When construction of a pipeline threatens property held as "sacred" in a remote mountain community, sparks fly. A local pastor struggling to turn anger into acceptance is aided by a local woman with whom he develops a romantic relationship.
Waking up at Strong's Creek is culture shock enough until novice pastor BIlly Upshur runs into the Frog Hollow "welcoming" reception. Add to that storms, both natural and man-made, a protest rally, and an unexpected assasin, and Billy has a rough start in a new place. It's all part of the fear an approaching natural gas line strikes in mountain people who feel victimized by a power company behemoth. How will Billy handle it? Will he find acceptance and help from the local folks? What will happen to the pipeline project? A rivetting story with action, suspense, romance, and faith at the center.
Excerpt
Abi was a rugged-looking woman dressed in boots, jeans, a sweatshirt and windbreaker. Her dark hair was pulled back into a pony tail that fed through the opening in the back of a baseball cap with SOM embroidered on it.
"I'd like to be up front with you, Ms. Durango," said Billy. "I used to work for EverMore in their Richmond office, so being sent as pastor to people in the path of the pipeline has been a new experience."
"Look, reverend, if you're here to argue with me about this, get in line. I'll have a few words to say and then I'll be glad to hear from anybody who agrees or disagrees. Our whole purpose is to save our mountains and the heritage of people who have lived in them for generations."
She turned aside brusquely after barking out her pronouncement. Billy was stunned. He'd never been involved in anything like this.He felt like he'd just stepped on a land mine. "Lord, what have I gotten into now?" He took a deep breath and felt assured, so he spoke again.
"Ma'am, I'm not..."
She twirled to face him. "Don't call me ma'am...name's Abi."
"Excuse me...Abi...I'm not here to take sides, but I do know some people who are being impacted personally by the pipeline. This new court order, along with your protest today, has given them some hope that maybe it's not all a done deal after all. I understand the arguments for and against the pipeline, but I also feel the pain it's causing."
She looked up from what she was doing, her eyes snapping. "So, where are you going with this? I'm very busy."
Billy surprised himself with his answer. "Where I'm going is to offer my services. I'd like to offer a prayer before you start whatever proceedings you've planned...unless you already have someone to do that."
She looked him up and down and her expression softened. "No, we hadn't thought this was quite so formal...but maybe its a good idea." She looked at her watch. "It's ten o'clock now so we're about ready to get started. I'll call on you."
Cindy walked up as Billy stepped back. "What's going on?"
"I was just getting acquainted with the lady who organized this...I'm gonna offer a prayer before she speaks."
Cindy looked at him with puzzlement. "I thought you just wanted to observe. Didn't know you planned to get involved."
Billy wasn't sure how to read her comment. "I don't, really, but I sense a lot of tension here and it might help to seek God's presence...don't ya think?"
Cindy smiled. "Yeah, I think. You know, I'm coming to like you more and more each time we're together."
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Reviews for "Pipeline"
Reviewed by Laura H.
1/13/2020
Having no preconceived ideas about a pipeline and its impact on the people and community they are placed, I was surprised at my reaction to this book. While reading this book, this reader found a better understanding of the upheaval a pipeline, highway, bridge, building, etc. can inflict on a person's psyche and lifestyle. This book demonstrates the consequences many people live with and how they deal with it when progress interrupts their quiet lives.
A story whose characters express many emotions such as: community, love, endurance, hope, and so many more. Readers will be taken on a journey that will have them invested in the outcome of each of the characters the author has so eloquently written.
This book involves an important environmental issue and how its progress affects people. Using the backdrop of this contentious issue--the author shows readers how one community grows through the many events that transpire in their lives.
This story also highlights the thought, 'you don't really know any one'. While living in what appears to be a loving and supportive community there is still the unknown in their midst. How the community bands together to forgive and bring peace to each other is quite a story in and of itself.
The difficulty the new person had adapting and fitting into this tight-knit community reflects many small towns across the country shows the author's knowledge of the true and accurate response persons in small towns have when an 'outsider' tries to break into their established town.
A book well worth the read but be prepared to read in one sitting.
Reviewed by Amy Campbell
12/17/2018
I have to say I was not sure how I would like Pipeline. With the current political environment, I was afraid what kind of stance the novel would have. I was pleasantly surprised how well written it portrays how the locals on all sides view the pipeline coming through the area.
I believe all readers would enjoy Pipeline, no matter what their beliefs are. I gives a great glimpse into them all. I am giving it five stars.
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Reviewed by E Harris
12/15/2018
Pastor Billy Upshur was assigned to serve two rural churches in Virginia, one in Strong's Creek and the other in the remote mountain community of Frog Hollow. The population of Frog Hollow was facing unwanted disruption of their lives due to the construction of a pipe line. As Billy sought strength and guidance to help his parishioners, the community was struck with a different kind of a disaster. Could Billy find a way to help?
The author does an excellent job of portraying the interesting and diverse group of characters. They are a plain spoken group with a wealth of knowledge in their words. Interwoven into the narrative are themes of faith, community and family. Readers are given a window into a small community's way of life that is well worth saving. Billy Upshur deals with a great deal during his time in the mountain communities, including the discovery of an unexpected love. I found this book inspiring and heart warming. It is a story of true resilience, hope and forgiveness. Well worth reading! Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is another great book by Hugh Harris. It is a dramatic story that takes a good, hard look at the church and what it expects and the pastor and what they expect. This church, as with most, has a handful of members that pull together and make things happen.
'Pipeline' also shows the two sides, corporate and personal, from the disruption of lives and homes to begin drilling and laying a pipeline. 'Pipeline' shows the devastation of private lives and how they can be destroyed. The story line certainly provides "food for thought" from weighing both sides of the issue.
Behind it all, 'Pipeline' is a love story. The author quickly brings someone to cross paths with Billy, causing a "love at first sight" relationship. I'm not going to mention the name because I want you to read the book. Everyone in the church are supportive of the two of them.
This book has and/or reflects a strong Christian point of view which is refreshing. Many prayers are dispersed throughout the book adding a sincere religious undertone that only adds to the story line.
Hugh Harris has a wonderful writing style that I completely enjoy! Although 'Pipeline' has plenty of drama and heartbreak, all in all, it is a fun read. There is ample joy, love and romance making the book an easy read. I highly recommend that you check out 'Pipeline.' I finished it very quickly as it is a "hard book to put down."
Check it out, you won't be disappointed!
