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The Widows of Wichita County
Apart from sharing the same zip code, Randi Howard, Anna Montano, Meredith Allen, Helena Whitworth and Crystal Howard have absolutely nothing in common—until a fiery explosion on a west Texas oil rig changes everything.
Their husbands are men who live to search for "black gold," men who are willing to exchange backbreaking work and long days for danger and excitement—and money. But on a blistering day in early autumn four of the men pay the ultimate price—leaving behind one man who wishes he had.
In one brief moment a tragedy binds Randi, Anna, Meredith, Helena and Crystal closer together than a lifetime of friendship. As they gather at the hospital, waiting to learn who among them will not have to bury her husband, they turn to one another for support. And so begins a journey of faith, of strength, of tears and of love.
Their husbands are men who live to search for "black gold," men who are willing to exchange backbreaking work and long days for danger and excitement—and money. But on a blistering day in early autumn four of the men pay the ultimate price—leaving behind one man who wishes he had.
In one brief moment a tragedy binds Randi, Anna, Meredith, Helena and Crystal closer together than a lifetime of friendship. As they gather at the hospital, waiting to learn who among them will not have to bury her husband, they turn to one another for support. And so begins a journey of faith, of strength, of tears and of love.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
310 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Thomas
130 books2,505 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 27, 2016
I enjoyed this story of a number of women suddenly finding themselves widows after an explosion. I liked seeing them band together and support each other. A couple of them had not really loved their husbands and they in the course of things find new love. Extremely well written and worth reading.
June 24, 2018
I wanted a book about friendships, but this book is mainly about romance. The book doesn’t describe or show us how the women become friends, we’re just told they do and are expected to believe it. I mainly read this book because I’m from Wichita county.
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June 1, 2017Helena Whitworth had twin girls by her first husband who died in Vietnam a month after the twins were born. Her second husband she married for security. He had four children and was ten years older than she was. He also died. She married JD when she was 50. She said JD was the only husband she ever loved. He was a wealthy wildcatter in the oil business. Helena owned a women's clothing store, Helen's Choice.
Anna Montano had married Davis after they met in Italy where she lived. He had come to get some horses and had hired her brother, Carlos, to be his foreman. They had run out of things to say to each other after their first anniversary when she failed to become pregnant. He had married her to have children and she had failed him. He had no more use for her and mostly ignored her. Anna had gotten away from her overprotected lifestyle in Italy but had nothing much to do in America and had no friends. She was rarely allowed off her property. Her father had been abusive to her mother and Carlos was abusive as well.
Randi's mother had run off when she was three and her father was a drunk. She and Crystal were close friends. Crystal married the rich uncle, Shelby Howard, and Randi married the poor nephew, Jimmy. Crystal's stepfather had kicked her out when she was 16. Shelby was quite a bit older but Crystal loved him. She didn't ask for any of his money and was not in his will. Shelby wanted a trophy wife and there were times that she was lonely even when around him. She was tiring of the plastic surgeries and the exercising to keep up appearances for him. He didn't seem to care much for her feelings but more for her looks. She put up with his asking her to show off her private body parts to his friends while she cried inside. James was good to Randi. She just wanted more. She was preparing to leave him, her third husband, and head for fame as a singer in Nashville.
Meredith was married to Kevin Allen. They had been together since she was 16. Now after being together for 10 years and having no children, they were running out of things to say to each other. She was the second grade teacher in town and worked at the courthouse doing filing and other things at the courthouse on weekends and during the summer.
The 5 husbands were on the Montano land where JD was having a well drilled. There were explosives on the rig where they shouldn't have been. Jimmy was Shelby's second in command and went anywhere he did. Davis was there and Shelby had brought Kevin over to show him the workings of the rig to see if he could talk him into investing. There was an explosion and only one of the husbands was barely alive and badly burned. They couldn't identify him and they were convinced that it was Shelby. Crystal set up housekeeping in the hospital to care for him. One of his attorney's helped Crystal slowly become more involved in the running of Shelby's business much to the dismay of his oldest son. She was offered a payment equal to 1/3 of his company to go away and leave the business to his son but she turned down the offer. She did notice that Shelby seemed to care more for her feelings since the accident as he regained the ability to speak. He tried to tell her that he wasn't Shelby but she didn't hear what he was trying to say. She explained it all away and he let her. Randi had come by the hospital after he was first admitted and told him that if he was Jimmy to keep it to himself. He didn't have the money to pay for his care and she was leaving him. Crystal would take better care of him than she was capable of. He kept quiet and let himself be cared for by Crystal and allowed her to think he was Shelby.
