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In the Great Quiet
A pioneer unwaveringly endures the Oklahoma frontier in an epic adventure about a woman haunted by secrets and searching for home.
A cannon booms at high noon, and the race begins in the Oklahoma land rush of 1893.
Amid the crowd is Minnie Hoopes. Tenacious and fiercely independent, she is determined to endure the brutal frontier and create a life of her own. Guarding her solitude, she distances herself from bordering homesteaders and finds peace under the starry nights of the vast frontier. But this is outlaw country, and Minnie soon has the blood of two gunfighters on her hands. After a renegade outlaw named Stot discovers her secrets, she forms an unlikely friendship with him. With each passing season, Minnie’s past grows more haunting and threatens the future she has risked everything to build. Minnie raced into the Wild West alone, but her grandest journey in the frontier wilderness is one she never saw coming.
Based on the true story of the author’s great-great-grandparents, this sweeping and transportive survival story explores a woman’s connection with the land, her reconciliation with the past, and her elemental search for home against all odds.
Settle in, I’ve stories to tell.
A cannon booms at high noon, and the race begins in the Oklahoma land rush of 1893.
Amid the crowd is Minnie Hoopes. Tenacious and fiercely independent, she is determined to endure the brutal frontier and create a life of her own. Guarding her solitude, she distances herself from bordering homesteaders and finds peace under the starry nights of the vast frontier. But this is outlaw country, and Minnie soon has the blood of two gunfighters on her hands. After a renegade outlaw named Stot discovers her secrets, she forms an unlikely friendship with him. With each passing season, Minnie’s past grows more haunting and threatens the future she has risked everything to build. Minnie raced into the Wild West alone, but her grandest journey in the frontier wilderness is one she never saw coming.
Based on the true story of the author’s great-great-grandparents, this sweeping and transportive survival story explores a woman’s connection with the land, her reconciliation with the past, and her elemental search for home against all odds.
Settle in, I’ve stories to tell.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2026
About the author
Laura Vogt
2 books124 followersI'm Laura. I love to tell stories. I love what's wild and beautiful.
My debut novel IN THE GREAT QUIET (Lake Union 2026) is a sweeping, atmospheric story in the tradition of COLD MOUNTAIN and THE FOUR WINDS. It's inspired by the true story of my grandmother's grandmother, following a tenacious pioneer's race into the great unknown.
In the Oklahoma prairie of 1893, Minnie Hoopes withstands the volatile wilderness and outlaw threats--but her greatest adventure will be confronting her past and finding a place to call home. IN THE GREAT QUIET is a lyrical, immersive story about memory and perception, community and isolation, with an epic, enduring romance at its heart.
My debut novel IN THE GREAT QUIET (Lake Union 2026) is a sweeping, atmospheric story in the tradition of COLD MOUNTAIN and THE FOUR WINDS. It's inspired by the true story of my grandmother's grandmother, following a tenacious pioneer's race into the great unknown.
In the Oklahoma prairie of 1893, Minnie Hoopes withstands the volatile wilderness and outlaw threats--but her greatest adventure will be confronting her past and finding a place to call home. IN THE GREAT QUIET is a lyrical, immersive story about memory and perception, community and isolation, with an epic, enduring romance at its heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 660 reviews
June 17, 2026
I was drawn to In the Great Quiet by Laura Vogt because it tells the story of a woman alone, homesteading in Oklahoma in the 1890s. This, of course, was a time when women didn’t often own property outright. I knew the main character of this story must be special, and she most definitely is.
Minnie Hoopes is headed to Oklahoma to claim her very own land in 1893. She’s scouted it out and knows exactly where she wants to go. However, a couple of gunfighters also have their eyes on this parcel, and they’ll do almost anything to get it for themselves. We’re barely into the tale when these men wind up dead by Minnie’s hand. Another renegade, the Lawman (Stot), happens upon her, discovers her secret, and they strike up an unlikely friendship.
The book is narrated almost entirely in close first person by Minnie herself. She is a likable main character, no-nonsense and strong-willed. One might even call her a woman before her time. The author hasn’t tried to create perfection. She’s everything a woman is—strong, gritty, flawed, and tender. We have the privilege of knowing her thoughts throughout, and she often slips into memories of times past. Through these moments, we come to truly know her.
I was struck almost immediately by Vogt’s strong visual prose, which she establishes through concrete sensory details and layered imagery. She does a wonderful job setting the scene. It’s lyrical and atmospheric, with nature-forward language. As a reader, you aren’t just in a forest, but in its layers. The pacing is gentle, reading like a slow walk rather than a sprint. At times, though, I wanted to at least jog when we were walking. Her prose is also softly poetic without tipping into purple prose. I especially enjoyed her use of magical realism in many of Minnie’s solo moments.
In the Great Quiet is a solid choice for fans of historical fiction, especially those who crave an authentic-feeling setting and a well-rounded main character. I always try to suggest similar reads, but I find myself struggling with this one. It’s a vibe unto itself. I’ll try, though, with some previously reviewed titles on this site. The setting is as well done as in The Other Moctezuma Girls, and the story itself sits on a level with Loon Point. Definitely give this one a go if you enjoyed those aspects of either book.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓 — beautifully written, but the slower pacing didn’t always hold my attention
Let's Discuss
Could you truly live alone, cut off from others, to build a life of your own?
