First published 2017
A widower discovers unexpected romance and desire in his retirement community. A doctor recruits his friends to catch his unfaithful wife in the act. An Episcopal priest faces an unusual pastoral challenge when he must protect a group of nudists from an enraged mob. These are the people of Appalachian North Carolina, caught in moments that reveal their deepest truths. Morgan brings his characters to life through precise details and natural dialogue, creating portraits that feel lived rather than written. Each story captures a different era, from the 16th century to today, showing how the same human struggles play out across generations. The language flows so smoothly that the craft becomes invisible, leaving only the raw experience of lives unfolding on the page. These tales offer an authentic glimpse into a region often misunderstood, revealing the complexity and humanity of mountain folk through their own voices and experiences.
Genres: short-stories, literary-fiction, american-fiction, contemporary, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Appalachian North Carolina
Period: 16th Century, 21st Century
200 pages · Paperback · Broadstone Books