I am so happy to have Joan Hall visit today. Joan is a fellow member of Story Empire, and she has a new book that sounds fascinating. Come on in, Joan, and tell us about your latest.
The Homecoming
Thanks so much for hosting me today, John. It’s a pleasure to visit you and to share news about my latest release, Menagerie. It’s a mixed-genre compilation of thirteen short stories. Each tour stop features a different story and what inspired me to write it. Today, I’d like to talk about The Homecoming, a contemporary fiction story about a military family.
I have a deep respect for the men and women who serve and have served in the military. While I’m grateful to all the generations who have served, I have a special place in my heart for those who served in Vietnam. I had two cousins who served during that time—one in the Navy, the other Army.
In 2019, I first heard the story of Colonel Roy Knight, an Air Force pilot whose plane was shot down over Laos in 1967. He was listed as missing in action for many years before being declared killed in action. In February 2019, fifty-two years after being shot down, his remains were identified. That same August, his remains were flown home to Texas, his final resting place.
The story itself is touching, but what made it even more of a tearjerker is the fact his son, a pilot for Southwest Airlines, flew the plane with his father’s casket into Dallas Love Field Airport. The same airport then five-year-old Bryan and other members of his family last saw him as he departed Texas for what proved to be his final tour of duty.
I shed a few tears when watching the video and still do each time I see it. Colonel Knight’s story inspired me to write The Homecoming.
It’s the story of the Atwood family. Four generations have served in the Navy—except for the youngest son. Brady Atwood decided against a military career, which didn’t make his father happy. Brady reluctantly joins his family when his grandfather’s remains are returned from Vietnam a half-century after he went missing.
Told from four different points of view—Brady, his father Bruce, his mother Cindy, and his brother Chris, The Homecoming is story of family dynamics, mending relationships, and most of all honoring a fallen hero.
Excerpt:
I had long given up hope of this day ever happening. Now that it’s here, it seems surreal. I was six years old on that February morning in 1968 when we saw my father off at this same airport for what proved to be his final tour of duty. As the youngest child, it was hard for me to grasp what was happening. Growing up in a military family, I was accustomed to him leaving from time to time. It was all part of life, but Dad would always come back.
Vietnam was on the other side of the world. I’d seen clips of the war on television but never expected it to change our lives forever.
It’s funny how my memories of that day are as plain as if they’d happened last week. Dad was a handsome man with dark hair, twinkling blue eyes, and a smile that would light up any room. Mom said his smile was what she first noticed about him. It’s also what I remember most. He’d started up the jet bridge when he turned back. He waved and flashed a grin at us then continued toward the plane. It was the last time we saw him alive.
Blurb:
King’s. The Tower of London. Glass. What do these have in common?
Each is a famous menagerie.
While this Menagerie doesn’t focus on exotic animals, it does contain a collection of stories that explore various trials people face and how their reactions shape their worlds.
Survivors of a haunted bridge. Women who wait while their husbands fight a war. Former partners reuniting to solve a cold-case murder.
These are just three of the thirteen stories in this compendium, encompassing past and present, natural and supernatural, legend and reality. The genres and timelines are varied, but there’s a little something for everyone who enjoys reading about simpler times and small-town life.
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/jh-menagerie
About the Author
Social Media Links
Website | Blog | BookBub | Goodreads
Fiction Favorites 
[…] be updated as each post goes live. Comments are closed here, but I do hope you join me today at John’s place where I tell what inspired my family/military fiction story, The […]
LikeLike
Menagerie is a stunning collection of inspiring stories. I savour each one before deciding on my favourite. I already know this will be a difficult choice…
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, ladies. It thrills me to know you enjoyed the stories.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for the boost, Jaye and Anita. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Writing the review! 📚
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the lovely comment Jaye and Anita. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Joan Hall Guesting Today to Talk About Her #newbook – Menagerie […]
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing, Charles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Charles.
