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The Women of Great Heron Lake
From the author of the bestselling historical novel, MISS ETTA.
Two strong women, generations apart, living parallel lives.
When Marla Madison’s husband dies, she realizes her life has become very small. Her daughter is grown and Marla has spent the past two decades focused on his friends, his interests, and his home. Feeling lost, she throws herself into fixing up the one-hundred and fifty-year-old family manor on the lake. She soon discovers an old journal in a secret drawer and is instantly intrigued. The handwritten book tells the tale of another Mrs. Madison from over a century ago, the first woman to live in the lake manor. As Marla reads the journal, she discovers that her life parallels that of the woman who wrote those words decades ago and Marla finds inspiration from her strength.
1875 - Alaina Carlton was content to become a spinster until her beloved father introduces her to Nathaniel Madison, one of the most prosperous men in St. Paul, Minnesota. Even though she values her independence, Alaina is intrigued by this man who pursues her. When they marry, she believes she’s found a man who will treat her as an equal, but soon realizes that isn’t entirely true. From their mansion on the illustrious Summit Avenue to their manor at Great Heron Lake, where the rich and powerful play, her life is no longer her own. But fifteen years and two children later when Nathaniel grows ill, she takes her rightful place where women weren’t allowed in order to secure her children’s inheritance and her future.
An inspiring family saga of two determined woman who found meaning in their lives by following their passions and not allowing society, or propriety, to hold them back.
Two strong women, generations apart, living parallel lives.
When Marla Madison’s husband dies, she realizes her life has become very small. Her daughter is grown and Marla has spent the past two decades focused on his friends, his interests, and his home. Feeling lost, she throws herself into fixing up the one-hundred and fifty-year-old family manor on the lake. She soon discovers an old journal in a secret drawer and is instantly intrigued. The handwritten book tells the tale of another Mrs. Madison from over a century ago, the first woman to live in the lake manor. As Marla reads the journal, she discovers that her life parallels that of the woman who wrote those words decades ago and Marla finds inspiration from her strength.
1875 - Alaina Carlton was content to become a spinster until her beloved father introduces her to Nathaniel Madison, one of the most prosperous men in St. Paul, Minnesota. Even though she values her independence, Alaina is intrigued by this man who pursues her. When they marry, she believes she’s found a man who will treat her as an equal, but soon realizes that isn’t entirely true. From their mansion on the illustrious Summit Avenue to their manor at Great Heron Lake, where the rich and powerful play, her life is no longer her own. But fifteen years and two children later when Nathaniel grows ill, she takes her rightful place where women weren’t allowed in order to secure her children’s inheritance and her future.
An inspiring family saga of two determined woman who found meaning in their lives by following their passions and not allowing society, or propriety, to hold them back.
424 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2019
About the author
Deanna Lynn Sletten
47 books640 followersDeanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 189 reviews
December 24, 2023
A beautiful story about three generations of women, forgiveness and setting oneself free from the hardships of the past. Diane, Joanie, and Anna were compelling characters and once I started reading, I just couldn't stop.
Goodreads review published 23/12/23
Goodreads review published 23/12/23
March 15, 2020
Nope. Nope. Ugh. Nope. This was my book club’s latest selection and was an (almost) complete bust for me. One star gone for typos & grammatical errors, another star gone for a completely unbelievable storyline. One more star gone for the cliche, saccharine, vomit-inducing plot and characters. One star remaining for the setting and the second star (graciously) given for the “heroine’s” circle of friends who were disappointingly underdeveloped. Ironically, this book tries to condemn snobbery but ends up being snobbish. I abhor snobbery but am also absolutely a book snob. So, don’t necessarily listen to my opinion here, but also don’t go into reading this expecting a classic work of literature. Cheers!
September 12, 2019
I love the idea of connections between generations, stories of people or things that come together over time and mesh, for whatever reason. The Women of Great Heron Lake does just that.
After Marla's husband dies, she is at a loss as to what to do with herself. She has lived her husband's life and in his shadow for so many years. As she starts to change the house they lived in, she finds a journal written by another Mrs. Madison, many, many years ago. As the house changes, so does Marla. As she reads the old journal, she finds similarities between her life and and the life of a woman who lived in the late 1800's. The words in the journal speak to Marla and help her move forward.
