5 Star Review
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By Anette Engel
There is something very powerful about a story that takes you to a certain place and time, and this one does that so well. It takes place in the Mid-Ohio Valley in West Virginia and catches the essence of country life in a way that feels both old and new. The contrast between the city and the country is explored with a depth that goes beyond simple scenery—it's about the mindset, the values, and the very fabric of life that shapes those who grow up in different worlds. Watching the transformation of someone who initially views farm life as foreign into a person who comes to love it deeply was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book. It's a lesson that love can change more than just how two people interact with each other.
The characters are nice enough to make even the worst problems seem like they have a reason for happening. The stories are deep and have many layers. A fresh start in life sounds like a beautiful idea, but what I liked most about it was how honest it was. It feels real how hard the work is, how stressful money can be, and how risky farming can be. The hard times are real, but so is the deep pleasure that comes from sticking with something. That's not all it's about. It's also about the community around them, how people help each other, and the quiet strength it takes to live a life connected to the land.
How close the family and love ties were was the thing that hit me the most. Love grows in a family when they face and get through hard times together. Seeing love grow between two people is sweet. The story feels real because of how these relationships have changed over time. It's like I'm seeing real people deal with the ups and downs of life.
This book is a beautifully written tribute to resilience, love, and the kind of life that is built with patience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to something bigger than oneself. It lingers in the mind long after the final page.
Carl Parsons
Carl Parsons is an author with a diverse background in both the sciences and humanities. After spending 22 years in management roles at TRW Automotive, he shifted his focus to teaching English and pursuing his passion for writing. His short stories have appeared in publications such as The Broadkill Review, The Raven Review, Scars Publications, and Spillwords Press, while his poetry has been featured in Literary Yard and Plum Tree Tavern.
Carl has been recognized for his contributions to literary fiction, receiving honors such as Contributor of the Year by Spillwords Press and a Best Political Thriller Award from Literary Global for his novel Trios: Death, Deceit, and Politics. He also moderates a local book club. Carl holds a BA and MA in English from West Virginia University as well as a MS in Manufacturing Management from Kettering University and is a member of West Virginia Writers, Inc.
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