Jim Biedenharn writes in a distinctly Southern voice, a rarity in 21st century literature. Yet in his stories the reader will find neither a glorification nor a condemnation of the historical South. The author's theological awareness does not allow him to be stuck in such follies of humankind. For the characters that live in River City Ebb & Flow: Dr. Jas. O'Phelan's Stories from the Wicker Basket under this Fragile Balloon, human follies are only pertinent in context of redemption—or to the lack thereof. In many ways this little collection of short stories just may identify Jim Biedenharn as one of the last genuine voices of Southern Literature. Grandiose? Perhaps. But the proof is in the writing.