ukraine in the winter, Reach to the Wounded Healer took you on an adventure that was as flavorful as a cup of "Naw’Leans" gumbo. A varied blend of mysticism, religious themes and southern history makes Reach to the Wounded Healer a tasty read.

Michael Sick
Author

My face was wet from the stinging rain of the hurricane. My eyes widened as the tape measure confirmed a record catch at Oak Grove. You are one talented writer.
As an avid reader and one who revels in imagery and clarity of expression, I salute your talent. I read the first two chapters of your book last night and had to force myself to retire for the evening due to a busy Friday schedule. I look forward to more nights in my great-grandmother's porch rocker with your book.

Pete

Amazing links from year to year.
Enthralling relationships.
Breathtaking work.
Reminds me of William Faulkner’s style and prose.
As intriguing as Samuel Clemens.
Vivid, visual images as you read.
Definitely a movie in the making.
Can’t wait for the sequel.
Tell everybody I meet on the plant about it.
This is a wonderful work.

Terry Jarrett

I will tell you how compelling this book is. I started reading it on a recent cruise and gave up the first port of call and excursion because I didn't want to put it down! Yes, it is engaging and compelling but it is so much more. It has a sense of familiarity when reading it, and I could not quite determine why until I had finished the read and was reflecting upon it. It wasn't the characters (in spite of the love I had for developed for Paul), that were familiar, but the journey.

I was often tempted to sneak a peek ahead but knew that I would only be cheating myself, and that like life it is what is…in between birth and death we find purpose and meaning. The exciting part for me was that I knew "I got it"!

It is a simple read...but then so is much of scripture. Each time you read, you discover something new. So it is with eagerness that I look forward to rereading this great literary and spiritual work.

Oh, and by the way...if I were to have any objection, it would be in its title. I find it to sound a bit "new age-ish"...and it is not. It is ageless, as is the journey.

Congratulations to this first time writer of this novel, Ernest de l'Autin. I understand his friends call him Ean. After reading this, I am sure that you will feel like I do…his friend.

Arliene Dunn
Media Director
My Family.Com

I have checked with a few people at MONY who have read "Reach" and they are thoroughly impressed with the "Authors" first time writing!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike D.

I'm a grown man and crying on an airplane. It is embarrassing!! The book was just that good and just that moving. It humbled me. I find that it has made me want to be a better person in general and a more selfless individual. I'm not sure where you came up with this subject or the story itself, but it was laid out beautifully and I found myself really caring for the characters. I was hooked right in the beginning of the book where you so simply and beautifully wove a picture of a Louisiana estate and those who resided there. Damn if you didn’t have me crying when Paul's little friend (Andre) died in the hurricane.

Another thing that I loved was the way you showed the love between all the players and how the "staff" at their estate were just more family members and treated as such. Racism is the thing I hate most in my every day life and the way you portrayed your characters as so loving and so blind to color was beautiful. It made me care even that much more. I plan on suggesting your book to some of my friends and family and will purchase a few to give as gifts to those I know would appreciate it as I did.

Greg Messmore

I have finished your book. Again I wanted to thank you for giving it to me. Reading it has aroused a lot of feelings in me that I haven't been able to fully understand. For instance, "Why do some people suffer so much more than others?" I know suffering is important for growth and those who suffer more can be considered fortunate. For example, Dostoevsky's Idiot (Prince Myshkin) suffers greatly and the only redemption for him must be the afterlife. Paul's character was a little more comforting because he still has Anne and John. You had me there though, when John was thought to have died. I was actually pretty angry with Mary until Paul and John were again reunited, which shows how well you write. Because I was so into the story I didn't think to be angry at you for killing off John. I think that Reach to the Wounded Healer is a good book for anyone to read. I am interested to read some of your poetry when it is available.

Will

Thank you so much for your letter. I am very happy to contact with such a remarkable person as you. It is so pleasant to feel that there is somebody here in the US who has so warm feelings about my country. If you will decide to visit Kiev, please feel free to ask me any questions and It would be a great honor for me to have you as a guest in Ukraine. As well I would like to invite you to see our Embassy here in Washington. May be it will give you some more new ideas about Ukraine or even a new subject for a novel, because our country is being going through so many transformations and life stories of many of our people are fascinating so may be it can serve you as an inspiration.

