September Book of the Month Spotlight: Strike the Match by Brian Lazarow

Cameron, TX - As the late summer heat slowly gives way to cool autumn evenings, there is no better time to curl up with a story that crackles with magic, grit, and warmth. This September, we are especially proud to shine a spotlight on one of our very own hometown talents: Cameron, Texas native and independent author Brian Lazarow, along with his breakout Young Adult fantasy novel, Strike the Match.

Meet Our Hometown Author: Brian Lazarow

Rooted right here in the heart of Cameron, Texas, Brian Lazarow is an imaginative storyteller dedicated to crafting rich, character-driven adventures that breathe fresh life into classic lore. Publishing under his creative imprint, L. B. Reel Productions, Brian embodies the passion, dedication, and grassroots spirit of independent literature.

Having a homegrown author creating such expansive, magical worlds is a true point of pride for our community. Brian writes with a deep appreciation for stories about chosen family, resilience, and the extraordinary strength discovered by everyday underdogs. Whether he is mapping out an impossible heist, exploring new realms of fantasy, or dreaming up the next chapter for his characters, his work radiates wholesome wit, vivid action, and heartfelt emotion that resonates with readers of all ages.

About the Book: Strike the Match

Most of us remember Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale The Little Match Girl as a heartbreaking tragedy. In Strike the Match, Lazarow takes that familiar, flickering spark and fans it into an unstoppable blaze of adventure, magic, and daring hope.

The Premise

Thirteen-year-old Enya is fighting to survive in the dead of an unforgiving winter blizzard, down to her very last matches. But when she strikes one against the cold, she doesn’t just see fleeting visions of warmth—she tears open a shimmering, magical portal into another realm.

Rescued from the frost and brought into the sheltering fold of Lady Ella’s Memorial Hospital, Enya finally finds what she has spent her entire life yearning for: safety, purpose, and a family to call her own. But when a ruthless, corrupt lord threatens to tear down the sanctuary protecting them, Enya refuses to let her safe haven slip away.

To save the only home she’s ever known, she must unite a ragtag crew of magical thieves and pull off an audacious, impossible vault heist.

Why It’s Our September Pick

• Celebrating Local Talent: There’s nothing quite like supporting a Cameron native whose creativity reaches far beyond the page into captivating new worlds.
• A Brilliant Reimagining: It transforms the melancholic DNA of a classic folktale into an empowering, action-packed fantasy adventure.
• Rich "Found Family" Dynamics: At its core, the story shines through its colorful ensemble cast—flawed, charming, and fiercely protective of one another.
• The Perfect Early Autumn Page-Turner: Filled with magical portals, cozy sanctuaries, and clever schemes, it is an immersive read that keeps you hooked from the first match strike to the final chapter.

Where to Find It

Pick up your copy of Strike the Match in paperback or ebook format across major online booksellers today, and join us in celebrating Cameron’s own Brian Lazarow. Stay tuned throughout September for featured reader prompts and community discussions!