This is a story full of interesting, evolving relationships and strong women who stand up for themselves in a time when that wasn't done or when it goes against what society expects of them. As the women grow and change, they discover their own strengths and learn to do what makes them happy.
One of my favorite parts of the book was how the book group embraced Marla and read the journal together as they discovered how Alaina's life unfolded. The women were so accepting of Marla and helped her get her priorities and life figured out. They became so important to her—women supporting women.
The Women of Great Heron Lake is a captivating tale of loss, friendship, discovery, fate, growth, and strength—a story spanning over 100 years. This is historical fiction at its best and is definitely one everyone should pick up. I loved it and highly recommend it!
After Marla's husband dies, she is at a loss as to what to do with herself. She has lived her husband's life and in his shadow for so many years. As she starts to change the house they lived in, she finds a journal written by another Mrs. Madison, many, many years ago. As the house changes, so does Marla. As she reads the old journal, she finds similarities between her life and and the life of a woman who lived in the late 1800's. The words in the journal speak to Marla and help her move forward.
This is a story full of interesting, evolving relationships and strong women who stand up for themselves in a time when that wasn't done or when it goes against what society expects of them. As the women grow and change, they discover their own strengths and learn to do what makes them happy.
One of my favorite parts of the book was how the book group embraced Marla and read the journal together as they discovered how Alaina's life unfolded. The women were so accepting of Marla and helped her get her priorities and life figured out. They became so important to her—women supporting women.
The Women of Great Heron Lake is a captivating tale of loss, friendship, discovery, fate, growth, and strength—a story spanning over 100 years. This is historical fiction at its best and is definitely one everyone should pick up. I loved it and highly recommend it!
April 4, 2020
This was a sweet, easy read and perfect for taking one's mind off of woes of any sort.
September 12, 2019
Outstanding book
Loved this book. One of best books I've read. A really good story. Maybe the fact that I was born in St. Paul 88 years ago added to the joy. The book is a keeper. Highly recommend it.
Loved this book. One of best books I've read. A really good story. Maybe the fact that I was born in St. Paul 88 years ago added to the joy. The book is a keeper. Highly recommend it.
November 27, 2025
Predictable. In the beginning the story of a woman inheriting a huge mansion and redecorating was kind of interesting. Then it became a dual timeline story as the woman who lived there before tells her tale. The it becomes a long, drawn out tale of two very wealthy women and the women’s movement. I just can’t sympathize with them because the women’s movement isn’t about what dress you wear to the ball, it’s about making your way through life and earning your own pay, not living off your husband or your inheritance.
July 25, 2022
I borrowed this from Amazon Unlimited for free. I have to tell you The Women of Great Heron Lake is one of the best reads I have in 2022. In fact it was so good after returning it to Amazon I purchased the novel. Deanna Lynn Sletten is an incredible author. This is the second book of hers I have read.
If you are struggling, looking for a good read I recommend this book. I am not going into the story because the description tells you what you need to know. I will add the characters are well developed and very likable, the story I found very interesting, Just an overall excellent read.
If you are struggling, looking for a good read I recommend this book. I am not going into the story because the description tells you what you need to know. I will add the characters are well developed and very likable, the story I found very interesting, Just an overall excellent read.
July 21, 2023
my grandmom bought me this book! it isn’t what I usually read but I enjoyed it, it’s a good story of strong women who were leaders in a time when that was looked down upon. a story of individual growth and change, and finding one’s voice!
January 25, 2022
I, again enjoyed the back and forth between past and present. I also enjoyed the journal aspect of this story. I will say that this is the second book I’ve read by this author and I don’t know if she dislikes men or it simply has to do with the time period she is writing about, but the main men seem to always be awful. I enjoy reading about the time period in the journal entries. I will read more from this author.
October 27, 2024
What a wonderful book. I highly recommend!
September 2, 2020
Enjoy the book the story line was very interesting. The reader of the book was not my favorite.
December 13, 2020
Captivating book! When the past meets the present... family history shapes who we are.
This book drew me in immediately from the very first page. I felt as if I were right there with the characters, feeling their moments of sadness and joy; each being so relatable. I absolutely loved the journal, I felt like I was stepping back in time. This book was such a delight to read, I didn’t want to put it down nor did I wish it to ever end!
