In Smokin' Joe, Oregon author Martha Sargent captures the raging hormones, awkwardness and confusion of youth in three-dimensional characters you'll cheer through romance and shifting friendships, secrets and revelations, arsons and bigotry. As high school graduation nears in his sleepy Central Oregon town, JT Williams is directionless and troubled. He is only passionate about one thing: playing guitar. Yet, unaided by his reserved father, Thomas, and inhibited by guilt for his mother's early death, JT has failed to find the music to fill his soul. Then, Smokin' Joe arrives--master of blues guitar and once close friend of JT's parents. From the first chord struck, JT is captivated and strives to learn all he can from Smokin' Joe--about the blues, and about the mother he never knew. As emotional and compelling as blues guitar itself, Smokin' Joe follows JT and Thomas as they struggle against long-held fears to take a chance on the future.