I have a penchant, for finding books about children being misused, mistreated and left to their own devices to figure out how to survive. Often these books are set in an earlier time in less than friendly environments, sometimes woods, sometimes mountains, but always challenging places. Wingate’s characters run from smart and brash to evil and cunning. Told in dual timelines I defy you not to be amazed by Olive Augusta Peele and her rock hard logic and quick to take action personality as she tries to survive her troubled home life in 1909. Sydney is her equal in the 1990 current timeline. As I was reading the 1990 timeline I kept wondering what was happening back in 1909 - the transitions were mostly well done. The parallels of the personalities and the plot are well defined. The ending was a sharp intake of breath - well done.

If you have read “Killers of the Flower Moon” you will recognize much of the history referred to in Shelterwood. If you have missed this and the subsequent movie you may have no idea or knowledge of the grafters , specifically in Oklahoma, who stole the land of the American Native. The Author’s Note offers an abridged version of just how shameless the treatment was of the Indian tribes, the elf children and Kate Barnard, a woman history has tried to forget.

Many thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for a copy.

This is only the second book I have read by Wingate and I do enjoy her style. This was an interesting story and I enjoyed the historical aspect. Overall, it made me think and learn while reading it so I appreciate that in a good book! Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lisa Wingate is a beautiful writer, and I appreciate how her stories are inspired by lesser-known historic events. It is evident that her research is extremely thorough, ensuring her readers feel fully immersed in the story. Wingate’s novel “Before We Were Yours” is one of my all-time favorite, so I went into this book with high expectations. Unfortunately, while interested in this story and the history, I found the book to be extremely slow and difficult to hold my attention, and ultimately I decided to not finish about 30% into the novel. In my opinion the pacing was holding back the story, and I felt myself getting lost because my mind getting drifting. Perhaps this was just not the book for me, and it will definitely be of greater interest to other readers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my gifted e-galley of the book!

Lisa Wingate writes with such poignancy and sensitivity that I know immediately that I will be drawn into her books, and her latest novel is no exception. SHELTERWOOD is actually two stories, the first a 1990's tale of a young widowed mother who takes on a new park ranger position in an Oklahoma national forest, only to find that she must again fight to be accepted as a full-fledged law enforcement agent. When the old bones of three unidentified girls are found in a cave, only to be quickly removed without investigation, Valerie is unsettled. This only grows when a local teen and his grandmother disappear and no one offers any clear cut answers. The second story line brings to life the abundance of orphans, both Native American and non-natives who lived and died in the early 1900's, abandoned by those who were supposed to care for them. As Wingate relates in her notes, her novel shines the light on the work of the Federation of Women's Clubs and especially that of Kate Barnard who was elected to the US Congress in a time when women did not have the vote. If you like stories that delve into parts of our history which never make it into the history books (and if you liked Killers of the Flower Moon) then you will like this book.

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate is a fascinating historical fiction novel that jumps between two timelines—1909 and 1990—rooted in true historical events. The story follows Val, a social worker in 1990 who’s completely burnt out and decides to volunteer at Shelterwood, a camp for troubled teens set on an old estate.

As Val tries to help these teens with their issues, we also get glimpses of the estate’s history back in 1909. These two stories are woven together, showing how the past and present connect in unexpected ways. It’s amazing how the history of the estate impacts Val and the teens, helping them heal and grow.

This book does a great job of mixing historical events with a touching story about finding hope, healing, and new beginnings. It’s a reminder of how the past can shape us and how nature and community can help us move forward.

This was a historical fiction/contemporary flashback novel I just could not put down!
The historical perspective of early 1900s Oklahoma was one I had never read about before, and it was both well-researched and enchanting. The characters were relatable, the plot was exciting, and the scenery/imagery were beautiful.
Those who enjoyed this book would also like reading Killers of the Flower Moon.

Early 1900s - a group of orphans just trying to survive by banding together in the woods.

1990 - After the accidental death of her husband, law enforcement ranger Valerie Boren-Oredell arrives at the new Horsethief Trail National Park. She's looking for a quiet place to raise her son. None of the current rangers or residents want her there. There's a missing teenage hiker and a cave full of children's bones. Val gets an ally with one of the Choctaw Tribal Police but old secrets and greed create danger for them both."

Wingate has written another story about a time where children had no voice. The two timelines don't connect until the end and you don't know where the overlap is. At times, the early story was tough to read - lots of description. I liked the recent timeline better. It was interesting to see how the two stories tied together.

This is my second book from Wingate - she writes some evil adults.

As is often my issue with dual timeline books, there isn’t enough time with the characters in either story to truly get invested. I liked learning about the Oklahoma history surrounding the orphaned children and the perilous history of the land in the early 1900s. I also liked reading from the perspective of a female park ranger in the 1990s. But there were just too many moving parts and characters and explanation of history instead of the events unfolding for me to love this one. It had good bones and just okay execution.