LikeLike
The Homecoming was one of my top favorite stories in Menagerie. The entire is collection is brilliant, but this one plucked a lot of heartstrings. Congratulations to Joan on her collection of shorts. It’s great to see her featured her today, John!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Can I admit I shed a few tears when writing this one? Thanks so much, Mae.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Your comment makes me want to read Joan’s book even more Mae. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your terrific comments and support. Mae. 😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, John, for featuring Joan and her beautiful collection of short stories. I enjoyed each one immensely. Congratulations, Joan!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much, Gwen.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for your recommendation, Gwen. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am wishing Joan all the very best with her collection, especially the Homecoming, which is something only some of us can relate to.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, GP. I wanted to do something to honor the Vietnam vets. I hope I did them justice.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m sure they appreciate it, Joan.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, GP. Thank you for the good wishes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I loved this collection, but I remember Homecoming as particularly powerful. All the best, Joan.
John, thanks for hosting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think my reply ended up in a separate thread, but thank you for your words.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Always a pleasure , Staci. Thanks for the support.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Staci. This was a story I “had” to write.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much for hosting me today, John. It’s been a busy year for both of us so far!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is a pleasure, Joan. I can’t wait to get to your book. It is sitting on my Kindle just taunting me. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know that feeling! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed Menagerie so much. Congratulations, Joan, on your new book and all the wonderful reviews you’re receiving.
John, thanks for sharing.
Hugs to you both 💕🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so happy you enjoyed the book, Harmony. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes thanks, Harmony. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww Thank you, Harmony. I can’t wait to get to this one. Hugs back to you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ll bet you nailed that one. Can’t wait to read it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel the same way, Craig. Thanks for supporting Joan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope I did our veterans justice, Craig. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like a wonderful read. Thanks for the introduction, John.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Joan writes terrific stories so to have a bunch of them is a treat. Thanks, Dale.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Dale. Nice to virtually meet you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Same here! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Homecoming sounds like a story that will resonate with many. Thanks for hosting Joan today, John! Congratulations to Joan!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was mu pleasure, Jill. Thanks for the visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so, Jill. Thanks so much for visiting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“The Homecoming” sounds like a very moving story. I’m looking forward to reading it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am too, Liz. Thanks for the support.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Liz. I shed a few tears while writing it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Joan. I expect I’ll shed a few few tears reading it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
How lovely to get the background on that touching story, Joan. I also have great respect for our service men and women, and my heart goes out to those who lost their lives and the families left behind. A wonderful collection of stories, my friend. Thanks for hosting, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mine too, Diana. I’m thrilled you enjoyed this collection.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Diana. I can’t wait to get to the stories. Thanks for the supportive comment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve been enjoying Joan’s Menagerie tour. I’ve read the collection and thought “The Homecoming” was excellent.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Priscilla.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing that, Priscilla.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This looks like a really good read, and it’s on my list now. Thanks for sharing it, John. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure Tim. Knowing Joan’s quality of writing we are both in for a treat. 😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, T. W.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can’t imagine the emotions of having a hero finally come home. You captured though in this story.
Thanks for hosting, John:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Denise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Denise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Denise. It is always great to see Joan.😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Past and present, natural and supernatural, legend and reality.” Sounds like you’ve cover all the bases, Joan. Thanks for sharing the information. Thanks John for bringing this to us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s certainly a “Menagerie” of stories, Dan. Thanks for stopping by today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the visit and comment, Dan.
LikeLike
This was another great story in Menagerie. My heart went out to Brady, and I cheered him on for daring to be different. Glad this story had a good resolution. Thank you, John, for hosting today. This is such a good book, and I highly recommend it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your recommendation, Jan
LikeLiked by 1 person
I felt for Brady (and his father). But like you, I’m glad Brady had the courage to be different.
LikeLiked by 2 people
[…] Day Seven – John Howell […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just started this one yesterday, Joan! I love hearing the origins of these stories. Thanks for hosting, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope you enjoy the stories, Teri! Thanks so much for your support.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the visit and comment, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad that Colonel Ray Knight was finally found and that he was flown home, but my heart breaks for his family. This is one book that will make the TBR.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good choice.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I feel the same way, Mark. it was bittersweet.
LikeLiked by 2 people
And thanks for checking out the book!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Joan.
LikeLiked by 2 people
[…] Day Seven – John Howell […]
LikeLike
[…] Day Seven – John Howell […]
LikeLike
[…] Day Seven – John Howell […]
LikeLike