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Oldtown Fly, Sparrow, Fly
Rhona Dewar takes her niece, Syn, into her home after a tragic accident. Together, they discover the healing powers of nature, dedicated kindness, and disarming honesty. Cultural identity, mystery, and humor bring this family drama to life.
On her sixteenth birthday, Syn’s brother, Andy, gave her a secret an ancestry DNA test. As he suspected, the results proved that she was not their father’s daughter and carried not an ounce of Asian blood. Though she had her mother’s Scottish heritage, her father was a mysterious Venezuelan. Was she the child of an unrevealed love affair? Since Syn consistently outperformed him scholastically, Andy uses the discovery to punish Syn, slyly teasing her about her unusual intelligence. In a desperate desire to protect her parents' marriage, Syn hides her feelings and the test results.
After Rhona and her husband take Syn into their home, suspecting deeper wounds than the ones caused by the accident, they learn the truth about Syn’s parentage. Rhona confronts her sister, Nia, and the forthcoming revelations astound her. Supported by her husband, the revealed talents of townspeople haunted by their own shadowed pasts, and a sense of earthy humor, Rhona navigates turbulent family and community issues. The poem, Fly, Sparrow, Fly, guides Rhona as she helps her niece fly free from the painful misconceptions that have held her bound.
On her sixteenth birthday, Syn’s brother, Andy, gave her a secret an ancestry DNA test. As he suspected, the results proved that she was not their father’s daughter and carried not an ounce of Asian blood. Though she had her mother’s Scottish heritage, her father was a mysterious Venezuelan. Was she the child of an unrevealed love affair? Since Syn consistently outperformed him scholastically, Andy uses the discovery to punish Syn, slyly teasing her about her unusual intelligence. In a desperate desire to protect her parents' marriage, Syn hides her feelings and the test results.
After Rhona and her husband take Syn into their home, suspecting deeper wounds than the ones caused by the accident, they learn the truth about Syn’s parentage. Rhona confronts her sister, Nia, and the forthcoming revelations astound her. Supported by her husband, the revealed talents of townspeople haunted by their own shadowed pasts, and a sense of earthy humor, Rhona navigates turbulent family and community issues. The poem, Fly, Sparrow, Fly, guides Rhona as she helps her niece fly free from the painful misconceptions that have held her bound.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
About the author
A.K. Frailey
50 books103 followersA.K. Frailey is also known as Ann Frailey.
A. K. Frailey is the author of a historical sci-fi and science fiction series, short story collections, inspirational non-fiction books, a children’s book, and a poetry collection.
Her novels expand from the OldEarth world to the Newearth universe—where deception rules but truth prevails.
Her nonfiction work focuses on the intersection of motherhood, widowhood, practicing gratitude, and rediscovering joy.
Ann homeschooled all her children. She manages her rural homestead with her kids and their numerous critters. In her spare time, she serves as an election judge, a literacy tutor, and secretary/treasurer of her small town’s cemetery.
A. K. Frailey is the author of a historical sci-fi and science fiction series, short story collections, inspirational non-fiction books, a children’s book, and a poetry collection.
Her novels expand from the OldEarth world to the Newearth universe—where deception rules but truth prevails.
Her nonfiction work focuses on the intersection of motherhood, widowhood, practicing gratitude, and rediscovering joy.
Ann homeschooled all her children. She manages her rural homestead with her kids and their numerous critters. In her spare time, she serves as an election judge, a literacy tutor, and secretary/treasurer of her small town’s cemetery.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 14, 2026
First of all, I truly enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more of A.K.Frailey's "Old Town" books to get to know the stories of other Old Town residents.
This lovely book was a pleasure to read. The author depicts family (with its dysfunction and joys) and small community life authentically. The use of Rhona's garden as life's metaphor was done in an effortless way. I identified with Rhona; her interior struggles were relatable (often making me giggle)
pg 14 "Rhona tried to keep the sarcasm out of her voice, but she feared it may have slipped through a crack."
pg 22 "Shoving unworthy thoughts into the I'll-have-something-to-say-at-my-next-Confession box
This lovely book was a pleasure to read. The author depicts family (with its dysfunction and joys) and small community life authentically. The use of Rhona's garden as life's metaphor was done in an effortless way. I identified with Rhona; her interior struggles were relatable (often making me giggle)
pg 14 "Rhona tried to keep the sarcasm out of her voice, but she feared it may have slipped through a crack."
pg 22 "Shoving unworthy thoughts into the I'll-have-something-to-say-at-my-next-Confession box
November 11, 2025
Nice story!
I really enjoyed this story. A family and friends sometimesb struggling to get along, but so much richer and wiser when they do! Nice reading!
I really enjoyed this story. A family and friends sometimesb struggling to get along, but so much richer and wiser when they do! Nice reading!
December 16, 2025
Rhona and Derm take in their niece Syn age 15 who has been in a car crash and broken her arm. This is the story of family secrets coming to light and healing happening through the daily coming and goings in a garden. A good tale.
