The Hoping Well
by Michael Stewart

Joshua Macallan knew the space shuttle would explode. That is why he was in Florida in January of 1986. He was trying to save the crew and finally make a difference after so many failures. Like when he tried to save Kennedy in ’63. Joshua was naive and full of hope.

That was then. Now he is an old man with a past composed of more tragedy than triumph. The FBI watches Joshua’s every move. Even though he currently lives in a Kansas nursing home staring at a blank wall most of the day. When he is not rambling about Victoria, that is. The young woman who had visited him on the farm in 1958 claiming to be from the future. She had done a lot of talking. He had fallen in love. Then Victoria disappeared.

Until now.

Riots are brewing in New York City over a controversial new technology. He sees Victoria on the news. Still alive and still as young as his memories of her. He needs answers. Joshua will head for the chaos in New York with his 5-year-old granddaughter in tow. Sure, the FBI will be after him. And his son. But finally, after all these years, Joshua Macallan has hope again.

5 out of 5 fairies

This story has so many layers, and is so intricately woven, that I would encourage even those who normally devour their books like I do, to slow down and savor this book. I admit, part of why I say this is one of the key messages of the story – not letting the life you have pass you by as you try to chase down things that seem bigger, better, more important. This story is full of the love and heartbreak that can only happen between family, a bit of adventure and wisdom, and a touch of sci-fi/speculative elements. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a book that puts a new spin on time travel, and weaves in a wonderfully emotional story with the other more traditionally sci-fi elements.

Amazon | Goodreads

Michael Stewart came here to listen to the Cranberries and write books . . . and he’s all out of Cranberries.

But seriously, that is not all he does. In Stew’s spare time he earns Nintendo world records, including such classics as Back to the Future. LGN never sounded so good. His father always told him as a kid, “Stew, if you’re going to break a world record, do it in style.”

Stew resides amongst the tallgrass of the Kansas prairie with his beautiful wife and six kids. Yes, you heard that right, she is truly beautiful. They enjoy 8-bit video games, Chiefs football and long walks on the beaches of Kansas. Stew looks young for his age and blends right in with his five boys; looking for him in their family photo is like reading a Where’s Waldo book.

“I’m not going to say my books are better than Where’s Waldo, but I’m not going to not say it.” – Michael Stewart

Oh, and if you like holograms, check out Stew’s TED Talk, it’s about holograms and fuel tax . . . I know right, that lazy topic again, but this time it’s from the perspective of an engineer, so you know it will be hilarious.

He eats apples in one bite, like a horse.

Website | Twitter