Uncle Wilson

by Lynn Richardson

Wilson and Libby Dandy are living out their retirement years in Mayflower, Arkansas, quite happy in a comfortable and predictable marriage, when a weary and bruised teenager appears one summer morning. Seemingly a runaway, the young man is allowed a drink from Wilson’s garden hose and a plate of food from Libby’s kitchen. Charmed by his mannerly disposition but troubled by the circumstances of his arrival, the elderly couple allows “Ben” to stay for a few days, doing chores in return for meals while sleeping in an abandoned treehouse. As they watch him at work in their garden, Wilson and Libby marvel at Ben’s gardening skills and whisper about this sudden turn of events.
An unlikely kinship develops as the unassuming young man fills a void in the couple’s childless marriage. Growing fonder of their guest by the day, Wilson and Libby come to realize that there is no turning back - they are in it for the long haul. With fumbling determination and tender commitment, they resolve to help young Ben find his way in the world.
Uncle Wilson is a story of courage and character and throwing caution to the wind. As you turn the pages of this lively and uplifting story, you are reminded that love has no limits and that there are far more good people in this world than there are bad.
And of course, there’s a dog. There’s always a dog.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2014