When the young wife of a powerful lumber baron vanishes into the wilds of frontier Michigan, her friend is left to unravel the truth in this captivating dual-timeline novel from bestselling author Lynn Austin.
1873
After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy, a friend of her husband John, offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town—where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed—Hannah reluctantly agrees.
There, she meets Kate Abernathy, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite. As she begins confiding in Hannah, it becomes clear her marriage is not what it seems—and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.
Present Day
Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum.
While volunteering with the restoration, Ashley stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.
Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home A richly layered Christian women’s fiction novel with elements of mystery, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly, Kristy Cambron, and Susan Meissner Includes discussion questions for book clubs
1873
After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy, a friend of her husband John, offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town—where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed—Hannah reluctantly agrees.
There, she meets Kate Abernathy, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite. As she begins confiding in Hannah, it becomes clear her marriage is not what it seems—and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.
Present Day
Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum.
While volunteering with the restoration, Ashley stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.
Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home A richly layered Christian women’s fiction novel with elements of mystery, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly, Kristy Cambron, and Susan Meissner Includes discussion questions for book clubs
MY THOUGHTS.....
I've found it hard to express my thoughts about this riveting dual-timeline novel! The history and mystery of the 1870s timeline are engaging, but Lynn Austin's ability to connect them to a present-day plotline makes it even more captivating!
First of all, there are three amazing female characters! Hannah follows her husband, Dr. John Wagner when he accepts a new job near Lake Michigan in 1871. Hannah's deep grief over the loss of their children plays a prominent role as she finds a rare friendship with the young wife of lumber baron Henry Abernathy. Hannah and Kate are as different as night and day, but their friendship becomes a balm for both of them. Until Kate goes missing and Hannah doesn't know what has happened!
First of all, there are three amazing female characters! Hannah follows her husband, Dr. John Wagner when he accepts a new job near Lake Michigan in 1871. Hannah's deep grief over the loss of their children plays a prominent role as she finds a rare friendship with the young wife of lumber baron Henry Abernathy. Hannah and Kate are as different as night and day, but their friendship becomes a balm for both of them. Until Kate goes missing and Hannah doesn't know what has happened!
In the present-day timeline, Ashley Gilbert discovers Hannah and Kate's story when she and her husband restore Hannah and John's former home, and also become involved in a nearby museum project. Once again, the mystery of Kate Abernathy's disappearance is brought to life, and the Abernathy house becomes a very important 'character' in both timelines. Austin reveals that her inspiration came after a visit to the real-life Hackley Mansion in Muskegon, Michigan. I loved her vivid descriptions, and I long to visit the Hackley Museum one day!
History, mystery, and wonderful characters make this a story that I won't soon forget, and you can bet that The Lumber Baron's Wife will have a permanent spot in my bookcase! The emotions are painfully raw as we read about the hardships, deep friendships, and powerful message of faith.
I urge you to read The Lumber Baron's Wife if you enjoy historical Christian fiction. I also recommend it to anyone eager to read an encouraging testament of hope, faith, and friendship!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Tyndale House Publishers. There was no obligation for a positive review.
View all my reviews
I urge you to read The Lumber Baron's Wife if you enjoy historical Christian fiction. I also recommend it to anyone eager to read an encouraging testament of hope, faith, and friendship!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Tyndale House Publishers. There was no obligation for a positive review.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
