So sad to learn of the death of Patrick McManus.
When I had the crazy idea that maybe I could write a book, Pat McManus read an early draft of my proposal. Then he took me out to lunch and told me it was “the best book proposal” he’d ever read and he was absolutely positive “War Bonds” would be published.
A week later, he sent me the above letter of recommendation and introduction that I could send with my proposal to agents and publishers.
He believed in me and in my book when it was still just a maybe, someday…..
Having someone believe in you and your project when it’s just a glimmer, a wisp of a hope, is incredibly powerful.
I wish every author could have someone like Patrick McManus in their corner. I am humbled beyond words that he considered himself my fan, because like millions of others I was certainly his.
Rest in peace my friend. Thank you for the joy that you brought to the world and for the life-changing encouragement you gave to me.
Cindy Hval 
He never said that about any of the 40 books I wrote, Cindy, but he would have had to have access to classified USAF histories, since that was what I wrote. Fair to say, though, that, as Spokane’s model family, you had far better human interest material to work with.