At the onset, this novel appears to be about Beatrice Desmond and her dog, Ralph, who live in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. This tale begins and ends with serendipity, and in-between, it's really the story of a young girl, Clara, desperate for love and attention and a place to call home, who finds her way into Beatrice's home and heart.

Hilwilla? A friend says of Beatrice, "I believe you are more of a Hill Wilhelmina. Maybe a Hillwilla." "Hillwilla describes someone who walks the walk, but doesn't talk the talk." She doesn't exactly fit in.

Clara and Beatrice care for a herd of 6 llamas, bequeathed to Beatrice on the death of her friend Kate. And through the care and nurturing of these animals, they learn to care for and nurture each other.

A simply delightful read.

Well-written, engaging plot and characters.

I loved it!

I truly enjoyed this novel for many reasons. First of all, it is a nice story, well crafted, engaging, believable, interesting... Second, it has a heroine who isn't a nubile young thing (neither am I); I could really relate. Third, as a come-from-away in my current home, I can really relate to the challenges of understanding culture and trying to fit in, even though you may speak the same language. I read this book then immediately went on to the sequel. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I was lent an ecopy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. I plan to buy the book, I liked it so very much.