The Widow of Escondido
A Novel by Emme Rocher
RELEASE DATE: September 17, 2024
Author Emme Rocher
I am a retired professional in the field of education. During my career, I had the unique privilege of working together as a team with outstanding stakeholders and being a part of school communities that were supportive and dedicated. I will also always cherish the time spent writing and storytelling with students each year. What a joy!
My husband joined me in retirement in 2012 after serving as the Vice-President for Human Resources for a local corporation. He is also a retired Colonel, having served in the United States Army in Vietnam while on active duty and as a reservist for multiple years that followed.
We treasure our time with our family and friends, especially on special occasions when we enjoy the celebrations of the year. Our favorite retirement hobby is river and ocean cruising. Sightseeing in famous historical places and cities is always an exciting adventure as we learn more about the world and the different cultures.
About the Author
The Shell
Beaches offer opportunities for tranquility and serenity for the soul.
Watery crystals in shades of white, blue, and green provide cover for aquatic life.
Sand dunes establish housing for swaying sea oats.
Whitecaps signal traveling currents.
An abundance of sand and water creates venues for discovery.
Treasures galore.
Anymore?
Save the shore.
SYNOPSIS
The Widow of Escondido
Lorea McKinley Hughes embarks on a journey to Paris to visit relatives, hoping that time and distance might reenergize her frame of mind in dealing with a troubled marriage. However, on the return voyage back to the United States, she meets Perry Frederick, a wealthy American land owner, and an attraction between them transpires. Little did she know how this would eventually impact her life. Upon her return home, disagreement and friction continue to disrupt the marriage, and resolution nor any type of compromise is not obtainable. Therefore, an unthinkable decision of divorce evolves, and she leaves her hometown and establishes residency elsewhere, eventually experiencing personal happiness and contentment. This unpredictable new life sustains her until an untimely death interrupts the joy of a deep friendship and abiding love.
After Lorea’s death, her niece, Lori Davis, has the difficult task of dissolving the estate as a will and other important documents are mysteriously missing. In her search for the necessary documents, certain discoveries materialize as Lori stumbles on hidden photos, journals, and a manuscript in her aunt’s art studio confirming a long-time, secret relationship with a man by the name of Perry Frederick. However, answers to pertinent questions related to the estate could not be found.
Many years later, Lori discovers additional information that clarifies the remaining mystery surrounding her aunt and her life at Escondido Cottage in Lillian, Alabama, unearthing new dimensions that provide a unique ending to The Widow of Escondido.
Reviews of The Widow of Escondido
”The Widow of Escondido is a fabulous book! Great characterization and clarity of writing. It has all the elements needed for a good romance novel.”
- Joe Max
Portrayal of The Widow of Escondido
”Lorea McKinley Hughes valued personal treasures. An array of collectibles consumed every inch of space in her secluded beach cottage and art studio. Fashion magazines from Paris and books highlighting the works of famous artists appealed to her artistic side and were readily available. Vintage hats and clothing were among her most treasured items, especially an exquisite shawl that she purchased while visiting relatives in Paris. Time spent sitting on her garden bench on the bluff overlooking Perdido Bay were cherished moments as well as time spent caring for her stunning orchids in the greenhouse.
Black and white family snapshots in a small photo album provided quick viewing of loved ones from the past. However, when she died, finding hidden photos, journals, and a manuscript connected me to a bygone era and her hidden secrets. One photo taken in 1936 on the R.M.S. Queen Mary on a voyage to the United States from Paris, began the process of unlocking the mystery of her clandestine life.
As a child, I vaguely remember a fascinating story Aunt Lorea shared about crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a grand ocean liner and dancing the tango with one of the male passengers. As an adult, I eventually learned that her dancing partner on the ship was a gentleman by the name of Perry Frederick, someone that remained in her life for several decades until his untimely death. However, the story did not end with my initial discovery when she died. Many years later, additional discoveries surfaced that completely revealed the mysterious Lorea McKinley Hughes, adding a unique twist to her life as well as mine.”
