Slices of Sky

by Leah Evert-Burks

Slices of Sky is a story about the building of communities and the importance of place. California retiree Frank Moran ventures into the big skies of Montana in pursuit of sapphires. What he finds more valuable than the brilliantly blue Yogos is the friendships cultivated in a small village that inhabits the banks of the Judith River in the central region of the state. It is here he finds his true home and some context for the music that lives in his mind's ear. He is accompanied by the unrelenting friendship of a young girl, Amber McCoulagh, who is devoted and bound to Frank through crisis, both hers and ultimately his.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2024

About the author

Leah Evert-Burks has been writing stories since childhood and previously concentrated on screenplays – that was until a happenstance meeting with novelist Mark Harris (Bang the Drum Slowly et al) while waiting in line at the post office. It was Mr. Harris who convinced Leah that the story conveyed in Three Days at Millie Flowers was in fact a novel. Leah’s second novel, Slices of Sky published in July, 2024. She is well underway with her third novel and is also currently working on a screenplay with her daughter. Leah has worked in various legal capacities during her professional career, starting with the U.S. Department of Justice, Land and Natural Resources Division/Environmental Enforcement Section and ending with the Michigan State University’s Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection. She has two adult children and splits her time between Durango, Colorado and Santa Barbara, California with her husband and their dog Dempsey.

Reviews

[Michael Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah Evert-Burks second novel is not my usual genre to read. However at the suggestion of a friend, I am so glad I broke free from my usual mystery-suspense reads. The two main characters Frank and Amber are an unlikely pair to become so close. But, the author's ability to do so makes it very believable. The reader also feels that they are actually in Montana,and within the community where the story takes place. A different song begins each chapter and the surprise narrator of various chapters allows us to view nature and life from a different perspective. But most touching for me is how Frank brings his caring nature to everyone in this new community in which he has moved, and how it allows others to come together to help Amber's family when they are in dire need. This comes full circle for Frank as he eventually becomes the recipient of this caring when he needs it in old age. I do know that very few novels make me cry. Not because they are necessarily sad, but they can show the good in people and how life often is and perhaps should be. I look forward to reading the author's first novel and hope for many others to come. Michael Green

[Jan Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah Evert-Burk's second novel takes us on a remarkable journey to Montana and, true to form, introduces endearing new friends along the way.

Slices of Sky is not only a study in personality, character and community, but it is, as well, a symphony in prose, each chapter cleverly introduced and defined by a different song or musical composition. An unexpected narrator adds another creative and memorable facet that will remain, like its characters, long after the last page is turned.