More Things in Heaven and Earth: Watervalley Days, Book 1

Jeff High’s More Things in Heaven and Earth is one of the best books I’ve read in years. Really. And I read a bunch of books. This is the book you should give to your mother and your best friend at Christmas. After you read it yourself, of course.The novel starts with this sentence: “In medical jargon it’s called a Code Blue.” The new doctor in Watervalley, Tennessee, faces a life or death situation in a clinic with inadequate supplies. Jeff High gives you action that has consequences and hooks you right from the get-go. The outcome is somewhat unexpected, and only after turning the last page do you realize how beautifully that first chapter sets up the rest of the book.The next chapter backs up to show us the doctor’s arrival in this small town, a scene which is laugh-out-loud funny. In fact, I howled so loud, my husband wanted to know what on earth I was reading. Though an oral recap was never going to do it justice, I described the scene—and he laughed out loud, too. And kept chuckling the more he visualized the scene.Luke Bradford, summa cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt, never wanted to be a small town doctor. Instead, he feels he was cut out to be a researcher. The man destined to discover a cure for mankind’s most serious ailments. But with a pile of student loans to pay off, Luke accepts Watervalley’s offer to be the town’s only doctor. This inner conflict between what he thinks he wants and what he gets weaves its way through the entire novel.Beyond the humor, the novel captures the joy and richness of living where your family has sunk roots deep into the soil. As I read this novel, I fell in love with Watervalley and its citizens.There’s Connie Thompson, housekeeper with attitude and heart the size of a barn. John Harris, the brilliant, cynical recluse grieving after his wife’s death. Will Fox, the clever boy who lives next door with secrets no child should have to bear alone. Christine Chambers, the substitute teacher, admirable not only because she is beautiful and smart but also because she is not the least bit desperate to attach herself to a man.And how could anyone not love the hard-working clinic staffers who battle to save lives during a flu outbreak? And of course, you gotta love the doctor who won’t quit until he figures out why the people in his care are becoming ill. By giving of himself, in ways both great and small, Luke becomes part of the fabric of Sweetwater.The title, of course, comes from Shakespeare. Hamlet discusses a ghost’s visitation with Horatio, who can’t accept the vision with his rational mind. Hamlet cautions, “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” As Luke follows in his father’s footsteps, he expands his own views of the world. He realizes life can exist outside the big city, that real life is happening to people right in front of him in a small town in Tennessee.It’s not all pretty. Alcoholics, unwed mothers, grudges, illness, computer fraud, blame and shame are just as much a part of life in Watervalley as honest auto mechanics, church bells, and food delivered to your door in time of need.The novel leaves us pondering the nature of a higher order governing our lives, bringing us in contact with the people who can help us grow and heal our wounds.

I was first attracted to this book because of what it's about. I'm a huge fan of Patrick Taylor's Irish Country Doctor series and this series is about a rural doctor in the U.S. The story is great, love the author's style and love that profanity wasn't needed to "enhance" the story as some authors seem to think it is. There are 4 books in the series currently. I am about to read the second book having purchased it from Amazon also. I bought both used in very good condition at extremely reasonable prices. I decided to go ahead and order the other 2 only to find that for some reason there are very few of them available. At prices close to $30 and many beyond for a used copy, I was unable to purchase them. I tried several used book websites and couldn't find them. The libraries in my county don't have this series so I have been able to request the other 2 from outside counties but it will be a number of weeks before I get them. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case like me, you get hooked, but then can't find the other 2 as easily.

It is a great story with humor and sadness. It is a wonderful way to pass several hours of a day!

I have read all four books of this series. It is so entertaining with great characters. You forget at times that it is fiction. I have recommended these books to numerous people and all have thoroughly enjoyed them. Well worth your time.

One of best story writers out there!Strong characterizations. Great dialogue.Funny and always has a mystery.

I bought all three books in the series and had the opportunity to hear the author speak at our local library. This story is about a small town in Tennessee with many delightful characters. Jeff High's writing is superb, witty, intelligent, and even brings a tear to the eyes. I highly recommend this book and the series. Hopefully book #4 will be coming out soon!

I could not put this book down! Having known the author in my formative years I began the novel imagining the author as the central character and my home town as Watervalley. Jeff's use of descriptive words and fact mixed with fiction quickly had me transported to people and a place I was meeting for the first time. I think what makes this story so captivating is the relationships that grow between the central character and so many others. Even while these relationships are complex, the reader can't help but to become part of them. Watervalley a fictional place, not in my mind. I will anxiously await Jeff High's next invitation to visit Watervalley!

I've read it twice and enjoyed it both times.

Would love more of his books

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