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Appalachian Trilogy #2

Return to Widows Hollow

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Have you ever doubted God? They did. How much suffering will He allow-to redeem one soul? Prepare to fall in love with four year old Daniel Ruddy, the special needs child that will steal your heart as he joins your favorite characters from J. Helen Elza's unforgettable Rosemillion in this fairy tale-turned-nightmare for Kentuckians, Rose, Suzanne and Bennett who journey to the rural mountains of West Virginia to help a friend establish a medical clinic. While suffering with the survivors of the worst flood in West Virginia history Rose first learns that her fiance, Jan, is MIA, and then that he has been killed in Vietnam. Enter Quayle Johnson, the ruggedly handsome Train Man. Obsessed with Rose and tortured by his unspoken love for her, Quayle wants to be the reason that she will not return to Widows Hollow. Suzanne and Bennett must endure the cruelest hardship of their lives. The court that granted them custody of young Daniel has reversed its decision, condemning the little boy to a life of squalor and horror with the father who despises him. Do you believe in second chances? Do you believe in judge not lest ye be judged? Grab a hanky and discover the answer for yourself as you join Elza on a journey that lays bare the human heart, a journey that twists and winds through the best and worst of the human experience, a journey that will leave you soggy with tears, and desperate with hope, a journey whose final destination is to be determined. Will Rose and friends survive the challenges of Wolf Laurel Creek? Will they return to Widows Hollow?

511 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2013

110 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

J. Helen Elza

8 books11 followers

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5 stars
360 (52%)
4 stars
199 (28%)
3 stars
96 (13%)
2 stars
24 (3%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Heidi Harsch.
98 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2014
Return to Widows Hollow

Return to Widows Hollow

I must say in the beginning of the book I had a hard time getting into book. By the second chapter I was hooked and couldn't put it down.
43 reviews
June 4, 2025
Loving this Series Book.

I do love series books, so looking forward to reading book number 3. This book took me back to the Vietnam War and the anxious feelings we all had as our loved ones returned, or didn’t. A young man we used to play football with, now in a wheelchair for life. It was a sad time where emotions were everywhere. The sadness of a father using his children instead of loving them was quite stark. Read it for yourselves. It’s great.
5 reviews
July 20, 2017
An other great book from Helen for all of us to. Enjoy .😊 Here it is early

In the morning and I finished another of Helens Books Thank You may God Bless You and keep on writing.
Not sure there is any more to say after you bless someone everyone should know this is a good book and they need to buy it post hast you think?

27 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2017
Loved this book..

This book is filled with wonderful characters that make you love them and cry with them. Each page is exciting and makes you want to read more.
139 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2015
The author skillfully portrayed the tragedy during the flood/mud-slide in Wold Laurel Creek, West Virginia. As Rose (Pick) came from Kentucky to help "Dr. Moose" open a clinic, we saw her dealing with Jan's missing in action in Viet Nam. In the midst of the flood, we saw Suzanne and Bennett's struggle to adopt Daniel. These events seemed so real, I felt as though I was there. The author kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Highly recommended for those who would enjoy a mountain "cliff-hanger."
172 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2016
Worthwhile characters make this a worthwhile book

Reading this book is like visiting with friends you haven't seen in awhile. A lot of time has passed since the first book ended. Rose (Pick) and her siblings have grown up. Life is much better for them. However Appalachian roots run deep. I didn't read this book straight through. There were times I needed to take a break to digest the plot twists. I enjoyed this book and I love happy endings
1 review1 follower
February 21, 2015
Loved it.l let I it until the end.l guess l got lost in

Waiting for another great story where l cry and. Laugh sometimes at the same Time.ltd.is your a book to read. you like stories of hard living and truly loving people then this
Profile Image for Annette K Hernandez.
355 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2015
Some really unbelievable parts

This story started out really good. Then there were some really unbelievable parts, like when Daniel got shot and wasn't breathing. Both Susanne and Bennett are doctors and loved Daniel, but it took Rose to show that he wasn't dead.
Profile Image for Anna Cazale.
166 reviews
May 21, 2015
A touching saga.

This book was a great addition to the first book in the saga. I highly recommend this romantic mystery. Well written with likeable characters. Looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy.
33 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2015
Absolutely Fantastic Reading

I have read both books of the Appalachian Trilogy by J. Helen Elza. They are "spell binding", great story lines, love, kindness, family, surviving hardships, all rolled together. Can't wait for the final edition.
Profile Image for Ruth minter.
2 reviews
October 4, 2015
A wonderful book..I didn't want to put it down and wasn't ready for it to end!

I would recommend it to anyone who loves a little excitement and some mistry! The charaters were so real you could almost see them!
19 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2016
I'm so glad there's another book left, I can't bare the thought of this trilogy being over..

I couldn't put this book down.. It has captured my heart.. Always expect the unexpected.. Helen Elza sure has a way with words..
3 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2016
Love this series.



Ms. Eliza keep up the writing yours is a true gift.








Love your charming characters.







Love rose and her spirit
Look forward to more writing like this.

Profile Image for Georgann Garrett.
75 reviews
March 4, 2015
Book two

Love these books. Entertaining well written shedding light on the Appalachian way of life. Interested to see where the third book will take us.
Profile Image for MaryMargaret Freimarck.
23 reviews
April 15, 2015
Inspirational

The inspiring and warm hearted Appalachian tale continues in book two to draw the reader in and become one with the family. It's like coming home.
2 reviews
April 29, 2015
Amazing storyline

I really enjoyed reading about the Appalachian people and how they lived and survived such devastation. Really strong and determined people
3 reviews
May 28, 2015
Follow up

A unique story line and pleasurable read. Highly recommend.
Looking forward to the third in the trilogy and more books by the author.
Profile Image for Deanna M Kelsven.
4 reviews
June 20, 2015
Good always wins

Rose is such a great character in this book. She never falters. All happy endings, even for the bad guy...
Profile Image for Carolyn Blackmon.
2 reviews
July 1, 2015
Greati

Was a very good read..Could not put it down until it finished. need more like this. Enjoyed reading this fabulous book
Profile Image for Nana.
390 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2016
Never doubt Rose's feelings.

Eye-opening to some of the traditions and views of mountain people. Enjoyed reading and liked the storyline. Surprise endings in a couple places.
Profile Image for Catherine.
150 reviews
January 28, 2016
This was the second book and it wasn't a disapointment. It is nice to be able to read a story that is just nice. It calms me.
29 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2016
Very good!

Throughly enjoyed the Appalachian Trilogy, book one & two ! Slowed my reading to enjoy it for a few days more! Will be looking for more books by this author!
21 reviews
February 23, 2016
Heart warming.

The miracles continue in book 2. Action packed and a little more credible than book 1. I enjoyed the tempo and the excellent character development.
27 reviews
March 22, 2016
Great

I really enjoyed the first two books I can't wait to read the third book. You get attached to characters and you don't want the story to end.
20 reviews
April 7, 2016
Excellent

Wonderful details. Very accurate picture of life in the mountains of west Virginia. Life wait harsh, but there was joy too.
Profile Image for Velma Demaray.
26 reviews
May 30, 2016
Intriguing

Pick's story captures your heart and puts you in the middle of Appalachia. Ms. Ezra's words keep you spellbound to the end of the story.
4 reviews
August 18, 2016
Too much romance...

Good story but hardly believable
Well written as I could picture the cabin & the flood waters
What is with the Blue People?
Profile Image for Jean Fiscus.
4 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2016
Such a powerful and encouraging story!

A wonderful story of the mountain people and the goodness of God. A powerful look at faith they shared. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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