Publisher: Random House Publishing/Ballantine Books

Publication Date: June 4, 2024

Length: 384 pages

I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.

Sometimes, secrets don’t want to be discovered. In 1909, in Oklahoma, Olive Augusta Radley could tell her stepfather looked at the young Choctaw girl differently than he looked at her. She didn’t understand what he was going to do but she knew she couldn’t talk to her opium-addicted mother about it. So Olive and the girl left and began a journey to Winding Stairs Mountains, the last place Olive had been happy. She planned to return to her family’s home. Two young girls in the wilderness could be dangerous. Olive believed she could provide for them on their journey but they would have to stay hidden to be safe. Will Olive’s stepfather track them down? Is there anyone who would help two runaways?

Valerie Boren O’dell is the lone female law enforcement ranger at Horsethief Trail National Park. It is 1990 and Val’s boss is unhappy having a woman on his staff. Val is a single mother and new to the area. She is determined to use this assignment as a fresh start for her and her son. As the park opens, a hiker goes missing. Can Val locate the missing person? Reluctantly Val’s boss assigns her to the case. While investigating, she learns that her boss has been keeping a secret from her. Three skeletons were found in a cave on the mountain. Why would her boss deliberately hide this discovery from her? Val wants to prove herself capable and settle into her new job. With time, will people begin to open up to her?

Whether 1909 or 1990, women have been underestimated. Lisa Wingate explores the resilience of women and the complicated oil baron land grab. The land grab is a side note, the strong characters Val and Olive consume our attention. Both characters rely upon themselves to navigate tricky circumstances while proving they have the inner fortitude to survive. Pulling these two disparate narratives together is something Lisa Wingate does so skillfully. This beautiful story will be enjoyed by historical fiction fans and those who enjoy strong women characters.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group, NetGalley, and Lisa Windgate for the digital copy for early review.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻/5