The Astronaut from Bear Creek

by Nick Allen Brown

TEN YEARS AGO...
Retired astronaut, Jim Mayfield closed himself up inside Bear Creek Inn and hasn't been seen since.

PRESENT DAY...
Just when the small town of Bear Creek had almost forgotten about their reclusive and mysterious resident, a man from out-of-town flies in on a private jet to meet with the astronaut. The visit props the good people of the small town to begin asking questions. Who is Jim Mayfield? Why did he lock himself away? And who is the stranger that visited him? While the small town asks these questions, the most puzzling thing of all occurs when Bear Creek Inn takes in two guests.

Genres: Fiction

403 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Katherine Ramsey]

I can't remember the last time I read a book that I had to "recover" from afterwards. This story made me want to laugh and cry, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.

The descriptive language gave a unique perspective of the characters and their surroundings, but not so much so that it bogged down the story. I enjoyed the character development and the attention to detail with even the seemingly less significant characters. The explanations about the scientific elements were fascinating, but not overwhelming to someone who is not deeply skilled in the realm of science. It was an smooth read, and very entertaining.

I loved this book and I want my friends to read it so they can share my enthusiasm. If this gets turned into a movie, I want to be on the production team!

[Debbie Havron]

I could not put this down and stayed up till 3am to finish the book in one straight reading. Nick Allen Brown's writing only gets better. I laughed, cried, and cheered. Such an amazing story ... thank you and keep writing!

[Pam Papworth]

My book club selected this book for the month. The group read "Grainger County Tomatoes" by this author two months ago, and enjoyed it so much they wanted to read another of his books. This book started out just a bit slow, but it got really good! I hated to put it down, but sleep and work made me read it in a few sittings. There is so much emotion in this book! Be prepared to experience joy and sorrow, and you might even chuckle in a few spots. Currently (March 2023), it is only $1.99 from Amazon on Kindle. Buy it! (There were a few typos in my version, but I knew what it was supposed to say.)

[Leslie Angel]

I loved this book for half, then it seemed to peter out a bit. So 3.5

[Susan]

The underlying story of The Astronaut from Bear Creek is one of loss, hope and restoration. Jim Mayfield, a reclusive astronaut, seemingly avoids people at all cost. However, life circumstances take him through a series of dilemmas and unlikely guests at his family's former residence known as Bear Creek Inn. The author takes us on a journey of people who are cast aside and seen as suspect in their communities, through the eyes of a disabled foster child Abbey Creeson, and military widower Kelly White, psychiatrist Dr. Stanton, to the team of NASA professionals, educators and social workers. It is as if a puzzle is put into motion. The pieces of yesteryear intertwine with Jim's childhood story about growing up, along with future hopes and dreams. Our characters are disciplined and quirky, reminiscing about of days gone by, remembering moments that brought them to this place, even down to the selection of the school play of Peter Pan. It provides an integral backdrop and takes on meaning, with first time harnessed stage flight to Astronaut Jim Mayfield's return to flight at NASA. This too strikes a chord for this reader who watched her own child fly on stage for the first time in the very same play. This story is rich in compassion, love, and hope as broken lives find new life and restoration.

[Sue Cook]

This was a very good read. The characters were well developed and held my interest throughout the book. Some of the developments took a bit of literary license, but overall I would definitely recommend. This author was signing books at our local Costco and is a very likable person so I bought his book and since reading it, have downloaded his first book since I am a fan of his style. He has only written two books, but I think he'll become one of the better novelist today.

[Molly]

Honestly, I bought this book because the author was selling it at Costco and my husband and I got it to help a local author.

I didn't expect much but I read the whole thing in one evening.

I laughed.
I cried.
I really enjoyed it.

[Grace Dusing]

This is seriously one of the best books I have ever read! It is definitely going on my list of favorites! I loved so much how everything eventually comes back around!

[Carolyn]

I read this book at the recommendation of a few friends. I had not heard of the author before, so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised that the book was so good. I found the story to be well developed and the characters believable. I especially liked the relationship between Abbey and Jim, showing how when you open up your life and heart you can make a difference in someone's life. The life that changes might be your own.
I look forward to reading the other books by this author. I can definitely recommend this one.

[Sue Vona]

One of the BEST reads! Could not put it down.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing is beautifully crafted, and the author’s descriptions are so clear and engaging that it feels as though you’re right there experiencing the story alongside the characters.
I read the first half of this book on Sunday. After work on Monday I couldn’t wait to get back to it, then left a few chapters to finish on Tuesday.
I highly recommend this book and the author.

[Cari]

The characters in this book are more engaging than his last. Brown draws the reader in and give her just enough to make her wonder what will happen next. He researches his topics thoroughly and defies the "write what you know" rule. This novel held my interest and captured my emotions. I enjoyed every page!

[Kristian]

I was a bit tentative at first, as modern fiction usually isn't my go-to. However, the first chapter both put me off and grabbed me in a way that left me curious for more. The entire story was absolutely delightful and had me in bittersweet tears through the end of it.

[Heather Miller]

Wow…didn’t know what to expect. Is it science fiction? Is it a love story? Horror? One of the first books I’ve read in a long time, where I really didn’t see an ending. Just a very nice book to read, but you will need tissues!

[Julie]

I highly recommend this book to anyone. Amazing story and so well written.

[Michelle Jenkins]

Great story. Great characters. Surprising turn out. I loved the NASA part of it he taught us. A must read.

[Diana French]

This was one of the best books I have read in some time. I loved the characters and the story. I hated to have it end . I plan to read the other book as soon as I can get a copy.

[Tonya Matthews]

Good for up and coming author

[Karen McCawley]

Great Read!

[Debbie]

Very well written, quick read. Pulls at your heart strings.

[Christine]

Proofreader needs to learn rules on punctuation; words missing to form complete sentences. Storyline is good; would have preferred a different ending, but it was well-done.

[Doug Errington]

quick read, enjoyed it.

[Mary]

An excellent book. I enjoyed every minute of reading it!

[dawn]

Great read!

I loved this book.
I really enjoyed the characters and how they were all woven together.
Can't wait to read more of his books

[Teri McHugh]

Excellent!

[Patti]

A great story, how finding love can vary for different people.

[Diane]

I could not put it down! Excellent book!

[I like what I like]

Engaging, I just wanted to keep reading. The sadness is going to stay with me but the conclusion is one of triumph.

[Beverly]

DNF at 36%. Couldn't take one more description of the sound of loafers clicking and clacking. Not a bad story but needed some serious editing.

[Nancy Akazaz]

I absolutely loved this unique and beautiful story! ❤️ Highly recommend!

[lauren]

sooooo… what did jim see in space? it literally never tells us.