I do not know whether is it convenient for you to send me your book because it is a great honor me.

Tsymbaliuk Andriy
Asst. to the Ambassador of the Ukraine to the United States

Congratulations on a great first novel. Melinda read it first and has been telling me how good it is, so I just finished it on my way back from Belgium - really impressed me. You may be interested to know that I pray Psalm 139 every morning to begin my morning devotions! You may want to check out Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in Chapter 3 starting at verse 14. We are recommending "Reach to the Wounded Healer" to all our friends and will order a copy for a couple of them.

Jim Davis

I am having a difficult time putting it down to get anything else done. I get up at 4:00 a.m. to have my “quiet” time to read before this damned phone starts ringing. I really find it enjoyable and a very good read. I definitely am going to include it in my small neighborhood book club for next year. It is time that they read something that was not “self-help” or deeply historical. Your book, I find, is a delightful mixture of the two.

Rose Ann

I really, really enjoyed it. I think you have a good novel there.

Cindy

The book was tremendous, I've shared it with a friend and she loved it also,
and whenever you do a book signing in the Little Rock area please let me
know. Again, the book is excellent.

Stanley Johnson

I read the book while on vacation…camping in August. It was fantastic. I really enjoyed it. I read it in about 2 days.

Sheila Harrington

Wonderful book! Your dear friend Renee Martin shared it with me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Please write another!

Valerie Durkalski

I had a dear friend visiting me from Inverness, Illinois and she read your book while she was here and was quite impressed. I plan to begin reading it tonight.

Stella

The book was well written. It was so intriguing I had to keep reading…and even lost some sleep. Can’t wait for the sequel!

Nola Hall

This book was a fun read and became difficult to put down. The story is compelling and holds you interest. Another (book) by a first time author that I recently read that compares good and evil is “Shadows on Light” by Scott Jeffrey.

Dr. William J. Walsh

I loved it. Couldn't put it down, missed sleep but traveled with you and John and Paul all over the world and the Ukraine. I love your writing and your dialogue. I am working on a novel for Disney I will tell you about later. Your descriptions are superb and I am so interested in your career and how you got published, but most of all about your family. When and where were you born here and is any of your family around.

I love your cover, your title and your characters. I was around for Betsy so I could identify. I noted that you mentioned egrets quite often. Here is Thibodaux by the Jackson St. Bridge at 5 PM everyday at this time of the year at least 400 egrets fly in to nest for the night in some trees right by the bridge. The traffic noise doesn't bother them and they are as regular as can be. Wish you could see this.

I write a column called TIDBITS for our local chamber. Comes out once a month and in the May column I will mention you and your book and the background you give. I have a big address list and will let everyone know of this incredible novel. My wife of 51 years, Joann, is reading your book right now.

Gibbons Robichaux

I read the book recently on one of my trips to the Netherlands to visit a client project. The book was a quick read and very thought provoking. To put things into context, I have just returned home from the US, where I was tending to a dying Aunt. She died about an hour after I left for the airport to come home and it still weighs very heavily on my heart. As you might imagine, the theme of death and consequence to loved ones struck very close to the heart.

I was thrilled to see a story so well crafted that discussed both the struggles of following the Lord in His requests, and of how the bonds between 'brothers' can be so strong and sustaining. The mysterious and sometimes confusing calls of God often challenge us to behave in ways that are unorthodox and difficult to explain. The relationship of Paul and John clearly illustrates that a strong love can go without explanation when required.

I was inspired by the story and have given it much thought in the passing days since I read it.

Dave Bair

I had the pleasure of meeting you and your wife at the class reunion. I was there with Ricky Keller. Ricky received your book but has not been able to read it yet. That is because I picked it up first and literally could not put it down. I just wanted you to know that although it is meant for Ricky to read, it has brought so much warmth and peace to my heart.

Patricia Troxclair

Neva Coulon gave me your book to read. She asked me to tell you how much she enjoyed reading "Reach to the Wounded Healer". It's wonderful to know you are a successful young man.I often wonder what former 4-H club members are doing. The novel is great! It touches our local area and life. Good luck and we are looking forward to your next novel. Let us know when it comes out.

Joyce L. Hymel
Former Administrative Assistant - LCES District II Office

This is the most compelling book I have read in a long time. Wonderful reading, very emotionally touching.

Terry Spillers