Thank you to Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine for the digital arc.
Based on the true story of children fleeing into the woods of southern Oklahoma for survival, the author weaves together two timelines, 1909 and 1990, both set in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma. In 1909, eleven year old Ollie strives to protect young Nessa, a Choctaw child who is entitled to Choctaw land, but has been “adopted” by Ollie's mentally absent mother and vile stepfather,, under the pretense of protecting the Choctaw child. The real reason was to steal the land owned by the Choctaw. Throughout the 1909 timeline Ollie struggles to lead Nessa and another group of orphaned Choctaw children to the Winding Stair mountain home, Shelterwood, built by Ollie's beloved, but deceased father. Incorporated into this the timeline is Kate Barnard, the newly elected commissioner of charities and corrections who worked to stop the abuse. Fast forward to 1990 with a mystery peculating that involves the discovery of three skeletons in a cave, an irascible twelve year old who's looking for her missing brother, and her grandmother, who was a state legislator. A survival story based on historical facts which brings to light an important thread in the history of Indigenous People, Oklahoma, and the United States. Highly recommended.
#Shelterwood #NetGalley

Shelterwood
Author Lisa Wingate

Thank you, #ballantinebooks, for my #gifted copy of Lisa Wingate's latest historical fiction novel. Lisa's incredibly researched novels have the tendency to rip my heart out, make me feel all the feels, and then put everything back together again. IYKYK. What's even more special about Wingate's novels is that she writes of lesser known parts of history that have a focus on abandonment, resilience, justice, and redemption.

Shelterwood is an emotional and powerful novel that explores missing children and their identity, and the women "pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons, who were hungry for power and oil wealth."

Friends, this story was immersive, and oh, so good. I didn't cry like I did when reading Wingate's Before We Were Yours, but I was pretty darn close to tears. This century long sage of these children who had no identity or protection will stay with me for a long time.

Oklahoma 1909 - Ollie and two Chocktaw girls are living in the woods the best they can manage, trying to escape those who want to harm them.

Okalahoma 1990 - Park Ranger Valerie Boren O'Dell, a single parent and dedicated park ranger, discovers a long hidden burial site while searching for a missing teenaged hiker. And someone doesn't like her poking around.

For me, the story was a bit long in the telling , but a worthy story. The Author's Note is one to not be missed! Even if you don't read this book, at least read author Lisa Wingate's Author's Note. It is so good and brings to light what inspired her from history.

3.5 for a story that was a bit too long,
4.0 for a story well worth telling
5.0 for a fanstastic Author's Note

My thanks to Net Galley and Ballatine Books for an advanced copy of this e-book.

I am a huge Lisa Wingate fan and this one did not disappoint! I feel like lovers of her work will enjoy this one as well! Thank you so. much netgalley for this copy!

This book alternated between the early 1900s and the 1990s. I actually learned a lot (each chapter is introduced with historical documents), and I got engrossed in the mystery, especially towards the end.
In the early time-line young Ollie is trying to protect herself and her stepsister from an abusive stepfather. We meet brave women pioneers trying to help the situation, and a lot of people trying to gain from new federal laws.
The later timeline features Park Law Enforcement Ranger Valerie as she investigates deaths, disappearances, and tries to help a young girl.
I liked both storylines although I preferred the more modern one. However, my favorite character has to be Ollie.
This is an interesting historical mystery, and I recommend it - and recommend sticking with it to reach the satisfying conclusion.

Lisa Wingate is a superstar at writing compelling, heart-wrenching historical fiction and this book is no exception. I loved reading about this little-known portion of US history.

A captivating tale.

This is a slow burn and also heartbreaking when children are mistreated in such traumatic ways. I enjoy the dual perspectives and alternating timelines (1909 and 1990). Both are equally strong.

In 1909, two girls escaped their abusive stepfather and ran into the woods.

In 1990, a Park Ranger found bones in a cave.

Shelterwood is well-researched. Wingate knows how to weave a compelling story with history I knew nothing about. I like the mystery but her characters in both timelines keep me flipping the pages. They are resilient and fierce. In the end, Wingate knows how to tie it all together and gives the reader a satisfying read.

Before We Were Yours remains my favorite novel. If you enjoyed Shelterwood and haven't read Before We Were Yours, please do yourself a favor and grab a copy!

Thank you Random House/Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the DRC.

When ranger Valerie Boren-Odell arrives at Horsethief National Park in Oklahoma, she didn't expect to be immediately thrust into the case of a missing teenager and the discovery of a burial site of three children. In 1909, eleven-year-old Ollie takes her little sister Nessa and flees from their abusive stepfather. Journeying through the outlaw-ridden Winding Stair Mountains, they join a band of other children hoping to stay a step ahead of those who want to exploit them.

Lisa Wingate pens a feel-good historical fiction novel with a dual timelines that starts strong but lacks a satisfying ending. I thought Shelterwood's modern story was more compelling than I typically find in this genre. Wingate also did an excellent job researching the historical injustice in Oklahoma and showed how poorly children and Native Americans were treated. Yet, I didn't think the two story lines tied together well and they both lacked the emotional resolution I would have liked.

A riveting historical fiction that examines the exploitation of Native American children in the early 1900s. Thought provoking with strong female leads and emotional depth. A beautiful story. Evenly paced and engaging

As a fan of Lisa Wingate's books, I eagerly awaited reading #Shelterwood. Unfortunately, I had trouble getting into the novel. I put it aside until recently picking it up again to give it another read.

This time, I was in a better mindset and settled in for Olive and Val's dual-linear stories. Both are seeking shelter from life's storms. Olive heads to the woods while Val creates a new start for her son. Both facing society's expectations, they stand their ground to forge a better life.

