Well researched as always, Lisa Wingate's books can be a bit more of an emotional read than I usually look for, but I would certainly recommend this to my patrons who are fans of her novels.

More like 3.5 Stars ✨.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my gifted copy of Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate!

This was an interesting reading journey for me. I originally received an advanced copy back in 2024 and listened to the audiobook upon its release. At that time, I struggled with it and decided to set it aside. Because I love Lisa Wingate’s writing, I wanted to give it a fair second chance. Now, revisiting it in August 2025, I’m glad I did—I found myself more invested and enjoyed the story much more this time around.

The Audiobook

I experienced Shelterwood on audio, narrated by Christine Lakin, Jenna Lamia, and Dan Bittner. All three did a wonderful job bringing depth and distinction to the characters. Their performances helped me stay engaged and made the dual timelines feel clear and well balanced.

The Story

The structure of this novel alternates between two timelines: 1909 and the 1990s. Interestingly, I found myself more drawn to the “present-day” 1990s storyline—something that doesn’t usually happen for me with historical fiction. Still, I appreciated how the parallels between the two threads slowly came together, especially as secrets were revealed toward the end.

Wingate’s research is evident throughout. I learned about pieces of history I wasn’t very familiar with, and I always appreciate when historical fiction both entertains and educates.

Where It Fell Short

While the 1990s storyline held my attention, I often struggled with the pacing of Ollie’s 1909 narrative. At times, it felt uneven—my mind would drift, and then I’d be pulled back in when the tension ramped up again. Though the ending brought intrigue and resolution, my engagement with the earlier timeline was inconsistent.

Final Thoughts

I’ve loved other Lisa Wingate novels more, but I’m still glad I gave Shelterwood a second chance. It’s a solid story with beautiful writing and important historical depth, even if it wasn’t a perfect fit for me. I’ll continue to pick up whatever she writes next.

Thank you to netgalley.com for this ARC.

This was a very interesting book about a part of history I didn’t know anything about. I enjoyed the dual time line and how the melded together. The story of the children in the 1909 section was heartbreaking and I found myself having to keep reading to find out what happened next. The 1990 storyline was interesting as well with the difficulties that women faced in traditionally male jobs.

I have read several of the author’s other books and always enjoy them and learn something new.

Love this book. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate. I enjoyed the setting among the Oklahoma mountains. I loved the story and Lisa Wingate is one of my favorite writers. Will definitely recommend

4 stars! Lisa Wingate has a penchant for writing captivating novels with likable characters in extraordinary circumstances. This book is no exception. I was immediately drawn into the dual storyline. Once I started reading the novel, I simply could not stop until I knew what had happened. I found myself holding my breath at certain parts. While I was satisfied with the ending, I have continued to think about these characters. And I felt compelled to do some of my own research about similar circumstances that occurred during the war.

I received an advance digital review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.

Ollie is the star of the show in this dual timeline historical fiction set in Oklahoma. In the early 1900s Ollie and her adopted Choctaw sister run away into the wilderness to escape an awful step dad situation. Love the found family they develop on the run and loved learning about that time period in Oklahoma. Ollie is resourceful, nurturing, imperfect, and a wonderful character. It was hard reading their story, but also filled with hope as well. In the other storyline we follow a female park ranger in the 1990s. I loved reading about her struggles and determination and the mystery in this timeline was intriguing. Wingate really does her research and it shows. Overall I thought some parts of the story were a bit slow at times, but I was invested all the way through. 4 stars from me.

Lisa Wingate has a way with telling historical stories that not many people have heard of and bringing out all the emotions with it. This book was no different. So many children just left without any way to fend for themselves and what they had to do to survive. It's all so heartbreaking.
All that being said, this was not my favorite work from this author. This was a dual timeline story, which I generally love, but this one just was not pulling me in. I thoroughly enjoyed the earlier (1909) timeline, but the more current one of 1990 was such a drag. I honestly lost so much interest in the overall story because that time was just so slow and took so long to actually get anywhere.
Overall, three stars for it being interesting and shedding light on a relatively unknown topic. If you've never read from this author before, I'd HIGHLY recommend "Before We Were Yours." In my opinion, that is her best work to date.

***Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine books for the E-Arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.***

Historical fiction fan favorite, author Lisa Wingate, returns with dual timeline narratives that merge into a sweeping story where the history of Oklahoma unfolds as it transitions from the Indian Nation territories of the Five Tribes into its young statehood era around the turn of the century. Wingate’s multigenerational storyline is set amongst the backdrop of the forested valleys and mountains of The Winding Stair. As Wingate unwinds the threads of the past to help solve a present day mystery, the reader gets a front row seat diving into and learning more not just about the job complexities and heroic service of this country’s land safe-keepers, our park rangers, but they also get to glimpse a peek into the origin and fight of the Federation of Women’s Clubs of America for the rights and lives of children, especially for the forgotten and ignored plight of orphans. With the US government dividing up the Indian lands into allotments, many greedy and corrupt men took advantage of these orphans with land rights to oil filled acres, abusing their power of guardianship, and leaving children to fend for themselves in the wild or work themselves to the bone in mills, laundries, mines, and factories. Wingate specifically focuses on the plight of the Choctaw people out of the Five Tribes, including Choctaw freedmen and orphans, as the Choctaw were the first tribe forced to suffer along the Trail of Tears from their homes to the western territory in southeast Oklahoma. Wingate also shines a light on a dynamic lightning bolt of an activist, championed by both men and women, Kate Barnard. She trumpets and illuminates this unfortunately little known female heroine who won an elected state office at a time when women weren’t even allowed to vote, yet this little Irish spitfire drew multitudes just to hear her speak. “Oklahoma Kate” primarily spearheaded the fight for these ‘Dickensian’ “elf children”, who were tossed to the wayside with only themselves and their imaginations to scrape their survival by, but also was a voice for the rights of the adult working class as well.

In a way, SHELTERWOOD, is Wingate’s love letter to the precious home of Oklahoma that she grew up in, so dear to her heart, yet penned true and transparent in all its glorious ups and messy downs — growing pains and all — to become the 46th state. A land flush with natural beauty and diverse humanity descended from all walks of life: homesteaders, oil tycoons, outlaws, Indians, and ‘scandalous’ women willing to step outside the lines and boundaries expected and drawn out for them. This novel also proves there is always something new to learn about your state’s history and the amazing people who helped shape it into what it is today - for better and for worse - as Wingate said she did for her own Oklahoma.
*****
P.S. FOR BOOK CLUBS: You won’t want to miss Random House’s extensive book club kit for SHELTERWOOD — 18 pgs that include a letter from the author, behind the scene features on key female players, events, and locations illustrated with historic photos and maps, suggested Choctaw and traditional Okie recipes, discussion questions, character tree diagrams, and future book reading recommendations.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate in exchange for my honest review and feedback. I'm a big fan of anything written by Lisa Wingate so was very excited to dive into this book! This book is absolutely amazing and will tear your heart into many, many pieces. I'm going to tell you to have a big box of tissues close by as you are going to need them.

In Shelterwood, Lisa Wingate expertly weaves a dual-timeline story. In the present day, we encounter characters grappling with secrets and legacies tied to a forgotten past that pose a threat to their current safety. Their modern dilemmas are ultimately revealed as interconnected with the historical storyline, set against the backdrop of a significant yet often overlooked period in American history. Wingate's careful research shines through, vividly bringing the historical setting to life with authenticity and detail, immersing the reader.

The characters across both timelines are complex, flawed, and highly relatable, each carrying their own burdens and hopes. As their stories unfold and suspense builds, the reader becomes deeply invested in their journeys, rooting for their successes and empathizing with their struggles. Wingate has a remarkable talent for creating characters who resonate long after the last page.

Beyond the engaging plot and memorable characters, Shelterwood presents a powerful exploration of themes such as resilience, redemption, and the importance of uncovering hidden truths. It reminds us of the strength found in community, the healing power of forgiveness, and the lasting impact of love. Lisa Wingate has once again written a truly unforgettable story.

“One must never believe what can be read in the history books about powerful men. The wealthy have the privilege of writing their own stories as they like.”

Valeri is new to this small town, an experienced Ranger but new to this area. But within days of arriving, 3 small bodies are found in a cave. It's a new area opening of the park, and no one wants a scandal or a pause on opening this new section of the forest. But Valerie wants to investigate what happened to these small children. Was it murder? Was this a ceremonial burial? She doesn't know without investigating, but after being called away, the bodies are gathered up and the whole thing is shushed up. But Valerie doesn't want to let it go, or some of the odd things that are happening around town - Sydney with wild stories, a few missing people.

I really liked Valerie. She was an interesting perspective and I liked how she got to know those in the town, learned the history and the people, and had respect for it all. I found Olive's story a little more distracting. I found her story interesting to start but, near the end, I just found it a distraction from the mystery and I was always glad when I got back to Valerie's POV. This one was wrapped up nicely, weaving interesting history into both stories.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate. Pub Date: June 4, 2024. Rating: 3 stars. In this dual timeline historical fiction novel, the reader is immersed in the early 1900s Oklahoma where wealth and power were dominated by the oil industry. This novel is a well researched story with lots of historical significance surrounding Native American land rights during this time period. The story follows young girls and the reader is taken on a journey through their eyes during this time period. I really enjoyed this novel, but did not love it. I will continue to read Lisa Wingate's novels because she is a fabulous writer who paints stories with such prose and precision. Thanks to #netgalley and #ballantinebooks for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

One thing I like about Lisa Wingate is she always has a well researched book and she gives a voice to those we may never have heard from in history.

"Perhaps you could tell the visitors about Shelterwood - that once a community of children lived in these woods, and they fished and gathered wild foods and played and learned. And this is why they did it: Because they had no one to save them, and so they had to save themselves."

This book alternates between two timelines telling the story of Olive in one and Valerie in the other. It's really not until the second half of the book that the pace picks up to seriously grab your attention and that the reader starts to understand how the two timelines connect. It's obvious in both timelines the detailed research Wingate does to craft this story. I highly recommend you read the Author’s Note at the end. And as with most of her books, I walk away having learned a piece of history I knew nothing about. In this case, it's a tragic piece of history. Her characters are well developed, insightful, resouceful, emotional, determined and brave while trying to not only survive but also seek justice.

This is a captivating story. It starts off slow, jumping between the timelines in a bumpy fashion, but by the second half I was fully invested. I will read anything by Lisa Wingate.

My thanks to Lisa Wingate, Random House - Ballantine Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Well written story and you will love the characters. I couldn't put this book down. Highly recommend this book. It was a pleasure in reading this book.

Shelterwood By Lisa Wingate Is an emotionally gripping rollercoaster of two women who's lives cross paths 81 years apart.
It's Oklahoma 1909 and Olly who knows her step-father is not the kind generous person everyone else thinks he is for taking in two Choctaw girls. Olly has been watching closely, but she can't be there all the time. She just knows her step-father is going to do something terrible to those girls. When the older girl disappears Olly knows she has to do something to save Nessa the 6 year old. So she runs away with Nessa. Olly decides she and Nessa are going to the remote Winding stairs Mountains. Olly and Nessa make some unlikely friendships along the way but will the danger following them catch up?
Fast forward to Oklahoma in 1990 and Ranger Valerie Boren-Odell is the new ranger for Horsetheif Trail National Park. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this new park site. Especially when a teen hiker disappears and a long-hidden burial site of three children are unearthed in a cave.
Follow the journey that both Olly and Valerie take to protect and uncover the Choctaw people.
Happy reading!

THIS REVIEW US NOT FOR THIS BOOK SHELTERWOOD!!! I mistakenly left this review if a different book here :(

This is not for this book!!!3.5 stars. I really liked this book. It had some true scary parts. However it ended without enough resolution and not in a good way that makes you reflect on the book and make your own meaning out of it. I would really have like some of the loose ends tied up and would have been a 4 star if at least a few things were cleared up or at least heavily alluded to. I did really enjoy it and it had a very Misommar feel to it (in a good way.)

