title: A Myriad of Stars
author: Garrido, Theresa Jenner
description: Tabitha Brown loses her world when her fiancé, Sam, is killed while on a skiing trip in the Cascade Mountains. With no family except a great-aunt whom she’s met only once, Tabitha feels alone—bereft of everything meaningful. When great-aunt Rita dies, leaving Tabitha an old house, overlooking the Strait of Georgia in the northwest corner of Washington State, as well as a sizable sum of money, she resigns from her teaching position, packs up her meager possessions and leaves Seattle for a fresh start in life. The old house is nothing like the dream-house she and Sam had planned to have. In dire need of refurbishing, the place reeks of mildew and decay. But it's too late to regret her hasty move, so Tabitha buckles down, determined to make it the show-place it was at the turn of the last century. It isn't long before Tabitha realizes she needs help. Local handyman, J. Hampton Stewart, arrives in a battered truck with a “friend” named Raymond. Hampton proves to be more help than she cares to admit, and Tabitha reluctantly hires him to repair her leaky roof and do a number of odd jobs about the house. Despite her firm resolve, Tabitha is falling in love with the surprisingly talented carpenter. Not only does he fashion intricately beautiful pieces of furniture, he plays the violin like a master. He is kind to a fault and has a keen sense of humor. The only fly in the ointment is his live-in friend, Raymond, who is mentally challenged with the mind of a five-year-old. Although she tries, Tabitha cannot shake her loathing of the big man. A series of accidents force Tabitha and Hampton together, and their mutual respect and love grows until both are sure they want to spend the rest of their lives as husband and wife. Not believing she could ever find happiness like this again, Tabitha is filled with awe. She is certain of her love for this enigmatic man but just as certain of her loathing for his charge, Raymond. Is it possible to change a heart? Can someone learn how to love? Yes, it is...when you wish upon a star. And have faith in God.