Angel of the Hills

About the Book

Patty Stratten, a wealthy, very religious, highly educated, Boston spinster, decides to give up her comfortable life for the rigors of teaching at an orphanage and school in an isolated area of Eastern Kentucky, a place that is completely devoid of modern conveniences. She falls in love with an uneducated, uncultured, mountaineer, that is a firm believer in the commandment, ‘Thou shalt do no murder,’ and is eleven years her junior. When World War I is declared, he feels that he should help his country and volunteers for service but refuses to accept a rifle. He is assigned as an aide to the medics that are caring for the wounded. While crawling toward an enemy foxhole to rescue a fellow soldier, he is seriously wounded and is discharged as being physically unable to continue service. He returns home, marries Patty, but is shunned by his former friends and neighbors for his refusal to participate in the killing.

About the Author

Paul Sebastian, a native of Kentucky, obtained part of his elementary and secondary education in private, Presbyterian Church schools similar to those described in Angel of the Hills. He spent his productive years as an elementary teacher, administrator, and college instructor. He is retired. Lives in Phoenix, Arizona.