How Blue Are the Ridges

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 whiskey with equal passion.

Walter Stamey is a true Southern gentleman and a mountain man through and through. A veteran of World War I, he works hard to build an empire to provide a future for his family. During the Great Depression, Walter works his way into the moonshine business, and the Newbarn operation grows quickly. But Newbarn is too successful too soon. Now Walter has to contend with the Chicago Mafia, and everything he had 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 to 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 truly willing to pay the price for his dreams?

Only time will tell how far everyone will go to defend what's theirs.

Ken Ollis is a child of the Great Depression and of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. After traveling abroad, living over much of the United States, and serving in the US Air Force, he returned there to build a life on Gingercake Mountain with his wife, Jackie. They have two sons, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is also the author of Seasons of Poetry.