"Clinch Mountain Echoes" is a gripping tale of betrayal, prejudice, budding young love, wartime memories, abductions, and murder in a small Appalachian community. From years past, echoes of wrenching losses-lost innocence, loves, and lives-reverberate anew in Southwest Virginia. Residents of Powell County endure ills and heartaches that human flesh and spirit are heir to, but some face daunting circumstances born of trying, troubling repercussions from their past. After a shattering loss, a deceived and deserted young woman struggles to fill a void in her life as she searches for love and personal fulfillment. As years pass, she wonders about the man most responsible for her sadness. Will an attractive, refined but determined, lady-no longer a timid fearful young woman-find solace in confronting the man who betrayed her in their youth? Strong feelings develop between a pre-teen boy and a pretty, talented girl. A shocking act of depravity causes the boy deep feelings of personal loss; he vows to never give up trying to find the criminal. Can this young woman, a grieving boy, and a persecuted Melungeon family overcome soul-wrenching heartache and sadness? A unique, caring bond forms between the mourning boy and a reclusive war veteran who has tried unsuccessfully to bury and forget his own dark, tormenting memories of lost loved ones and of wartime traumas. Will that bond help comfort each of them, lessen their sorrow and anger, dispel haunting memories, and move beyond their sadness and despair? Do the war veteran and a well-to-do widow have anything in common and any possible future relationship other than as handyman and employer? Can bigots change their stripes of prejudice and hate into badges of tolerance and good will? Can effects of physical and emotional threats be lessened by friendship, acceptance, and forgiveness? Must the wronged seek their own just revenge, or will a final echo surface with fitting retribution for a lecherous Clinch Mountain murderer?