This book drew me in immediately from the very first page. I felt as if I were right there with the characters, feeling their moments of sadness and joy; each being so relatable. I absolutely loved the journal, I felt like I was stepping back in time. This book was such a delight to read, I didn’t want to put it down nor did I wish it to ever end!
June 9, 2026
Ok for a holiday read...
May 2, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up. Sletten creates a story that seamlessly moves between the past and the present in this wonderful book about the Madison family. Marla & Alaina are both strong women married to older men but they make their own mark on the town. Living parallel lives both try to make their lives meaningful. Alaina with being a woman in charge of multiple businesses during an age where that is unheard of and Marla for helping women in her community and beyond. This was a nice clean story which I greatly appreciated. Well done!!
This is the second book (after Miss Etta) that I have read of hers and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Sletten's books.
This is the second book (after Miss Etta) that I have read of hers and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Sletten's books.
April 6, 2020
Lovely story
The past and the present are skillfully intertwined when Marla discovers a journal written by Alaina who lived over a hundred and fifty years before her in the same estate. This amazing woman was married to her recently deceased husband's ancestor. The journal helps Marla through her grief as she reinvents herself along with the help of her new friends. Alaina and Marla's lives parallel one
another and are so inspiring!
The past and the present are skillfully intertwined when Marla discovers a journal written by Alaina who lived over a hundred and fifty years before her in the same estate. This amazing woman was married to her recently deceased husband's ancestor. The journal helps Marla through her grief as she reinvents herself along with the help of her new friends. Alaina and Marla's lives parallel one
another and are so inspiring!
September 16, 2019
Wow!
I could not put this book down. I would love to see the story continue where this one ends. There are still Madison ancestors we haven't heard from.
I could not put this book down. I would love to see the story continue where this one ends. There are still Madison ancestors we haven't heard from.
May 31, 2020
A captivating tale of loss, friendship, discovery, fate, growth, and strength-a story spanning over 100 years. When Marla Madison's husband, Nathan, dies, she realises that her life has been limited. Her daughter, Reese, is in college now and Marla has spent the better part of twenty years always focused on her husband's friends, his interests and his ancestral home, which he has bequeathed to her in his will. Feeling lost, she throws herself into fixing up the 150 years old manor property on the lake. In doing so, she soon discovers an old journal in a secret drawer and is instantly intrigued. The handwritten book tells the tale of another Mrs Madison from over a century ago, the first woman to reside in the lake manor.As Marla reads the journal, she discovers that her life parallels that of the woman who wrote those words and Marla finds inspiration from her strength. In 1875, Alaina Carlton was content to be a spinster and help her beloved, widowed father, Arthur, out with his growing textiles business, but then he introduces her to Nathaniel Madison, one of the most prosperous men in St Paul, MN. Even though she values her independence, Alaina is intrigued by Nathaniel and they marry after a year's courtship. Once married, Alaina believes that she'll have a marriage of equality, but then finds out that isn't entirely true, as Nathaniel believes in status.He expects Alaina to play the role of a dutiful wife and perfect society hostess. From their mansion on the illustrious Summit Avenue to their major at Great Heron Lake, where the rich and powerful play, her life is no longer her own. But 15 years and 2 children later, when Nathaniel becomes ill, she takes her rightful place where women weren't allowed to be in order to secure her children's inheritance and her future.An inspiring family saga of 2 determined women who found meaning in their lives by following their passions and not allowing society, or propriety, to hold them back.The Minnesota Woman Suffrage Association was an organisation that struggled to secure women's vote from 1881-1920. They organised marches, wrote petitions and letters and gave speeches.
August 26, 2025
This is a family saga of two women who found meaning in their lives by following their passions and not allowing society to hold them back - and their lives were over a century apart! How interesting that we still struggle with this . . .
This book had a personal meaning for me, as I just retired at the age of 70 and encountered the same feeling that Marla discovered when her husband died. I have spend the past five decades focused on an exciting career that provided independence, adventure and money to do the things that I wanted to do. But, once I leave this lifestyle . . . who am I?
These women fought for continued independence and adventure, and they had the money to do the things they wanted to do. Well, I am doing the same thing! I have started my own company, and am going to continue to find purpose through creative endeavors. So, Marla and Alaina were excellent examples of strong women who continue to discover their passions against all odds.
This book had a personal meaning for me, as I just retired at the age of 70 and encountered the same feeling that Marla discovered when her husband died. I have spend the past five decades focused on an exciting career that provided independence, adventure and money to do the things that I wanted to do. But, once I leave this lifestyle . . . who am I?
