“It is hard, if not impossible, to live a Christ-like life. For the most part, we stumble and fall each day. Jesus expects us to live by His example but knows the frailties of our humanity. Why not? He created us and has endured our experience. He has made provision for our escape and return to His will. It is our salvation from sin. We must be careful that our salvation is not into sin. One has said, “Christians that feel they have acquired goodness in their life tend to punctuate the flaws in others. We must continually confess our sins and not that of our neighbors. None of us will arrive while we stand here in the abyss of the world.”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish “Almost Heaven” by Thomas N Kirkpatrick. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
“Almost Heaven was originally titled Ballengee. I wrote during the early 80s while driving an eighteen-wheeler across the fruited plain of America and Canada. The characters of Almost Heaven are based on my memories of folks I knew while spending time with my summer parents on the farm in Ballengee, West Virginia. My Summer parents were named Lester and Fonda Lively. Ballengee was a farming and dairy country filled with unique folks. I started going there in 1954 and continued each summer until 1965. I always thought fiction was born of truth, and I filled Ballengee with fictitious characters from impressions of the folks I met there.” – Thomas N Kirkpatrick
“Almost Heaven” follows multiple characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, revealing the interdependence of the community. As they face hardships, such as economic struggles, personal loss, or moral dilemmas, the characters are drawn closer together through acts of kindness, resilience, and shared faith. Ultimately, the story offers a message of hope, showing how even in life’s darkest moments, there is the possibility of renewal and grace.
Thomas is the fourth child of Dr. Robert William and Rosemary Kirkpatrick. He was born in 1950 In Saint Albans, West Virginia. In 1963, the family moved to Sarasota, Florida, and now lives in Plant City, Florida. His early childhood was in Hinton, Virginia, from 1951 to 1955.
He spent a lot of time in Ballengee during the summer months with his summer parents until 1965. After graduating from High School, he joined the Army. After the Army, he drove an eighteen-wheeler cross-country for twenty-seven years. He worked for a driving school, teaching driver theory to students learning to drive those big trucks.
Today, he is an associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Durant, Florida. It’s been the best post-retirement activity and keeps him busy. His bucket list is to return to Hinton, WV, and spend his days along the Greenbrier River pondering his next home above.
As the title suggests, the story reflects the characters’ longing for a better life—both in this world and beyond—while showcasing the beauty and hardships of Appalachian life. Through its heartfelt portrayal of human perseverance and spiritual faith, Almost Heaven delivers a timeless message of hope and renewal.
“Almost Heaven” by Thomas N. Kirkpatrick is a heartwarming tale set in the Appalachian region, focusing on the lives of a small rural community as they navigate personal struggles and shared challenges. The story captures the spirit of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of love.
“Almost Heaven” by Thomas N Kirkpatrick is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: