Ken Ollis Releases HOW BLUE ARE THE RIDGES

Jonas Ridge, NC

Author Ken Ollis' new rags-to-riches novel, "How Blue Are the Ridges: A Novel" (published by iUniverse), takes readers into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for a story that mirrors the relentlessness and determination of its people.

As the Great Depression sweeps across the Blue Ridge Mountains, Walter Stamey, a World War I veteran, keeps his family afloat by working his way into the moonshine business, but his rapid success with the Newbarn operation quickly attracts the unwanted attention of the Chicago mafia, who plans to take down Newbarn.

Meanwhile, Millard Watson, a poor young man, struggles to create a future with the girl of his dreams. When Jackson, Walter's son, offers Millard a place in the Newbarn operation, Millard thinks he's found the answer to his problems. As the fight for Newbarn gets dirtier, all three men soon learn just how far they'll go to protect what's theirs.

Ollis artfully renders the Blue Ridge Mountain world in which he grew up in, creating characters that reflect the values and history of the region. Through his book, he hopes to capture the memories of his home and preserve them for future generations.

"How Blue Are the Ridges"
By Ken Ollis
Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 604 pages | ISBN 9781475991567
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 604 pages | ISBN 9781475991543
E-Book | 604 pages | ISBN 9781475991550
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Ken Ollis is a child of the Great Depression and of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. After traveling abroad, living all over the United States and serving in the U.S. Air Force, he returned there to build a life on Gingercake Mountain with his wife. They have two sons, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also the author of "Seasons of Poetry." More information can be found as howbluearetheridges.com

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Reader's Choice, Rising Star and Editor's Choice designations-self-publishing's only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.

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