How Blue Are the Ridges: A Novel

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.