The Fault Between Us

by Stephanie Landsem

In this gripping new work of historical fiction from the award-winning author of Code Name Edelweiss , three sisters fight to save themselves and each other amid the danger of a cataclysmic earthquake that rips Yellowstone National Park asunder.

1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly are as close as sisters can be. Though their mother left when they were young, their loving father raised them with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and settles out west, a thousand miles away, the sisters’ strong bond begins to unravel.

Claire struggles to adjust to a life utterly unlike her upbringing, and surprising revelations about her husband’s past make her wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. With a new baby and a shoestring budget, the last thing she needs is her family’s interference.

Sensing something isn’t right, Bridget takes a temporary nursing assignment in Yellowstone, promising her father she’ll bring Claire home—with or without her husband. When Frannie, the rebellious youngest sister, is sent along in hopes it will corral her behavior, the Reilly sisters reunite on the eve of a seismic event that rips Yellowstone apart, tests their survival, and exposes the ever-widening rift in their relationship.

Based on real events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and inspired by true stories, The Fault Between Us is a suspenseful exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the depths of family drama, and how hidden wounds can only heal when they’re brought into the light.

Christian historical fiction based on fascinating historical eventsPerfect for fans of Cathy Gohlke or Susan MeissnerIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical, Fiction, Adventure

352 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Stephanie Landsem writes about women in history for women who love history. Stephanie has traveled on four continents and dozens of countries. When she can’t travel, she reads fiction and history and dreams of her next adventure -- whether it be in person or on the pages of her novels.

Her upcoming release, Code Name Edelweiss, is based on a true story. In 1933 Los Angeles, a Jewish lawyer and his band of amateur spies foil Hitler's plan to take over Hollywood.

In A Far-Off Land, is a story of murder, mystery and mercy set in the glamour of 1930s Hollywood and the grit of the Great Depression.

The Living Water series — The Well, The Thief, and The Tomb, a Novel of Martha—are stories of women transformed by encounters with Jesus.

Stephanie lives in Minnesota with her husband, random adult children, two bold cats and a neurotic dog. When she's not writing or speaking about her novels, she's gardening, cooking, and dreaming of travel to far-off places. You can find out more about Stephanie and her books at StephanieLandsem.com.

Reviews

[Jas Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a multi POV historical fiction following the lives of 3 sisters immediately before and during the Hebgen Lake Earthquake.

The story is told from each sisters perspective as well as Red, Claire's husband. It takes each character on their own journey with the three sisters being linked by blood, trauma and their connection to faith. Whilst the second half of the book is a high stakes depiction of the characters during the disaster, the first half provides crucial backstory and connection with the sisters which helps the readers feel invested in the outcome for all the sisters and of course baby Jenny.

The characters were likeable and believable and it was easy to route for them. They all had their faults, their traumas and their growth and themes of faith, familial love and the perseverance of people in the face of an unimaginable disaster truly make this a brilliant book. The sisterly bond is reminiscent of the Charmed sisters especially with the mother connection which I really loved.

I wish I could read it for the first time again to fall in love with the characters. Well done Stephanie!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

{𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒖𝒍𝒕 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑼𝒔}

🏞️ Release Date: November 4, 2025 🏞️
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I’ve really been enjoying the historical fiction I’ve been reading lately, and this particular story was most definitely a goldmine in literary form! It was exceptionally well-written and one of those stories that instantly pulls you into the plot. Anyone who enjoys a tale of perseverance through times of hardship, with strong family themes, will definitely enjoy this book!

The Fault Between Us followed the lives of three sisters abandoned by their mother at a young age, telling of their experiences during the devastating 1959 earthquake in Yellowstone National Park. The difficulties these young ladies faced were far from easy, but I am in awe of how well Landsem wrote their story of perseverance and overcoming all odds. This was a story ripe with emotions so palpable that I found myself feeling everything the characters were feeling—definitely a sign of a good book, in my opinion!

I found myself quickly bonding with all three of the sisters, though they were all quite different from one another. Claire, with her young daughter and quiet husband, lived a life full of hardships, but the way she remained strong through it all was such an inspiration to me! Bridget, the middle sister, full of big dreams and aspirations for her life of nursing, struggled to accept that Claire could live a life of contentment away from home and, in doing so, created a bit of a rift between the two sisters. Frannie, the very obvious baby of the family, wanted freedom more than anything else, which led to a lot of acting out and rebellion on her part. I really enjoyed reading about all of the adventures and mishaps that she got herself into!

The devastation from the earthquake was absolutely heartbreaking, but Landsem did a wonderful job at recounting the story! Though it was difficult to read at times because of the gut-wrenching tragedies, I still found myself deeply immersed in this tale because I simply HAD to know what happened to the characters!
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I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions listed are purely my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspirational story based on a true and devastating moment in history. Three sisters find faith, courage and hope amidst a destructive earthquake and its aftermath in Yellowstone. The Fault Between Us by Author Stephanie Landsem pulls you in from the very first line. I could not stop turning pages!

The sisters, Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly are close until Claire marries Red Walker and moves from Minnesota to Yellowstone and they find their relationships unraveling.

Vivid descriptions, family dynamics, and heroism, permeate this story taken from the true events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake near Yellowstone National Park.

Lovers of historical fiction will not want to miss this unputdownable story.

Please read the author's note at the end and see how she incorporated some of the true stories of people who endured this terrifying event, and how her parents story influenced this book!

I preordered this book for a friend, and I thank the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Heidi Gorecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the way around, really great read. The relatable characters, difficult but endearing relational dynamics and fascinating setting of the 1959 Yellowstone Earthquake made for a well done novel that was hard to put down.

The 3 sisters were all so different but presented such tense but loyal family dynamics that made me frustrated with them one second, and empathetic the next. At the same time, Claire and Red navigating their first year of marriage coming from very different backgrounds and struggling with vulnerability and trust, was realistic and heart wrenching.

I had never heard of the earthquake or how intense it was but learning about that was totally insane and made me go on my own info dive into the history. Such fascinating information and I loved learning about it and seeing thru the characters’ eyes. Loved all the different POVs and perspectives. Really well done and I enjoyed it a ton.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was my first book from this author and it far exceeded my expectations.

The first half of the story had a slower build up, giving readers insights to each sister’s frustrations and insecurities and detail of their relationship with each other. I enjoyed that each sister had a POV throughout the story.

The second half of the story, with the earthquake and uncertainty of everyone’s happy ending, had me flip through the pages and kept me up till after midnight to finish the story.

This was an emotional story with each sister working through the aftermath of abandonment and how to move past it and thrive it. The added mystery and suspense thread added to me not being able to put the book down until the very last point.

I will not hesitate to pick up another book by this author.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Vicki F · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem is the absolute best read I have had in months. It started a little slow but then became a book I could NOT put down until it was finished. Filled with secrets, misunderstandings, tragedies, and HOPE! Hard topics were not avoided but rather brought to light with truth, forgiveness, and looking toward the future.

Releases Nov. 4th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale House for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. A historical fiction story about an earthquake I had never heard of in 1959 in Yellowstone National Park. The descriptions were vivid and it was easy to imagine living through the catastrophe. A story of three sisters and they're relationships with each other and their father and It brings to light the importance of truth in relationships. The characters were all relatable and they discovered their courage, perseverance and most of all the importance of hope. I really enjoyed this book.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem was a moving story about sisters, relationships, and hope. Readers will love how Landsem built up each individual character through a good portion of the story so that readers will know them personally. Landsem does a wonderful job at diving into their hurts, pains, and lives that they felt like they could be my sisters. She does tell the story from several different characters’ perspective, which I believe strengthens the storyline. The setting is very important to the story. It could not happen at any other time. Plus, Landsem does a wonderful job at crafting the setting, so readers do get lost in Yellowstone. The title does have a few different meanings to the plot of the story, and I really liked this aspect. My favorite part is when the climactic moment happened that I knew these characters so well because Landsem built them up that I enjoyed seeing the transformation of each character. Overall, The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem is a moving tale that I enjoyed losing myself in, and the plot and the characters will stick with me long after I finished the novel.

I received a complimentary copy of The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Chris Jager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you know there was a huge earthquake near Yellowstone park in 1959? Yeah me neither. Stephanie Landsem pens a very interesting story set around that part of history. I really enjoyed the book and had to lookup the details, the ones Landsem nails in the story.

Three sister, Bridget, Claire, and Frannie use to be close, but life has separated them. When their father send Bridget and Frannie out to Montana to bring back Claire after a marriage he is positive is wrong, they all end up in the middle of an earthquake that changed the face of Yellowstone forever.

I am going to say, I didn’t like the sisters at first, but as you get to know them and understand them, you will find yourself liking them. I don’t want to give the plot away, just know it is a well written book and you will find yourself hoping it doesn’t end.

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story told in The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem was so gripping with raw emotion and tragedy. And yet, hope was in the midst of it all. Taken from the true events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake near Yellowstone National Park and the true stories of people who endured this traumatic event, the book had me parked in my chair, turning pages as fast as I could. The book comes out in November. Give yourself an early Christmas present!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The Fault Between Us is my first read by Stephanie Landsem (I know, I know, where have I been?) but it definitely won’t be my last. The fact that it was based on a true historical event that I’d never heard of before is what drew me to the story in the first place, but I was soon so caught up in the lives of the Reilly sisters that I almost forgot there was still a catastrophic natural disaster coming. By the time the world fell apart, I was deeply invested in Claire, Red, Jenny, Bridget, Frannie, and the other people whose paths had intersected with theirs. And at that point, even though I was exhausted from an energy-draining (but heart-filling) weekend and my sleep meds were already kicking in, I refused to quit reading until I knew how each of their stories turned out. Because how can you sleep when the lives of people you care about are in peril??? Never mind that they’re fictional.

Oldest sister Claire is the first to have stepped out from under their overprotective but loving father’s watch, marrying a Montana cowboy without her father’s approval after a summer in Yellowstone. Now it’s middle sister Bridget’s turn to spend a summer in Yellowstone, hoping that her new position as a nurse at the hospital there would boost her closer to her dream job at Mayo. Their father allows her to go under two conditions – that she brings Claire home and that she takes youngest (and rebellious) sister Frannie along with her. Yep, go ahead and grab a bucket of popcorn because the drama is about to get started in full force. The clash of personalities between Bridget and Red (Claire’s husband), the stress of recent events and financial strain between Claire and Red, and the frustration in all of them because of Frannie’s immature choices are all tightly-written and increase the tension with each new conflict and awkward interaction. I really liked all four of these characters, as well as a local young woman they try to help out of a dangerous situation (until all of them end up in an even more dire one). They are layered and flawed and they feel like real people with real struggles that are extremely relatable to all of us in some way, shape or form.

And then… Landsem’s skillful buildup of the family and small town drama converges in a series of moments that felt almost cinematic. As though the entire novel was holding its breath, and its readers doing the same. Right about the time you think “Well this can’t get any worse”, especially for Claire and Red, the world quite literally goes to pieces. I knew absolutely zero about the massive earthquake in 1959 Yellowstone, but wow! Much like I felt after recently reading a couple of books about the historical Galveston hurricane, I will never forget the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake from this point forward. I was on pins and needles as Landsem poignantly followed each of the characters that we’ve come to love, letting us experience this unexpected disaster through their eyes. The terror. The confusion. The lives turned upside down in a matter of seconds. The life-threatening injuries. The loved ones they can’t find. The stripping away of any illusion of safety or modesty. The regrets. The courage and resiliency. The battle between hope and despair. The grace. I could NOT put it down at that point. And I don’t think you’ll be able to either.

Bottom Line: The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem reads like a movie that grips your heart and keeps you invested from one pivotal scene to another. The author builds the tension so masterfully that by the time the quake hits, you’re not just reading about it – you’re feeling every tremor and emotion along with the characters. The scenes play out with such vivid detail and emotional weight that you could swear you heard the ominous rumbles, smelled the muddy water, and saw the courage flickering through the fear. Whew! My heart was in my throat more than once, yet I was also moved by the gentle notes of redemption that are woven into the story’s framework. (If you heard me humming ‘Amazing Grace’ this weekend, this is why.) I did wish a couple of C-plots (i.e. not the main storyline or even the more dominant subplots) had a more defined resolution but the primary threads we follow ARE brought to a satisfying conclusion that ultimately left my heart content with the reading experience. An immersive and hope-filled novel perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Wright and Michelle Shocklee.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Scott County Library System · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the September 2025 issue of Library Journal.

Claire and Red Wilder are cash-poor but have a priceless view just outside Yellowstone National Park in this 1959-set novel. After their whirlwind romance and wedding, Claire has recently moved to cowboy Red's Wyoming homes, where is treated like an outside and is unnerved by locals who seem to know more about her new husband than she does.
Claire's sisters Bridget and Frannie make their way out West to bring Claire home (and also to rebel against their controlling father), but the siblings aren't sure they can get past the hurt and conflict spawned by their differences. As the characters' paths converge on a fateful August night, an earthquake, landslide, and flood will reveal what is most important when all else has been stripped away.
VERDICT: in a historical survival thriller that recalls the devastation wrought by climate change in the present day, Landsem (Code Name Edelweiss) brilliantly interweaves multiple character arcs, culminating at the Hebgen Lake Earthquake, which caused one of the largest landslide disasters in national history. Readers might also enjoy Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright and These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas.

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a fantastic historical fiction book! Obviously, I picked up this book because of the cover. After starting it and realizing the setting was 1959 in Yellowstone National Park, I was intrigued. I am a huge fan of historical fiction that does not take place during World War II, but instead focuses on different time periods in America.

This story has multiple points of view, following all three sisters. You get to watch each of them grow in their own ways during the natural disaster that takes place in this book.

I will say, the sisters were Catholic. I have actually never read a book with Catholic characters- that was new for me. There was one part in particular where one of the sisters, Franny, asked the Lord to perform a miracle—and He did. That part of the book completely moved me. In that moment, Franny realized that God was real, and it was so beautiful to watch that realization come into play throughout the rest of the book because of that moment.

This book will easily be one of my top books of 2025, and I hope it will be read by many people in 2026. There is such strong character development. It’s clean—no cursing, no spice. It really was a fantastic book, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem is a very well written Christian historical story that takes place in Yellowstone National Park in 1959. This story has so much depth to it with the relationships between the three sisters. While they all have different plans for their lives, they all have issues linked to growing up without their mother. This story is told through the eyes of the three sisters, Claire, Bridget and Frannie, and by Claire's husband Red.

This is such a good story. The father sends the two younger sisters to visit Claire to try to get her to move back home. Instead, they find themselves in the middle of a very dangerous earthquake struggling to stay safe, while helping others. I especially enjoyed the characters of Claire and Red the most. Red has taken the fall for a good friend that cost him his reputation and his job. Claire has quickly learned to be content living with a lot less to be with Red and their daughter. This is a great story to read, it shows the importance of faith throughout life, especially during very stressful situations. I found the suspense with the happenings during the earthquake to be very attention grabbing. I especially enjoyed the conversation the father has with his daughters towards the end of the story.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review.

[Mrs. Raven English Teacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single character. Since the book follows multiple points of view, it was easy to get to know the characters so well. I was gripped at the end and could not put the book down. Looking forward to reading another book by this author.

[RD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this six stars if I could! I read this is one day — couldn’t put it down! This well written historical fiction is touching and powerful. With themes of family, love, and strength in the face of tragedy, this compelling story is a must read!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! Great pace. Enjoyed the plot. The characters were presented with great depth and each so different. I recommend this to all readers looking for historical fiction. The Christian message was overt and fit the plot and characters perfectly.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. I have family ties to this event as well, so it intrigued me. This is probably closer to a 3.5.

My biggest complaint is the adding of the kidnapping. It was overkill snd did nothing but distract from the real story without consequence.

[Joanne Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling, engaging story about family, the negative affects of secrets, natural disasters, and rising to the occasion with God's help, set in Yellowstone National Park during, before, and after a large earthquake that hit there in 1957. Had me guessing throughout, and cheering on Claire and Red especially. Lots of twists and turns. A couple of the characters seemed a bit flat, but the story otherwise kept me engaged fully - and I loved the ending. Recommended.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction with multiple perspectives and this book delivered on the character development and multiple points of view. Action and suspense are throughout the book. I found the frequent miscommunication or lack of communication between characters to be quite frustrating at times, but it does play a meaningful role in the plot development.
I also thought that the faith content could have been more gospel-centered. For instance, there’s a scene in which one of the characters is asked about her faith. She shares about God’s creation and His love, but doesn’t share the fulfillment of that love in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Overall, I learned about an event in history that I didn’t know anything about prior to reading the book and I enjoyed the resolution for all characters.

I recommend this book if you enjoy wholesome historical fiction.

Thank you to Tyndale House for a complementary copy of the book! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Landsem has written another warm and wonderful historical novel. This story is based upon three sisters who seem to have a chasm that opened up between them as they try to leave the slightly smothering father. Their mother left them when they are little and her name was never mentioned again.

Claire has married a man (Red) she met while in Yellowstone National park and has moved out west. Her father did not approve and wants her home. Bridget is a nurse and she wants to get hired at the Mayo so she takes a summer job at a hospital by Yellowstone to gain a good reference. Her father gave her the directive to bring Claire home AND makes her take the youngest (and most rebellious) sibling, Frannie, with her out west.

The family dynamics are wrapped up in all of this and definitely affects each one as they are caught up in the Hebgen lake earthquake that took place in 1959. This natural disaster tested each one of them and their survival was not a given.

As with all this author's novels, the characters draw you in and then the suspense of the historical events keep you captivated with the story. I could not put the book down. I was so blown away by this earthquake information that after I finished the book I had to go online and start reading more about it. I had never heard of it. I have been to Yellowstone and would not like to be in the area during an earthquake. It was pretty amazing story.

I highly recommend this book. I would like to thank Tyndale Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Kaetrianne Ramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fault Between Us was a BEAUTIFUL illustration of family ties and hope in the face of tragedy. I would easily rate this book five stars. It was a fascinating historical fiction read, telling a story I was unfamiliar with in a way that drew me in and had me empathizing with the characters. I thought she handled and dealt with the tragedy very well.

Claire was such an interesting character and her and Red's journey was so well-written. I connected with her in small ways, so I was probably the most invested in her storyline. I flew through this book waiting to see what would happen! Bridget was another wonderful character. I loved seeing her grow through her roadblocks. Frannie was just a delight. She had me cackling throughout the book, and I was agonizing over her life choices for her.

This was my second Stephanie Landsem book, (I also read and adored Codename Edelwiess) and I will return to her in the future!

I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Kelly Boggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of the true event of a tragic Earthquake in Yellowstone. The author does a great job pulling the true details into the characters and plot.

The Fault Between Us is a beautiful story of three somewhat estranged sisters who all have very different struggles and challenges going on, but when it comes down to it, they dearly love and care about each other. Each have different effects from a mother who abandoned them at an early age and a hovering father who is afraid to lose them, too. It is well written from four different perspectives, good dialogue, and suspense builds as the story progresses. I recommend this for a hopeful and heart warming read.

[Victoria (TheMennomilistReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first half of this book, we learn about three sisters who grew up being raised by their father, after their mother leaves them. Now, Claire is married with a baby and is living near Yellowstone National Park. Bridget is a nurse who follows her father's wishes. Frannie is a bit rebellious and wanting to do her own thing. When their father asks the two younger girls to go to Claire and bring her back home with or without her husband, they obey (and slightly reluctantly on Frannie's part). Bridget will be working at the hospital there while Frannie can help Claire with the baby.

Red is Claire's husband. He takes good care of his wife and daughter but maybe doesn't really have the resources financially that Claire's father has. He doesn't want to accept hand-outs. He knows that his father-in-law doesn't like him. Claire and Red seem to have a few secrets they have kept from one another which slowly come out through this book. They truly love one another but have a hard time conveying it well.

The buildup of this story was really great. I felt like I was able to get a feel for all the characters and who they are. I got to understand the thoughts and feelings of Claire, Red, Bridget, and Frannie.

In the second half of this book, tragedy strikes. Each of the book's main characters respond in a different way. This is based off of the events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake. All of the descriptions made me feel like I was living through it with them. It was horrifying at times.

Ultimately, the book is about hope. This is a Christian book. It has elements where there is prayer and talk about God. It talks about faith, lack thereof, and how we can depend on God for strength to overcome the toughest battles.

I was fully captivated throughout my reading of this story. I am so glad that I was offered a copy of it by the publisher. It is one of the best books I have read all year! I can't stop thinking about it after finishing. I even looked up things about the earthquake, and it seems the author was able to get so many great accuracies while creating a fictional tale of a family around it. I really enjoyed how things turned out in this story as well. There is a bit of a redemption story, forgiveness, and love.

You better believe I shed some tears reading this one.

The only content in this really is that due to the way the earthquake had hurricane type of winds included in it, some people lost clothing and are walking around and seen not wearing much (people do try to cover up some of them). It is true to how the things during the event occurred but it might bother people who are reading this. They do make a point that it was very dark, so people wouldn't really be able to see the way one was or was not dressed. There is nothing sexual in this story at all. There is theft in it a few times! There are a few injuries described as well but not too graphic in detail.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three sisters who have been scarred by their mother walking out on her marriage and their father forbidding her return and then holding on to them too tightly, each cope in different ways. Claire becomes a teacher but works in the school she chooses, not the one her father wants her to teach at. Bridget becomes a very efficient and capable nurse but is seen as the tattle tale and allowing her father to manipulate her in that way. Frannie was only an infant when her mother left and because it is not spoken about, feels she must have been the reason why. She becomes a rebellious teen, getting into trouble and being selfish, irresponsible and very annoying.
Claire spends a summer with a friend working as a maid in Yellowstone to get away from the expectation of corralling Frannie and meets Red. Red grew up in an orphanage and ran away due to being bullied and called stupid and dummy, getting into some trouble as a juvenile before finding his way to Montana and becoming a capable horse handler and hunt guide. He and Claire meet, spend a few wonderful weeks together with Red wanting to marry her and proposing several times before she returns home to teach. Claire's father has someone he deems is just who Claire needs who fits into his world (Dad's) as a successful businessman. Red is miserable without her and follows to ask again. Dad refuses to walk Claire down the aisle and his reactions to what Claire writes as she feels capable and happy in her life with Red causes her to change to keeping things short and censored. Bridget feels something must be wrong because of the change and is determined to convince Claire that she needs to come "home" where family can help her with baby Jenny. Bridget decides to accept a temporary job at the hospital in West Yellowstone and gives no warning that she's coming until days before. Dad is fed up with Frannie's misbehavior and sends her with Bridget. This causes lots of problems and it's hard to like Dad, Bridget and Frannie. The disastrous Hebgen Lake earthquake shakes up the character's faults in a way that is intense but helps them to deal with the disasters of their past in a very satisfying ending to the story.

[Terri Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Stephanie Landsem’s debut novel, the compelling historical CODE NAME EDELWEISS, I have been a fan. In her latest release, THE FAULT BETWEEN US, Landsem doesn’t disappoint. With its unique historical setting, nuanced exploration of family bonds, and evocative writing, THE FAULT BETWEEN US stands out as a compelling work of historical fiction. Landsem invites readers to feel the tremors—both literal and emotional—that shape her characters’ lives. For anyone seeking a novel that is as thrilling as it is thoughtful, this book is a must-read.

THE STORY: 1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie are close as sisters—at least that is what it appears. Though their mother left when they were young, their father strived to give them an uncomplicated and loving home with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and moves out west, the sisters’ struggle to understand and to maintain their relationships. Meanwhile there is something brewing out west between Claire and her husband, and beneath Hebgen Lake. Trouble converges on the sisters and the young couple that could mean death.

5-STARS BECAUSE: Landsem chooses historical periods and events that are little known. In this book, the characters are thrown into the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake in Yellowstone that brought a down mountain. The way Landsem explores the bonds and challenges among the sisters adds emotional depth to the story, making it especially compelling. Landsem’s evocative prose immerses readers in the rugged beauty and peril of Yellowstone country, where the endless sky, the roar of the Madison River, and the rhythms of ranch life set the stage for a story of loss, longing, and the unbreakable force of sisterhood.

Highly recommended for those waiting for Landsem’s next novel, historical, Yellowstone Park, horses, suspense, family dynamics, sisterhood, marriage, secrets, natural disasters, faith journeys, and hope.

I received an ARC from Tyndale for my honest review.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three sisters plus a Yellowstone catastrophe from 1959 = All the stars!🌟

A big thank you to my friend, the terrific Tina, for her recommendation. I might have missed this book otherwise.

Meet the Reilly sisters:

🤱Claire - She is living the dream with her cowboy husband in Yellowstone. They have a baby girl named Jenny and are subsisting on a shoe string. How long can you live on love?
👩‍⚕️Bridget - is the responsible one who has stayed with her dad in Minnesota. She is a nurse and accepted a post at Mammoth inside the park for a short-term job. Hopefully this experience will help her get a job at Mayo Clinic -- her dream.
👧Franny - the baby in the family and the wild child. Her conflicts with the Reilly patriarch have her spending the rest of the summer with Claire. She has ideas of her own.

Why you should read about the Reilly girls:
🏞 The Yellowstone setting was a draw for me. My sister lives near West Yellowstone. The Western setting will appeal to many. It is also 1959 and the park was much more open and wild then. Claire's husband Red is a real-life cowboy!🤠
🌊 In addition to the sister dynamics, the story has them experiencing the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake. I was not aware of this particular national disaster and it was fascinating to read about what happened and how it changed the park.

Bonus note: Have your tissues handy! In the aftermath of the earthquake there are some high moments of emotion and many prayers lifted up for help. Highly recommended!

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. ~ Psalm 46:1-3

Thank you to Tyndale Fiction and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stephanie Landsem is writing a book about the Yellowstone Earthquake (Hebgen Lake). My sister Anne and I are survivors of from this earthquake which nearly killed us all. My Parents were critically injured; my mom died three days later in a hospital in Bozeman, Montana. She was injured so badly she couldn't survive. Stephanie approached me to tell what her plans were in writing an Historical Fiction Novel about the earthquake. She wanted me to endorse her book? The unsettling part is how she is using the Rock Creek Campground, where we were camped as the location. Also, where nineteen victims of the earthquake perished and are buried by the slide that came down on us. I have told her how insensitive this is. There are other survivors from the Halford, Cliff Lake and Beaver Creek campgrounds as well that have been equally affected and live with the emotional scars from that night! That Stephanie would write a novel, change what really happen there that night to all of us. Then for her to think its ok I won't use their names. All because she wants to write about a real tragedy to make money. My twin sister Anne and I had just turned twelve years old, ten days prior to the quake. It was really hard growing up without our mother. Also living with our father who was suicidal, because he blamed himself for taking us there on his fishing trip. I have asked her to please think of us survivors and realize how we feel. To please change the location, change the year, don't write about being in the Hebgen Earthquake in the Rock Creek campground. But she doesn't care she is going ahead with it no matter how we feel. I wanted the public to know what kind of a person this is!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
"You don't even know him, Claire. Don't make the biggest mistake of your life."

Claire Reilly's decision to marry a Montana man and live close to the middle of nowhere nearly destroyed a relationship with her father, and fractured the once strong bond with her two sisters. She and Red were happy weren't they, especially when the proverbial "money doesn't buy happiness" mantra rang true more times than not. Their baby daughter Jenny was a joy to behold and her husband's employment on a nearby ranch covered their expenses . . . except when it didn't. Two events interrupted their idyllic pie-in-the-sky lifestyle, a poor choice and a visit from two meddlesome sisters; Bridget and Frannie were on a paternal mission, bring Claire and Jenny home, with or without Red Wilder.

The family dynamics in this story were remarkably well crafted, pulling from a cache of misunderstandings and miscommunications between a young husband and his wife, but also between three daughters and the father who had raised them. Throw in small town politics, a local family's tragedy, an horrific natural disaster, and the reader is left with an avalanche of plot twists to carefully unravel.

What did I take away from this story? A seismic infusion of hope; the kind that never gives up and never gives in; that binds together what is broken and forgives words spoken out of turn as well as those that were never spoken at all, but should have been.

"It was enough - more than enough - to hold on to."

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet three sisters: Claire, Bridget and Frannie Reilly being raised by their father, their mother having left when Frannie was still little. We're given no explanation for why mom left and the sisters live in a mix of hope of her return and blaming themselves for many years. As one would expect it has a profound impact on each of them.

The story moves forward to the sisters having grown up. Claire is now married living in another town in Yellowstone, Bridget is a nurse and Frannie is finishing school. Each of the sisters are uniquely different. I liked how Landsem crafted each one of them. Frannie is the fun precocious one, while older sisters Claire and Bridget still carry the scars of not having a mother.

And then the earthquake hits. Based on a true historical event in Yellowstone Park, the impact of the quake is devastating and Landsem describes it brilliantly. All three sisters are caught up in the drama of the quake. The rescue efforts and the aftermath are pivotal times for each of them. It changes them and draws them closer together.

I especially enjoyed how Landsem demonstrates the power of love to transform. We see it in the growth in the sisters, Red, Claire's husband and their father, Daniel. It's wonderful to read.

It's fascinating to read Landsem's author note at the end as it adds further clarity to how she developed the sisters along with how she came to know about the quake, it having occurred before she was born.

Highly recommended for all historical fiction readers.