"Eden Hill"

by Bill Higgs

 

 

 

Description

 

Nothing seems to change in Eden Hill, Kentucky, and that’s just fine with Virgil T. Osgood. He’s been content to raise his family and run the only service station in town. But when a new station is set to open right across the road from Virgil’s pumps, he suddenly faces obstacles in his career, his marriage, and his self-worth that he’s never even dreamed of.

Cornelius Alexander wants his new Zipco station to succeed and help establish a strong foundation for his growing family. As long as he follows the Zipco guide, he’s sure to be a success—and prove his father wrong.

Reverend Caudill wants to be a conduit for grace in his town, but that grace is challenged by the changes sweeping through in the early 1960s. For the sake of this small town, Virgil and Cornelius must learn to get along, but how do you love your neighbor when his very presence threatens to upend everything you hold dear?

 

 

 

 

 

Biography

 

Bill Higgs is a lapsed academic, former engineer, and avid storyteller. He also admits to being a nostalgic baby boomer, with a keen interest in how things past can teach lessons for the present. He lives in Kentucky with his wife, author Liz Curtis Higgs, and her two cats. Eden Hill is his first novel. 

 

 

My thoughts ~

Eden Hill, Kentucky could be any Rural Town, USA. Life was slower, and neighbors were at most times, friends. A few of the neighbors were a bit too well informed as far as other people's business, but for the most part people cared and shared. As in most small communities, change isn't easy. People are accustomed to the regularity of their routines, and become suspicious of change. So it was for Eden Hill.

Very well acquainted with Small Town, America during the 1960s, I could easily relate to the characters portrayed throughout this book. It was a time when people cared for one another, offered help, and spread news to neighbors. Major changes were looked upon with suspicion and uncertainty, particularly when a new business threatened the livelihood of a second generation gas station and garage.

Eden Hill moved at a leisurely pace with a warm familiarity, difficult times portrayed, and of course, a bit of humor. I'm quite impressed with this debut novel of everyday life. Life was presented creatively in a realistic style. I think that Mr. Higgs has done a fine job of bringing the past to the present in a poignant and authentic manner. I thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace and realistic activities that make this a wonderful, relaxing read. I highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Fun and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.