Three Thousand Mile Smile - Stephen A Martin

The novel, Three Thousand Mile Smile, is a love story that captures the emotions of an elderly widower living alone for the first time. From the beaches of Orange County, he moves to the Central Valley, where summer temperatures rarely dip below one hundred degrees. The proximity of several national parks and the central coastal beaches-just one to two hours away-soon persuades him to realize he is home.

Neighborhood issues in his new environment are both confusing and dangerous. His goal was to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

He soon takes to the dating lifestyle for the first time in decades, meeting several prospects online who wish to share his life. From a photograph of a smile, he tries to entice a special someone from thousands of miles away.

Earthquakes and wildfires devastate several local communities, prompting him to realize that he may have made a poor choice in relocating here, especially when a significant part of his family moves across the country.

Immersing himself in family issues that include health concerns as well as marital strife, he becomes the dad and grandfather his family depends on, while flirting and beginning a long-distance love affair that takes him on a journey to rediscover love.