The Pearls of the Stone Man - Softcover

Mooney Jr., Edward

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1891400738 ISBN 13: 9781891400735

Publisher: Champion Press (WI), 2002

Synopsis

Joseph and Anne Marino are one of those rare couples who are very much in love-after 53 years of marriage. Now, they face the inevitable truth that awaits us all. When these soulmates are left with only months remaining, instead of years, Joseph's number one priority becomes finishing the stone wall that Anne requested years ago-a special reminder from her childhood. In our modern world where so much of life is based on quick decisions and short-term gratification, Pearls of the Stone Man takes us beyond generational gaps, stone walls and everlasting love, to the very humanity that unites us all.

Over 30,000 hardcover copies sold in Japan. Movie in production in Japan, estimated date of filming, Spring 2008.

About this title

About the Author:

Edward Mooney, Jr., was born in Massachusetts and raised in Tustin, California. After receiving degrees from Montana State University and the University of California at Riverside he worked as a computer analyst until becoming a high school teacher in 1988. Edward currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Carrie, and their five children.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

Saturdays in spring brought a flood of humanity to Pine Mountain. Some travelers were returning to repair and reopen long-shuttered weekend cabins, and some came to witness the final gasps of snow on the slopes of that noble rock. Still others came to find their past. Perhaps, they thought, in the mysteries of long ago would the answers to today's questions be found.

It was on such a Saturday that a minivan with a small family rounded the many curves of a mountain highway called Mil Potrero. They came looking for a house from their past.

"Tim, I think we should stop for some drinks before we go up the hill," a pretty young woman advised the man driving. She wore her hair up, in braids.

"With the kids asleep, wouldn't it be better to just drive by, turn around and head back? We could get something to drink in Lake of the Woods, at the mini-mart," the driver responded. He was a handsome man, in a rugged way. It was obvious, from looking at his hands, that he earned his wages with some physical labor.

"But I'd like to stop and look..."

"Again? Look for what? Of all the times we've been up here you've never known what you're looking for!" Tim frowned.

"It meant something, Tim. He didn't just say it." Shannon looked out of the side window. She was angry. "I know it meant something."

"Look, I'll make a deal with you," Tim gestured with his right hand.

"Keep both hands on the wheel up here. You know how much I hate this road!" Shannon tensed further, her body molded into her seat.

"Come on hon, I've driven this road a thousand times. Hey...there're guardrails now!" Tim snickered as he teased.

"What's the deal?" Shannon said, momentarily over her fear of the curved road.

"I'll stop this time, but it's the last time. I just don't see the point. If you don't find whatever it is you think is there this time, then we'll do it my way from now on. Deal?"

Shannon looked back out the window at the passing trees. She knew she had been pursuing this strange passion for too long. Tim had been patient. Still, the idea of actually giving up left butterflies in her stomach. "Shannon? Well? Is it a deal?" Tim whispered the words as one of the children stirred in the back seat.

"You know I don't even know what I'm looking for," Shannon matched his whispered tone. "But I know he meant it-it's too important to walk away from."

"How long, Shannon? We've been coming up here for more than a decade. It's bugged me, too. But I think it's time to write this off as just one of those mysteries we can never solve. Let's just treasure the fond memories and let it go..." Tim trailed off. He bit his lower lip.

"I'll tell you what. If no one is there, then we'll turn around and never try this again," Shannon offered. Her stomach sank as she said the words, but she knew Tim was right. Sooner or later they would have to put this behind them. Maybe some answers weren't meant to be found.

"Okay, it's a deal then?" Tim extended his right hand.

"Both hands on the steering wheel!" Shannon urged.

"I'll take that to mean it's a deal."

Shannon nodded.

About this edition

• Publisher: Champion Press (WI)
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1891400738
• ISBN 13: 9781891400735
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280