"I will send you the comforter."-John 15:26


The midnight shift, at Hickory Hill Deep Mine 1, began as it had every time before that brisk November night; however, it ended like no other.


The mine's midnight shift employed thirteen men, all with fitting nicknames: Hogg, Patch, Junior, Stump, Banjo, Smokin' Joe, Mule, Logger, Big Cheese, Shooter, Doc, Chewy, and Wheels. Nightly they endured the rough, raw, and extreme conditions well below the Earth's surface, relying on brotherhood, skill, and the grace of God to survive.


On that fateful night, the miners were led in by Hogg and out by Big Cheese-but not before being met in the middle by the Grim Reaper. A section of the mine's roof collapsed, which left them to walk miles to safety without power and battle the shortage of pure air, the gushing water, and the unstable mine surroundings. Each man was willing to risk his own life to save another, as this is the unspoken assurance of one trusted coal brother to the next.


This heartfelt novel celebrates the irrepressible humor, honor, loyalty, and heroics-even in the face of misery and tragedy-of the spirited coal mining brotherhood.