Novels

In 1983, when big hair, neon colors, and MTV are all the rage, Luke Cavarelli dreams of leaving Pittsburgh and jumpstarting his band, The Steel City Boys. He’s always admired confident singer Tony Bellano, but following in the rock idol’s footsteps is frustrating. While the band searches for a record deal, Luke’s best friend and bandmate Ryan, a self-proclaimed ladies man, teases about Luke wanting to settle down one day. Just as Luke falls in love with Samantha, a dreamer and photographer, the band scores a record deal and leaves the state. Tony Bellano, who is signed to the same record label, would rather mock Luke than befriend him. Luke had hoped that Bellano would appreciate a fan, but Bellano instead feels threatened by the competition. A battle of the bands ensues; Bellano will stop at nothing to sabotage Luke, even if that means destroying a friendship and a marriage. As Luke grapples with his past insecurities, Ryan, after a near tragedy, battles his nicotine addiction and Samantha faces the consequences of her materialistic impulses. Luke’s faith and loyalty are challenged to the point where he must either confront Bellano or lose himself and his passion for the music that fuels his identity.

Rowdy may be a mutt with a wild streak, but his heart belongs to his best friend, Ethan. Even though Ethan relies on a wheelchair to move about his day, his dog loves him all the same. Together, Ethan and Rowdy enjoy watching movies and snacking on popcorn. For Christmas, Ethan eagerly asks Santa for an old-fashioned popcorn machine so he and Rowdy can have even more fun while watching movies. On Christmas Eve, Rowdy waits up to see if Santa brings Ethan’s long-awaited gift down the chimney. However, Rowdy grows angry when he realizes that Santa forgot the popcorn machine! Now Ethan’s stubborn pup must hide himself on Santa’s sleigh, determined to not come home until he secures the popcorn machine. Will Rowdy succeed on his popcorn adventure and make it home in time for Christmas?

Jesus the Nazorean has been crucified. The Roman soldiers cast lots for His garment. Cassius was the lucky winner. Little did Cassius know, he had just gambled away his scandalous love affair and his future on the the new Christian religion. Will he pledge his allegiance to Pilate and Caesar or Jesus the Christ? “The Lots Were Cast” is a short story that shows how faith can transform indifference.