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Not Just a Homemaker: The Extraordinary Life of Sheila MacGregor
★★ Read this if you like your dual-timeline historical fiction with a strong sense of place and an everywoman's zeal. ★★
How can a single word - homemaker - be the essence of an extraordinary woman?
At the end of her remarkable life of ninety-three years, spanning a world war and three continents, Sheila MacGregor Beals donates her beautiful, forested property to create a nature preserve. Her story deserves to be told.
Will the Sheila's farmhouse be a place of safety?
In the year before the park opens, Meg, a resourceful librarian who has moved to Indiana to escape an abusive husband, is renting the farmhouse where Sheila once lived. Almost a century separates them, yet each ultimately finds solace in the same woodland retreat where they both resolve to treasure their hard-won independence.
Who will question the story of wartime romance on a park sign?
After Meg finds Sheila’s brief 2002 obituary with the sparse summary “she was a homemaker,” she feels indignation that spurs her on with a renewed purpose to discover more about this enigmatic woman. A romantic story on the park’s informational sign launches Meg’s further exploration of the Scottish immigrant’s life. Unbeknownst to her, the account is erroneous.
Can Meg solve the mystery of Sheila MacGregor?
Rigorously researched and skillfully told, the narrative is rich in local history and genealogical allure.Ultimately, a story of resiliency and the power of friendship.“More Than a Homemaker,” is a debut novel inspired by true events and perfect for fans of Marie Benedict and Kate Morton.
How can a single word - homemaker - be the essence of an extraordinary woman?
At the end of her remarkable life of ninety-three years, spanning a world war and three continents, Sheila MacGregor Beals donates her beautiful, forested property to create a nature preserve. Her story deserves to be told.
Will the Sheila's farmhouse be a place of safety?
In the year before the park opens, Meg, a resourceful librarian who has moved to Indiana to escape an abusive husband, is renting the farmhouse where Sheila once lived. Almost a century separates them, yet each ultimately finds solace in the same woodland retreat where they both resolve to treasure their hard-won independence.
Who will question the story of wartime romance on a park sign?
After Meg finds Sheila’s brief 2002 obituary with the sparse summary “she was a homemaker,” she feels indignation that spurs her on with a renewed purpose to discover more about this enigmatic woman. A romantic story on the park’s informational sign launches Meg’s further exploration of the Scottish immigrant’s life. Unbeknownst to her, the account is erroneous.
Can Meg solve the mystery of Sheila MacGregor?
Rigorously researched and skillfully told, the narrative is rich in local history and genealogical allure.Ultimately, a story of resiliency and the power of friendship.“More Than a Homemaker,” is a debut novel inspired by true events and perfect for fans of Marie Benedict and Kate Morton.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2024
3 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Paulette Brooks
2 books24 followersA retired librarian and debut novelist, Paulette Brooks was born in Toronto and lived in Canada for the first half of her life. According to her Scottish grandfather, they had a distant family connection to the explorer David Livingstone. She lives with her husband outside of Indianapolis where, when not writing, she loves to read, bake pies, garden, and work on jigsaw puzzles, all the while trying to keep up with the activities of her six grandchildren.
Learn more about Paulette at www.PBrooksAuthor.com
Her short story, Dream Piper, won first place in the Hamilton East Public Library Adult Writing Challenge 2023: Classics Reimagined.
https://hamiltoneastpl.org/adult-writ...
Learn more about Paulette at www.PBrooksAuthor.com
Her short story, Dream Piper, won first place in the Hamilton East Public Library Adult Writing Challenge 2023: Classics Reimagined.
https://hamiltoneastpl.org/adult-writ...
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 19, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel with its two timelines... It kept my interest as I followed the current-day narrator in 2014-2015 as she sought to figure out the true story of the life of Sheila MacGregor, born in Scotland before WWI, and how she came to live in the United States, and what her life was like. The two timelines came together nicely and incorporated themes of friendship, love of nature, and making the best of one's circumstances. Residents of Indianapolis and Hamilton County will recognize some of the locations in the book, which makes it even more interesting and may inspire you to make a trip to see the actual MacGregor Park!
August 1, 2025
I’ve just emerged from Paulette Brooks’s delightful historical novel outlining the fascinating life of Sheila MacGregor; and all thanks to some random man’s obituary of the 93-year-old Sheila, which listed that she, the widow of brilliant, accomplished, heralded Lyndon Beals, was a homemaker. This casual dismissal of the old woman touched a nerve in Paulette and spurred her to find the story of the real Sheila and turn it into a lovely novel.
Through the breezy voice of Meg Livingstone, a young, present-day librarian, staying in the house Sheila lived in more than a century ago, we are told the parallel stories of Meg and Sheila. Meg, fleeing danger in her own life, finds herself identifying increasingly with her subject as she uncovers some of the harrowing details of Sheila’s life.
In the storytelling, Brooks’s framing device and parallel structure work brilliantly. The two stories, with their separate characters and dramas, intertwine and augment each other as they illuminate the universal plight of women, trapped by the men who love them and claim ownership of their lives. Suspenseful narratives power each story, and keep the reader engrossed until the poignant ending of the novel.
Flowing throughout each tale is a love of nature and wildlife, and walks with beloved dogs in the “mighty forest land,” known today as MacGregor Park.
As I read the book, I was particularly struck by the decency of Meg. She was a very appealing protagonist—never cloying—who worked as a wonderful counterpoint to Sheila.
This was a beautifully written novel, with lyrical writing that brought both stories to singing life. I was sad to reach the end. Bravo, Paulette!
Through the breezy voice of Meg Livingstone, a young, present-day librarian, staying in the house Sheila lived in more than a century ago, we are told the parallel stories of Meg and Sheila. Meg, fleeing danger in her own life, finds herself identifying increasingly with her subject as she uncovers some of the harrowing details of Sheila’s life.
In the storytelling, Brooks’s framing device and parallel structure work brilliantly. The two stories, with their separate characters and dramas, intertwine and augment each other as they illuminate the universal plight of women, trapped by the men who love them and claim ownership of their lives. Suspenseful narratives power each story, and keep the reader engrossed until the poignant ending of the novel.
Flowing throughout each tale is a love of nature and wildlife, and walks with beloved dogs in the “mighty forest land,” known today as MacGregor Park.
As I read the book, I was particularly struck by the decency of Meg. She was a very appealing protagonist—never cloying—who worked as a wonderful counterpoint to Sheila.
This was a beautifully written novel, with lyrical writing that brought both stories to singing life. I was sad to reach the end. Bravo, Paulette!
November 2, 2024
Paulette took a woman who wasn’t on anyone’s radar and conveyed to us just how significant her life was. In this split line Historical fiction, the main character of the present-day storyline tells the story of Sheila. And as she uncovers Sheila’s story, she discovers her own strength and courage within. It is evident in Paulette’s debut novel that she took the time to truly research her subject. I did find the book a bit slow to start. I like to get “hooked” a little early on in a novel. I also felt that there were areas that felt rushed. I wanted more details so that I could truly understand the characters of the story.
October 14, 2024
It's rare that a book makes me want to go explore the characters' surroundings, but that's exactly what Not Just a Homemaker: The Extraordinary Life of Sheila MacGregor has done! I was fascinated from the start and wanted to know more as I went along. I'm fortunate to live near the book's setting and look forward to exploring MacGregor Park soon. This is thoughtful, delightful historical fiction.
February 28, 2025
Loved loved loved this book! The characters and their deep friendships were beautiful! It made me think about my meaningful female relationships and the importance they have played in my life over many years. These types of relationships have pushed the characters to be the best versions of themselves and helped them be brave in bold throughout their lives!
December 1, 2024
Excellent book. Well done Paulette!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews