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Appalachian Trilogy #1
Rosemillion
Remember fairy tales? They're back.... The strangers came first for the timber. Next they came for the coal. Now, they've returned-for Widows Hollow. Pick McKinley is cursed with a fear of strangers. The strangers taunt mountain people and call them Hillbillys. Now, newly orphaned, illiterate, and impoverished, Pick must leave her mountain home and go among the strangers in town to find work if she and her younger siblings are to survive. Maybe it won't be so bad. Her mama had worked among them, cleaning and mending. Pick could not have been more mistaken. Her first encounter with Dr. Stephen Stalworth, Ashford's favorite son and one of its wealthiest, most powerful citizens, almost cost Pick her life and would have but for intervening fate and her rescuer, Jan Vandeventer, the handsome Bluegrass Son of wealthy, world famous horse breeders. Pick is no hillbilly. She's a survivor who has survived against all odds. She must save herself, her siblings, and her community from Stalworth who has vowed to destroy them and she must do it with the only weapons she possesses; faith, and a fairy tale-- called Rosemillion. In her debut novel, J.Helen Elza has crafted a tale of struggle and survival that transcends reading. Rosemillion is a tale to experience and Widows Hollow, despite its poverty, is a place you will want to return to time and again; To fish with the feisty and unapologetic mountain man, Samuel Llewellyn Simpson, "Stump"; "Pay 'em no mind, Miss, they's hollower 'n a cane pole and not nearly so useful." Or to laugh at the fiery- tempered Early Mae, "Mama- John Johnson"; "What is you up to, Old Man? You a'grinnin like a possum in a hen house!" Or to commiserate with Jan who is caught between his world of ivy-league universities and world champion thoroughbreds and her world of illiteracy and poverty; "Jacques, if you want to end our friendship here and now, you call her a hillbilly one more time! I'm sick of it! You and any one of the rest of our so-called peers pick a label, any label, and it's official! Margaret and Victoria call Pick a hillbilly, so she's a hillbilly, right?" Or to grab your hanky and sob or to stand up and shout for sixteen-year old Pick McKinley; "You may call me white trash and hillbilly. You may hate me and my kind, BUT YOU AIN'T GONNA CAUSE THAT LITTLE BABY TO BE A DYIN!" Written as a woman's novel, Rosemillion also appeals to "I really did enjoy reading the book and thought Ms. Miller did a wonderful job of placing the reader in the moment. Also, her character development is superb. I've told friends that I never found myself bored reading Rosemillion as I often do when reading other books. Jerry Snow USN Retired Rosemillion will leave you cheering and wanting more. Fortunately, there is more. Rosemillion is book one in J. Helen Elza's Appalachian Trilogy. Look for book two "Return to Widows Hollow," and book three "The Red Amaryllis," coming soon to book stores and kindles near you.
- GenresFiction
312 pages, ebook
First published February 21, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 17, 2015
I'm not sure whether to give this five stars or one star as my brain is still befuddled after reading this crazy book.
It's not that I don't like the story, because it's very interesting, it's the way the story is told. It felt as if someone took a large breath and spoke every word before inhaling again.
So much of it was mashed together in a frenzied moment of story telling.
I wish I could give it more stars because the story line is worthy, but someone needs to start drinking decaffeinated coffee.
It's not that I don't like the story, because it's very interesting, it's the way the story is told. It felt as if someone took a large breath and spoke every word before inhaling again.
So much of it was mashed together in a frenzied moment of story telling.
I wish I could give it more stars because the story line is worthy, but someone needs to start drinking decaffeinated coffee.
March 27, 2015
Rosemillon
This book is one of the best books on Appalachian ways that I have ever read. The storyline is incredible. I was so interested in what would happen next, I Found it hard to put down. Author J. Helen Elza is very talented, you couldn't guess what. Was going to happen next. Can't wait to get the next in this series. Lois Burrell.
