The Widows of Wichita County

This is a truely enjoyable book. As a nurse in West Texas I see the dangers of oil field work every day. Jodi Thomas brings out the subtle humor of the men who live here and the bold intelligence of the women they marry. A great story and a taste of the real West Texas.

I had to add a review because a previous reviewer complained that the identity of the survivor was revealed too quickly. I finished the book several days ago, and I'm still not sure if it was Shelby or Jimmy. That being left in question was the second surprise of the book. The first was plunging into a Jodi Thomas book and finding myself in a contemporary story rather than a tale of the old west. A real change for her, but VERY interesting.

In Clifton Creek, Texas, the oil rig explosion on the Davis ranch leaves four men dead and one individual in critical condition fighting for his life. Because of the charring of the corpses and the severe burns of the survivor no one knows who lived. Five women huddle together in the County memorial Hospital waiting to know whether their spouses are alive or not.Widower Helena Whitworth married J.D. and in spite of their adult children from previous marriages they have been happy together. Italian Anna Montano is the wife of rancher Davis, but he is aloof towards her treating her like an outsider while being nice to her brother. Bar girl Crystal loves her spouse Shelby Howard though he treats her as his trophy wife. Randi had planned to leave her husband Shelby's nephew Jimmy to try to make in the country music world. Schoolteacher Meredith Allen had wondered when her spouse, Kevin, a former high school football hero, will realize that his life did not end at eighteen.Though this is a strong tale, THE WIDOWS OF WICHITA COUNTY will feel a bit disappointed because readers learn rather quickly who survived. Guilt, shock, and "wishes" are not fully explored though the story line looks deeply at grief and survival following one person making a life for herself and her ailing husband with the help of the widows. Jodi Thomas furbishes a powerful character study that will hook fans of women's fiction, but though the novel will be well received, readers will feel it could have more.Harriet Klausner

This book was excellent! It had been recommended on one of my book groups online, so I thought I'd try it. After I read the back cover of the book, I wasn't sure if I would like it. Well, I couldn't put it down! The characters were well thought out, the writing was fast paced and the storyline was superb! I haven't enjoyed a good read like this in quite awhile. I was moved to tears, I laughed out loud and I could sympathize with a part of each character. I am critical as a reader (occupational hazard) but found the writing air tight with no errors that made me stop and think, huh? I would highly recommend this book.I am looking forward to her next book!

The oil fields of Texas are the lifeblood of the state, but they are filled with danger that equals their rewards. Just being on them can cost one's life, or leave you hurt.This point is brought home to a group of diverse women when they are summoned to the hospital after a tragic accident that kills all involved, save one man. Unfortunately, the man has been burned beyond recognition, and no one can tell which of the women is not a widow. Even if they are able to do so, the woman will surely soon be one, or at best be left with a husband facing a very long and painfilled recovery that might leave him better off dead.Each of the women comes to the waiting room with different things in her heart, one even hopes that she is a widow, while for one, the hope of her husband's survival is paramount. The others love their husbands as well, but only one can leave with a living husband. As they wait and pray, the women form a unique friendship that will see them through the dark days of putting their broken lives back together. As the months and weeks pass, they face emotional and financial crises that will put them to the test, and each of them tries to learn how to love again.***** The STEEL MAGNOLIAS meets THE ENGLISH PATIENT might be an alternative title for this book. Ms. Thomas' debut modern literature has a warmth and realism that has characterized her past writing, making it accessible to a new audience without abandoning her loyal following. Tears and laughter alike await the reader. *****Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.