The Rock Orchard: A Novel

I was really surprised by this book. The first time I started reading it, I didn't get far enough into it to appreciate it, so this time around, I expected just a fun fluffy novel. It was fun and fluffy, but so much more. Most notable was the excellent dialog and writing in general. There were many times I laughed out loud at a perfect "that's so true and so well put" type of line. I can't wait to read more about the Belles and more from Paula Wall!

Love this book, this is the 2nd time I've read it and I usually don't re-read, unless it is a favorite. I am hoping Paula Wall will come out with a new book soon. I've read her second book the Wilde Women, which I really enjoyed as well. She favors strong, wise women characters. An amazing author who really draws the reader into the story, I was immersed and didn't want to leave Leapers Fork.

I loved this book. I love how Paula Wall includes the whole town in a story. It absolutely keeps you from getting bored because there is so much going on. I read her latest novel The Wilde Women first and my expectations were set a bit too high I think. Even though this book was wonderful Paula Wall has definitely outdone herself with The Wilde Women. I recommend that anybody interested in her work read this book first so that you appreciate it for how good it really is. I can't wait for her to come out with another novel.

outstanding saga of a family ruled by an amazing and dominating woman. Beautiful prose, interesting characters for whom you root and surprises galore. Loved it!

this author loves women and this novel flows easy and fun free.

The Belles have been in Leaper's Fork, Tennessee, since before the Civil War, and the Belle women have been strong, independent, and lusty. But in spite of their shocking behavior, the citizens of Leaper's Fork don't hesitate to come to them with their problems or have Belles lay hands on their newborn babies, for the Belles seem to have the sight as well. Charlotte likes to smoke cigars and make money. Not a fan of children, she nevertheless begrudgingly takes in her sister's child, Angela. Charlotte's child-raising technique is "free range," which ultimately leads to a young Angela begetting her own illegitimate daughter, Dixie. No one knows who the father is, but it show more doesn't slow down Angela and her sultry ways. The Belles' influence is felt throughout Leaper's Fork, and just as inviting are the townspeople in Wall's wonderfully endearing story of love, life, and change, and Wall's extraordinary and original style is the icing on one very enticing cake. show less

This is a very unique and fun book. This is the story of the lives of the very independent Belle family women, which are anything but ordinary, they dance naked in the cemetary, and as if thats not stange enough they hold a childs birthday party in the cemetary also. There are several love stories entertwining throughout the book, and much more. The characters are likeable and the story is very unpredictable. This is one of my favorites.

What a riot! I loved these characters!! This book was just pure fun, and probably the sexiest book I've ever read. I usually try to avoid romance type novels, and I this is certainly not in the same category as Harlequin, but it has a romantic/sexual flare. The perfect book if you're in a rut.