Category: Western Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN-10: 1481148869
Type: Fiction
Pages: 240
Copyright: Dec 4, 2012
ISBN-13: 9781481148863
Rebecca Strong grows up in a world constantly looking for falling stars. When her brother writes after a long absence, little does she know that the stars have something in store for her.
After receiving a letter from her brother, Thomas, who she hasn't seen since they were children, Rebecca Strong steps away from a sheltered world and begins a journey that leads her into trouble unlike any she has ever faced. She has given up watching the skies for falling stars, but a former soldier with a troubled past, Daniel Mack, may just be what she needs not only to find her brother, but an answer to the ever-confusing riddle of love. Nigellus Harvey, who is known for his notoriety, has other plans. He will do anything to crush his former blood brother Danny -including jeopardizing Rebecca's life.
Excerpt
[FROM CHAPTER SEVEN]
As she was turning, she spotted an envelope on the desk that was written in a jagged hand, as if the person had been in a hurry when he or she was writing it. The poor excuse for handwriting skill wasn’t what caught her eye. Rather, the name of the person who it was addressed to: Ms. Rebecca Inez Strong. Her heart ceased to beat for a second and her mind spun countless questions, trying to find a reason why a letter addressed to her was in her aunt’s room. Almost absently, she walked towards the desk and placed the cat back on top, then proceeded to open the envelope, which had already been unsealed. She took the letter out, tilting it towards the sun, feeling compelled to read it, no matter if her aunt walked into the room that instant.
Rebecca,
I know it’s been ages since we said our goodbyes, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you forgot me, but I have no one else that I can turn to who will help. I’m in a great deal of trouble. I can’t write all about it in a letter, so I am hoping you will meet me. Do you remember that cabin in Appleton from way back when? I’ve been staying there, and the good doc was nice enough to give me a job, because I’m trying to place my life together. I know this letter doesn’t amount to much, since we haven’t seen each other in so long, and I’m sorry for that. I truly am. Please come before it’s too late. I need you.
Your brother,
Thomas Strong
“Rebecca?”
Her aunt’s voice made her heart stop momentarily, but she quickly recovered and spun around, clutching her brother’s letter to her chest. Standing not too far away was one of the recently hired maids, who had been planning to clean out the fireplace, judging by the shovel she was holding and the soot on her chin. Had she been the one to leave the room open? Where had she gone to, seeing as most cleaning supplies were near her aunt’s room? Rebecca didn’t know or care to find out, because she was only focused on having one question answered at the moment: Why had her aunt kept her brother’s letter?
“Why?” she managed, then cleared her throat. “Why did you keep this from me?”
“I kept it from you for your own good. He chose the life that he’s leading now years ago, which means that he decided to claim chaos and calamity. I wasn’t about to let him ruin your life, after you’ve finally begun to make something of yourself,” she said plainly, crossing her hands in front of her.
“But he’s my brother!”
Abigail cocked an eyebrow, surprised at her niece’s rush of emotion. She didn’t attempt to calm her down, merely opened her hand with the palm facing the ceiling, wanting the letter. Rebecca looked at her aunt as though she were a snake, but suddenly realized that she was worse. What had become of the little girl she once was, who wanted to do everything for her family? Why had she stopped waking every morning and busying herself with cooking and cleaning? Had she forgotten the young boy who used to chop wood and whistle all the while? Was this what her aunt had done, by filling her mind with fear and bitterness when she was a child? Thomas wasn’t a stranger asking for a handout; he was her brother and he needed her. She was willing to see him and offer whatever assistance she could give, even if that meant quarreling with her aunt. Rebecca wondered where her sudden sense of bravado had originated.
“Why do you want to keep him out of my life? He never did anything to deserve your apathy. He’s as much your nephew as I am your niece. Doesn’t that amount to anything in your eyes? Or do you value family at all? Stop standing there and judging me, Aunt Abby, as if I am the one who should be pitied, petted, and coddled. I pity you. My goodness, how I pity you!”
“Don’t use that tone with me, young lady, and stop acting so foolishly. Your father is the one who ruined my sister’s life, just as your brother is intending to ruin yours and your sister’s. If you will not listen to reason, I will make sure your sister does. She has always been less contrary.”
“My father didn’t ruin anyone, not like you have. Thomas left because you were cruel to him, always finding a reason to abuse him, even when he did nothing wrong. We could have stayed together as a family, always there for each other, but you never gave us a chance to be part of your life. We didn’t even get to grow up together because of you! If you’re searching for someone to blame, you should look in the mirror.”
“I had nothing to do with my sister’s death.”
“And you had nothing to do with her life, either. If your high-society friends knew the truth about you—” Rebecca started, shaking the letter in her aunt’s face.
“Give that letter to me now!” she snapped.
“No. The damage is done. That is, the damage that should matter to you—the loss of family. I plan to tell Lily Rose and then we’ll be traveling to Appleton, together, and there’s nothing you can do to stop us,” Rebecca said, picking the cat up, and starting for the door.
Abigail cleared her throat and spoke, composed, “If you go in search of your brother, Rebecca, know that I will disinherit you from all that you stand to gain when I pass on, and that I will not change my mind.”
Rebecca paused and looked to her aunt, who didn’t meet her gaze. “I no longer need your mind, words, or money. I have my own. There’s nothing you could do short of murder that would keep me from going to my brother. Unlike you, I still have a heart, and I still love my family.”
Professional Reviews
A Beautiful Novel
The Absence of Falling Stars is a beautiful novel of yearning, courage, and love during the turbulent years in our country's history following the civil war. It didn't take long for me to become vested in the characters of this book, especially the strong and independent Rebecca. The well written narrative flowed from page to page and took me willingly into the story. Based on this book, I will definitely be reading more from this author.
In this collection of Western fiction, I’ve endeavored to bring the reader a little laughter at the expense of my characters, even though they are at times engaged in life threatening adventures. Learn to say something nice to all of your enemies l
An adventure-filled time-travel western. Given a 5-star editorial review in 2020 by the InD'tale Magazine. "The weaving in of actual historical connections between the characters is fascinating. Fans of this genre will love the originality with the a
