This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Don Westenhaver served with the Marines in Vietnam as a radioman and interpreter. He was a finance executive in the oil and auto industries, which allowed him to travel to Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa. These experiences inspire his historical novels. He is a member of the Southern California Writers Association and the Military Writers Society of America. Don and his wife Ellie are happily retired. They volunteer at several different charities, play golf, enjoy movies and novels, and love to travel. They are blessed with two daughters and two grandchildren.
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
This gripping story begins with Danny Parker, a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps during WWI, stationed in the Argonne Forest of France. Barely escaping a skirmish with the Germans, Danny returned to his hometown, Long Beach, California. Danny is not sure what kind of career he desires. Before the war, he spent three years in a seminary to become a Catholic priest. He had broken the heart of his childhood friend, Joyce Villereal, several years earlier when he revealed his possible vocation. After living the horrors of war, Danny decided he needed to see if a relationship with Joyce would be possible. While he was overseas, Joyce had pursued her dream of becoming an actress. She became a rising movie star; however, she had disappeared the month earlier. The Los Angeles Police Department put little effort into finding her and soon closed the case. Danny, however, devoted himself to finding her in Missing Star by Don Westenhaver.
This novel contains interesting historical information, as well as an intriguing, suspense-filled plot. From the discovery of oil in the Long Beach area, prohibition, and blatant corruption in police departments, the early years of the movie industry, and more, this book contains a wealth of history. Mr. Westenhaver is a talented writer, demonstrating an expertise for interweaving facts with fiction, engaging the reader throughout the entire book. There is an easy flow to the story, making the book a fun read. Yet, the reader may have learned a great deal about the people who lived through this era. Don Westenhaver’s book, Missing Star, is an outstanding fictional work!
