The Astronaut from Bear Creek

by Nick Allen Brown

Jim Mayfield is a very reclusive man. In his family's cloistered inn in Bear Creek, Pennsylvania, he spends his retirement from NASA carving rocking chairs and hiding from the world. His isolated life, however, begins to drastically change when his sister Mallory, a social worker, brings over an orphaned girl to temporarily reside in the Bear Creek Inn. This girl, Abbey, slowly but surely wins Jim's affection. He becomes determined to do whatever it takes to protect her...eventually she might become his daughter, even if that means travelling back toward the stars. In addition to Jim and Abbey, another guest comes to stay in the Bear Creek Inn. Kelley is the focus of an equally enthralling subplot in which she must overcome the loss of her soldier-husband and his unborn child and start a new life. "The Astronaut from Bear Creek" is a wonderful second novel by Nick Allen Brown. The characters are dynamic and memorable. The story will tug at readers' heartstrings. Furthermore, the settings, from backwoods Pennsylvania to training facilities at NASA, all feel genuine and well researched, giving the book an added element of authenticity. "The Astronaut from Bear Creek" is close to interstellar!

Genres: Book Club, Fiction

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Katherine Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Michelle Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Diana French · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for up and coming author

[Karen McCawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick read, enjoyed it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down! Excellent book!

[I like what I like · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Beverly · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Jack Nadeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Nick Allen Brown at my local Costco in Brentwood TN. My first impression was surprise, because it is an unusual place to meet authors. Nick won me over immediately with his humility. We talked about his home town, Bowling Green KY, which is not far from Nashville. He was delightful and easy to talk with. My wife and I bought both The Astronaut from Bear Creek and Field of Dead Horses.
After reading the first page of The Astronaut from Bear Creek, I was hooked. Many years ago I was a single dad with 3 children. I could immediately identify with the main character Jim. As a father with two daughters, connecting with Abbey wasn’t difficult either.
I like the way Nick Allen describes the small city life of ordinary people, who lead ordinary lives but have all the same problems as I do. The book is an easy read and I never lost interest in the story. The 2 NASA pilots provide wonderful comic relief as did some of the locals at Murray’s Diner.

[TheAnonymousBookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I can't remember a book messed with "the feels," but this one did.
It was like a rollercoaster that I just wanted to keep riding. It made me want to laugh, cry, and scream.

The combined stories of the orphaned little girl, the widowed young woman whose husband died in the military, and the famous, mysterious astronaut caused me endless joy, curiosity, sadness, and anxiety.

If I could give this book a higher rating, I would.

I wasn't really expecting that much either. I thought it would just be a story about a retired astronaut, but there was so much more. This book is a major must-read.