Sunbeam on the Lathe

Cozy Hopepunk Novel

In a world rebuilt on quiet harmony, one artisan's craft will give a community its voice.

In the tranquil, post-revolutionary town of Oakhaven, life moves to a gentler rhythm. For Kaelen, a master woodworker, every day is a meditation—the scent of cedar and cherrywood, the whisper of a hand plane on timber, the deep satisfaction of creating beauty with her own hands. Here, in this solarpunk-inspired haven, purpose is found not in profit, but in the joy of unalienated labor and contribution to the collective good.

But a silent giant looms over the town square: the old clock tower, a relic of a past driven by rigid, relentless time. Its gears are frozen, its bells long gone. Where others see a monument to a forgotten era, Kaelen sees a beautiful, hollow instrument waiting for a new song. She envisions a quiet revolution of her own: to restore the tower not with a jarring clang, but with a chorus of meticulously crafted wooden chimes that sing with the very soul of the forest.

To bring this audacious dream to life, Kaelen must join forces with Lyra, a brilliant and precise young engineer whose world is one of gears, tolerances, and cold, hard logic. Together, they embark on a journey that blends artistry with mechanics, intuition with engineering. It’s a delicate dance between the organic warmth of wood and the unyielding precision of metal, a collaboration that will test their skills and challenge their perspectives.

But the true tension lies not in conflict, but in the pursuit of perfection. In Oakhaven, peace is a fragile, finely tuned machine, and the tower’s new voice must be perfectly harmonious. As they delve into the tower's forgotten history and uncover its secrets, they realize they aren't just building a timekeeper—they are composing a symphony for their community, a testament to a world remade.

Sunbeam on the Lathe is a beautifully crafted, meditative novel for those who cherish the quiet, the purposeful, and the hopeful. It is a soothing, uplifting escape into a world where the greatest thrill is the act of creation itself.

Perfect for fans of Becky Chambers' A Psalm for the Wild-Built, the cozy fantasy of Legends & Lattes, and the gentle, world-building spirit of Studio Ghibli.

If you love:

• Heartwarming and hopeful solarpunk stories

• Cozy, low-conflict fantasy with a focus on craft and community

• Tales of skilled artisans, engineers, and found family

• Lyrical, meditative prose that feels like a balm for the soul

• Uplifting narratives about building a better world

…then you will find a home in Oakhaven. Pick up your copy and listen for the chimes today.