Coal Creek is the story not only about the ups and downs of a hard-working family but also of a town and finally the unfolding life of a coalmine. Coal Creek takes you down into the depths of people-some good, some evil-but also of human desire and ambition. There is also true history along the way incase you, the reader, are a history buff. I also enjoyed the romance along the way and the rather odd relationship between Marie and Ray who play major roles in the story. There is also the frivolous Jennifer and the beloved Grandma Nellie; the book, however, is packed with people you'll wish that you'd known and many people you'll be glad that you never knew. All in all, Coal Creek is a kaleidoscope of human emotions, of defeat and triumph, of devotion and deception and as Kipling would say, of those two impostor's success and failure. For me, it's a fireside read and I hope you agree.