New novel “Little Stars” by Jan Lefebvre is released, a charming story of small acts of heroism, family support, and everyday goodness in small-town Minnesota
“Little Stars” by Jan Lefebvre has been released worldwide. This 288-page novel follows Sal Schmidt, a middle-aged bachelor living a quiet, lonely life in central Minnesota. Set in the 1970s, the story springs into action when Sal performs an act of heroism and his mostly solitary lifestyle is disrupted by local fame. Distrusting of the outside world and mostly focused on caring for his mentally ill brother, Sal finds himself thrown back into the larger world he’d prefer to avoid, and in the process, begins to confront wounds from his past.
Inspired by the family stories shared by her father and uncles, Lefebvre brings the spirit of small-town Minnesota to life with her rich, dynamic characters and the relatable struggles they face. Her writing celebrates the small acts of kindness and personal connections that give life meaning, reminding readers that everyday heroes are all around us.
Through Sal’s journey out of isolation, including the painful process of coming to terms with his mother’s betrayal long ago, he also learns to open himself to the possibility of romance and embrace the affection of those around him.
Reflecting her own upbringing in Melrose, Minnesota, her family’s German heritage, and Midwest life in the 1970s, Lefebvre’s heartwarming novel pays tribute to the good deeds done by those who never seek the spotlight and don’t often receive recognition for their contributions. With flashbacks to the 1930s through the 1950s, the author also provides historical context for both her characters and the region, adding further depth to the tapestry of characters and the tight-knit community that surrounds them.
This wonderful, gentle story touches on moments of humor and sadness, weaving a relatable narrative of finding joy, taking care of one another, and honoring the “little stars” that help make the world brighter.
Little Stars (ISBN: 9781966074366) can be purchased through booksellers worldwide, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The paperback retails for $15.99, and the ebook retails for $2.99. Review copies and interviews with the author are available upon request.
From the back cover:
“Like Lorna Landvik and J. Ryan Stradal, Jan Lefebvre has a wonderful ear for the cadence of Midwestern life, and an appreciation for the small moments between us that are so much bigger. There’s heartbreak in this book, but also so much good humor, and hope. Reading this beautifully tender novel, I kept thinking that if A Man Called Ove were set in Central Minnesota in the 1970s, it might be a little like this. In the end, Little Stars is a plea for compassion and kindness in this world, and we need it.” – Shannon Olson, author of Welcome to My Planet: Where English Is Sometimes Spoken and Children of God Go Bowling
Sal Schmidt, a middle-aged bachelor in 1974, lives a lonely life in central Minnesota, employed as a maintenance worker while caring for his mentally ill brother, Art. When a sudden event forces Sal into a moment of heroism and, thereby, local celebrity, his secluded ways spin out of control, forcing him to live in the larger world he avoids and mistrusts. He discovers that, when he was young and serving in the Navy, his mother betrayed him, causing Sal to lose his chance at love and leading him to descend into seclusion. The shock of his mother’s betrayal sets Sal yearning for what might have been, and he finally acts, daring to dream of romance and wondering if he might attain a ray of happiness if he is brave enough to let in a little light.
About the author:
Jan Lefebvre taught English and theatre arts in the public-school setting for over 25 years and wrote and edited for several newspapers, including Dairy Star and Country Acres. While growing up in Melrose, a small town in central Minnesota, she was surrounded by the food, culture, and stories of her German immigrant ancestors and absorbed their traditions of hard work and family loyalty. She and her husband, Mark, raised their twins, Jackson and Emma, in Minnesota, and they now spend their time traveling or at their lake residence in the northern part of the state.
About MindStir Media:
MindStir Media LLC is an award-winning book publisher. To learn more about publishing a book with MindStir Media, visit http://mindstirmedia.com or call 800-767-0531.
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