jbronderbookreviews

On the Hillwilla Road by Melanie Forde

5 stars

(Excerpt from Goodreads) In Hillwilla, Beatrice Desmond, a former Bostonian Ivy Leaguer, found herself in midlife on a llama farm in remote West Virginia. Clara Buckhalter, a troubled young girl, drew Beatrice out of her lonely existence. Now, Clara attends a different school at Beatrice’s urging, and finds herself involved with two new friends who are confusing and intimidating yet caring. Beatrice’s tantalizing friendship and romance with the dashing, wealthy, and extremely handsome Tanner Fordyce discover new and deeper connections—though they continue to spar and infuriate each other. And Beatrice’s farm—replete with temperamental llamas; Ralph, her loyal English setter; and the occasional wild critter—further serves as an oasis of refuge and healing. This sequel explores how such disparate individuals can grow to need and depend on one another, even as Beatrice finds herself confronted with a new, life-altering choice.

Beatrice has grown accustomed to Clara living with her, for the most part. She is very unsure of herself and constantly frets that she is not a good role model for Clara. Clara is now attending school at Marlboro Academy for Girls and is unsure of the new people around her that seem to have an air of money. If that was not enough to keep Clara uneasy then her family trouble are not going to help.

Clara’s mother is uprooted after her step-father is arrested. Then there is her father, Mike that has a new girlfriend and is ready to start a family. Clara’s other family members try to make her feel at home with Thanksgiving and Christmas but then there is a rift between them and Beatrice. That old blood is still having trouble accepting Beatrice even after she continually proves herself to them. But things are going to get tougher for both Beatrice and Clara, thankfully they have each others.

I loved Hillwilla, Beatrice, and Clara. I couldn’t wait to read On the Hillwilla Road. Beatrice is still considered and outsider and is trying to find ground without offending the locals. Clara is trying to find her way and is so confused. But she is a great kid and you can’t help but encourage her. I really like how Beatrice and Tanner are getting closer; I just wanted to slap both of them at times for being so dense and difficult.

This is a great story and follow up to Hillwilla. Make sure to check it out.

To purchase On the Hillwilla Road, or for more information on the series, make sure to check out Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Melanie Forde’s website.

I received On the Hillwilla Road for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.