Novels
The two novels presently available are the first two in a saga of the life and loves of two young Americans, who come of age in the early to mid 1970’s. While both novels concern the same characters, I listened to some valid, constructive criticism regarding the first book Almost There and made corresponding changes in the second book Long Way Back: Out at Home. The latter book should contain more realistic characters and more action.
Descriptions of the two books follow:
Almost There
Almost There portrays the efforts of a lonely, young, M. I. A. widow to locate her amnesiac husband in the wake of the backwash from the Viet Nam War.
In the first week of June 1975, the multi-talented, young Ryzanna Sheeboom, recently graduated from college, stands poised to embark upon her adult life. However, she is unwilling to pursue a career until she has resolved, unequivocally, the mystery of her missing husband Nicholas. Almost two and a half years have passed since the Government officially declared Nick Sheeboom as missing in action at the close of the Vietnam campaign. Standing alone among her family and friends, Ryz’n believes firmly that God has kept her husband alive for her to find. A continent away, unknown to Ryz’n, an amnesiac war veteran attends Peppermount University on a baseball scholarship under the mistaken identity of James “Dixie” Strickler. As Dixie prepares to marry in San Diego into the only family he has known outside of the Marine Corps, unforeseen circumstances intervene to prevent the marriage, pointing him back east, perhaps to his past.
Almost There chronicles an incredible but pivotal ten days in the lives of this lost, war-torn couple when their disparate worlds miraculously converge. Distinctively told from the dual perspectives of each of the main characters, this piece of cross-genre, light fiction will provide the reader with two stories in one suspenseful tale.
Out at Home
Out at Home serves as a sequel to the novel Almost There and is the second book of a trilogy
Out at Home depicts the struggles of a formerly estranged young couple who now must cope with one another in their new life together after their miraculous and joyous reunion in the wake of the backwash from the Viet Nam War.
In June, 1975, an amnesiac and former MIA-POW, Nicholas (Dixie) Sheeboom learns he has an adoring, faithful wife, a home, family and friends, waiting for him in the east, in the suburbs of Washington, DC. Nick (Dixie) comes home to find everyone waiting for him, after more than a three year absence. Yet, upon his return, Nick is unable to recall anyone, even his lovely wife. Absent his memory, Nick has forged a new identity as Dixie Strickler. Yet, He is unable to meet the expectations of family, friends and especially his long-suffering wife, who is trying to keep her celebrated Rock’N’Roll band afloat, while adjusting to her amnesiac husband. Largely due to Dixie’s handicap, the initial raw joy from the couple’s reunion soon gives way to anger, jealousy and suspicion, leaving both to suspect one can never go home.
Out at Home chronicles an incredible but pivotal three weeks in the lives of this temporarily reunited, emotionally torn couple when their disparate worlds converge in an unforeseen way. Distinctively told from the dual perspectives of each of the two main characters, this piece of cross-genre, light fiction will provide the reader with two stories in one suspenseful tale.
Even Better