Set in the Winding Stairs Mountains region, and is steeped in the history of Oklahoma and the division of Native American lands into parcels given to others in the 1880s. It's a dual-timeline narrative, going between a 1990s single mother, who begins investigating this piece of history, and some children forced to flee their home in 1909. The story flows,, and it is well-researched. I learned so much about this little-taught history of our country,.

Shelterwood is beautifully written. Lisa Wingate has done it again with another thought provoking novel focused on children's lives in a historical perspective. This is definitely a heavier read than I normally prefer, but it definitely makes you think. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the free advanced reader's copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Fans of Killers of the Flower Moon who want to learn more about Oklahoma's statehood should definitely dive into Lisa Wingate's Shelterwood. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC. I haven't picked up Lisa Wingate's novels before Shelterwood but I recognize her name and covers. I poo-poo'd them a little because I thought her books would be just another crappy historical fiction about WW2.

She might be up there with some of my favorite Historical Fiction writers now! Shelterwood focuses on the fascinating yet devastating history of guardians over indigenous children who were set to inherit vast amounts of money and tracts of land. We meet Ollie and Nessa, two girls running away from one of these guardians in 1909, and their struggle to survive in the backwoods of Choctaw Nation. Alongside is Ranger Valerie Boren-O'Dell's POV in 1990, as she struggles to be part of the LEO team only to uncover grifters and some bad folk.

Fans of Kristin Hannah and Martha Hall Kelly will enjoy this Southern Historical Fiction with a touch of mystery and intrigue.

Another great story by Lisa Wingate. Told in a dual timeline, it is important as the earlier time explains what is really happening and foreshadowing what is happening in the present time. A lot of ah-ha moments as the readers make connections from the past to the present of both the characters and their circumstances. I love that the protagonist in each timeline is a strong female, passionate for justice and compassionate of others. Spellbinding since the beginning page, Wingate weaves a mystery of abused and abandoned children lost in the woods, teens disappearing, nefarious activity, and a questionable foster care system . Through the tenacity of a newly minted park ranger, she has to fight prejudice and the good ole' boys club. Something is not right in the park, people are missing, and bones have been discovered in a cave on the eve of the Park opening. While these events are dismissed and brushed aside, Ranger Valerie feels the need to investigate but is not sure whom she can trust except for the local Choctaw Tribal Police. Some twists and turns and surprises, this is such a good story. Be sure to add this one to your TBR pile. Many thanks to #netgalley #lisawingate #shelterwood for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I read a lot of historical fiction, but generally not from this time period. After having read another of Wingate’s historical I felt to give this one a try as well and I am really glad I did!

This dual time-timeline story takes place in Oklahoma in 1909 and 1990. The 1909 storyline follows a group of young children in an unfortunate situation while the 1990 storyline follows a NPS ranger at a new park. It was a joy to see how each story played out and eventually came together.

Great read! 4 stars!

This historical fiction novel based on true events was engrossing and educational. I am not normally drawn to this genre because most of these novels are dry and uninteresting, but I really like this author and her books, and that combined with the fact that the summary looked appealing to me, I decided to give it a shot. I am so glad I did, it was so good! I was pulled in especially by the children and the lives that they led, and also found learning about the Choctaws and Oklahoma from 1909 and 1990 to be interesting. The research that the author conducted was evident throughout the book. I was impressed and fascinated with what I read in the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments, too. I had never heard about this topic before and I am grateful to have been introduced to it. The storylines were captivating and emotional, be prepared to get sucked in.

#shelterwood #netgalley #bookreview

Here is my review. The opinions are my own and unbiased.

This book was fantastic! I love Lisa Wingate's books, but this one will be my favorite of hers for now. Olive was my favorite character. She is an absolute spitfire and quite witty for her age. I loved the camaraderie the kids had. This book broke my heart a couple of times and then it made me giggle, too. Lisa Wingate was also able to make a great connection between Olive's story and the present with its own mysteries. She combined historical fiction and mystery & suspense wonderfully! I also thought I had the mystery figured out when I was thrown for a loop. That was awesome!

"Shelterwood” is a compelling historical novel that intertwines two timelines: Oklahoma in 1909 and 1990. The story follows eleven-year-old Olive Augusta Radley, who escapes into the Winding Stair Mountains with six-year-old Nessa to protect her from their stepfather’s sinister intentions. In 1990, law enforcement ranger Valerie Boren-Odell arrives at Horsethief Trail National Park, where she uncovers a long-hidden burial site and faces local controversies. Both timelines explore themes of survival, justice, and the deep conflicts over land ownership and its riches.

Here is a characterization of the characters:
• Olive Augusta Radley (Ollie): A brave and resourceful young girl who takes on the responsibility of protecting Nessa. Her journey through the rugged terrain showcases her resilience and determination.
• Nessa: A vulnerable six-year-old girl who relies on Ollie for protection. Her innocence and trust add emotional depth to the story.
• Valerie Boren-Odell: A dedicated ranger balancing her career and single parenthood. Her quest for truth and justice in the 1990 timeline brings to light the historical injustices faced by the characters in the past.

There are ever present themes of resilience, justice, and survival within these pages. The novel highlights the characters’ struggles to survive against the odds, the fight for justice for children abandoned by the law, and the exploitation of land and people by those in power.

Writing Style: Lisa Wingate’s writing is immersive, bringing the historical settings to life with rich descriptions and emotional depth. Her portrayal of the characters’ vulnerabilities and strengths makes them relatable and compelling. The dual timelines are seamlessly woven together, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall impression is that “Shelterwood” is a beautifully crafted novel that offers a poignant exploration of history, justice, and the human spirit. Wingate’s ability to blend historical fiction with emotional storytelling makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre. The novel’s intricate plotting and well-developed characters ensure that readers will be captivated from beginning to end.

This was a good historical fiction novel. I had never heard of some of this information before even though I grew up in the US. The mistreatment of children and orphans is an important topic.
I enjoyed this book.

3 average historical fiction stars
“The wealthy have the privilege of writing their own stories as they like. Tonight I will tell you what is true. What was lived by these three young girls, if you would like to know.”

A typical historical fiction novel, Shelterwood has a modern thread with a female park ranger mourning her husband and an older tale set in 1909 Oklahoma. As usual, the modern story was not as interesting as the older story with the orphaned Native American children who formed their own community.

The characters are either all good or all evil, lacking the nuances that make life interesting and help readers understand actions. The writing is straightforward. “Turning to the window, I watch the moonlit water resting in a silver-rimmed pitcher of pine and post oak, elm and cypress. The night and the scene are too beautiful to be wasted hating the people across the room. Hate is a thief that will steal everything and return nothing if you let it.”

The pace of the modern story picks up about 80% of the way through, but then an abundance of dialog slows it back down again. The plot, characters and writing were all solid, but unsurprising. The story was interesting, but not captivating. I did like women’s rights information woven into the book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am fan of Lisa Wingate, having read and enjoyed Before We Were Yours. Shelterwood is another book based on historic challenges faced by children. The story is set in Oklahoma and explores dual storylines - one in 1990 and the other in 1909.

In 1909, eleven year old Olive and her family’s six year old Choctaw ward, Nessa, run away from home planning to find Olive's family cabin in the Winding Stair Mountains. They are fleeing Olive's stepfather, an evil man who has his sights set on Nessa. Olive's mother is completely withdrawn due to her addiction to opium. The story follows the escape of the homeless girls as they travel cross country - fleeing the stepfather, struggling to scavenge for food and shelter, and gathering their own ragtag family of children (both Choctaw and white) along the way. Ultimately this group of children create their own place in the woods, Shelterwood.

In 1990, Val, a female park ranger and her young son Charlie arrive at the recently established Horsethief Trail National Park looking for a new start after her husband died in an accident. She’s immediately immersed in a male-dominated staff who are working to coverup a long hidden burial site of three children in a cave. Val's persistent investigation of this historic mystery leads to current day mysteries and danger: the disappearance of a local boy, a suspicious rock slide, and a unidentified man who drowned in the park. Ultimately, her story comes full circle with Olive's past.

Once again, Wingate explores a time and event(s) in history I had very little knowledge of, and she has clearly spent a lot of time and effort in researching her historical narrative. Overall I enjoyed this book and the characters, although the first half was a bit slow for me. I love reading books that provide me with knowledge about historical events, especially those that are less well known. Wingate does a good job of writing about the struggles and exploitation of many children in Oklahoma during this time period, and the efforts to affect change.

Thank you to Lisa Wingate, Random House Publishing/Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this story.

In true Lisa Wingate fashion we get dual timeline jumping, which I love. You can tell she did a lot of research for this book. Reading about the plight of the Choctaw children was extremely heartbreaking.

This book has two timelines, in 1909 two girls run away from home. Their mother will not get out of bed and take care of her daughters and protect them from their stepfather who has sinister ideas concerning the girls. The girls Olive and Nessa decide to runaway from home and hide in the Oklahoma park, traveling nearby Shelterwood where her real Dad had a place up in the mountains.

In 1990 Valerie O'Dell accepted a job as a park law enforcement ranger in the Winding Stair Mountains of Oklahoma. One day on duty Valerie gets a call where up in the mountains are three small skeletons found in a cave. After meeting a young local girl who is trying to find her missing brother, Val becomes even more suspicious and decides to learn more about the story of the area.

With the help of a Native American Tribal law enforcement officer, Val uncovers a series of crimes that have been committed due to the greed of some powerful men.

This is a slow burn book and also well worth the read. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for allowing me to read..