This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Watson, Jan.

Troublesome Creek / Jan Watson. p. cm.

ISBN-13: 978-1-4143-0447-2 (pbk.) ISBN-10: 1-4143-0447-1 (pbk.)

1. Rural families—Fiction. 2. Kentucky—Fiction. I. Title.

PS3623.A8724T76 2005

813’.6—dc22

2005017422

Printed in the United States of America

11 10 09 08 07 06 05

7 6 5 4 3 2 1

For my son Stephen C. Watson.
Truly, I could not have written this without your help.
And to the memory of my husband,
Charles C. Watson (1940-2005). You were precious to me.

FOREWORD

Jan Watson’s
Troublesome Creek
rose quickly to number one from more than 280 submissions in our Christian Writers Guild First Novel contest for unpublished authors. Having just completed my part in the editing of this stellar work, I’m reminded anew what a masterpiece Jan has wrought.

This is a settle-in-and-savor type of a read, set in the exotic mountains of the South and evoking a period decades ago. With rich texture and detail and unforgettable characters that lodge themselves in your heart, Jan transports us to a world without modern convenience where we live with the people of the land.

Danger, tragedy, faith, romance—it’s all here in spades.

Though I was working on it, still I found it a great, great read and know you’re in for a treat. I look forward to seeing more from this talented author.

Prepare to be captured by the denizens of
Troublesome Creek
. . . .

Jerry B. Jenkins

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Lord, dost Thou show a cornerstone for us to build our hopes upon,
That the fair edifice may rise sublime in light beyond the skies?
—“Cornerstone” BY PHILIP DODDRIDGE (1702-1751)

I wish to acknowledge the many people, these mentioned and those behind the scenes, who helped in the building of this book. My deepest gratitude to Jerry B. Jenkins. Your generous offering of time and talent humbles me.

Mark Taylor, Ron Beers, Becky Nesbitt, and Jan Stob at Tyndale House. You’ve given me a precious gift and I appreciate you.

My editors, Anne Goldsmith and Lorie Popp. You were always patient and kind. Thanks for seeing me through.

Rick Anderson and all the folks at the Christian Writers Guild. You’ve become family.

My amazing-grace place, Southern Acres Christian Church. You renew my spirit.

My first readers: Julie Ashcraft, Terry Taylor, and Peggy Miller. Your belief in this book sustained me.

Bob Taylor for giving me the character of Willy.

Fellow writers from the Grassroots Writers Group. You are a blessing in my life.

Friends and coworkers on the mother-baby unit at Central Baptist Hospital. Thanks for caring.

The staff of 108B at Oakwood in Somerset, Kentucky. Your tender care of my son Drew gives me peace of mind.

My dear children: Stephen, Charles, and Catherine Prather Watson. What would I do without you? Your encouragement keeps me going.

And always to Drew. You teach me daily to live in the valley with grace and dignity.

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