A captivating historical fiction novel, Almost Heaven is for all readers who enjoy a heart-warming love story with richly evolved characters. By providing historical facts and anecdotes, Tim Norbeck offers a snapshot of post-war America and West Virginia’s prominent role in it. Although not a “war” book, Almost Heaven is able to delve into the difficult adjustments faced by returning veterans and their families…
Jack Morgan – a down on his luck U.S. Marine – returns home after WWII with no job, no prospects, no home, no car and an unwanted divorce and a son he will most likely never see. When a high school job teaching History and coaching football opens in Bentley, West Virginia, Jack and his sister, Nellie, decide to relocate and begin their lives in this new community.
Jack soon forges a life-long relationship with Henry Parker, the school’s black and homeless janitor; Morgan and Parker become the best of friends and coaching colleagues. Although race relations in America at this time are tenuous, Jack and Nellie will open up their sprawling farmhouse to boarders who become “family” including Henry, a battered woman, and two teenagers who are suddenly rendered parentless due to a tragic accident.
New and countless challenges will appear throughout the book, including one in which Henry saves the family by stopping a deranged and violent killer bent on revenge. But, a black man killing even a despicable white man in the 1940’s could only lead to more trouble than good.