This book is one of the best books on Appalachian ways that I have ever read. The storyline is incredible. I was so interested in what would happen next, I Found it hard to put down. Author J. Helen Elza is very talented, you couldn't guess what. Was going to happen next. Can't wait to get the next in this series. Lois Burrell.
March 31, 2015
Mountain Story
Being born and raised in the mountains of Virginia, this book brought back many memories. It was very heartwarming and fun to read.
Thank you Ms. Elxa
Being born and raised in the mountains of Virginia, this book brought back many memories. It was very heartwarming and fun to read.
Thank you Ms. Elxa
April 24, 2015
Rosemillion is a heart-wrenching story of extremely poor mountain people struggling to preserve their life-styles. I loved the way Pick, Stump Simpson, Mamma John and their neighbors portrayed decent people who were honest, trustworthy, and fiercely supportive of each other. We saw greed and lack of human compassion in wealthy Stephen Stalworth. The character development in this book was deep as Suzanne, Jan, and others tried to breach the class barriers to help the people of Widows Hollow. The author enabled me to feel that I was actually there at times, the mark of a top quality novel. Highly recommended!
July 29, 2014
Rosemillion
Rosemillion
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I purchased it based on readers reviews and I'm glad I did. well written with characters that make you care about them and their lives. I look forward to reading the second book in this trilogy.
Rosemillion
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I purchased it based on readers reviews and I'm glad I did. well written with characters that make you care about them and their lives. I look forward to reading the second book in this trilogy.
April 3, 2015
not my favorite
It could have been a great story, but the writing was so all over the place that I kept having to reread the same parts over and over to understand how people were suddenly in the picture. Will not be buying the rest of the series.
It could have been a great story, but the writing was so all over the place that I kept having to reread the same parts over and over to understand how people were suddenly in the picture. Will not be buying the rest of the series.
April 7, 2015
Secrets revealed between the rich and poor.
Very entertaining. I can almost see this as a Tv show or even a movie. Thanks too a honest lawyer secrets are reveled to save a town from corrupt land development.
Very entertaining. I can almost see this as a Tv show or even a movie. Thanks too a honest lawyer secrets are reveled to save a town from corrupt land development.
March 2, 2015
Book one
Good read well written with a feel good plot. A lesson in what's important in life. A reminder of the simple pleasures.
Good read well written with a feel good plot. A lesson in what's important in life. A reminder of the simple pleasures.
May 28, 2025
An amazing and Heartfelt Story
Being Appalachian myself, I almost didn’t read this. I am so glad I did, and it only took me 2 days. Getting ready to read the next one. A story that reminds us that people close to the earth, and each other, are the best people in the world. I especially liked Picks reflection on Christmas when children receive too much. You have to read it to understand.
Being Appalachian myself, I almost didn’t read this. I am so glad I did, and it only took me 2 days. Getting ready to read the next one. A story that reminds us that people close to the earth, and each other, are the best people in the world. I especially liked Picks reflection on Christmas when children receive too much. You have to read it to understand.
January 30, 2018
The title fooled me, it was the last book I read; but the best!
I loved this book, even as I struggled with the speech of the people of Widows Hollow. I really enjoyed the story, I didn't care about typos, It was a great story. The ending was a surprise, I can't wait to read the next
I loved this book, even as I struggled with the speech of the people of Widows Hollow. I really enjoyed the story, I didn't care about typos, It was a great story. The ending was a surprise, I can't wait to read the next
February 4, 2018
The story line was excellent and very interesting. The characters were believable but not described in depth as much as I like. The writing style was confusing at times and I had to go back and reread some passages to understand what was happening. I loved the story and will read rest of the series.
July 18, 2017
Great Book I'll read everyone Helen writes and hope for more a new twist in
Every chapter😊😊. Sorry to see this book come to an end. I will
Start another as soon as I get all
The required words. In this review
Every chapter😊😊. Sorry to see this book come to an end. I will
Start another as soon as I get all
The required words. In this review
February 25, 2023
The Appalachian Trilogy Book 1
Wow. Where has this author been all my life. I truly enjoyed this remarkable book. I also liked that she threw in a Ukrainian women with an authentic accent. Well done.I a looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.
