West Fork

by Tom McKay

In 1968, Jim Blair comes to teach in the tiny crossroads hamlet of West Fork with no idea that he will give his heart to the community and to a woman.

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

My name is Tom McKay and I have been investing in real estate for over 41 years. I started at the young age of 19, and my early entry into real estate investment completely changed my life financially. By the time I was 27, I had become a millionaire with a successful rental portfolio and enough income that I never had to work for anyone else again. Now, 30 years later, I am still growing my empire and helping others do the same.

Reviews

[Bebe Brown]

Phenomenal sophisticated handling of the relationships that occur in a small town. I enjoyed the pacing. Experiencing the love story at the heart of it from a male perspective was fascinating. It feels like looking back through your own memories of times gone by in a rural area. A simple page turner for me.

[Tiffany Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is by a local author, whom I had the pleasure of meeting and purchased a signed copy of the book. I liked how the story took place in rural Illinois. The main character moves to a small town. The beginning was a little slow. He then falls in love multiple times and is left heartbroken. In the end, a surprisingly twist. I would have liked more closure at the end.

[Tagarr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this short book in a bookstore in Dubuque, Iowa. The author was in store. It was entertaining enough, but I felt the language was too plain for my taste. His description was not descriptive enough for me. Nice guy, though. One of the main characters was in vet school, so I am a little biased because I am a veterinarian.

[Tbeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a signed copy of this book as a gift so I gave it a try! (Local author) A quick read about life in a rural small town... I felt sorry for and frustrated with the main character for most of the book! Unexpected ending, but overall I enjoyed.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about a schoolteacher and his life in a small town in Iowa--his friends, loves and his kids. It's also written by a local author who I'm always happy to support.

[David Grabitske · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Tom’s debut novel about a romance set in the backdrop of the counterculture of the 1960s. The surprise at the end is awkwardly done but the whole book is definitely worth the time.

[Kat Hilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Nice story, but the ending is both good and bad. I liked the fact that it was about upper mid-west Illinois, where I live. Met Tom in person in Bishop Hill, IL. Adds another touch.

[Mary Davidsaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful romance and a tribute to a small town in west central Illinois.

[Diane]

It's definitely OK, but has a weird twist ending that seems out of place in this "slice of quiet midwestern life" novel.

[John Nondorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice story of the changes that a small rural town experiences from the 1960s to the 1990s through the eyes of a teacher. A little love, a lot of loss, and some surprises. Very enjoyable read.