On the Hillwilla Road A Novel

This follow-up novel to Hillwilla explores how disparate characters can grow to need and depend on one another
 
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.

Melanie Forde is a veteran writer, ghosting in diverse formats—from academic white papers to advertising copy. Under her own name, she has published numerous features and commentaries about the natural world, and is the author of Hillwilla. She lives in Hillsboro, West Virginia.