This is a refreshing little book that just tells it like it is. I really enjoyed the writing style, the flow, the characters and especially the setting - my home city is in it! What a treat to read a story that has your own backyard in it.

As you may know, this remained unfinished as the author passed before completing the manuscript. Since this book was published I mistakenly thought that another author may have finished the story, but nope, it is left as is. You are left wondering what happens with Starlight, Emmy and her daughter Maddie. The whole thing just works, now that I know what I know now.

A long time bachelor, and indigenous resident known as Starlight decides to take in Emmy and Maddie, on impulse, to help them get back on their feet - a gift. Someone helped him in the past, he is compelled to do the same for another.

“Why are you doing this?”
The big an squinted in concentration. He looked at Jensen, who regarded him kindly. He pressed his hands into the pockets of his jeans and then pulled them out and clapped his fingers together, then unclasped them, and dropped his hands to his sides.
“For the girl,” he finally said.
He studied Emmy.
“And because I guess I’m drawn to wild things.”

Emmy is escaping a long over due abusive relationship, and accepts his proposal. She doesn’t realize what’s in store for her. Starlight teaches her the ways of the land. You will enjoy the descriptive narrative that flows through these pages. It is so lovely to read how our land really is, from that perspective. Enjoy the landscape!

This was his home and these were his people. He supposed he was old-fashioned. If it were true, he could live with it.
He was not displaced or dispossessed. He was home. In that, he felt keenly alive.