Randi left and went to Memphis. She had several jobs waiting tables and a few singing gigs but never was too successful. She kept trying though and came home for holidays to see the other widows.
Anna found a way to get off her land and got to know her neighbor, Zach Larsen. Her brother, Carlos, found out after a few months and nearly beat him to death. Anna shot him and Carlos accused Zach of raping Anna and shooting him. With the help of the widows, the truth came out and Carlos was arrested for falsely accusing Zach and for beating both him and Anna. Zach and Anna eventually married.
Meredith nearly fainted after hearing about the death of her husband and the sheriff ended up catching and supporting her. He came by to check on her a few times and ended up spending the night once. He then told Meredith that he would like to see her again but Meredith decided that she was worth more than to be an affair. She told him that she wouldn't see him again until he was ready to be seen with her in the daylight hours. He tried to stay away from her but eventually learned that she was worth more and allowed himself to be seen with her, holding her hand in the daylight hours.
Helena never gave into the fact that JD was dead. She spoke to him as if he were alive. Her daughters became increasingly concerned about her behavior and started helping out more at her store. They were larger women and started including clothing that would fit them in her stores and the clothes actually sold quite well. Helena was impressed. She also stopped taking her medication and became increasingly tired. She eventually had a heart attack and died a few months after her husband.
Anna Montano had married Davis after they met in Italy where she lived. He had come to get some horses and had hired her brother, Carlos, to be his foreman. They had run out of things to say to each other after their first anniversary when she failed to become pregnant. He had married her to have children and she had failed him. He had no more use for her and mostly ignored her. Anna had gotten away from her overprotected lifestyle in Italy but had nothing much to do in America and had no friends. She was rarely allowed off her property. Her father had been abusive to her mother and Carlos was abusive as well.
Randi's mother had run off when she was three and her father was a drunk. She and Crystal were close friends. Crystal married the rich uncle, Shelby Howard, and Randi married the poor nephew, Jimmy. Crystal's stepfather had kicked her out when she was 16. Shelby was quite a bit older but Crystal loved him. She didn't ask for any of his money and was not in his will. Shelby wanted a trophy wife and there were times that she was lonely even when around him. She was tiring of the plastic surgeries and the exercising to keep up appearances for him. He didn't seem to care much for her feelings but more for her looks. She put up with his asking her to show off her private body parts to his friends while she cried inside. James was good to Randi. She just wanted more. She was preparing to leave him, her third husband, and head for fame as a singer in Nashville.
Meredith was married to Kevin Allen. They had been together since she was 16. Now after being together for 10 years and having no children, they were running out of things to say to each other. She was the second grade teacher in town and worked at the courthouse doing filing and other things at the courthouse on weekends and during the summer.
The 5 husbands were on the Montano land where JD was having a well drilled. There were explosives on the rig where they shouldn't have been. Jimmy was Shelby's second in command and went anywhere he did. Davis was there and Shelby had brought Kevin over to show him the workings of the rig to see if he could talk him into investing. There was an explosion and only one of the husbands was barely alive and badly burned. They couldn't identify him and they were convinced that it was Shelby. Crystal set up housekeeping in the hospital to care for him. One of his attorney's helped Crystal slowly become more involved in the running of Shelby's business much to the dismay of his oldest son. She was offered a payment equal to 1/3 of his company to go away and leave the business to his son but she turned down the offer. She did notice that Shelby seemed to care more for her feelings since the accident as he regained the ability to speak. He tried to tell her that he wasn't Shelby but she didn't hear what he was trying to say. She explained it all away and he let her. Randi had come by the hospital after he was first admitted and told him that if he was Jimmy to keep it to himself. He didn't have the money to pay for his care and she was leaving him. Crystal would take better care of him than she was capable of. He kept quiet and let himself be cared for by Crystal and allowed her to think he was Shelby.
Randi left and went to Memphis. She had several jobs waiting tables and a few singing gigs but never was too successful. She kept trying though and came home for holidays to see the other widows.
