Smoke and Spirits

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

In the Appalachian backwoods, the Cooper family lives a hardscrabble life in their creaky log cabin nestled deep in the woods. Henry Cooper, the determined father, and his cantankerous father, 'Pawpaw Joe,' secretly run a moonshine operation in the hills behind their home. Despite the constant threat of discovery, the Coopers manage to distribute their potent brew across the county, using clever tricks and hidden compartments in their beat-up truck to elude the local sheriff.

The family includes Sarah, the strong-willed mother who keeps the family grounded while managing their small farm of goats, chickens, pigs, and a pack of rowdy dogs. Their three children—Jack, the headstrong eldest son; Benji, the curious and mischievous youngest boy; and Maybelle, the sassy middle child with a knack for solving problems—each play unique roles in the family's adventures.

From the moonshine still exploding to daring escapes from law enforcement, the Coopers face danger and hilarity at every turn. Alongside tales of their moonshine escapades are glimpses of family life, including the story of the grandmother who ran off with a younger man, leaving a void that Sarah struggles to fill. Through it all, the Coopers prove that while money is scarce, love, loyalty, and a touch of mischief make life in the country worthwhile.