The London Book Fair 2026 is one of the publishing world’s most anticipated global gatherings, bringing together authors, publishers, agents, and book lovers from across the globe. Known for spotlighting fresh voices, emerging trends, and international storytelling, the fair is where books spark conversations, deals are born, and stories find new life beyond borders—making it a true celebration of the power and reach of the written word.
We’re beyond thrilled to share that this book is officially being showcased at the 2026 London Book Fair, one of the world’s most exciting meeting places for stories, ideas, and publishing dreams. From buzzing aisles to curious readers and industry tastemakers, this is where books step into the global spotlight—and this one is ready to shine.
Having “My Invisible Friends: An Inspirational True Story of a Quirky Soul’s Journey” by Marisalena Manchego displayed by Citi of Books in London feels like a celebration of every page and dream poured into its creation. It’s more than a milestone; it’s a moment of joy, pride, and possibility.
Marisalena Manchego was born near the Smoky Mountains in Knoxville, Tennessee, where her deep appreciation for family heritage, nature, and adventure began to take shape. At the age of 18, she started studying the art of bellydance with Scheherazade in Columbus, Ohio, discovering both a physical discipline and a path for personal growth. Over the years, she studied with respected teachers and became a prominent figure in the dance community. In 2002, she co-founded Farashi, an award-winning Tribal Fusion Bellydance Company, with Gay Hedges, serving as its director. Her passion for performance and teaching has taken her across several U.S. states and internationally to Mexico and Ireland.
Beyond dance, Marisalena has spent more than 25 years helping others improve their health and wellbeing through movement, drawing from her experience in dance, music, massage therapy, and sound and movement therapy. She is also a Board Certified Instructor with the Tai Chi for Health Institute, teaching programs such as Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. Currently based in Roswell and the Ruidoso Mountain area of New Mexico, she continues to share her creativity as the co-founder and Creative Director of Sierra Sáhir, a Bellydance Fusion Tribe established in 2019. Her debut book, My Invisible Friends: An Inspirational True Story of a Quirky Soul’s Journey, reflects her life experiences, offering both a survival memoir and a spiritual guide for readers exploring awakening and self-discovery.
Children often see the world in ways adults forget. What if those childhood moments you once dismissed were actually meaningful? That question sits at the heart of “My Invisible Friends: An Inspirational True Story of a Quirky Soul’s Journey” by Marisalena Manchego, a captivating memoir that invites readers to look beyond the ordinary. This intriguing book will be among the titles showcased at the 2026 London Book Fair, giving visitors a chance to discover a deeply personal and spiritual story that challenges the boundaries of what we think we know.
In her heartfelt narrative, Manchego shares memories from her childhood when she experienced what she describes as encounters with friendly spirits and unseen helpers. Rather than hiding from those experiences, she reflects on how they shaped her life. The book follows her journey through a trauma-filled upbringing and into adulthood, where she continues to experience connections with angels, guides, ancestors, and other spiritual presences. Through honesty and curiosity, she pieces together moments from past lives, unusual encounters, and even reflections tied to mysteries like the Roswell incident.
But this memoir is not just about extraordinary experiences. At its core, it is about resilience and self-discovery. Manchego openly shares the challenges she faced growing up and how those struggles became steppingstones toward healing and understanding herself. Her story encourages readers to listen to their inner voice and to embrace the parts of themselves that may feel different or misunderstood.
Visitors to the 2026 London Book Fair will find “My Invisible Friends: An Inspirational True Story of a Quirky Soul’s Journey” to be a refreshing and thought-provoking read. It speaks to anyone curious about spirituality, personal growth, or the unseen connections that may exist around us. By the final pages, readers are left with gentle guidance on trusting their intuition and embracing their own unique path toward peace, hope, and self-acceptance.
