Don Pardue nails it with this story about how it feels to be a 68 year old man, dealing with loneliness, well-meaning family members, good friends, and an old love. I appreciated the larger print, too ... made it really easy for my old eyes to read!

~Marilyn Neilans

This book was a sociological experience for me. I knew nothing about the life of a farmer and how dependent they are on mother-nature; of course it's obvious now, but I never thought about it. It is also about the disease of alcoholism and how it can ravage a family. The protagonist, Ben, guided his family through their perils with a firm, loving hand. He was loving and non-judgmental toward his wife, but always acting in the best interests of his girls. He kept them safe and secure. They trusted him and knew they could always depend on him. A great read about strength, character, love and faith. I will hold this book close to my heart and return to it again and again for the lessons of honesty, respect, integrity and kindness that it conveys. I look forward to reading this writer's other works.

By Katherine Jones

This well-written book is rich in details; American and Tennessee history as well as the family's own story. Don has an almost poetic style, especially when he is describing the beautiful East Tennessee countryside.

I enjoyed it a lot!

By Lyn Neilans

Even though I personally know the author and his family, I would have loved this book if I had not known them. This is a story of farm life in the South during the depression and wars. Though the father of six girls never had much money, he was one of the richest men in Tennessee. He had the richness of the love of his family. This book is for anyone that appreciates hard work and righteous living. Be prepared to deal with your own life's worth as you finish this book.

By Carl Dunn

Fabulous! I couldn't put it down, staying up to all hours to read what was going to happen next. Having Southern history of slaves and the KKK interwoven into the plot made the story all the more compelling. Couldn't believe a man raised in the South could write such eye-opening incidents. Good Job! From one author to another.

By Bobbi Phelps Wolverton, author BEHIND THE SMILE

Even though I personally know the author and his family, I would have loved this book if I had not known them. This is a story of farm life in the South during the depression and wars. Though the father of six girls never had much money, he was one of the richest men in Tennessee. He had the richness of the love of his family. This book is for anyone that appreciates hard work and righteous living. Be prepared to deal with your own life's worth as you finish this book.

As a fellow author, I found Mr. Pardue's book to be a stunning accomplishment. He has written a chronology of events in the lives of one rural Tennessee family over the decades as though he had been present with a recorder and a camera. There is such richness of detail that it took my breath away. I didn't doubt the authenticity. What makes this book so amazing is not that it's about an extraordinary family, but that the author has shown us what is so extraordinary in one average family's decency, commitment, hard work, and unconditional love.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who can appreciate how family bonds can help us not only overcome trials, but bring us the highest joy.

Cheryl Peyton