Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate

Lisa Wingate connects two timelines taking place in the Winding Stair Mountains of Oklahoma. In 1909, eleven year old Olive knows she must get herself and her little attic mate, six year old Nessa, away from her stepfather now that Nessa's older sister has disappeared following abuse from the stepfather. Reading about the travails of Olive and Nessa was grueling and I was wishing that this part of the story could be told in some other way. But as the story went on, I just faced the facts that people young and old were being killed for their land. Get rid of the parents and then become the guardian of the orphans and it doesn't take much for the wealthy and powerful to wrest the orphans' inheritances from them. Illegal and unscrupulous means of all types were employed as the rich got richer and the poor were starved, worked to death, abused in all manners, and murdered. In the case of this story, Olive hopes to someday get Nessa, and the other kids they pick up along the way, to the mountain area where she used to live with her mother and father. There they would make a town called Shelterwood, with a church, a school, some chickens, and a cow. Olive had nothing but her dreams and the weight of the world on her young shoulders. The reality of the situation was the kids were all starving and didn't even had the provisions to keep on with their travels.

In 1990, Law Enforcement Ranger Valerie Boren-O’Dell is starting her new job at Horsethief Trail National Park. She's frustrated that she's almost ignored by her co-workers and assigned the most menial of jobs. But she learns that there are the bones of three little girls in a remote cave and she travels there to actually see if the rumors are true. But before the bones can be investigated properly, they are removed and the story covered up. That's when Valerie does her own investigation into the background of the area and learns how the owners of the land in the past lost their lands through exploitation and murder. Danger lurks even now for those who attempt to dig too deep, venture too far, and ask too many questions.

I dreaded each time we went back to Olive's timeline because the life of the children is so brutal, with no sign that things can do anything but get worse. But I couldn't help wanting the best for plucky Olive, who had no choice at all but to be the one to keep her group of ragtag starving orphans alive and hidden while she tried to earn money in town. Valerie's timeline was easier to read despite the fact that there is abuse there, too. For all the rotten, conniving people in this book there are also a lot of good and likeable people, too, and that helped me make my way through the story.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

"Shelterwood" masterfully intertwines the lives of two resilient women separated by nearly a century but connected by their courage and determination. The novel’s title is a tribute to the old shelterwood trees, which protect and nurture the forest, much like the protagonists do for their communities.

In 1909, Olive Augusta Radley, or Ollie, escapes from an abusive stepfather and finds refuge with Native American children in an area she names Shelterwood. This sanctuary becomes a haven for runaway children who have been neglected by their court appointed guardians who have stolen from them. These children survive by hunting, fishing, and performing odd jobs in nearby Talihina, Oklahoma. Despite being dubbed elves or spirits by the locals, they are merely children fighting for survival and freedom.

Fast forward to 1990, and we meet Valerie Boren-Odell, a widow and single mother who has moved to Talihina to work as a Park Ranger at the new Horsethief Trail National Park. Valerie faces her own battles against the entrenched male chauvinism in law enforcement. Her investigation into the discovery of three children's bodies in a cave, the disappearance of a local boy, a suspicious rock slide, and a drowned unknown person brings her story full circle with Ollie's past.

The novel's strength lies in its poignant portrayal of both Ollie and Valerie’s struggles and their quest for justice and a new beginning. Their stories, though set in different times, converge in a powerful and meaningful conclusion.

Despite its compelling narrative, the book’s structure—alternating chapters between 1909 and 1990—can be jarring at times. This abrupt shift occasionally disrupts the flow, but the rich, interwoven tales of survival and resilience make up for this minor flaw.

Overall, "Shelterwood" is a captivating read, deserving of 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for its emotive storytelling and the profound connection it draws between its characters across time.

An enjoyable book. I liked the part of the story that earlier and told from the child's point of view. It wrapped up nicely.

Shelterwood is sure to be another bestseller for Lisa Wingate. I thought the story was just as compelling as Before We Were Yours. I love that she highlights the stories of these children in history who were not treated well but also brings to light the stories of some female unsung heroes who worked to help them. The characters are well done and the pacing is excellent. This is dual timeline and the two story lines connect without feeling unrealistic. The historical quotes that open each chapter add depth to the book and are evidence of the research put in before writing. I had high expectations for this one and it did not disappoint. Thanks to Ballantine Books for the early copy to read through NetGalley. I’m am leaving this review voluntarily as my honest opinion because I love books and authors. This book comes out in early June 2024.

Shelterwood was an eye opening historical story about the lives of orphans on the run from unsafe homes they were placed in and the woman who secretly tried to protect them. Unfortunately this book was too slow for my liking and while the story line was intriguing it did not keep my interest. I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC early and am thankful for Netgally and the publisher for accepting my honest review of this title.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of Shelterwood. This book is told in dual POV. One timeline from the 1900s and one from the 1990s. Lisa Wingate can definitely write historical fiction well in terms of the research she puts into her books. The only thing for me was that it was pretty slow and hard to get through. It was a well written book but the pace was just off for me. I still love Before We Were Yours. If you like historical fiction, check this one out! Thank you again for the ARC!

In this book, we get Oklahoma in two different time periods, 1909 and 1990
We explore what happens to children in 1909 and we investigate
With Ranger Valerie Boren-Odell the long hidden burial site of three children.
We travel with her as she investigates the past and the present
This author has such a beautiful way with words and has been one of my favorites for a long time now and this book did not disappoint.

I always love Lisa Wingate's books but this one missed the mark for me. I just could not get into it and stay interested in it no matter how hard I tried. I made it to about the three-fourths mark and then it was a DNF for me.

While this did not ascend to the level of her other books, this was a solid historical fiction read what was well researched and kept me interested. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
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Thank you Random House Publishing Group from NetGalley for this ARC.
I'm not usually an historical fiction fan, but the dual timelines and storylines kept this book moving forward for me. I really enjoyed learning more about the Indigenous tribal nation of the Choctaw, and felt the overlap with the timelines was perfectly done. I always enjoy finding the title, and this novel provided a wonderful link to the title.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Lisa Wingate's work.

Shelterwood is another great story by Lisa Wingate. This is a heartbreaking story about Native American children in Oklahoma in the early 1900s. There is a dual story line set in 1909 and 1990. I will admit that it took me a while to really get pulled into the story, but once I got there I was hooked. If you enjoyed Wingate’s Before We Were Yours you will probably also enjoy this story. I’ll definitely keep coming back to read her work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Posted on Goodreads on 5/16/24

I love historical fiction and I have appreciated every story I’ve read by Lisa Wingate. Shelterwood is no exception. This book was so interesting I found myself wanting to know more information about the actual time period and events than was provided in the story. I love that about Wingate’s stories and the way she writes them. This book was exceptional.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review.

There is something about historical fiction about obscure events that is so engaging and Wingate is amazing at drawing readers in. I research more real history while reading her books than any other historical fiction author. This book is a beautiful masterpiece about tragic era in American history. The research done was incredible, the story line was captivating and the characters were relatable and well developed. I loved the entwining of two different era story lines. One is from 1909 and deals with a young girl and her friends and the struggles they face in a era just starting to care about the welfare of children. The other is from 1990 and deals with a single mother embarking on a new career path in a new town while trying to solve some mysteries. Intertwined in both stories is the thread of tragedy that was the treatment of Indigenous People in Oklahoma. If you are looking for an excellent engaging read about lesser known historical events- add this one to your list!

Lisa Wingate's "Shelterwood" offers an emotionally charged narrative set against the backdrop of Oklahoma in two distinct eras. The novel intertwines the stories of eleven-year-old, Olive Augusta Radley, in 1909 and Law Enforcement Ranger, Valerie Boren O’dell, in 1990, both of whom face peril and seek justice in the rugged Winding Stair Mountains.

Wingate excels in crafting a vivid portrayal of the Oklahoma landscape, capturing both its beauty and its dangers. Her prose brings the setting to life, immersing readers in the wild terrain that serves as both a sanctuary and a threat to the characters. The dual timelines are handled with skill, revealing the interconnectedness of past and present as the characters’ stories unfold.

