Clear Heart

When carpenters work for bigshots - and fall for beautiful women - who gets nailed? "It's funny, very tender, and enormously, tremendously human. In fact, Clear Heart just might be one of the most human books I've read in a long time." —Colleen Mondor, Bookslut

In this joyful, down-to-earth novel, Wally and Juke seek clarity and good wood while building a mansion for a dot-com billionaire. As the dot-com's stock keeps rising, the size of the house - and the owner's ego - keep growing. Wally and Juke may be into something that's over their heads. Meanwhile, Wally and Juke meet women who have remodeling designs of their own - on them. Laying a good foundation, then building plumb and true, what could be more clear? But plans change. Relationships grow - or need repair. Romance, lifelong buddies, coming-of-age, and bedrock values all join in the warm storytelling of Clear Heart. From demolishing concrete to racing belt sanders, from love of tools to falling in love, each house is a miracle.

"I LOVED this book. In fact, I couldn't put it down. It's about a 55 year old ex-hippy carpenter named Wally—and the interaction between true craftsmen, their good-natured joking, routines and habits (like sometimes getting too friendly with female clients). It's male bonding at its finest, filled with endearing characters and fast-paced, nail-biting mishaps."—Kari Hesse, The Village Carpenter.

"I just couldn’t put it down. It was a great read. Now I have met many of the people in Joe’s novel, quirky sub contractors, stupid clients and the like. I found myself (I believe for the first time) actually rooting for fictional characters. The book is gripping. It is a love story and so much more. I should also tell you that it is a book for adults. I wouldn’t have my (prude) sister read the book."—Stephen Shepherd, Full Chisel