L K O'Neal

Away Home L K O'Neal

Storytelling is at its absolute best in this lovingly told tale of hurt and healing, of friendship, of the importance of place, and of unexpected romance. It tugs at the heartstrings, akin to the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life, ' and the play 'Our town.'

The cruel violence of the New York City streets and unspeakable abuse at an ill-run orphanage mark Clark Miller's years before the age of seven. Tragic events continue to haunt the young orphan causing his adopted grandparents to raise him up in the small remote town of Millcreek, Pennsylvania. The beginnings, finally, of a place to be from and a foundation of family and one true friend, Willow Barker, are shattered by tragic circumstances. Clark Miller, the teenager, flees the town afraid of the rightful blame of its people, and to free the town and Willow from the menace he has always been.

Over thirty years Clark has forgotten Millcreek and Willow Barker. Until a telegram arrives from Willow's grandmother indicating his adopted grandmother has passed away. He is drawn back to the town he fled in shame, reliving his darkest past and a haunting he, Willow, and Millcreek had buried for more than thirty years.

'Away Home' is a heartwarming story perfect to enjoy for the Christmas and year end holidays. It may take you back to your own small hometown that you couldn't wait to leave but that has always drawn you back. Some say you can never go home. But if you are lucky, it is the opposite. You never really leave.