Appalachian Stories by John Chaney

Where Mountain
Stories Come Alive

Every page carries a little bit of Appalachia,
heart, and hard-earned truth.

Browse the Books Meet Big John

The Collection

From mountain adventures for young readers to gripping mysteries and heartfelt community stories — there's a piece of Appalachia for everyone.

Big Mabel book cover
Mystery
⭐ 5.0 · 10 reviews

Big Mabel

A legend born in Kentucky coal country

BIG MABEL isn't just a mule — she's a legend. Filled with rich mountain folklore, dry mule wit, and the enduring spirit of Appalachia, this sweeping tale follows Mabel and her crew of unlikely heroes through mine shafts, mudslides, and moonlit ridgelines. Where legend meets loyalty, and heroes come with hooves.

$23.99 Kindle $4.99 · 180 pages
Amazon$23.99 Barnes & Noble$23.99 Walmart$23.99 Publisher$23.99 Kindle$4.99
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Reader Reviews
★★★★★ 5.0 (10 reviews)
Andy Soltess★★★★★

"Big Mabel is a fun, heartfelt read. Mabel is tough, witty, and unforgettable. You can't help but love her. Hits home being from coal country in Kentucky. Great job John!!"

Hannah Caldwell★★★★★

"Super good book. Definitely recommend for all ages, even my little girl enjoyed it when reading it to her! Keeps you interested from start to finish!"

AJ★★★★★

"A wonderfully written book full of Southeastern Kentucky adventure!"

Behind the Counter book cover
Memoir
⭐ 5.0 · 7 reviews

Behind the Counter

A love letter to community pharmacy life

A tender, true-to-life memoir capturing the heart of small-town America through the eyes of a country pharmacist. With warmth, humor, and deep compassion, Big John shares a life spent serving others — one prescription, one handshake, and one story at a time. Set against the Appalachian foothills, it's more than a career story; it's a love letter to community, service, and the healing that comes from kindness.

$20.99 Kindle $3.99 · 260 pages
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Reader Reviews
★★★★★ 5.0 (7 reviews)
Verified Purchaser★★★★★

"A heartfelt tribute to small-town pharmacy life. Big John has a real gift for making you feel like you're right there with him."

Little Mountain Girl book cover
Children's

Little Mountain Girl

A journey of courage and Appalachian spirit

The heartwarming tale of June Bug, a spirited young mule from the hills of Eastern Kentucky. When woodsman Jack Longworth sets out on a daring journey to the Grand Canyon, June Bug insists on going as his partner — not a passenger. A celebration of family, courage, and the unbreakable ties that lead us home again.

$26.38 Kindle $3.99 · 126 pages
Amazon$26.38 Barnes & Noble$26.38 Walmart$26.38 Publisher$26.38 eBook$3.99
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Reader Reviews
BluegrassReader★★★★★

"June Bug stole my heart. This book is pure Kentucky soul."

Aubree's Sky Adventure book cover
Children's

Aubree's Sky Adventure

Papaw John teaches Aubree how to fly

A heartwarming children's story about a little girl with a big dream of flying. Guided by Papaw John, Aubree discovers the wonder of aviation and the courage to chase her dreams — high above the mountains she calls home.

$19.99Paperback
Books.by$19.99
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Reader Reviews
Grandma Karen★★★★★

"My grandkids read this three times in a row. Big John has a gift!"

Aubree and Oreo book cover
Children's

Aubree and Oreo

Summer on the Mountain

A sweet mountain story for young readers celebrating summer adventures and the special friendships that grow in the hills of Appalachia. Send your child on a summer they'll never forget — right from the reading chair.

$11.99Paperback
Books.by$11.99
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Reader Reviews
ALLYE-CAT book cover
Children's

ALLYE-CAT

A mountain tale for young readers

Another wonderful story from the mountains of Kentucky — warm Appalachian spirit, lovable characters, and the kind of storytelling that makes young readers feel right at home on the mountain.

$12.99Paperback
Books.by$12.99
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Reader Reviews
Dead Stick and a Prayer book cover
Mystery

Dead Stick and a Prayer

An Appalachian mystery

A riveting tale rooted deep in the Kentucky mountains where faith and danger intertwine. When the odds are stacked against you and the engine goes quiet, all you've got left is grit and prayer. Big John at his most gripping.

$13.99Paperback
Books.by$13.99
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Reader Reviews

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Where to Order

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