“In the beginning, man blew up a bunch or rockets“

The morning Alan Shepherd rocketed into the sky to become the first American astronaut in space, changed everything for Jessie Cole, a 10-year-old boy living in the shadow of America’s fledgling space program.

“One day, I am going to ride one of those rockets,” he declares to his skeptical brothers. Jessie, determined and passionate about his dream, falls prey to disillusionment as his family life disintegrates at the hand of their alcoholic and abusive father. How can he concentrate on future hopes with so many changes in his daily life?

Jessie’s always been the dreamer, but will his dreams be strong enough to launch him out of poverty and into space as his high hopes battle harsh reality?

Forgiveness and determination will be required to make his career and relationship work.

Jessie Cole has relentlessly pursued his dream of becoming a member of the elite American astronaut corps. Now, an officer in the U.S. Navy and an ace pilot, he can almost taste success.

The distraction of love is not a part of his plan as he fights his attraction to not one, but two beautiful redheads and one of them vehemently opposes his dream.

Legacies are woven that bind fate or ignite dreams.

Jessie Cole worked hard to rise from humble beginnings to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. He didn’t think he’d face a more difficult challenge until he became a father. Now, he must weigh his decisions and endeavor to raise his children with the values of faith, perseverance, and love that shaped his own life.

Mariana Cole has gazed up at the heavens with wonder since infancy. Tales of her father’s trips to space feed her curiosity and drive her to understand why humanity hasn’t traveled beyond our own moon. Will she follow her father’s path or blaze her own trail to change the trajectory of space exploration?

Praise for Jessie Cole

“I am not surprised that this book won awards!! I heard the cicadas and the cardinals and saw the sand dunes and the seaoats as I journeyed through this story full of solid themes on family, bullying, second chances, and the power of a dream.” ~Melinda Matthews

“Rarely does a book capture my very essence and draw me in, not as a spectator, but as a participant.” ~Peggy M.

“There were moments where I shed tears and laughed with joy along with these fictional characters who have become all too real to me.” ~Rosy Reader

“I fell in love with these characters and their life’s passion and was totally sucked into the drama and excitement of NASA and the family legacy that seems to choose Mariana at an early age.” ~Biker Babs