July 17, 2025
I have read a few of Ann’s adult fiction and non-fiction titles. I believe I have read her books a total of 10 times, and I have all the others on my ‘to be read’ pile. I absolutely love this first volume in a new series, I have recommended it to a few friends and family already, and it is one I wish my daughters will read.
The description of this volume states:
“Rhona Dewar takes her niece, Syn, into her home after a tragic accident. Together, they discover the healing powers of nature, dedicated kindness, and disarming honesty. Cultural identity, mystery, and humor bring this family drama to life.
On her sixteenth birthday, Syn’s brother, Andy, gave her a secret gift: an ancestry DNA test. As he suspected, the results proved that she was not their father’s daughter and carried not an ounce of Asian blood. Though she had her mother’s Scottish heritage, her father was a mysterious Venezuelan. Was she the child of an unrevealed love affair? Since Syn consistently outperformed him scholastically, Andy uses the discovery to punish Syn, slyly teasing her about her unusual intelligence. In a desperate desire to protect her parents' marriage, Syn hides her feelings and the test results.
After Rhona and her husband take Syn into their home, suspecting deeper wounds than the ones caused by the accident, they learn the truth about Syn’s parentage. Rhona confronts her sister, Nia, and the forthcoming revelations astound her. Supported by her husband, the revealed talents of townspeople haunted by their own shadowed pasts, and a sense of earthy humor, Rhona navigates turbulent family and community issues. The poem, Fly, Sparrow, Fly, guides Rhona as she helps her niece fly free from the painful misconceptions that have held her bound.”
About the author we are informed:
“A. K. Frailey, an author of a historical sci-fi and science fiction series, short story collections, inspirational non-fiction books, a children’s book, and a poetry collection, has been writing for over ten years and has published 17 books.
Her novels expand from the OldEarth world to the Newearth universe-where deception rules but truth prevails. Her nonfiction work focuses on the intersection of motherhood, widowhood, practicing gratitude, and rediscovering joy.
As a teacher with a degree in Elementary Education, she has taught in Milwaukee, Chicago, L. A., and WoodRiver, and was a teacher trainer in the Philippines for Peace Corps. She earned a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Full Sail University.
Ann homeschooled all eight of her children. She manages her rural homestead with her kids and their numerous critters. In her spare time, she serves as an election judge, a literacy tutor, and secretary/treasurer of her small town’s cemetery.”
About 30 years ago I went through a phase where I read 30 volumes from Madeleine L’Engle over about 18 months. I read her youth fiction, her adult fiction, her theology, anything I could lay my hands on. And thanks to some generous friends I was able to travel and meet her at a conference. Her works have had a lasting impact on me. And with the reading of this I can now say the same of Frailey, I have read her fiction, her non-fiction, her poetry, and I plan on reading everything she has in print. While reading this I thought a lot about three specific L’Engle works: A Live Coal in the Sea, Camilla Dickinson, and A House Like a Lotus.
This is a deeply moving story. As a father of daughters it was at times very hard to read. It is the story of family, friendships, community, and small town life. After her accident Syn goes to live with her aunt and uncle, who call her Sparrow. Over the course of the story family secrets come out about her, her parents, and family conflict that has been bubbling below the surface for a long time. It is a story about physical injury and healing, but also emotional healing. It is a story about confronting the truth and finding a way to move on and live life, even if it was not the one you expected or what others expected of you. It is an amazing read.
L’Engle wrote two types of fiction: Chronos – real time fiction, and Kairos – fiction that crosses space and time. Frailey has done the same in her works. And this is a perfect Chronos story. Frailey is a modern day L’Engle, and this is an excellent offering from her masterful pen. It is a story you will find hard to put down, and one that will be dear to your heart. It is moving on many levels. It looks to be the beginning of an amazing series! When you finish you will be desperate for the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this story, give it a try I am certain you will be moved, entertained and maybe even challenged.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
The description of this volume states:
“Rhona Dewar takes her niece, Syn, into her home after a tragic accident. Together, they discover the healing powers of nature, dedicated kindness, and disarming honesty. Cultural identity, mystery, and humor bring this family drama to life.
On her sixteenth birthday, Syn’s brother, Andy, gave her a secret gift: an ancestry DNA test. As he suspected, the results proved that she was not their father’s daughter and carried not an ounce of Asian blood. Though she had her mother’s Scottish heritage, her father was a mysterious Venezuelan. Was she the child of an unrevealed love affair? Since Syn consistently outperformed him scholastically, Andy uses the discovery to punish Syn, slyly teasing her about her unusual intelligence. In a desperate desire to protect her parents' marriage, Syn hides her feelings and the test results.
