How Blue Are the Ridges: A Novel

by Ken Ollis

In the midst of the Great Depression, the people of the Blue Ridge Mountains are as colorful and unforgettable as their home. Strong, intelligent, and kind, they are a force to be reckoned with. They are determined, unyielding, and tough when challenged, and they do what is needed to protect what is theirs. They live off the land and love their music, barn dances, and moonshine with equal passion. Walter Stamey is a Southern gentleman and a mountain man through and through. A veteran of World War I, he worked hard to build an empire to provide a future for his family. During the Great Depression, Walter worked his way into the moonshine business named Newbarn, and the operation grows quickly. But Newbarn is too successful too soon. Now Walter has to contend with the Chicago Mafia and everything he has worked to achieve is at risk. With the help of his son Jackson and a local detective, they work to protect their livelihood. Millard Watson grew up dirt-poor, knowing nothing but poverty. As an adult, he vows to break the bonds of his past and create a new future with Flora, the girl of his dreams. When Jackson offered him a chance to build that new life at Newbarn, Millard jumped at the opportunity. But is he willing to pay the price for his dreams? Only time will tell how, for everyone will go to defend what is theirs.

624 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2013

Reviews

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about the Depression years and how a young man and his friends manage to overcome the poverty that has plagued them most of their lives living in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A lot of the book is about life in the mountains and how it was lived and probably still is. It is a story about family and friends and the trust each and everyone of them puts in the Almighty-Church is one of the most important parts of their lives. It is also the story about how Moonshine pitted these staunch, truthful and honest men against terrible enemies. It is a long book-approx 600 pages but I can honestly say I was never bored. The ending left me in shock and possibly there will be a sequel--but maybe not--life goes on--5 Stars for this one!!How Blue Are the Ridges