Anna found a way to get off her land and got to know her neighbor, Zach Larsen. Her brother, Carlos, found out after a few months and nearly beat him to death. Anna shot him and Carlos accused Zach of raping Anna and shooting him. With the help of the widows, the truth came out and Carlos was arrested for falsely accusing Zach and for beating both him and Anna. Zach and Anna eventually married.
Meredith nearly fainted after hearing about the death of her husband and the sheriff ended up catching and supporting her. He came by to check on her a few times and ended up spending the night once. He then told Meredith that he would like to see her again but Meredith decided that she was worth more than to be an affair. She told him that she wouldn't see him again until he was ready to be seen with her in the daylight hours. He tried to stay away from her but eventually learned that she was worth more and allowed himself to be seen with her, holding her hand in the daylight hours.
Helena never gave into the fact that JD was dead. She spoke to him as if he were alive. Her daughters became increasingly concerned about her behavior and started helping out more at her store. They were larger women and started including clothing that would fit them in her stores and the clothes actually sold quite well. Helena was impressed. She also stopped taking her medication and became increasingly tired. She eventually had a heart attack and died a few months after her husband.
gave-up
February 17, 2020I usually love books by Jodi Thomas but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. I got about 20% in and gave up.
August 8, 2011
I started this and read just about half within the first sitting. That's a great sign, especially anymore with my five second attention span. But as it went on, I started losing interest. The characters were fair. I enjoyed most of them and their interactions were interesting enough. By the end, I had warmed to it again but it really wasn't one I foresee sticking with me.
August 19, 2016
Had to keep reading!
May 15, 2018
Fluff
This was a good but predictable story. Easy read. Likeable characters. West Texas oil people will enjoy the tidbits of oil facts inbetween chapters.
This was a good but predictable story. Easy read. Likeable characters. West Texas oil people will enjoy the tidbits of oil facts inbetween chapters.
September 1, 2023
Oh my goodness, MY HEART. Until reading this one, Finding Mary Blaine by Jodi Thomas was my favorite of hers, but this one just took first place in the few days it took me to read it.
I loved everything about it, and I don't think there's anything I disliked. I initially thought it was going to take the whole book to find out who the living guy was, so when it happens in the first few chapters I was so curious to see what the story was going do do next.
I didn't necessarily expect the multiple romances that would occur with each of the widows so soon after their husband's died but with 4/5 of them not having stellar marriages I loved seeing them get second chances and grow. I am so happy for Anna and Zack, my heart could just sing. They deserve all the happiness. The sex scenes are sparse and classy, the pacing was great, and the characters memorable and endearing.
I don't doll out 5 star ratings willy nilly, but this one deserves it. It hit all the right notes for me, and I want to start it all over again.
I loved everything about it, and I don't think there's anything I disliked. I initially thought it was going to take the whole book to find out who the living guy was, so when it happens in the first few chapters I was so curious to see what the story was going do do next.
I didn't necessarily expect the multiple romances that would occur with each of the widows so soon after their husband's died but with 4/5 of them not having stellar marriages I loved seeing them get second chances and grow. I am so happy for Anna and Zack, my heart could just sing. They deserve all the happiness. The sex scenes are sparse and classy, the pacing was great, and the characters memorable and endearing.
I don't doll out 5 star ratings willy nilly, but this one deserves it. It hit all the right notes for me, and I want to start it all over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2018
Five women walk into a room at the local hospital. Four find out they are now widows, the result of an oil rig explosion. Five different viewpoints, emotions, fears and new found friendships are formed that cross any barriers that may have been in place before the tragedy that affects them all. A "bar light beauty", a second grade teacher, an owner of a quality dress shop, a painter and horse lover from Italy, and a woman who married up. All come together because of their common grief and vow to help each other. The fear of going on alone for some is almost overwhelming. The author's greatness is in showing how these women band together, and do help and support one another. Each one has the courage to fight for what they want, what they need to become versions of themselves they can be proud of, and can accept the love and friendships that now come their way. Amazing work of fiction. Loved it!
September 13, 2018
Not a new release but worth a read if you come across it. It's typical Jodi Thomas; comfortable and engaging but with a bit of an edge. The characters are quirky and well rounded and Tomas demonstrates a real feel for the land and peoples of the barren landscapes and isolated communities of Texas.