Shelterwood, Lisa Wingate, author; Christine Lakin, Dan Bittner, Jenna Lamia. Narrators
This novel is based on a true history, and it illustrates the terrible duplicity of some powerful men as they swindled Native Americans out of their rightful lifestyle and future. Although there is a well-known, shameful part of our history known as the Trail of Tears, this book is about a little-known story that unfolds in 1909 and 1990. It is told from two perspectives.
One story is told by a young pre-teen about the children who ran from unscrupulous parents, politicians, lawyers and judges who preyed upon them in order to enrich themselves. The Indian land was rich in oil, and when it was discovered, the greedy land barons descended. Unable to protect themselves, abandoned children often fled to avoid capture, being sent away to schools, or being forced to work in menial jobs. Often, they were sexually and physically abused. They fled into the woods where they eventually created a community called Shelterwood, and with the help of a few people, eventually found some safety.
The second story is told from the point of view of a forest ranger. When the bones of what looks like three small children are discovered in a cave, the author begins an investigation to find out why and how they got there. This search for information connects both stories. The author’s research uncovered an unsung female heroine, Kate Barnard. Kate worked tirelessly to help to protect young indigenous children and their families when she discovered their plight, and was the first woman to be elected as a state official in Oklahoma, before women even had the vote. She was eventually maligned by the men who deceived and bankrupted these Indians using their financial and political power. She was forced out of office.
This novel reveals how many of the land barons became rich on the backs of innocent Native Americans. It is the story of a shameful history that has still not been fully corrected nor have the perpetrators repented or redeemed themselves. It is a hidden part of our past that few seem to want to uncover or dwell upon since those more powerful that took advantage of the Native Americans, taking their property through elicit means, using unethical behavior spurred on by their greed. Many of the children that came from abusive families or those suffering from the abuse coming from the more powerful who made the rules, tried to survive on their own. They ran away from their homes and the authorities. They formed a sort of community, living in the trees in the woods, trying to escape from those stealing their property and forcibly putting them into schools or to work for pennies in deplorable conditions. They subsisted on what they found in nature or stole from others in order to survive; the young took care of the even younger children. Physical and sexual abuse was not unknown. Most of the young, not yet teenagers, were abandoned by a greedy society of men with power. They quickly discovered there was strength in numbers, and so they formed small gangs of wanderers taking care of each other, to a large extent, if they weren’t preying on each other in order to survive. The novel takes place in fictional area of Oklahoma and is told in two different time periods. The first is from the point of view of the pre-teen, Olive, in 1909. The second is told in the voice of the recent widow and now single mother, Valerie, in 1990.
When the skeletal remains of what appears to be three small children are discovered in a cave in a remote area of Oklahoma, by some random hikers, an investigation ensues into how and why these bones came to be there. Valerie is the park ranger in charge of the investigation. She had only recently moved to Oklahoma to recover from the grief caused by the death of her husband, so she is unfamiliar with the history. Soon, she hears about all sorts of stories and rumors concerning missing children living in the woods and about elves and spirits that haunt these woods. As she and her child are adjusting to their new life, she must solve the mystery of some newly discovered bodies and the mystery of the newly discovered older bones.
Olive is a child that lived in the early 1900’s, around the same time that children were disappearing. As we learn her story, we learn about the terrible conditions the Choctaw Indians were subjected to by unscrupulous land barons that swindled them out of their rightful land, rich in oil, forcing them to live in extreme poverty and deprivation. The children were often removed forcibly from the home and put to work like indentured servants with no resources to call upon for help. Often, they were never seen again. Olive is a child from a broken home; her step-father is abusive. Two Choctaw Indian siblings, orphans, live with them, but Olive’s mother and grandmother have disappeared and her step-dad doesn’t seem to want to take care of them. One sister, Hazel, disappears. Olive decides to rescue Nessa from the same fate.
Sometimes, when families or children were tricked by the authorities to give up their rights and fortunes, they had nowhere to turn for help and were truly alone. Sometimes they disappeared. Sometimes, the children were placed into protective care and were at the mercy of a system of cruelty that was sanctioned by society. Few were motivated to help them, preferring to use them to get rich. Many of these unscrupulous citizens went on to become powerful politicians, lawyers, judges and patriarchs of society and the financial world.
This book offers a window into another tragic part of the history of Native Americans.

BEFORE WE WERE YOURS by Lisa Wingate is one of my favorite reads. I opened this book with great anticipation, but I was disappointed in this book. The dual timeline, of which I am usually a fan, did not work for me in this book. I found this book convoluted and confused in part.
Ms. Wingate's research and attention to detail is always a plus but it just didn't work for me here.

Lisa Wingate does it again with Shelterwood—a beautifully written, emotionally gripping novel that blends historical fiction with heartfelt storytelling. The dual timelines work seamlessly, with both past and present narratives pulling you in from the first few pages. Wingate’s characters are so well-drawn and deeply human that you can’t help but root for them, especially the strong, resilient women at the heart of the story.

Shelterwood begins with Valerie Boren-Odell accepting a job at Horsethief Trail National Park in Oklahoma in part to live in a quiet place to raise her son. When a teenage hiker goes missing, a burial site of three children in a cave is discovered. The other part of the book tells the story of the three children and what happened in 1909. Olive Radley and her sister, Nessa, are leery when one of the Choctaw girls boarding with them disappears. Olive knows that their stepfather may be the reason for the disappearance. Olive and Nessa begin a journey to the remote Winding Stair Mountains and along the way find other children struggling to live on their own. Val's discovery and quest to find out what happens leads to surprising road blocks. Lisa Wingate has written a captivating story of children trying to escape their own tragic lives to begin a new life which resonates still today.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of Shelterwood.