I read a digital copy made available by Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
📚 More book reviews and bookish content:
Minnie Hoopes is headed to Oklahoma to claim her very own land in 1893. She’s scouted it out and knows exactly where she wants to go. However, a couple of gunfighters also have their eyes on this parcel, and they’ll do almost anything to get it for themselves. We’re barely into the tale when these men wind up dead by Minnie’s hand. Another renegade, the Lawman (Stot), happens upon her, discovers her secret, and they strike up an unlikely friendship.
The book is narrated almost entirely in close first person by Minnie herself. She is a likable main character, no-nonsense and strong-willed. One might even call her a woman before her time. The author hasn’t tried to create perfection. She’s everything a woman is—strong, gritty, flawed, and tender. We have the privilege of knowing her thoughts throughout, and she often slips into memories of times past. Through these moments, we come to truly know her.
I was struck almost immediately by Vogt’s strong visual prose, which she establishes through concrete sensory details and layered imagery. She does a wonderful job setting the scene. It’s lyrical and atmospheric, with nature-forward language. As a reader, you aren’t just in a forest, but in its layers. The pacing is gentle, reading like a slow walk rather than a sprint. At times, though, I wanted to at least jog when we were walking. Her prose is also softly poetic without tipping into purple prose. I especially enjoyed her use of magical realism in many of Minnie’s solo moments.
In the Great Quiet is a solid choice for fans of historical fiction, especially those who crave an authentic-feeling setting and a well-rounded main character. I always try to suggest similar reads, but I find myself struggling with this one. It’s a vibe unto itself. I’ll try, though, with some previously reviewed titles on this site. The setting is as well done as in The Other Moctezuma Girls, and the story itself sits on a level with Loon Point. Definitely give this one a go if you enjoyed those aspects of either book.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓 — beautifully written, but the slower pacing didn’t always hold my attention
Let's Discuss
Could you truly live alone, cut off from others, to build a life of your own?
I read a digital copy made available by Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
📚 More book reviews and bookish content:
March 22, 2026
I finished this book with more relief than satisfaction. While the premise had potential, the writing style made it a struggle to stay engaged from beginning to end. The prose felt heavy and overly drawn out, turning even simple moments into long-winded passages that seemed to go nowhere. Instead of drawing me into the story, it created distance—I found myself rereading sections not out of interest, but because my mind kept drifting.
The pacing didn’t help either. Scenes lingered far beyond their impact, and the narrative lacked the rhythm needed to build momentum. Characters, who might have been compelling under a different hand, felt flat simply because their development was buried under dense, monotonous description.
By the time I reached the final pages, I wasn’t eager to see how it would all come together—I was just ready for it to be over. Finishing the book felt less like completing a journey and more like ticking off a task.
Unfortunately, this is one of those reads where the writing style overshadows everything else, making it difficult to recommend unless you have an exceptional amount of patience for slow, laborious prose.
The pacing didn’t help either. Scenes lingered far beyond their impact, and the narrative lacked the rhythm needed to build momentum. Characters, who might have been compelling under a different hand, felt flat simply because their development was buried under dense, monotonous description.
By the time I reached the final pages, I wasn’t eager to see how it would all come together—I was just ready for it to be over. Finishing the book felt less like completing a journey and more like ticking off a task.
Unfortunately, this is one of those reads where the writing style overshadows everything else, making it difficult to recommend unless you have an exceptional amount of patience for slow, laborious prose.
October 7, 2025
A pioneer story I absolutely devoured! Loved the setting and loved the characters. Minnie is a great main character. She’s relatable and feisty and an empowered woman. Loved her friendship with Stot. This book had the perfect amount of action and adventure to keep me hooked till the last page. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2026
If you want a slow story that is beautifully written, then this is for you. If you want a beautifully written action-packed western in the same vein as Lonesome Dove, then skip this. I gave 3 stars out of guilt, because this truly isn’t for me but that’s just due to my personal preferences and not because there was anything actually wrong with it!
October 28, 2025
A big thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced readers' copy!
Kind of putting this in the 3.5/5 range. I love the prose and the way the author described life on the Oklahoma plains, but the story never really quite hooked me. She had me suckered in with the way life is described with relatable lushness, well as the minutiae of maintaining land, but the core conflicts of the book felt like they preceded too slow, only to be quickly resolved at the end within a few pages.
The romance between Minnie and Stot was cute, but their banter felt a little.. misplaced for the time period? Like don't get me wrong, I love some good banter between couples, but it felt out of place in comparison to the customs and ways that shaped Minnie's life. I think a little less couple-style banter would've made their relationship feel more real? That's just me though.
The core conflict of the book,
I had some feelings about how the Native American characters are presented in this book, but seeing as I'm white, take what I say with a grain of salt. While they are lovingly researched, realistically written, and treated with respect, Niabi and Wa-ah-zho's overall place in the story felt largely out of place and unconnected with the overall plot, making me question why they were included to begin with. Most of Minnie's core conflicts take place outside and unrelated to Osage Nation, and while I can absolutely see white homesteaders befriending the people from Osage Nation, their prominence in the story felt more like lip service rather than something interconnected to the overall story. It doesn't help that Niabi and Wa-ah-zho are almost like utopian foils of Minnie and Stot, incidentally reinforcing the trope of indigenous people in fiction being morally superior to their white counterparts.