Five women bond together after an oil rig explosion kills four of their husbands and burns one beyond recognition. Although they are from different backgrounds they find shelter and support with each other and we learn that what we see o the surface of their lives is not the reality of what they are living.
At first shocked and lost, they find through their mutual distress a way to move forward and reclaim their lives.
A good read, especially for rainy days and Sundays.
Five women bond together after an oil rig explosion kills four of their husbands and burns one beyond recognition. Although they are from different backgrounds they find shelter and support with each other and we learn that what we see o the surface of their lives is not the reality of what they are living.
At first shocked and lost, they find through their mutual distress a way to move forward and reclaim their lives.
A good read, especially for rainy days and Sundays.
September 14, 2018
It started out like any other October weekday in Clifton Creek, Texas. Then an oil rig explosion changed the lives of five women. They first came together in a room at the hospital where they waited for news of what happened to their husbands. Four men were killed instantly. A fifth man was so badly burned that his identity could not be confirmed. These strong women made a pact in that room to be there for one another. And so the story begins. . .
We follow them through the funerals and into their new and uncertain futures. Some of the marriages were not so happy, but some were truly in love with their spouses. This was a very interesting book. It was different than anything I've read before. Each chapter started out with historical information about drilling for oil.
We follow them through the funerals and into their new and uncertain futures. Some of the marriages were not so happy, but some were truly in love with their spouses. This was a very interesting book. It was different than anything I've read before. Each chapter started out with historical information about drilling for oil.
March 1, 2018
Wichita County
This was a really good book about 5 women coping with a terrible tragedy, becoming connected in a way few people ever are, helping and holding onto each other through their darkest hours. I would have liked it more if she had written this fictional story about a fictional place instead of getting everything wrong about the county her fictional town was set in. Having lived in Wichita County for 75 years, the only thing halfway true was the oil boom.
This was a really good book about 5 women coping with a terrible tragedy, becoming connected in a way few people ever are, helping and holding onto each other through their darkest hours. I would have liked it more if she had written this fictional story about a fictional place instead of getting everything wrong about the county her fictional town was set in. Having lived in Wichita County for 75 years, the only thing halfway true was the oil boom.
April 8, 2018
Jodi Thomas tells a beautiful story of five women in a small Texas town after a deadly oil well explosion where four of the husbands were killed. She tells about the women and about their marriages before that horrible day. She tells what these brave ladies went through in their day to day lives and how they became stronger and how they found what they had been looking for all along. Wonderful story.
May 29, 2018
I read this book because of the setting. I once lived in Wichita County, Texas where this is set. It is a typical romance.
Five women are called to a West Texas hospital after an oil rig accident killed four men and burnt the one survivor beyond recognition. As they wait together to find out which husband survived, the women come to know each other and learn how to cope with the tragedy as they re-build their lives.
Five women are called to a West Texas hospital after an oil rig accident killed four men and burnt the one survivor beyond recognition. As they wait together to find out which husband survived, the women come to know each other and learn how to cope with the tragedy as they re-build their lives.
November 12, 2019
I chose this book since I lived in Wichita County for most of my life. It is interesting to read a book with the setting in a place one is familiar. I had never heard of the town this story took place in so it must be a made up town. We had pumping jacks on my Daddy's ranch and had many oil derricks there during the boom days. I enjoyed reading this story and identified with the school teacher since I taught elementary school for 35 years and liked to wear teacher clothes.
July 28, 2025
Jodi Thomas’ The Widows of Wichita County is a poignant, character-driven exploration of grief, resilience, and unexpected sisterhood. Set in a small West Texas town, the novel begins with a devastating oil rig explosion that leaves five women—mostly strangers—waiting in a hospital to learn which of their husbands has survived. That moment of shared uncertainty becomes the catalyst for a profound emotional journey.
February 28, 2018
The Widows of Wichita County
This is the first book I've read by Jodi Thomas. I was actually drawn to this book by its title.
This book was a heartwarming tale of five women in a small town in West Texas, and how they were drawn together by tragedy.
I absolutely loved this book and I know it won't be the last book by this author that I read. I highly recommend this book!
This is the first book I've read by Jodi Thomas. I was actually drawn to this book by its title.
