The Valley Where They Danced

by Emory Jones, Luciano Georgescu (Illustrator)

This carefully researched work of historical fiction is the timeless love story of
Dr. Tom Garrison, recently moved from Macon to the Sautee Valley, and the lovely
Lenore Conley. The story is set in the rural Georgia foothills just after World War I,
as Helen was becoming a rowdy sawmill town and power companies were building
dams on the mighty Tallulah River to provide electricity for Atlanta. From Clarkesville
to Clayton to Cleveland, old-time campmeeting and pottery shops, go back to a time
that surely existed here once. It all sets the stage for a twist of an ending at Tallulah Gorge.

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2015

About the author

Emory Jones grew up in Northeast Georgia's White County. After a stint in the Air Force, he joined Gold Kist as publications manager. He was the Southeastern editor for Farm Journal Magazine and executive vice president at Freebarin & Company, an Atlanta-based advertising agency.

During his career, Emory interviewed and photographed farmers in all 50 states and had articles and photographs published in virtually every U.S. farm publication. He has written four other books, including Distant Voices:The Story of the Nacoochee Valley Indian Mound; a humorous history book called Zipping Through Georgia on a Goat Powered Time Machine; White County 101 and Heart of a Co-op—The Habersham EMC Story.

Emory is known for his humor, love of history and all things Southern. He and his wife, Judy, live on Yonah Mountain near Cleveland, Georgia.

Reviews

[Paula Girard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which is set in the north Ga mountains near Helen. The characters are endearing and it was quite a nice history lesson to boot. I have had this book sitting in my nightstand for several years after buying it on a trip to the Helen area five years ago. I am glad I pulled it out to finally read it. If you know the area or not, I recommend this read. I think you will enjoy.

[Cathy Koerner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom and Lenore fall in love, court for a year marry. They die on their honeymoon at Tallulah Falls. Killed by the jealous Alton Boggs. They are last seen as a vision dancing in the gazebo on an Indian mound, just as they were leaving for eternity.
Many local phrases used in the book that I did not know. Also described the 2 valleys, Sawtee and Nacooche. Interesting history.

[Mattison Strom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is carried HEAVILY by its setting. I’ve been to Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia. I’ve seen the mound, visited the Hardman farm, hiked Tallulah Gorge, and rambled through Helen, Cleveland, and Dahlonega. And so I’ll definitely say that Jones nails the scenery, the people, and the places. Otherwise… nothing really happens in this book. Like there’s a plot, but it’s so thin that it felt more like a series of interconnected stories instead of one big story.

But the scenery (man how many times must I say this), the scenery painted is SO good.

[Adam Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is that it went too fast, especially the second half. This is a great read, especially because I have set foot on so many of the locales mentioned in the story, and it was easy to conjure up images based on the author’s descriptions. Very well researched and historically accurate, this one will stay with me for a while. Not gonna lie, I shed a tear or two at the end.

[Teresa Cordell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of local historical references, well written. Lucid and focused character development with a credible conclusion. Kudos for acknowledging military service!

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great look at the way of life in North Georgia in the early 1920s. Dr. Tom Garrison comes to the Nacoochee Valley has a young doctor and instantly takes a shine to Miss Lenore Conley. He endears himself to the people of North Georgia and feels like he has found home. Sadly not everyone is thrilled to have the new doctor around.

Spoiler alert! I did not like the ending. I understand why it was necessary for one of the legends mentioned in the book to come to life but it seemed like a costly plot point- so many people were left grieving.

Other than that- the book was an enjoyable read. Some parts were really funny, especially interactions between the menfolk and I really liked Big Mama and Uncle Isaac. I live in North Georgia and it was interesting to read about area that I’m familiar with. Also interesting were references to WWI, the flu pandemic, prohibition, and women’s suffrage.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one to normally pick up a "historical" novel, but this one is awesome! I really didn't want the book to end. I loved the characters and felt like I knew them and they were my friends. Emory Jones brought the events and times to life in this book. I could picture every scene in my mind. To me this is the best way to learn history, learning while enjoying a great book! North Georgia and it's people was beautiful then, as it is today.

[Aileen Firestone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Some very good historical info about North Georiga but fit into book so it isn't at all boring history. Highly recommend it. Kept me interested from page one.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the local color of the North Georgia Mountains

[Debbie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I got past the first chapter or two, I was hooked! Great novel set in the Georgia mountains! Charming characters and an exciting plot that will touch your heart.

[Ed Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!