After Rhona and her husband take Syn into their home, suspecting deeper wounds than the ones caused by the accident, they learn the truth about Syn’s parentage. Rhona confronts her sister, Nia, and the forthcoming revelations astound her. Supported by her husband, the revealed talents of townspeople haunted by their own shadowed pasts, and a sense of earthy humor, Rhona navigates turbulent family and community issues. The poem, Fly, Sparrow, Fly, guides Rhona as she helps her niece fly free from the painful misconceptions that have held her bound.”
About the author we are informed:
“A. K. Frailey, an author of a historical sci-fi and science fiction series, short story collections, inspirational non-fiction books, a children’s book, and a poetry collection, has been writing for over ten years and has published 17 books.
Her novels expand from the OldEarth world to the Newearth universe-where deception rules but truth prevails. Her nonfiction work focuses on the intersection of motherhood, widowhood, practicing gratitude, and rediscovering joy.
As a teacher with a degree in Elementary Education, she has taught in Milwaukee, Chicago, L. A., and WoodRiver, and was a teacher trainer in the Philippines for Peace Corps. She earned a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Full Sail University.
Ann homeschooled all eight of her children. She manages her rural homestead with her kids and their numerous critters. In her spare time, she serves as an election judge, a literacy tutor, and secretary/treasurer of her small town’s cemetery.”
About 30 years ago I went through a phase where I read 30 volumes from Madeleine L’Engle over about 18 months. I read her youth fiction, her adult fiction, her theology, anything I could lay my hands on. And thanks to some generous friends I was able to travel and meet her at a conference. Her works have had a lasting impact on me. And with the reading of this I can now say the same of Frailey, I have read her fiction, her non-fiction, her poetry, and I plan on reading everything she has in print. While reading this I thought a lot about three specific L’Engle works: A Live Coal in the Sea, Camilla Dickinson, and A House Like a Lotus.
This is a deeply moving story. As a father of daughters it was at times very hard to read. It is the story of family, friendships, community, and small town life. After her accident Syn goes to live with her aunt and uncle, who call her Sparrow. Over the course of the story family secrets come out about her, her parents, and family conflict that has been bubbling below the surface for a long time. It is a story about physical injury and healing, but also emotional healing. It is a story about confronting the truth and finding a way to move on and live life, even if it was not the one you expected or what others expected of you. It is an amazing read.
L’Engle wrote two types of fiction: Chronos – real time fiction, and Kairos – fiction that crosses space and time. Frailey has done the same in her works. And this is a perfect Chronos story. Frailey is a modern day L’Engle, and this is an excellent offering from her masterful pen. It is a story you will find hard to put down, and one that will be dear to your heart. It is moving on many levels. It looks to be the beginning of an amazing series! When you finish you will be desperate for the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this story, give it a try I am certain you will be moved, entertained and maybe even challenged.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
May 18, 2026
Acknowledging the truth is the first step to becoming free.
Relationships between friends and various family members can be complex at times, and Ms. Frailey did a good job of exploring both the best days these characters shared with each other as well as the worst ones when they struggled to understand each other’s perspectives. There was a nice balance here of wholesome moments and more serious disagreements between certain characters depending on which scene was currently unfolding, and sometimes both happened at almost the same moment!
I struggled with the slow pacing, especially as it pertained to how much time it took for Syn receive the results of her ancestry DNA test and realize that she wasn’t actually biologically relate to her father. While I appreciated the character development that happened along the way, my interest levels did begin to wane as more chapters went by without the main conflict coming into focus. It would have been helpful in my opinion to either have Syn discover this family secret much earlier on or for additional conflicts to be introduced early on to keep the characters busy until the big reveal.
There were some interesting plot twists later on that added extra layers of meaning to earlier scenes. They fit the themes well and made a great deal of sense based on what I’d already learned about the characters. Will other readers see them coming in advance? It’s hard to say, but I liked how naturally they flowed into each other and into the storyline in general.
OldTown Fly, Sparrow, Fly was thought provoking.
Relationships between friends and various family members can be complex at times, and Ms. Frailey did a good job of exploring both the best days these characters shared with each other as well as the worst ones when they struggled to understand each other’s perspectives. There was a nice balance here of wholesome moments and more serious disagreements between certain characters depending on which scene was currently unfolding, and sometimes both happened at almost the same moment!
I struggled with the slow pacing, especially as it pertained to how much time it took for Syn receive the results of her ancestry DNA test and realize that she wasn’t actually biologically relate to her father. While I appreciated the character development that happened along the way, my interest levels did begin to wane as more chapters went by without the main conflict coming into focus. It would have been helpful in my opinion to either have Syn discover this family secret much earlier on or for additional conflicts to be introduced early on to keep the characters busy until the big reveal.
There were some interesting plot twists later on that added extra layers of meaning to earlier scenes. They fit the themes well and made a great deal of sense based on what I’d already learned about the characters. Will other readers see them coming in advance? It’s hard to say, but I liked how naturally they flowed into each other and into the storyline in general.
OldTown Fly, Sparrow, Fly was thought provoking.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews