One of the funniest prologue’s and openings of a novel I’ve ever read. Wall is a columnist (ala Erma Bombeck) for the Atlanta Constitution newspaper and The Rock Orchard is her first novel. Short, a fast read, interesting characters and pithy lines. Not the great American novel but plenty to enjoy. ( )

My mom passed this on saying it was "different". What needs to be recognized here is that different is not bad. I enjoyed the southern vs. northern aspect and in the end there were multiple happy endings so I liked it. ( )

The book was okay for me. Nothing exceptional. I would have love to read more about the love story of Adam and Angela or Lydia and Boone. Their stories might be written in only ~15 chapters (for 4 characters). Summary was misleading. I thought the story was about the Belle women but it was actually about Leaper Fork especially about Adam. The story was disjointed and incoherent for me. A lot of different stories that can be confusing or frustrating and didn't see any mention of a rock orchard. I think it was supposed to be 'magical' in a way but book did not dwell in the Belle's clairvoyance. Would also like to see more of that. ( )

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. ( )

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 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. ( )