Wow. Where has this author been all my life. I truly enjoyed this remarkable book. I also liked that she threw in a Ukrainian women with an authentic accent. Well done.I a looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.
January 16, 2018
Great Story
It really kept you guessing. I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends that are avid readers. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
It really kept you guessing. I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends that are avid readers. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
March 11, 2017
Pick the amazing girl
This book keeps you reading, you can not love pick and imagine her or feel bad for her when bad things happen!
This book keeps you reading, you can not love pick and imagine her or feel bad for her when bad things happen!
March 1, 2016
Wonderful, beautiful, a story you'll remember!
I always loved reading about the Appalachian people and the mountains. Even though I live in the Midwest my childhood was similar to there's. But as like those families we didn't know we were poor or different, until we were forced out and family was separated from each other, etc.. This is not a sad story like most are written, it's a story written so beautiful, both about their lives and how important when one family loses the patriarchs and a ( ten or eleven ) year old girl is left to raise her yunings with the help of her community. You will understand the reference to her age because in her life it wasn't important, I was not only personal effected by Pix's story and journey but had to refer and share and pass this beautiful story on to YOU the lover of true stories, maybe to appreciate how some families still live in this world or maybe to like me, a 63yr. Old woman who brought back the good memories if my life with grandma and grandpa until life changed and the outside world entered are lives after they passed away. No more spoiler alerts. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, it will change your outlook on what people call,families who live on the other side of the tracks. NAMASTE
I always loved reading about the Appalachian people and the mountains. Even though I live in the Midwest my childhood was similar to there's. But as like those families we didn't know we were poor or different, until we were forced out and family was separated from each other, etc.. This is not a sad story like most are written, it's a story written so beautiful, both about their lives and how important when one family loses the patriarchs and a ( ten or eleven ) year old girl is left to raise her yunings with the help of her community. You will understand the reference to her age because in her life it wasn't important, I was not only personal effected by Pix's story and journey but had to refer and share and pass this beautiful story on to YOU the lover of true stories, maybe to appreciate how some families still live in this world or maybe to like me, a 63yr. Old woman who brought back the good memories if my life with grandma and grandpa until life changed and the outside world entered are lives after they passed away. No more spoiler alerts. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, it will change your outlook on what people call,families who live on the other side of the tracks. NAMASTE
September 14, 2016
Simple and truth
This story had me spellbound. When I wasn't reading I was thinking about the characters in the story. Their simple faith and love was refreshing.
This story had me spellbound. When I wasn't reading I was thinking about the characters in the story. Their simple faith and love was refreshing.
April 30, 2015
A feel good novel!
Rosemillion; first book of a series about life and struggle in the hills of Appalachia . Not far from (
,as we call it modern day ) present day civility and progress.
The two factions come together in the story,both sides suspicious of each other. The plot is a familiar one about the under dog getting justice in the end. It doesn't take long for the reader to chose sides. Well written,easy pace,all done in a manor that keeps you reading. Etza manages to produce a very human story without having to resort to cussing,explicit sex. Just a feel good book...Bravo to Ms. Etza.
Rosemillion; first book of a series about life and struggle in the hills of Appalachia . Not far from (
,as we call it modern day ) present day civility and progress.
The two factions come together in the story,both sides suspicious of each other. The plot is a familiar one about the under dog getting justice in the end. It doesn't take long for the reader to chose sides. Well written,easy pace,all done in a manor that keeps you reading. Etza manages to produce a very human story without having to resort to cussing,explicit sex. Just a feel good book...Bravo to Ms. Etza.
July 16, 2015
Rosemillion
I enjoyed this book. There are a lot of characters and sometimes I got confused by that, plus I felt it was fantastical in some ways, but overall I was anxious to see how it would come out in the end. Good triumphed over evil, and that pleased me greatly. It clearly pointed out what prejudices against poor and uneducated people have to endure from people who feel they are superior in every way. We are all brothers and sisters after all.
