by Joanna Debaroncelli

In this collection of seven short stories and reminiscences, Joanna deBaroncelli writes of the humor, joy, and lurking tragedy of life.

In the title story, “Falling Star” gets a spectacular comeuppance that answers his mother's prayers in an unexpected way. A young girl copes with a potent and confusing loss by venturing into the forbidden world of “The Hollow.” A young aviator, “Lulu,” flies booze for the mob during Prohibition in a World War I Jenny and makes a happy and prosperous landing.

In “The Window of Truth,” a young, idealistic king brings a wondrous gift to his people, a window that calms the furious powers of lust, resentment and delusion, but do they appreciate it?

Carefree hearts of college days meet death head-on in “Ohio University.” A hard-strapped princess takes an unlikely companion as her savior in “The Last of Front Page Days.” A symbol of endurance, “The Black Figurine” outlasts a life lived dangerously at times.

And “Eold” puts a new spin on the golden years.