Sandy M’s review of The Splendor of Ordinary Days (Watervalley, Book 3) by Jeff High
Contemporary Fiction published by NAL 6 Oct 15
I didn’t realize I’d missed visiting the folks of Watervalley, Tennessee, until I received this third book in the series to read and review. I’ve loved Dr. Luke Bradford from the beginning and have such fun living his new experiences in small-town America with him. I’ve come to love his quirky neighbors as much as he has.
There’s an old mystery – a fire on Mennonite land, the culprit still unknown – afoot in Watervalley stemming back decades and it’s about to come full circle by way of Dr. Bradford. It’s newspaperman and decorated veteran Luther Whitmore who’s at the heart of the mystery to be unraveled.
Ever since his stint in Vietnam, Luther is now known as brusque and blunt and bit mean to all who come into contact with him. I do enjoy Luke’s slightly sarcastic way of dealing with Luther and then his realizations of him as the man he was before and during the war. I have to say I am a little surprised at the way the story turns for Luther, finding out about his past, which is deeply entrenched in emotion and honor. And I love the way he and other veterans are honored late in the book.
I also really like the relationship between Luke and Christine, the unexpected love he’s found in Watervalley. There’s an ease and wonderment between them that is lovely to see. There’s also respect and loyalty, especially important because of the direction they’ve mutually decided to take their relationship. When Luke knows it’s time to propose, you can’t help but laugh out loud at how every careful step he’s planned goes wrong, until the perfect, unplanned moment arises for popping the question.
There’s a new addition to Watervalley, Karen Davidson, who has taken over the local veterinary practice. I enjoy the way the author brings characters together, revealing their strengths, even weaknesses, to help others in a time of need – just as God and life do, and Mr. High does a nice job of it as well. Karen is also a veteran, and when Luke is outside his expertise with a patient, he knows Karen is person to turn to. Then there’s the Willster, the adorable young’en next door, and two Golden Retrievers who add in a lot fun for the reader and a bit of vexation for Luke. Of course, Watervalley wouldn’t be the town it is without sisters Connie and Estelle, who run the new local bakery and advise Luke on any number of topics just when he needs it most.
Amid all the medical excitement and town fun, Luke is gathering clues concerning the age-old fire mystery, whether he realizes it or not. Again, a job well done in entwining the characters’ lives together in unexpected ways. There’s even a bit of the paranormal, although I think Luke would still say what he experiences has an explanation of some kind. So much happens in Watervalley that you really need to visit yourself to meet these delightful and charming characters.
Jeff High has become a favorite of mine with this series. I highly recommend these books to any reader of any genre. You will be quite happy once you’ve met the folks of Watervalley. I guarantee it.
Grade: A
Summary:
The pastoral charm of small-town Watervalley, Tennesse, can be deceptive, as young Dr. Luke Bradford discovers when he’s caught in the fallout of a decades-old conflict…
After a rocky start as Watervalley’s only doctor, Luke Bradford has decided to stay in town, honoring the three-year commitment he made to pay off his medical school debts. But even as his friendships with the quirky townsfolk deepen, and he pursues a romance with lovely schoolteacher Christine Chambers, several military veterans’ emotional wounds trigger anger and unrest in Watervalley.
At the center of the clash is the curmudgeonly publisher of the local newspaper, Luther Whitmore. Luther grew up in Watervalley, but he returned from combat in Vietnam a changed man. He fenced in beautiful Moon Lake, posting “Keep Out” notices at the beloved spot, and provokes the townspeople with his incendiary newspaper.
As Luke struggles to understand Luther’s past, and restore harmony in Watervalley, an unforeseen crisis shatters a relationship he values dearly. Suddenly Luke must answer life’s toughest questions about service, courage, love, and sacrifice.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
