"Jim Gulledge's ode to North Carolina takes the reader on a journey through time and place, from the steep hills around Saluda to the fertile flatlands of the Piedmont and the history-haunted realm of the coast. In Green Forest, Red Earth, Blue Sea, love, loss, and redemption intertwine across generations. Three lightly tethered tales bring forth a breathing, multidimensional past in believable detail and heartbreaking force. These pages are graced with fortunes won and lost, revenge taken, love gained, and even buried treasure. If this book doesn't stir your love of the Tar Heel state, nothing will." -Culley Holderfield, Author of Hemlock Hollow

"When you marry genuine, compelling characters with a keen sense of time and place, you get Green Forest, Red Earth, Blue Sea. Jim Gulledge is a talented and lyrical storyteller, and he has crafted a ripping good story. You'll read it and say, 'Yeah, I know those people.'"-Robert Inman, Author of Home Fires Burning and The Governor's Lady

"Jim Gulledge weaves a captivating tapestry of stories in his latest work. Interwoven narratives, brimming with intricate details, bring to life a cast of dynamic characters grappling with the core of human nature: the ever-present tension between light and darkness. Though [the stories are] set against the backdrop of specific historical moments, the poignant joys and sorrows experienced by generations resonate across time. Gulledge crafts characters so intimate you'll find yourself mirrored in their triumphs and struggles. With each turn of the page, the vivid lives of the Bucklands, Elliots, McClures, and their counterparts become intricately woven into the fabric of North Carolina. The narrative sweeps from the deep mountain forests to the salty embrace of the coast, offering a rich celebration of the Tarheel State's natural beauty, customs, and cultures.

"As a native North Carolinian, I found myself transported by Gulledge's evocative descriptions and storylines. He captures the state's essence-its complexities, enduring charm, diverse landscapes, and the remarkable mosaic of people who call it home. This is a must-read for anyone yearning for a powerful story deeply rooted in a richly depicted place." -Benjamin K. Haywood, PhD, associate director, Faculty Development Center, James B. Duke Library, Furman University