Lumières

This charming sci-fi/fantasy novel, set in the Ozark countryside of the late eighteen-hundreds, tells the story of an astonishing and unlikely friendship. Teenager Nate Winters lives with his family on a farm worked by generations of Winters descendants. A hardworking boy, a dreamer and student of the universe, Nate soon discovers that impossible things can happen when one least expects them. Moving, unexplained lights which behave oddly have been observed after dark around the local landscape recently, given the name Lumières (French for 'lights') by one observer. At first the stories garner little attention. Then one afternoon as Nate hurries through the woods, he encounters the astonishing phenomenon behind the rumors and his whole world changes. As he embraces what it means to make friends with a wise, mysterious and alien being, sudden events intervene with unforeseen complications, threatening tragedy for his young life. Nate is faced with life-altering decisions and loss much too soon. When he must deal with the consequences for an agonizing decision, the friendship he has come to treasure so deeply is jeopardized. Yet as he finds his way through this emotional journey and continues an honorable life, the greatest surprise gift of all comes to him at a time when he never could have anticipated it. And it takes him beyond his wildest dreams of learning more about our universe. The wondrous things Nate learns from his friend also teach him even more about his own world than he ever dreamed possible. As his mind opens up to new ideas and potential, his future begins to take shape in ways which will have far-reaching consequences. The twists and turns of this story take the reader through a compelling journey with an unexpected outcome, which leaves open fascinating possibilities for the sequels to follow. The narrative blends the dual genres of science fiction and fantasy and includes creative elements of both. Although suitable for young tweens and older, this amiable tale can be enjoyed by all ages.