Picture a Tennessee storyteller who spun a charming fictional town into a beloved series—meet Jeff High! With a stethoscope in one hand and a pen in the other, this cardiac surgery RN crafts heartwarming tales in the Watervalley Days series, blending medical drama with the quirks of small-town life. High’s stories of community, belonging, and personal growth have captivated readers, proving that rural Tennessee holds big stories.
From resuscitating farmers to unraveling town mysteries, High’s novels invite you into Watervalley, a place where everyone knows your name—and your secrets. Let’s dive into the life and works of this unique author who’s stitched together medicine and storytelling with a Southern flair.
The Making of Jeff High
Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Tennessee, Jeff High was surrounded by rolling hills and tight-knit communities that would later inspire Watervalley. He earned degrees in literature and nursing, blending a love for words with a passion for healing. High’s career took him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and across the country as a travel nurse specializing in open-heart surgery. These experiences sharpened his eye for human connection and the drama of life-and-death moments, which pulse through his writing. A three-time winner of Vanderbilt’s writing contest for fiction and poetry, High’s storytelling roots run deep, nurtured by his Southern heritage and medical expertise.
Jeff High’s Unforgettable Stories
High’s Watervalley Days series, starting with More Things in Heaven and Earth (2013), introduces Dr. Luke Bradford, a city-slicker doctor who stumbles into rural Watervalley to pay off student loans. From saving a 300-pound farmer from cardiac arrest to dodging a grumpy local’s shotgun, Luke’s misadventures are both hilarious and heartfelt. The novel’s Shakespearean title hints at its depth, exploring life’s mysteries through quirky characters and a mysterious flu epidemic.
The series continues with Each Shining Hour (2014), where Luke navigates romance and an old murder mystery, and The Splendor of Ordinary Days (2015), which tackles veterans’ struggles and small-town reconciliation. The fourth book, The Fullness of Time (2019), weaves magical realism into Luke’s journey, cementing High’s knack for blending humor, heart, and history. High’s style shines with authentic dialogue, vivid settings, and themes of belonging, making Watervalley a microcosm of human connection. His medical background adds a layer of realism, grounding the drama in technical precision.
High’s ability to craft complex narratives with likable characters has earned praise from authors like Lisa Wingate, who calls his work a tapestry of “healing places” and “hurting places.” The series’ Southern charm and universal themes resonate with readers craving stories of community and personal growth.
Why Jeff High Matters
Jeff High’s Watervalley Days series offers more than cozy small-town tales—it’s a celebration of human resilience and connection. By weaving medical drama with Southern humor, High captures the heartbeat of rural America, where everyone’s story matters. His focus on veterans’ struggles and community healing, especially in The Splendor of Ordinary Days, highlights his empathy and insight, rooted in his nursing career. High’s work reminds us that even in quiet towns, big transformations unfold, inspiring readers to find meaning in their own communities.
High’s influence extends beyond bookshelves, with The Splendor of Ordinary Days hitting #1 on The Tennessean Best Seller List. His stories invite readers to laugh, cry, and reflect, making him a quiet but powerful voice in contemporary fiction. As he works on his fifth novel, fans eagerly await more Watervalley adventures.
- Born: Tennessee, USA
- Key Works: More Things in Heaven and Earth, Each Shining Hour, The Splendor of Ordinary Days, The Fullness of Time
- Awards: Three-time winner of Vanderbilt Medical Center’s writing contest
Snag More Things in Heaven and Earth and dive into Jeff High’s heartwarming Southern tales—you’ll feel right at home in Watervalley!