First published 2021
Oliver and Janet arrive at their cousin Jasper's house expecting a summer of fun, but find him withdrawn and troubled instead. The cheerful cousin they remember has become quiet and distracted. The siblings learn that Jasper faces problems with a difficult neighbor, yet he refuses to take action. Determined to help, Oliver and Janet search for solutions but come up empty. Their breakthrough comes through an unlikely source: The Beeman, a local storyteller who captivates them with tales of their family's past. As the children visit him repeatedly, drawn by his compelling stories of local history, they begin to see connections they missed before. The Beeman's narratives about their ancestors contain more than entertainment. Hidden within these family stories lies the key to resolving Jasper's conflict with his troublesome neighbor. The siblings must piece together the historical clues and find the courage to act on what they discover.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, mystery
Setting: Windy Hill
Period: 20th-century
136 pages · Kindle Edition · Racehorse