- Lori Davis
Niece of Lorea Rose McKinley Hughes
”The Widow of Escondido is a charming story about love and loss during a critical time in history. I found the description of the characters and settings to be authentic, vibrant, rich, and historically significant, making the reader feel immersed in a simpler time. The story offered insight into an era that most people only read about in history books. An enjoyable read.”
- Samantha M
”A brilliant work of art! Emme Rocher’s development of the characters and her knowledge of the period of time involved was exceptional. Hopefully, a sequel will follow.”
- Deborah D
”I could not put this book down! This story made me laugh and cry, as well as reminisce about days and experiences in a bygone era. The Widow of Escondido is filled with wonderful descriptions of historical events woven into a romantic story. From Alabama’s Gulf Coast to Paris, is entranced with details that take you there.”
- Susan K
”The Widow of Escondido is a master work of art. Emme Rocher transports the reader to another world through her unforgettable characters, spot-on portrayal of life in an historical bygone era, and a true depiction of friendship, romance, and deep love at its finest. Romantics will be swept away, and hopefully their hearts will dance as well. Great read!”
- Meredith C
”The Widow of Escondido has a great storyline and was very well written. Emme Rocher skillfully described multiple settings in the book, making the reader feel as if they were there. It was obvious that the author had done quite a bit of research to make her depictions accurate. It was a great read!”
- Debbie M
”“The voice of this author encapsulates a great love story in a very distinctive historical fiction genre. She strategically incorporated mystery, humor, romance, and drama into a nail-biter that took my emotions from laughter to tears. I could not put it down.”
- Becky F
”The Widow of Escondido is full of passion and life. Because of the wonderfully detailed historical events, the author gives the reader a chance to connect with the emotions of love, peace, and war. It’s a hard-to-put-down book!”
- Bobbie C
”The Widow of Escondido is an exquisite read set against the backdrop of pre-WWII, during WWII, and after. The characters are well developed, and Emme Rocher draws the reader in with detailed descriptions of them, as well as the different settings in their lives. The entire book comes to life as you read it. It is definitely a page-turner, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys an engaging story.”
- Marsha R
Excerpts from The Widow of Escondido
From Chapter 1
Before departing, I glanced at Perdido Bay from the bluff at the cottage in a melancholy frame of mind. The whole situation at Escondido Cottage reminded me of a movie that you see or a book you read where you are left hanging in the end. I was disgruntled and downhearted because the desired closure for settling the estate was not obtained. I needed something, anything to provide some sort of resolution to my present dilemma.
As I opened the door to my car, my eye caught a glimpse of the Escondido Cottage cornerstone. I paused to look, and a question surfaced. “Ethelene, Perdido means ‘lost.’ What does Escondido mean? I’ve never really thought about it until now. It’s such an odd name for a cottage on the bluffs at Perdido Bay.”
“Escondido means ‘hidden’, Lori.”
I stood there in silence."
From Chapter 22
There are three stages to a storm. The first whispers with a breeze, tinting the atmosphere with a faint, yellow hue creating a false sense of calmness. Then, tension builds and cracks a whip at the earth with anger and violence. When it is over, invisible arms seize the savage beast, pulling it away, and the earth settles back to normal. Life goes on, forgetting the terrible onslaught until the next one roars in and makes its presence known. Exceptions are not granted to any species, nor the time, nor the place. Survival remains constant with each one, however simple or complex. It is a natural process governed by a higher power.
From Chapter 25
As I look at Escondido Cottage from the water, it reminds me of a sentinel, a silent guardian maintaining a constant vigil on the bluffs, watching over us and providing safety and shelter to things valuable and priceless. It is indeed a protector of memories, just as I have become. With those sentiments, I penned the following on a small canvas that I framed and placed on a table by the divan. Memories only survive by those who treasure and preserve them. Never let them die.