Book excerpt: Celestra’s Magic is the story of how Mike Kelly grew up in a small town before the Vietnam War. However, an unexpected trip to San Francisco sets the tone for dramatic changes in his life. Kathleen O’Brien is a beautiful soprano. Her life is centered not only on music but also on the production of fine California wine. Catty is engaged to a man she does not love and he becomes a source of trouble for the two lovers. Mike is forced to flee California and is later drafted into the military service. Upon his discharge, Mike discovered that drug dealers might have killed Kathleen. However, he holds out hope that she is still alive. His search to find her is at first unsuccessful, until he is fortified in his quest by the angelic presence of a magical woman named Celestra.