I enjoyed this book. There are a lot of characters and sometimes I got confused by that, plus I felt it was fantastical in some ways, but overall I was anxious to see how it would come out in the end. Good triumphed over evil, and that pleased me greatly. It clearly pointed out what prejudices against poor and uneducated people have to endure from people who feel they are superior in every way. We are all brothers and sisters after all.
February 18, 2016
Cinderella move over! This is fairy tale Appalachian style.
Chicken soup for the soul where the underdog does win sometimes. Good character development. More plot twists and turns than a snake in a poke. It will hold your interest but certainly strains credibility at times. Overall good read because it really is a respectful representation of the trials and rewards of Appalachian life.
Chicken soup for the soul where the underdog does win sometimes. Good character development. More plot twists and turns than a snake in a poke. It will hold your interest but certainly strains credibility at times. Overall good read because it really is a respectful representation of the trials and rewards of Appalachian life.
May 19, 2015
A touching story about what happens when greed is one upped by humble people.
At first I had a hard time understanding the hill peoples speech but that changed quickly. Without ruining the story I won't give details to give away the plot. Lots of turns in the plot makes this novel worth reading.
At first I had a hard time understanding the hill peoples speech but that changed quickly. Without ruining the story I won't give details to give away the plot. Lots of turns in the plot makes this novel worth reading.
September 11, 2015
There was so much going on that wasn't explained and so many ancillary characters I found myself going back and forth to catch what was happening BUT a fascinating premise. The book should have either been longer or divided in half with more detail. Nonetheless, I'm starting the next one as I loved the characters.
May 8, 2015
God fearing book.
Backfill golf with Christian values. Good story. Modern day but with backwoods settings and characters. I will recommend this book for everyone. Lessons to be learned from it.
Backfill golf with Christian values. Good story. Modern day but with backwoods settings and characters. I will recommend this book for everyone. Lessons to be learned from it.
May 16, 2015
Great book
I really enjoyed reading this story of Rosemillion. I enjoy reading about the Appalachian people and their struggles to make a better life. Pick was such a entertaining character And I loved the community Widow's Hollow. Looking forward to the next story!
I really enjoyed reading this story of Rosemillion. I enjoy reading about the Appalachian people and their struggles to make a better life. Pick was such a entertaining character And I loved the community Widow's Hollow. Looking forward to the next story!
July 16, 2015
I loved the story, but the editing was awful. I can't wait to read the next book in the
In the series. I think it will be amazing!
The story line is very good..........
I read the first book overnight. I think it
Will be easy to do the same with the next installment!
In the series. I think it will be amazing!
The story line is very good..........
I read the first book overnight. I think it
Will be easy to do the same with the next installment!
June 14, 2016
Rosemillion
This story is set in Appalachia. I really loved the way the author intermingled the folklore of the area with the twisting plot of good versus evil. The characters are multidimensional and intriguing. This is a good read with a happy ending.
This story is set in Appalachia. I really loved the way the author intermingled the folklore of the area with the twisting plot of good versus evil. The characters are multidimensional and intriguing. This is a good read with a happy ending.
August 8, 2016
Very well written.. An absolute attention getter...
It consumed me.. I was totally in there world.. I really need to know the title to the third one of the trilogy.. I can't find it.. help with that would be greatly appreciated!! Please keep writing..
It consumed me.. I was totally in there world.. I really need to know the title to the third one of the trilogy.. I can't find it.. help with that would be greatly appreciated!! Please keep writing..
April 6, 2014
This book was a pretty predictable story to me. Good against evil. It is part one of a trilogy and I probably wont read the other two.
July 14, 2016
Hard to put down ! Loved this story.
Read
February 16, 2015Predictable, character driven with no obvious plot, enjoyable for a between books read only.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews