The Hard Years

By: Nick Russell

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The 1930s are the darkest days of the Great Depression. Factories are closing their doors, millions of people are out of work, men are riding the rails searching for elusive jobs that seldom exist, and a thriving way of life that has been cherished is disappearing. Desperate people are doing desperate things just to survive, while labor strikes and veterans’ protests are turning violent. Roving gangs of outlaws have become celebrities to many people, who asked themselves why a man robbing a bank with a gun is any worse than a banker in a suit stealing someone’s life savings, home, or farm with the stroke of a pen? Prohibition has led to a rise in organized crime, and people are being murdered in brazen daylight ambushes on city streets.

Times are just as hard for the McNally family and their neighbors on Tinder Street. Patrick has lost his job as a company pilot, work has dwindled at Peter’s garage, and he is repossessing more used cars than he is selling. Thomas has seen his salary slashed at the newspaper, and Abby may lose her position as a school teacher. To make matters even worse, a debilitating illness will rock the very foundation of the family.

Things are not good on the Wirtz farm up in Michigan, either. Jacob and Susan are dealing with an incorrigible son who seems hellbent on making everyone’s lives miserable in any way he can, creating unbearable tension at home and divisions with their neighbors.

But there are things to celebrate even in the worst of times. The newly elected president has dedicated himself to turning things around, a new generation of babies is being born, Margaret’s twin sons are young men now, making their way in the world, and at least one member of the family has found unexpected love! And through it all, the McNally family bonds remain strong as they face new challenges together.

The Hard Years is the fourth book in New York Times bestselling author Nick Russell’s Tinder Street Saga, a story he has felt compelled to write and has researched for years.