Anyway, I did like this book, but I didn't love it. I will be looking forward to the author's future works, as I love the author's writing style, and hope she continues to write more in the future!
Kind of putting this in the 3.5/5 range. I love the prose and the way the author described life on the Oklahoma plains, but the story never really quite hooked me. She had me suckered in with the way life is described with relatable lushness, well as the minutiae of maintaining land, but the core conflicts of the book felt like they preceded too slow, only to be quickly resolved at the end within a few pages.
The romance between Minnie and Stot was cute, but their banter felt a little.. misplaced for the time period? Like don't get me wrong, I love some good banter between couples, but it felt out of place in comparison to the customs and ways that shaped Minnie's life. I think a little less couple-style banter would've made their relationship feel more real? That's just me though.
The core conflict of the book,
I had some feelings about how the Native American characters are presented in this book, but seeing as I'm white, take what I say with a grain of salt. While they are lovingly researched, realistically written, and treated with respect, Niabi and Wa-ah-zho's overall place in the story felt largely out of place and unconnected with the overall plot, making me question why they were included to begin with. Most of Minnie's core conflicts take place outside and unrelated to Osage Nation, and while I can absolutely see white homesteaders befriending the people from Osage Nation, their prominence in the story felt more like lip service rather than something interconnected to the overall story. It doesn't help that Niabi and Wa-ah-zho are almost like utopian foils of Minnie and Stot, incidentally reinforcing the trope of indigenous people in fiction being morally superior to their white counterparts.
Anyway, I did like this book, but I didn't love it. I will be looking forward to the author's future works, as I love the author's writing style, and hope she continues to write more in the future!
October 24, 2025
This book was amazing from start to finish. From the very first chapter, I was completely pulled in and didn’t want to put it down. There’s such a quiet strength to the story — a softness wrapped in sorrow, hope, and healing. The author captures the ache of struggle so beautifully that it almost feels like you’re living it right alongside the characters. And yet, through all the pain, there’s this persistent thread of hope that reminds you how resilient the human heart can be.
The character growth was especially moving. Watching each person slowly find their way, stumble, and rise again felt so genuine and heartfelt. Nothing about their transformation felt rushed — it was tender, steady, and filled with emotion. By the end, I found myself both teary and comforted, as if I’d walked through something sacred with them.
Laura Vogt’s writing has a peaceful rhythm to it — the kind that makes you want to slow down and savor every line. It’s one of those rare stories that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book, leaving you quieter, softer, and somehow more hopeful than before. I received this book through Net Galley and all opinions are my own.
The character growth was especially moving. Watching each person slowly find their way, stumble, and rise again felt so genuine and heartfelt. Nothing about their transformation felt rushed — it was tender, steady, and filled with emotion. By the end, I found myself both teary and comforted, as if I’d walked through something sacred with them.
Laura Vogt’s writing has a peaceful rhythm to it — the kind that makes you want to slow down and savor every line. It’s one of those rare stories that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book, leaving you quieter, softer, and somehow more hopeful than before. I received this book through Net Galley and all opinions are my own.
March 25, 2026
Minnie’s story got entangled among all the metaphors, similies, imagery, imaginary voices and flashbacks, making her story scattered. While I liked the plot all the way through, I would lose focus reading numerous lyrical-type sentences one after another.
March 8, 2026
I’m not good at writing reviews but I felt like I had to express my frustration. First I did like this book. My great grandmother was born in Nebraska in 1873 so would have been a contemporary of Minnie. She traveled with her family to Oregon on the Oregon trail, so I was looking forward to the story and some sections were IMO very well written. I would have loved more detail but it’s basically a historical romance, not a journal or non fiction so that is acceptable. I did enjoy the book overall thus the 3 stars. However, three points irritated me so much, they spoiled the story for me. 1. What’s with her collarbone? I never seen that word repeated so many times in one place. It was an annoying tic. 2. I disliked the color descriptors. It was like reading the names in a box of colored pencils. Enough already, a list of colors is not a description IMO. 3. The voices. I think the author meant this underlying theme to be an important part of this story but for me it was not flushed out as well as it could have been and/or it went over my head and I was not engaged. Of course, I’m not an author so kudos for the accomplishment.
April 14, 2026
I was interested in this book based on the topic of a single female claiming her own homestead. Unfortunately I was immediately put off by the writing style. The author uses so many adjectives in her descriptive paragraphs, of which there are a great many. Even dialogue is peppered with descriptions about the characters. I also felt there were too many issues being addressed — destruction of the Native culture, women’s rights, sibling relationships, trust in friendships, the land itself and the secrets it holds. I felt the author was trying too hard to delve into multiple topics, and the book ended up dragging on because of it.
October 24, 2025
I’m going back and forth about In the Great Quiet.
At times, I liked Minnie. At other times, I really, really did not.
The whimsical writing style vacillated between poignant and too esoteric for me.
I loved the setting and the secondary characters (Olive and The Lawman especially) but I did not enjoy the story as a whole, as I thought I would.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
At times, I liked Minnie. At other times, I really, really did not.
The whimsical writing style vacillated between poignant and too esoteric for me.
I loved the setting and the secondary characters (Olive and The Lawman especially) but I did not enjoy the story as a whole, as I thought I would.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 19, 2026
In The Great Quiet by Laura Vogt
Thanks to @kccpr for this gifted copy! I loved it!
I have been looking for more historical fiction set in this time period and I was thrilled when this pioneer era book showed up on my doorstep. I love reading about the frontier and homesteading. Minnie was a fabulous main character and her connection to the author left me astounded. This was a wonderful story of survival, love, and a woman’s connection to her land. Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction!
Thanks to @kccpr for this gifted copy! I loved it!
I have been looking for more historical fiction set in this time period and I was thrilled when this pioneer era book showed up on my doorstep. I love reading about the frontier and homesteading. Minnie was a fabulous main character and her connection to the author left me astounded. This was a wonderful story of survival, love, and a woman’s connection to her land. Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction!
May 19, 2026
This was such a good story about true grit, survival & overall finding the courage to let someone in! This is a slow burn western romance about how tough our FMC is & her fierce determination to start a homestead that’s her own! The characters were good but the only part I didn’t understand the relevance of was the view of “Mother Earth” but other than that I liked the story! Would definitely recommend if this is your type of genre & trope!
June 3, 2026
The best part of this book is that it finally ended! Oh my gosh this was the most obnoxious book! The author had an obsession with colors and every single thing in the book had to have a color to describe it. I’ve never seen more adjectives used in a single paragraph. Then there are whole chapters of “the earth” speaking. The flashbacks to other time lines were so confusing and you can’t figure out if she’s talking about now or years ago. Honestly there was nothing positive I can say about this book. The FMC was so annoying and would bite your head off if you tried to help her. I hate women in books that would rather freeze to death than to admit you were cold and needed to borrow a jacket.
April 19, 2026
I loved this protrayal of a strong, but flawed, pioneer woman fighting against all odds in the days of the Land Rush. I was slightly disappointed that most of the challenges driving her from her childhood home are never clearly resolved. The pages are filled with beautiful descriptive writing, and the ending is sweet but a bit unfilling. Since the writer based this story on her own family history, I expected the main character's life to cover more years of her life after the Land Rush. I am hoping for a second story that will take us there. I would read more by this author for sure.
December 12, 2025
In the Great Quiet swept me away so completely that closing the book felt like coming back from another lifetime. Laura Vogt has crafted a stunning love letter to the Oklahoma prairie of 1893, its silence, its vastness, its dangers, and its unexpected tenderness. As a French reader who didn’t grow up steeped in the mythology of the American West, I found myself utterly enchanted. The world felt new, alive, and achingly real.
This novel radiates care. Every sentence is gorgeous, evocative, and placed with such intention that you can almost hear the wind across the prairie grass. The story draws you so close to the land and its people that you don’t just see them... you feel them. The title couldn’t be more perfect: there is a deep, resonant quiet running through the book, a stillness that holds both hardship and hope.
And let’s talk about that slow burn. MY GOD. The tension, the longing, the deliciously patient unfolding of connection... I was basically feral! It is so rare to find a historical story that handles romance with such restraint and intensity, all while keeping women at the center of the narrative. Cowboys + frontier history + a woman’s interior world = my entire brand now, apparently.
This is the kind of novel that makes you fall in love with a place you’ve never been and a past you never lived. It feels intimate, lived-in, and profoundly human. I’m genuinely grateful to have read it, and even more grateful that the author trusted me with a galley. If you love atmospheric writing, slow-burn romance, frontier stories, or simply books that take your breath away, please read this. Thank you for the privilege, Laura.
In the Great Quiet is, quite simply, phenomenal.
This novel radiates care. Every sentence is gorgeous, evocative, and placed with such intention that you can almost hear the wind across the prairie grass. The story draws you so close to the land and its people that you don’t just see them... you feel them. The title couldn’t be more perfect: there is a deep, resonant quiet running through the book, a stillness that holds both hardship and hope.
And let’s talk about that slow burn. MY GOD. The tension, the longing, the deliciously patient unfolding of connection... I was basically feral! It is so rare to find a historical story that handles romance with such restraint and intensity, all while keeping women at the center of the narrative. Cowboys + frontier history + a woman’s interior world = my entire brand now, apparently.
This is the kind of novel that makes you fall in love with a place you’ve never been and a past you never lived. It feels intimate, lived-in, and profoundly human. I’m genuinely grateful to have read it, and even more grateful that the author trusted me with a galley. If you love atmospheric writing, slow-burn romance, frontier stories, or simply books that take your breath away, please read this. Thank you for the privilege, Laura.
In the Great Quiet is, quite simply, phenomenal.
March 29, 2026
It turns out I don't need to write a review because I was able to just copy and paste this snippet from someone else's review that is exactly what I hated about the book. This reader gave the book 3 stars, but I don't know how. I would have given this book 1 star, but I reserve those for books I don't finish. This one only gets a 2 because I did.
Anyway, these are the biggest issues I had with the book: 1. What’s with her collarbone? I never seen that word repeated so many times in one place. It was an annoying tic. 2. I disliked the color descriptors. It was like reading the names in a box of colored pencils. Enough already, a list of colors is not a description IMO. 3. The voices. I think the author meant this underlying theme to be an important part of this story but for me it was not flushed out as well as it could have been and/or it went over my head and I was not engaged.
Anyway, these are the biggest issues I had with the book: 1. What’s with her collarbone? I never seen that word repeated so many times in one place. It was an annoying tic. 2. I disliked the color descriptors. It was like reading the names in a box of colored pencils. Enough already, a list of colors is not a description IMO. 3. The voices. I think the author meant this underlying theme to be an important part of this story but for me it was not flushed out as well as it could have been and/or it went over my head and I was not engaged.
April 22, 2026
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for gifting this to me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was such a beautiful historical fiction, and knowing it was inspired by the author’s own family story made it feel even more special. You could really feel the heart behind it, and the characters felt so alive that the story was incredibly easy to sink into. I also had no idea while reading that this was a debut novel, which honestly made me even more impressed. If you’re a fan of Kristin Hannah, especially The Four Winds, I really think this is a must read. It has that same sweeping, emotional quality that pulls you in, and it definitely left me excited to read more.
Now, for the review, I really loved Minnie and the way the author brought her to life. She felt headstrong, strong willed, and incredibly easy to connect with. Watching her try to build a life for herself during the land rush was so compelling, and what made it even better was how vividly the rest of the cast was written too. Their personalities all came through so clearly that it almost felt like you were right there alongside them, forming those connections yourself.
I also really loved the romance part of the plot. The love interest is someone who is seen as an outlaw, and I thought the way their connection developed was so well done. It was subtle, but you could feel it slowly building, and I loved watching that unfold.
Another part I really loved was the way the land itself felt so central to the story. Minnie’s connection to the earth, the women who came before her, and her friendships with the Native tribes added so much depth. You could really feel the care that went into the research on the local tribes in that area, and I thought that came through beautifully in the writing. It was detailed and thoughtfully woven in, and it felt like it was handled with a real sense of respect for the history and the heritage.
I also did this as an immersive read, and I really loved the audiobook version as well. It added so much to the experience for me and made it even easier to fully settle into the story.
Absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it to fans who enjoy these sort of historical fiction tales.
This was such a beautiful historical fiction, and knowing it was inspired by the author’s own family story made it feel even more special. You could really feel the heart behind it, and the characters felt so alive that the story was incredibly easy to sink into. I also had no idea while reading that this was a debut novel, which honestly made me even more impressed. If you’re a fan of Kristin Hannah, especially The Four Winds, I really think this is a must read. It has that same sweeping, emotional quality that pulls you in, and it definitely left me excited to read more.
Now, for the review, I really loved Minnie and the way the author brought her to life. She felt headstrong, strong willed, and incredibly easy to connect with. Watching her try to build a life for herself during the land rush was so compelling, and what made it even better was how vividly the rest of the cast was written too. Their personalities all came through so clearly that it almost felt like you were right there alongside them, forming those connections yourself.
I also really loved the romance part of the plot. The love interest is someone who is seen as an outlaw, and I thought the way their connection developed was so well done. It was subtle, but you could feel it slowly building, and I loved watching that unfold.
Another part I really loved was the way the land itself felt so central to the story. Minnie’s connection to the earth, the women who came before her, and her friendships with the Native tribes added so much depth. You could really feel the care that went into the research on the local tribes in that area, and I thought that came through beautifully in the writing. It was detailed and thoughtfully woven in, and it felt like it was handled with a real sense of respect for the history and the heritage.
I also did this as an immersive read, and I really loved the audiobook version as well. It added so much to the experience for me and made it even easier to fully settle into the story.
Absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it to fans who enjoy these sort of historical fiction tales.
April 10, 2026
I listened to In the Great Quiet by Laura Vogt on audiobook, narrated by Abigail Reno, and I ended up enjoying this one.
So this is technically historical fiction, but to me it leaned much more into historical romance. And just to set expectations, this is very PG. Completely clean, no spice, so if that’s your preference, this is an easy one to pick up.
The story follows Minnie Hoopes during the Oklahoma land rush, and one of my favorite things about it was how much it pulled me into that time period. I learned some things about land claims and claim jumpers that I hadn’t really come across before, and that’s always a win for me with historical fiction. It really helped me picture what that life would have actually felt like.
The writing itself was strong. There were so many moments where the descriptions of the land and the setting just felt really vivid, like you could actually see it. You could feel how isolated it was, how harsh it could be, and also how beautiful.
And I do want to talk about the audiobook for a second because Abigail Reno did a really good job here. I’ve listened to her narrate a thriller before, and this felt much more in her lane. Her voice really fits that prairie settler tone and it added a lot to the overall experience.
I also thought it was a nice touch that this was based on the author’s ancestors. There’s an author’s note at the end where she talks about that connection, and it just added a little extra meaning to the story.
Overall, I gave this 3.75 stars, but I’m rounding it up to 4. I think it’s worth the time, especially if you love historical fiction with a strong romance element and a really immersive setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the complimentary advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
So this is technically historical fiction, but to me it leaned much more into historical romance. And just to set expectations, this is very PG. Completely clean, no spice, so if that’s your preference, this is an easy one to pick up.
The story follows Minnie Hoopes during the Oklahoma land rush, and one of my favorite things about it was how much it pulled me into that time period. I learned some things about land claims and claim jumpers that I hadn’t really come across before, and that’s always a win for me with historical fiction. It really helped me picture what that life would have actually felt like.
The writing itself was strong. There were so many moments where the descriptions of the land and the setting just felt really vivid, like you could actually see it. You could feel how isolated it was, how harsh it could be, and also how beautiful.
And I do want to talk about the audiobook for a second because Abigail Reno did a really good job here. I’ve listened to her narrate a thriller before, and this felt much more in her lane. Her voice really fits that prairie settler tone and it added a lot to the overall experience.
I also thought it was a nice touch that this was based on the author’s ancestors. There’s an author’s note at the end where she talks about that connection, and it just added a little extra meaning to the story.
Overall, I gave this 3.75 stars, but I’m rounding it up to 4. I think it’s worth the time, especially if you love historical fiction with a strong romance element and a really immersive setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the complimentary advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2026
This is a great story set in the 1890's in Oklahoma. A woman haunted by her past is searching for a home. This is the time of the land rush and she claims her homestead. I loved the main character Minnie. I was captivated from beginning to end. I enjoy good pioneer stories.
The author is the great, great granddaughter of Minnie Hoopes.
The author is the great, great granddaughter of Minnie Hoopes.
April 7, 2026
3.5⭐️
April 21, 2026
Adult Little House and the Prairie and I loved it! The descriptions felt very much "Louis L'amour" and it was captivating!
May 28, 2026
***4.5/5 Stars***
In the Great Quiet was a historical fiction that had a richness and depth that will easily captivate you. Starting with the Oklahoma land rush, I was rooting for Minnie. For her dreams to have her own land. To be on her own and make her own way. She was brave, resilient, and so strong. But Stot knew her secret, that she killed two men to protect herself on her new land. And as their story unfolded, I was swept away into their world.
I wasn’t sure what to think of the cowboy Stot besides he was quiet, resourceful, and seemed to do what was right. And when it came to Minnie, the banter between them was so much fun. Which I loved because Minnie could come across as stoic to others around her. As we watched neighbors start to knock down her walls and become like family, the tension slowly built to a simmer between Minnie and Stot. Their path was riddled with obstacles, but I kept the hope alive!
As the seasons passed, there were life and death moments, hardships, and learning where to draw the line from those that were supposed to be there for you but weren’t. I was enraptured by Minnie’s life and all that she went through. I also loved the slow burn romance and how it ended with a wonderful happily ever after. In the Great Quiet was a beautiful historical story about the Wild West that will whisk you away!
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To hope, after encountering the bleakness of the world, I wasn’t sure there was a greater bravery.
In the Great Quiet was a historical fiction that had a richness and depth that will easily captivate you. Starting with the Oklahoma land rush, I was rooting for Minnie. For her dreams to have her own land. To be on her own and make her own way. She was brave, resilient, and so strong. But Stot knew her secret, that she killed two men to protect herself on her new land. And as their story unfolded, I was swept away into their world.
I crossed my arms, mirroring him. “I don’t trust you.”
“No one said anything about trust, darling.”
I wasn’t sure what to think of the cowboy Stot besides he was quiet, resourceful, and seemed to do what was right. And when it came to Minnie, the banter between them was so much fun. Which I loved because Minnie could come across as stoic to others around her. As we watched neighbors start to knock down her walls and become like family, the tension slowly built to a simmer between Minnie and Stot. Their path was riddled with obstacles, but I kept the hope alive!
“Arguing with me is the most fun you’ve had in weeks,” he said.
“You’re dreaming.”
As the seasons passed, there were life and death moments, hardships, and learning where to draw the line from those that were supposed to be there for you but weren’t. I was enraptured by Minnie’s life and all that she went through. I also loved the slow burn romance and how it ended with a wonderful happily ever after. In the Great Quiet was a beautiful historical story about the Wild West that will whisk you away!
He skimmed his fingertips above the gash at my temple. “I’ll kill him.”
For more of my reviews, please visit:
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May 16, 2026
I am sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this one. I picked this because it qualified for the May Flowers kindle reading challenge and it sounded interesting but...it really wasn't for me. The author's writing style just doesn't work for me...an overuse of adjectives and descriptions that just completely pulled me out of the story...it just didn't feel natural...sometimes less is more. The main character we follow...Minnie...she also felt...off. I usually don't mind characters that have a bit more of a modern take to them even in a historical setting (and I'm aware this is based on an ancestor of the author and personal family history to a degree so I mean this respectfully)...but in this story it felt too forced and very surface level. It just wasn't for me and it's not something I see myself recommending...but it was free to read/listen to with Kindle Unlimited so it didn't cost me anything extra. If I didn't have the audio...I don't think I would have finished this. I did like the narration on the audio...for what that's worth.
April 5, 2026
I went into The Great Quiet expecting a more propulsive story, but the narrative never generates much tension or urgency. What should feel like a driving force (murder) instead fades into the background, leaving the plot feeling surprisingly thin.
The novel leans heavily on landscape and abstract reflections on spiritual connection to land and ancestry. While clearly intentional, these passages often felt repetitive and too vague to land emotionally. I kept waiting for a stronger sense of character or a more grounded exploration of these themes, but the writing remained at a distance.
I didn’t hate this book, but I found it underwhelming. For a story built around such a stark act of violence, it feels oddly muted. It is more invested in atmosphere than in character or consequence, and ultimately lacking the emotional impact I was hoping for.
The novel leans heavily on landscape and abstract reflections on spiritual connection to land and ancestry. While clearly intentional, these passages often felt repetitive and too vague to land emotionally. I kept waiting for a stronger sense of character or a more grounded exploration of these themes, but the writing remained at a distance.
I didn’t hate this book, but I found it underwhelming. For a story built around such a stark act of violence, it feels oddly muted. It is more invested in atmosphere than in character or consequence, and ultimately lacking the emotional impact I was hoping for.
April 10, 2026
I cannot possibly encapsulate the magic and beauty of this book into a review. It is poetic, enchanting, gritty, unlike any story or prose I have ever read. Minnie is not just a character or an ancestor, she's an example of what an intrepid woman is capable of; a powerful reminder that, just like Minnie and the women who have come before us, we are strong and more than able to forge our own ways in this life. I will undoubtedly be reading this story again and again.
April 24, 2026
I thought this started well and then trailed off disappointingly. It’s the story of a woman settler, building a homestead as settlers move west in 19th century America. It’s loosely based on the authors own great grandmother. It’s an ambitious attempt to juggle complicated narratives. The contradiction it attempts to tackle is that between the empowering experience of owning your own land for the settlers, particularly women, a black family who have escaped enslavement - people with their own oppression for whom this was a life changing opportunity- and the genocide this is based on. This was always going to be difficult to do, but potential interesting and thought provoking. There was a bit of that to begin with, with a strong, independent female character struggling to establish herself in a man’s world. Then the whole narrative got engulfed by a rather Mills and Boon love affair, and the resolution of other issues all became a bit too cosy. There’s also a magical/mystical strand about the land, and ghostly connections with all the women who have lived on it, which distracted, rather than added anything for me, and somehow shifted the politics behind it in a way I wasn’t entirely comfortable with.
May 9, 2026
Interesting story about a land rush in the late 1800's. Minnie was planning to be in the rush with her sister and brothers. Her brothers wanted their own land, and her sister got married and stayed in Oklahoma, so Minnie goes on the rush all by herself. She establishes a one room home and had some horses and a cow. The story is confusing to me because Minnie hears/sees visions of other women of the land. She feels the earth/wind/etc. speaks to her regarding the crops, the weather and some dangers from outlaws.
March 9, 2026
4.5/5
Settle in. Listen. I have stories to tell.
Thus starts the amazing story that is this book. It's heart warming in a quiet way that the title suggests. It's beautiful, dark at places but it never loses hope. Even in the darkest moment.
This was my pick for the Amazon First Read. Even though as a guy I might not be a target audience, it looked promising. But it beat all the expectations. It's the author's debut novel, that has been quite some time in the making and it's simply a work of love. I was born in Europe and never knew much about homesteading or Oklahoma for that matter, but Minnie's story immediately drew me in.
I’d never much respected rules. And that was what scared me. Not prophecies of blood or ruin, but my thirst for so much, for everything, for something of my own
She's loud, she's all fire and hard edges, but most of all, she's incredibly brave. At a time where women could hardly own anything, she doesn't just survive, she manages to thrive. And through the whole book she learns how to be more open with others. And when her past finally catches up with her, she does the right thing.
I’d begun this race believing I was without control, but I now knew: I was unwavering and resolute. I would rebuild what was broken.
And so the story weaves together, past and future. I didn't completely get the parts about Earth at first, but over time, they grew on me. Is this completely historically accurate? Hardly. It was never the intent. But it's a great story to tell. All the side characters are also pretty cool. Niabi, Olive, Magnolie are all well thought out and add to the tapestry. And then there's Stot. Who is of course handsome and amazing but has a dark past.
“And yet I wouldn’t erase what once was. I have remembrances of her, the belief that somewhere, sometimes, there’s beauty in humanity.”
And so the story concludes not with a bang, but with becoming part of the tapestry.
“I’ve been terrified. Terrified that if I lived, I’d ruin the world—”
Except Minnie doesn't. And Laura doesn't. The world is a better place thanks to women like Minnie, and thanks to Laura and her book.
Settle in. Listen. I have stories to tell.
Thus starts the amazing story that is this book. It's heart warming in a quiet way that the title suggests. It's beautiful, dark at places but it never loses hope. Even in the darkest moment.
This was my pick for the Amazon First Read. Even though as a guy I might not be a target audience, it looked promising. But it beat all the expectations. It's the author's debut novel, that has been quite some time in the making and it's simply a work of love. I was born in Europe and never knew much about homesteading or Oklahoma for that matter, but Minnie's story immediately drew me in.
I’d never much respected rules. And that was what scared me. Not prophecies of blood or ruin, but my thirst for so much, for everything, for something of my own
She's loud, she's all fire and hard edges, but most of all, she's incredibly brave. At a time where women could hardly own anything, she doesn't just survive, she manages to thrive. And through the whole book she learns how to be more open with others. And when her past finally catches up with her, she does the right thing.
I’d begun this race believing I was without control, but I now knew: I was unwavering and resolute. I would rebuild what was broken.
And so the story weaves together, past and future. I didn't completely get the parts about Earth at first, but over time, they grew on me. Is this completely historically accurate? Hardly. It was never the intent. But it's a great story to tell. All the side characters are also pretty cool. Niabi, Olive, Magnolie are all well thought out and add to the tapestry. And then there's Stot. Who is of course handsome and amazing but has a dark past.
“And yet I wouldn’t erase what once was. I have remembrances of her, the belief that somewhere, sometimes, there’s beauty in humanity.”
And so the story concludes not with a bang, but with becoming part of the tapestry.
“I’ve been terrified. Terrified that if I lived, I’d ruin the world—”
Except Minnie doesn't. And Laura doesn't. The world is a better place thanks to women like Minnie, and thanks to Laura and her book.
June 6, 2026
Masterful Story Telling
Lauren Voght’s In the Great Quiet is a beautifully atmospheric novel that excels in mood but stumbles slightly in momentum. It is a deeply contemplative story that will heavily reward patient readers, though it may frustrate those looking for a faster plot.
The Positive
Immersive Worldbuilding: Voght has a masterful command of atmosphere. The setting itself feels like a living, breathing character. The sense of isolation and the stark, quiet landscapes she describes are incredibly vivid and stay with you long after you put the book down.
Prose Quality: The writing is gorgeous. Voght uses lyrical, poetic language that makes even mundane moments feel significant. There are dozens of lines worth underlining just for the sheer beauty of the phrasing.
Thematic Depth: The book explores themes of grief, solitude, and the human relationship with nature in a very raw, authentic way. It doesn’t offer easy answers, which makes the emotional payoff feel earned.
The Negative
Pacing Issues: The middle section of the book slows down significantly. Because the focus is so heavily on internal reflection and atmosphere, the narrative drive stalls out for a few chapters, making it easy to put down and hard to pick back up.
Passive Protagonist: While the main character is deeply sympathetic, they often feel reactive rather than proactive. Major plot points tend to happen to them rather than being driven by their choices, which dampens the stakes.
Ambiguous Resolution: The ending leans heavily into ambiguity. While some will appreciate the artistic choice, others might find that it leaves too many threads untangled, making the conclusion feel a bit abrupt.
The Verdict: A gorgeous, meditative read that captures the weight of silence perfectly. It is a 5-star achievement for prose and atmosphere, but a 2-star experience for pacing, landing it at a solid 3.5 stars. Recommended for fans of slow-burn, character-driven literary fiction.
Lauren Voght’s In the Great Quiet is a beautifully atmospheric novel that excels in mood but stumbles slightly in momentum. It is a deeply contemplative story that will heavily reward patient readers, though it may frustrate those looking for a faster plot.
The Positive
Immersive Worldbuilding: Voght has a masterful command of atmosphere. The setting itself feels like a living, breathing character. The sense of isolation and the stark, quiet landscapes she describes are incredibly vivid and stay with you long after you put the book down.
Prose Quality: The writing is gorgeous. Voght uses lyrical, poetic language that makes even mundane moments feel significant. There are dozens of lines worth underlining just for the sheer beauty of the phrasing.
Thematic Depth: The book explores themes of grief, solitude, and the human relationship with nature in a very raw, authentic way. It doesn’t offer easy answers, which makes the emotional payoff feel earned.
The Negative
Pacing Issues: The middle section of the book slows down significantly. Because the focus is so heavily on internal reflection and atmosphere, the narrative drive stalls out for a few chapters, making it easy to put down and hard to pick back up.
Passive Protagonist: While the main character is deeply sympathetic, they often feel reactive rather than proactive. Major plot points tend to happen to them rather than being driven by their choices, which dampens the stakes.
Ambiguous Resolution: The ending leans heavily into ambiguity. While some will appreciate the artistic choice, others might find that it leaves too many threads untangled, making the conclusion feel a bit abrupt.
The Verdict: A gorgeous, meditative read that captures the weight of silence perfectly. It is a 5-star achievement for prose and atmosphere, but a 2-star experience for pacing, landing it at a solid 3.5 stars. Recommended for fans of slow-burn, character-driven literary fiction.
April 30, 2026
I liked the premise and the author’s descriptive language in regard to the land - so beautiful, yay Oklahoma - but I found the pacing the be challenging and a bit scattered, so I wasn’t super captivated despite the intensity of the situation at hand. I would have also liked to read more resolution, especially with the strained relationships back home.
Some reviews are comparing it to Little House on the Prairie and I’d like to say I actually wish it was MORE like LHOP! I wanted more depictions of the day-to-day work required for Minnie to start her life. There’s references to tasks (digging a well, planting a tree, mending a fence) but there isn’t actually descriptions of the thought processes and priorities of a pioneer life; the homesteading tasks are background filler, the setting of a romance that could have likely happened in just about any time period 🤷🏼♀️ It frustrated me that she’s like “oh no I might not survive the winter” and then all she thinks about is Stot. Excuse me ma’am, how did you practically survive the winter? What did you even eat??? There’s talk of how hard it is to homestead, but it’s told and not shown, and I think that’s my main beef. I really wanted grown up LHOP!
Some reviews are comparing it to Little House on the Prairie and I’d like to say I actually wish it was MORE like LHOP! I wanted more depictions of the day-to-day work required for Minnie to start her life. There’s references to tasks (digging a well, planting a tree, mending a fence) but there isn’t actually descriptions of the thought processes and priorities of a pioneer life; the homesteading tasks are background filler, the setting of a romance that could have likely happened in just about any time period 🤷🏼♀️ It frustrated me that she’s like “oh no I might not survive the winter” and then all she thinks about is Stot. Excuse me ma’am, how did you practically survive the winter? What did you even eat??? There’s talk of how hard it is to homestead, but it’s told and not shown, and I think that’s my main beef. I really wanted grown up LHOP!
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