Tom Westfall, a seasoned author known for his works on artifacts and children’s literature, has unveiled his latest publication — Not Quite Novels, his first foray into fiction writing.
The new book is a collection of three distinct narratives: a novella, a novelette, and a short story, each exploring diverse themes and settings.
The centerpiece novella, The Olive Creek Chronicles, tells the story of Sara, a young woman grappling with drug addiction and domestic abuse. Sara’s life begins to change when she forms an unlikely friendship with Abigail, a middle-aged Methodist minister recently widowed in a car accident. As Abigail and members of her congregation help repair Sara’s damaged home, they uncover a hidden journal belonging to the original occupant—a pioneer woman who lived there over 140 years ago. The novella weaves together the past and present as Sara draws strength from the journal’s pages to confront her own challenges.
The novelette, The Legend of Poke Kidder, transports readers to mid-20th-century Gordon, Nebraska. It follows the story of Poke, a stubborn and solitary rancher known for his pack of mongrel dogs. Conflict arises when a deputy sheriff, harboring a grudge against Poke, mysteriously disappears. The tale explores themes of isolation, reputation, and small-town tensions.
Rounding out the collection is the short story Dump Jam, set in the frigid environs of Fairbanks, Alaska, just before Christmas. It centers on a young couple selling homemade jam at a dump to raise money for their family. Their fortunes take a surprising turn after a wealthy man buys all their jam and offers them shelter from the harsh cold. The story hints at a magical quality in their jam that brings unexpected happiness and fulfillment.
Not Quite Novels spans 146 pages and is positioned as an ideal summer read for fans of contemporary fiction. Copies are available for $22, including postage and additional content, through the website mammothruncasting.com or by contacting Westfall directly via email at [email protected]. Payments can be made by check mailed to Mammoth Run, 10512 CR 39, Sterling, CO 80751, or via credit card or PayPal to the same email address.
