For seventy years, the little cotton mill town of Fries, Virginia had rested peacefully on the space God had scooped out of the banks of the New River.  Past adversities: the Great Depression, the devastating Flood of '40, the infamous Theater Murder in '41, had oll been oversome.  None though were going to compare to the disconloation due to the events preceing the Christmas of '69.  It took an real-life angel named Suzie, and a Stranger Santa Claus named Just Sam, to remind the town of the true reason for the season.  Together they brought back the Christmas Spirit to a town that had sunken into despair.   This is a perfect book to read while curled up under your favoroite blanket, in front of the fireplace, while drinking your hot chocolate. It is filled with "hallmark" moments.

In the early 1900's, a peculiar thing began happening in the mountains of southwest Virginia..  Republicans began getting elected. Lincoln's party! This was true in Carroll County.  The Allen's were strong Democrats, and the trouble soon began.  After a few minor "misunderstandings", the infamous Floyd Allen was brought to trial.  He was convicted of a relatively minor charge and sentenced to one year in prison. When the Sheriff was ordered to "take charge of the prisoner" a shot rung out.  Then a second, and within 90 seconds, more than 40 shots had been fired.  Five people would die, including the judge.  Watch the story of the Carroll County Tragedy unfold  through the eyes of a Richmond journalist who came to Hillsville to "find the truth."

Jason Campbell was born to Cotton Mill parents.  He dreamed of the day that, as the New River flowed through the town on its way to bigger and better waters, he would also be literally swept away to a bigger and better life.  And he was.  He shook the dust of the small town of Fries off his shoes to become a best-selling author, a man of importance.  He had the perfect life. And then it all came crashing down around him, as he loses everything.  Follow the roller-coaster life of Jason Campbell as he leaves the town of Fries, just to return broken. This book will make you realize that the Acres of Diamonds you seek, are often in your own backyard.