However, the novel's pacing falters significantly, particularly in the middle sections where the plot slows down, causing the narrative to drag. This slow pacing can make it difficult for readers to stay engaged, as the story meanders and loses momentum. Some characters, despite their potential, come across as one-dimensional, making their personal journeys less impactful. The ambitious attempt to weave multiple storylines occasionally results in a disjointed narrative that can be challenging to follow.

Despite these flaws, "Shelterwood" succeeds in highlighting themes of resilience, justice, and the fight for a better future. The emotional depth of Ollie and Valerie's struggles resonates, though it sometimes gets overshadowed by predictable plot elements and familiar character tropes.

Overall, "Shelterwood" is a touching read with compelling themes and a richly described setting, though it doesn't quite reach the heights of Wingate’s best works. It’s a good choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a focus on nature and personal redemption, even if it falls short of being truly exceptional.

This was a well written book with the topic that I did not know a lot about. It is very obvious that Lisa Wingate does a lot of research when she writes her books. She is very thorough and her subject knowledge. I have not yet read a book Written by her that I have not liked. It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I liked the way she went from past present and told the stories from different point of view.s. I would read all of Lisa’s Wingates books given the opportunity. I did not want to give much away by summarizing the novel, but I will say that if you’re interested in historical fiction, events based on actual events, this is definitely a book that you would like.

One thing I love about Lisa Wingate's books is that her stories are always base on some historical facts. I enjoyed learning about the injustices in Oklahoma while fully captured by both story lines. Make sure to check out the author's note to learn more about her life and how this book came to be.

Thanks Ballantine Books, NetGalley, and Lisa Wingate for the opportunity to read this book!

2.5 stars

I liked the premise of this book, but unfortunately the execution fell flat for me.

My favorite quote from the book: “Your burden will often become your salvation.”

It's about Native American orphan children from the early 1900s who end up living off the land on their own due to their land being stolen from them and their parents. It is told from two different perspectives, alternating between the two storylines for the entire book. The one storyline follows the orphan children during the early 1900s and their story of survival in the wilderness. The other storyline takes place in the 1990s from the perspective of a female National Park Service Ranger. Eventually, the two stories come together in the end - I did enjoy the last chapter and epilogue!

There were so many characters between the two storylines, it was hard to follow and keep track of who was who at times. Unlike Lisa's other popular book, "Before We Were Yours", this one was, at times, quite dull for me to read. I think the subject matter is important and maybe told another way, it would have resonated more with me. At times, there was a lot of descriptive text, and not much dialogue, and I was bored by it. I also had a bit of a hard time understanding the conflict in the book. I know there were bad, powerful men in the book that led to these children becoming orphans, but I'm just not clear on how that really happened.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing this ARC!

I fell in love with Lisa Wingate when I read her masterpiece Before We Were Yours. One of the main reasons I love her writing so much is the way she spins historical fiction while including bits and pieces of actual history. I'm also drawn to books about kids and family, and Shelterwood is a heartbreaking look into a part of Native American history I never knew existed. Lisa's books always grip my heart, and I went through so many emotions while reading this story. The only problem for me was the slow pacing in the beginning, but I enjoyed it more the further I got into the book. I recommend Shelterwood to everyone, especially historical fiction fans and those who love dual timelines.

Lisa Wingate is a master of historical fiction. She takes little snippets of history, often unknown parts, and makes them real for her readers through masterful storytelling and weaving a story into the actual historical event. I also have enjoyed how Lisa Wingate's stories often tell about the lives of children, making them strong and capable, able to see what adults often are missing. In this book, Olive decided to leave her family when she suspects that her stepfather is mistreating the Choctaw girls that live with them. As Olive makes her way toward the area that she once lived with her mom and dad, they gather more children that are troubled and together they try to get away from the people that are after them. In a dual timeline, a recently widowed woman brings her son to Oklahoma to have a fresh start in a National Park. But when things in the area don't add up she decides to investigate. I highly recommend this engaging, historical fiction book.

This is the first Lisa Wingate book that I have read, but it will not be the last.

This book had me gripped by the end of the first chapter. There were a couple parts in the book that were slow, but not every book is going perfectly paced for every single reader.

This book sheds light on some of our history that isn't talked about or rather known much about.

I will be reading more of her books in the very near furture for sure!