Inspired by Actual Events

A Turn of the Cards is written with deep sentiment and many surprises for the reader. Moreover, it's an authentic American story of the unique mid-western culture, its sense of community, work ethic, moral values and unwavering commitment to an exceptional way of life.

This contemporary novel is a compelling read, with believable and engaging characters, confronting trauma courageously to persevere and press on with life in spite of the setbacks encountered dealing with the disaster.

An EF-4 tornado pommels the small town of Greenfield, Iowa on May 21, 2024 destroying 31 million dollars' worth of residential homes and businesses, leaving hundreds of families displaced and the infrastructure decimated.

The Nickerson's, were one of families who lost their home and were traumatized by the climate event. This is the gripping story of the impact of that disaster on their lives.

Bill, a father and former Marine veteran, is a county building inspector. He's out on the job when the storm hits and attempts to elude the approaching tornado. Regardless of the risks Bill heads home to save his dog and her newborn pups, paying the price for his decision.

Bill's wife Caty's world is turned upside down, but she resolves to hold her family together after the disaster. Fortunately, she and Bill are taken in by their close friends who are family farmers and members of their church.

Their children, Sean 20 and Riley 18, are given places to stay with their best friends, Ben and Holly, on two farms in the area where they are welcomed as part of the family.

Readers will come to know the Nickerson family intimately as they cope with the circumstances that left them homeless. Their friends, both old and new, will transform each other's lives in unexpected ways as they all learn to deal with the aftermath of the tornado that impacted all of their lives.

Cal Muzikar lives in Sheridan, Wyoming. A Turn of the Cards is his 7th novel.