Without spoiling the mystery, Val is on the case to uncover the truth. Will she solve the case or are the locals attempting bury the past? Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition in exchange for an honest review. I'm glad I gave #Shelterwood another read and I enjoyed the historical fiction elements.

Lisa Wingate does an amazing job writing historic tales about times that may not be known to most. This book started off slow, due to the timelines, but as I read further into it, I became engaged. If you enjoyed Before We Were Yours, you will probably enjoy this one as well.

Intriguing dual timeline book.

Lisa Wingate's books are always very intriguing, glimpses into parts of history that many don't know about. They take the reader to a fictionalized story that brings various parts of these people and events and help to make it understandable.

In 1990, Valerie has just started a new job as a law enforcement park ranger and isn't taken very seriously as a female ranger. Some skeletonized remains are found, and what Valerie finds out about them brings a mystery to light. In 1909 Olive is eleven years old and afraid of what might happen with her stepfather. Before her father died, he brought home two young Choctaw girls, but the older one recently disappeared. Olive and the youngest one, six year old Nessa, escape and try to stay one step ahead of being caught.

I learned a great deal about what occurred with children in the early 1900s, particularly in areas where the families of these children had property. I encourage readers to read the author's note at the end, because she gives clarity to all of these things and explains it a bit better than the narrative does.

I wasn't the biggest fan of some of the parts of Olive's story, I thought it got a bit tedious, but I did like the way it tied into the present day story. Overall though, I thought the book was very worthwhile and it held my interest throughout. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a superb job at portraying the characters and making them sound authentic to the area and to their varying ages.

If you like interesting historical fiction with a modern day connection, then Lisa Wingate's books are always winners.

Thank you to Random House Ballentine and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel in return for my honest opinion. This story is written in 2 timeslines-1909 and 1990. In Oklahoma, 1909, the children were being used by foster homes for labor, while some were abused. Some escaped their homes, set up camp in the mountains and hid out, trying to figure out how to see that justice be served. These were Choctaw tribe children. In 1990, A park ranger is on a mission to find a missing teen, as well as the burial site of missing children. It is interesting to read how these two come together.

Lisa Wingate does an amazing job writing about little historic tales that may not be known to most. This book started off slow, due to the timelines, but as I got into it, I quickly became engaged. If you enjoyed Before We Were Yours, you will probably enjoy this one as well.

Thank you to Net Galley, Ballantine Books, and the author, Lisa Wingate, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It pains me to say that I did not love it. Before We Were Yours is one of my favorite books, so I had high hopes for this one. Maybe it was because I read it over a long period of time. Her writing is beautiful and her research is on point. I just felt like the book dragged in spots.

This is dual story line set in 1909 and 1990. In 1909, Ollie and her two “sisters”, both of whom are really Choctaw girls her mom and dad took in are in a bad situation. After her father dies, she sees the way her stepfather is looking at her younger sister. Ollie takes six year old Nessa and runs away.

1990, Ranger Valerie Borden Odell arrives in Oklahoma with her young son in tow. She is immediately met with a case of a missing young man along with a burial site for three young victims discovered in a cave. No one seems to want her to investigate, but she is drawn in to the case.

Thank you @netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate.
This is a mix of historical fiction with a present day portion as well. It takes place in
Oklahoma in 1909, and follows several young girls who have run away from a bad
home situation and are fending for themselves. A few of them are Choctaw girls, and
the situation for the Choctaw people is bad as land is being returned to the native
Americans, but they are being taken advantage of. In 1990, a park ranger goes to work
in this area, and finds the grave of three young girls from many years before, and tries
to uncover the source of present day crimes. The history in the book is interesting and
something I knew nothing about. But I sometimes had a hard time keeping track of
what was happening. #shelterwood #lisawingate #netgalley #advancedreadercopy #arc
#tbr #lovetoread #bookstagram #historicalfiction #readersofinstagram📚📚❤️

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate is a novel about a unique time in history. Set in dual time, this novel explores a part of Oklahoma. What I enjoyed most about this book was that it was set during a time period I was not as familiar with. Ms Wingate did a remarkable job researching the story thoroughly. The story did lag at times. Overall, it was interesting but not my favorite book by this author. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

"Shelterwood" by Lisa Wingate is a captivating work of historical fiction that transports the reader to the rugged Winding Stair Mountains of early 20th century Oklahoma. Wingate's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life a complex and often overlooked chapter of American history, offering a poignant exploration of the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and the enduring legacy of injustice.

I thought Lisa did a good job of comparing the region's struggles in the early 20th century and today through the dual storylines. She did a lot of research for this book and it showed in the story. This was a heartbreaking read, but I learned so much about the Winding Stair Mountain region.I enjoyed reading this book! 4 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I’m a bit conflicted on what to say about this book.

I really enjoyed the first half and I think the book has potential. It’s an interesting premise and I was excited to read it. The second half? It just didn’t grab my attention. I’m not sure if it’s because I wasn’t in the right head space or in an environment where I couldn’t give it my full attention. It just fell a bit flat. And felt really long.

Maybe if it was a different time, I would have a different experience with this book. I’ve liked what I’ve read from this author before.

Not sure if I’d recommend this to others given I’m not entirely sure what I think.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Definitely an interesting historical fiction book set in a time and place I didn’t know as much about. I was more invested in the current storyline than the historic one but the historic one was needed to give context. I really appreciated the setting in the NPS and learning about the history particularly of the Choctaw people. You can tell Wingate did a lot of thorough research. Always enjoy reading her books! Absolutely would recommend this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a great story. It is a historical fiction and it had me in my feels. I loved the dual timeline and how it came together in the end. I absolutely fell in love with the characters.