This book was a heartwarming tale of five women in a small town in West Texas, and how they were drawn together by tragedy.
I absolutely loved this book and I know it won't be the last book by this author that I read. I highly recommend this book!
April 16, 2018
I might be being a bit generous with 4 stars, but I enjoyed the simpleness of this book. I knew what I was getting from the synopsis and it was exactly as it purported. Not a lot of depth, just a decent storyline.
That being said, it was a fun cast of wily women characters that held each other up.
This is a good book for swinging in the hammock on a quiet afternoon.
That being said, it was a fun cast of wily women characters that held each other up.
This is a good book for swinging in the hammock on a quiet afternoon.
April 27, 2018
3.5
The writing wasn't the best and it could have used some edits, but the story was pretty good. I really enjoyed it. Parts of it were predictable, but I didn't mind. I did feel like the author hinted at more plot development and found the ending to be unsatisfactory, but I liked this book more than I thought I would when I started it.
The writing wasn't the best and it could have used some edits, but the story was pretty good. I really enjoyed it. Parts of it were predictable, but I didn't mind. I did feel like the author hinted at more plot development and found the ending to be unsatisfactory, but I liked this book more than I thought I would when I started it.
August 6, 2019
I have read this book multiple times and love to reread it. Jodi Thomas has a unique writing style and is very gifted in developing her characters, time lines, scenes, situations and emotional feelings. I loved this story and it is a fascinating read and so enjoyable. The ending brought a smile to my face and eased my heart.
March 8, 2022
A Texas oil rig blows up causing mayhem, injury and death. Five women who previously did not have much interaction with each other become a strong unit. Their back stories are fleshed out. Although the book may seem to start slowly, I thoroughly enjoyed it by its finish. In addition, each chapter is headed by some items and lore about Texas oil country.
July 20, 2017
Excellent read, multiple story lines. Hopefully, there will be a sequel to this book. Being raised in Wichita County, Texas was a plus for this book. You can't go wrong with this book. I highly recommend that you read it.
February 10, 2018
Truth
A lovely story interwoven with wildcat oil drilling nuggets of history. Each woman came from such diverse backgrounds adding her own strength to the bond they built from tragedy. Respect, growth, understanding, precious fruits forged via fear and grief.
A lovely story interwoven with wildcat oil drilling nuggets of history. Each woman came from such diverse backgrounds adding her own strength to the bond they built from tragedy. Respect, growth, understanding, precious fruits forged via fear and grief.
February 14, 2018
Another Hit by Jodi
I have read a number of books by this author, and she continues to write interesting stories, with characters that become friends. I always know I'll enjoy her books.
I have read a number of books by this author, and she continues to write interesting stories, with characters that become friends. I always know I'll enjoy her books.
April 20, 2018
Great book!
This was a great book! The characters were so endearing that I kept thinking about them until I picked up the book again! It felt like I would miss something before I started reading again.
This was a great book! The characters were so endearing that I kept thinking about them until I picked up the book again! It felt like I would miss something before I started reading again.
August 25, 2019
Very disappointed. The theme was different, not your run-of-the-mill story. Started out quite captivating, but very soon, fizzled out to be more of a romance story than a ‘meaty’ novel. Chic lit.
July 21, 2020
Jodi Thomas always develops her characters so that you feel like you know them. They become your friends. This story brings you into the lives of these women and your heart aches for each one. I've never been disappointed in a Jodi Thomas novel; they always leave me wanting to know more about the lives of the characters.
April 16, 2022
REALLY enjoyed this book. Four women, three who are widowed by an oil well accident, and their lives after the accident. Four women whose lives are intertwined and they become unlikely friends and a support system for each other.
June 10, 2025
Best Book
I honestly love this book. I couldn't put it down and I was addicted by the first paragraph. The storyline is wonderful and while reading I felt like I was in the same room as the characters. Highly recommend all this author's books. Especially this one.
I honestly love this book. I couldn't put it down and I was addicted by the first paragraph. The storyline is wonderful and while reading I felt like I was in the same room as the characters. Highly recommend all this author's books. Especially this one.
September 6, 2025
This book was not typical of what I normally read; however, I enjoyed the female characters and the support of each other. The plot was pretty transparent, and I guessed what was happening. I did not like the violence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews