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Secrets in the Woods
On October 8, 1871, fire turned night into a living hell.
While Chicago's blaze claimed the headlines, a fiercer and more devastating inferno swept across Wisconsin's Green Bay peninsula-obliterating farms, forests, and families in its path.
Here, among immigrant settlers carving new lives from the wilderness, survival came down to split-second to run, to hide, to fight the flames. Mothers shielded children with their bodies, fathers vanished into smoke, and neighbors faced the firestorm with nothing but faith and will.
Inspired by forgotten accounts and newspaper fragments, Secrets in the Woods brings to life the untold human drama of one of America's most harrowing nights-a story of resilience, loss, and the fragile hope that rises from the ashes.
While Chicago's blaze claimed the headlines, a fiercer and more devastating inferno swept across Wisconsin's Green Bay peninsula-obliterating farms, forests, and families in its path.
Here, among immigrant settlers carving new lives from the wilderness, survival came down to split-second to run, to hide, to fight the flames. Mothers shielded children with their bodies, fathers vanished into smoke, and neighbors faced the firestorm with nothing but faith and will.
Inspired by forgotten accounts and newspaper fragments, Secrets in the Woods brings to life the untold human drama of one of America's most harrowing nights-a story of resilience, loss, and the fragile hope that rises from the ashes.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2025
8 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)
Secrets in the Woods is a beautifully rendered, deeply human exploration of loss, resilience, and remembrance surrounding the Great Fires of October 8, 1871. Susan Levitte gives voice to a part of history too often overshadowed by the Chicago Fire — the tragedy that struck Wisconsin’s east side of the Bay of Green Bay.
I’ll admit, the story began as a slow burn for me. The early chapters focus heavily on character development — a hallmark of good historical fiction, but one that requires patience as the world and its people come to life. Once the emotional core began to reveal itself, however, I found myself completely absorbed. The interviews and first-hand accounts were rendered with such care and empathy that I felt as though I were sitting beside the survivors themselves, hearing their memories flicker like firelight.
Levitte’s attention to emotional truth is remarkable. Her writing doesn’t just recount history — it honors it. Still, I found myself wishing that some of the fascinating factual background and historical detail she includes at the end of the book had been woven throughout the narrative. Those pieces add context and depth that could have made the emotional impact even greater.
Despite that small wish, this book left a lasting impression on me. It’s both a memorial and a reminder — that even in the ashes of unimaginable loss, there are stories worth remembering, voices worth lifting, and truths worth telling.
Secrets in the Woods is a moving tribute to those forgotten by time — and a must-read for anyone who values historical fiction grounded in compassion and authenticity.
Secrets in the Woods is a beautifully rendered, deeply human exploration of loss, resilience, and remembrance surrounding the Great Fires of October 8, 1871. Susan Levitte gives voice to a part of history too often overshadowed by the Chicago Fire — the tragedy that struck Wisconsin’s east side of the Bay of Green Bay.
I’ll admit, the story began as a slow burn for me. The early chapters focus heavily on character development — a hallmark of good historical fiction, but one that requires patience as the world and its people come to life. Once the emotional core began to reveal itself, however, I found myself completely absorbed. The interviews and first-hand accounts were rendered with such care and empathy that I felt as though I were sitting beside the survivors themselves, hearing their memories flicker like firelight.
Levitte’s attention to emotional truth is remarkable. Her writing doesn’t just recount history — it honors it. Still, I found myself wishing that some of the fascinating factual background and historical detail she includes at the end of the book had been woven throughout the narrative. Those pieces add context and depth that could have made the emotional impact even greater.
Despite that small wish, this book left a lasting impression on me. It’s both a memorial and a reminder — that even in the ashes of unimaginable loss, there are stories worth remembering, voices worth lifting, and truths worth telling.
Secrets in the Woods is a moving tribute to those forgotten by time — and a must-read for anyone who values historical fiction grounded in compassion and authenticity.
October 7, 2025
Well written historical fiction about the ‘other’ Great Fire of 1871 – Chicago wasn’t the only place that burned that October, fires raged in Wisconsin and Michigan, as well as Illinois, something that I was unaware of before reading this book. It turns out there were reasons for that, which are touched on lightly with a little bit of journalism history.
I enjoyed the inclusion of different perspectives offered at the end of the book; I wasn’t expecting the transition away from the main story to different ‘eyewitness’ accounts which enriched the backstories and aftermaths.
The author totally committed to researching this tragic event, taking it beyond the book with the creation of a website outlining the full extent of the fire and the devastation that was left behind. https://1871fireproject.com/ is worth visiting for the photos and maps, as well as thorough lists, which will solidify just how much of an impact this fire had on the region.
Many thanks to the author for including me in her ARC team.
I enjoyed the inclusion of different perspectives offered at the end of the book; I wasn’t expecting the transition away from the main story to different ‘eyewitness’ accounts which enriched the backstories and aftermaths.
The author totally committed to researching this tragic event, taking it beyond the book with the creation of a website outlining the full extent of the fire and the devastation that was left behind. https://1871fireproject.com/ is worth visiting for the photos and maps, as well as thorough lists, which will solidify just how much of an impact this fire had on the region.
Many thanks to the author for including me in her ARC team.
October 7, 2025
Wow! The resilience! The grit! This was fantastic! The story captivated me from the beginning! I can only assume that I, like many others, have only heard about The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This story shows a whole other side to those fires that are not talked about enough, the Wisconsin side. The author did a fantastic job researching real events and creating a story that made you feel like you were there as one of the characters! From the immigrant struggles to living and trying to survive everyday life, and then to the horrific fires, this was a depiction of how tragic, and at times hopeful, life was at that time. I also loved the connections that were made with North Dakota through Edna Mae. The characters felt like people you know or have known. I may be completely biased because the author happens to be my sister, but regardless I can't wait to reread this when it is fully published!
**Thanks to Historium Press and the author for a copy of this ARC. **
**Thanks to Historium Press and the author for a copy of this ARC. **
October 24, 2025
Secrets in the Woods is a compelling and emotionally rich historical novel that captures the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Set against the devastating backdrop of the Great Fires of 1871 on the Green Bay Peninsula, Susan Levitte brings to light the forgotten stories of those who lost everything — families, farms, and entire communities consumed by fire.
Told through the eyes of a young immigrant girl, the novel takes readers on a journey of hardship, hope, and survival. Levitte’s vivid storytelling makes history feel alive, immersing you in both the quiet moments of endurance and the terrifying reality of disaster.
A beautifully written tribute to the will to survive and the power of remembrance.
Set against the devastating backdrop of the Great Fires of 1871 on the Green Bay Peninsula, Susan Levitte brings to light the forgotten stories of those who lost everything — families, farms, and entire communities consumed by fire.
Told through the eyes of a young immigrant girl, the novel takes readers on a journey of hardship, hope, and survival. Levitte’s vivid storytelling makes history feel alive, immersing you in both the quiet moments of endurance and the terrifying reality of disaster.
A beautifully written tribute to the will to survive and the power of remembrance.
October 5, 2025
The Secrets in the Woods is a well written historical fiction novel that takes place in the late 1800s following the story of Emilie from Belgium to the US and Wisconsin. The dramatic story of her family, friends, and people that come into her life keeps you glued to the pages to see what happens next. Filled with loss, faith, and strong women this book is one that really makes you think about it even after finishing. The author even has a related website that provides more details about the history of the 1871 Fire https://1871fireproject.com
November 20, 2025
Wow, what a compelling story of the heroic virtues of the immigrant settlers of Wisconsin in 1871. Having visited the area and reading about this inconceivable time, this author artistically crafts an emotional encounter of what the settlers would have endured in a way I have not encountered before.
November 2, 2025
Great read!
I wasn't sure I'd like it as history is not my favorite but you did a fantastic job turning this into a page turning story that I had to finish.
I wasn't sure I'd like it as history is not my favorite but you did a fantastic job turning this into a page turning story that I had to finish.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews