Book Donation of “The Rigel Affair” to FMHM

Written by Zingara Wilbanks

The Rigel Affair is a story about Charlie Kincaid, a farm boy from Falkner, MS who left home and joined the US Navy. Charlie T. Kincaid was born in 1918, the son of Josie Floyd and Charlie H. Kincaid. During WWII he finds himself in Auckland, New Zealand where he meets the lovely Mattie Blanc. The following information was taken from the narrative on Amazon Books:

Abandoned by his part-Cherokee Ma, Charlie Kincaid escapes servitude with his uncle. He jumps a boxcar, accompanied by his schoolmate Roxy, who is escaping troubles of her own. Charlie becomes a US Navy Diver.

Mattie Blanc is from a genteel New Zealand family. But when her brother’s friend persuades her to take a ride, it all goes horribly wrong. Desperate, she flees her family’s stifling expectations for a new life in Auckland.

After the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, Charlie sets sail for Auckland aboard the USS Rigel. And there she is, the girl of his dreams. Mattie is everything that Roxy isn’t–sophisticated, tender, and patient. But the war intervenes… Rigel embarks for the Pacific war zones.

Charlie’s letters are sporadic. Mattie is tormented by doubts; did he truly love her, or was it only a dream?

The Rigel Affair produces a rip-roaring wartime romance and chilling danger unknown to most.

Author Lynette Hedrick grew up listening to her mother Mattie’s stories about her WW2 love for US Navy Diver Charlie. She used Mattie’s 30 letters from Charlie, and together with her insightful editor/advisor husband, Bud, they completed extensive research to give reality to The Rigel Affair. Lynette has published multiple short stories for NZ magazines. Both Lynette and Bud have completed numerous Creative Writing courses at Auckland University. Lynette is an accomplished expressionist Artist, with works sold internationally.

Learning about the Falkner Mississippi Heritage Museum through contacts in Tippah County, Lynette shipped a copy of her book to the Falkner Mississippi Heritage Museum.

A Rigel Affair by Lynette Hedrick  is available on Amazon Books and Kindle and is recommended for ages 18 and above.