These women fought for continued independence and adventure, and they had the money to do the things they wanted to do. Well, I am doing the same thing! I have started my own company, and am going to continue to find purpose through creative endeavors. So, Marla and Alaina were excellent examples of strong women who continue to discover their passions against all odds.
August 3, 2021
I really liked this historical fiction book written by a new author for me. It definitely held my interest and it was hard to put down. This book told of how family history sometimes repeats itself and shapes who you are and the changes you make over time. The main character, Marla, finds a journal from over 100 years ago written by an ancestor ,through marriage. As the journal entries unravel, she finds that her life and the life of the ancestor ,Alaina, parallel one another. She decides to share the journal with her book club friends. They take turns reading it to each other at their meetings. I thought that was a great idea! The book was about friendship, loss, discovery of oneself and the strength it took to overcome their role in society, which was to be inferior to men.
April 7, 2020
I loved this book! When Marla Madison’s husband dies, she is left with a huge family mansion and plenty of money. To keep herself busy, she decides to redo some rooms, and comes across a diary written by Alaina, the first Mrs. Madison to live in the house. She discovers she has many things in common with Alaina, including mental abuse and seclusion. She meets a new group of friends through a book club, and together they read Alaina’s journal. The book club ladies support Marla and help her to find out what she wants to accomplish in her life. The historical fiction story spans over 100 years and is one you should not miss!
September 7, 2021
Mesmerizing
I stumbled across this book on my facebook feed & was curious. I opened the kink and from the very first paragraph the story pulled me in. This is not typically the kind of book I would read, but before I realized it, I was 4 chapters in, the story had me. Deanna creates relatable characters woven together in unexpected ways in a story you feel part of. The tenor, the style of her writing is refreshing and will now always be a part of me. If you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller, this isn't the book for you. If you are looking for inspiration or a reminder of a woman's heart, of a woman's spirit and strength, you are going to love this.
I stumbled across this book on my facebook feed & was curious. I opened the kink and from the very first paragraph the story pulled me in. This is not typically the kind of book I would read, but before I realized it, I was 4 chapters in, the story had me. Deanna creates relatable characters woven together in unexpected ways in a story you feel part of. The tenor, the style of her writing is refreshing and will now always be a part of me. If you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller, this isn't the book for you. If you are looking for inspiration or a reminder of a woman's heart, of a woman's spirit and strength, you are going to love this.
July 12, 2022
This is a truly beautiful story!
I found both parts of this story just perfect! Part of the story takes place in the world of today when a 46 year old newly widowed woman, Marla Madison, is having to learn how to live in a world without her wealthy husband, Nathanial. The other part of the story involves the finding of a journal written by Alaina, the first Mrs.Madison from 1876 and speaks to her life and struggles during that time. It is a thoughtful, imaginative book that I thoroughly enjoyed and found myself staying up late to learn just a bit more about these wonderful women and the men surrounding them.
I found both parts of this story just perfect! Part of the story takes place in the world of today when a 46 year old newly widowed woman, Marla Madison, is having to learn how to live in a world without her wealthy husband, Nathanial. The other part of the story involves the finding of a journal written by Alaina, the first Mrs.Madison from 1876 and speaks to her life and struggles during that time. It is a thoughtful, imaginative book that I thoroughly enjoyed and found myself staying up late to learn just a bit more about these wonderful women and the men surrounding them.
April 29, 2023
I loved this book
What a great story. First of Alaina and how she was able to get things done by a woman when women couldn’t even own property that was willed to them but was taken over by the men they married. How she broke barriers men had kept in place for ever. How she gave up her life for many years until she had her children grown and settled before she indulged her own wishes. Then how much it paralleled Marla’s life as she did so much good with the wealth she was given and she also didn’t settle her own desires until she had settled her wealth for helping others. It is a book I will think about for a good long time. Thank you for writing it for us to enjoy.
What a great story. First of Alaina and how she was able to get things done by a woman when women couldn’t even own property that was willed to them but was taken over by the men they married. How she broke barriers men had kept in place for ever. How she gave up her life for many years until she had her children grown and settled before she indulged her own wishes. Then how much it paralleled Marla’s life as she did so much good with the wealth she was given and she also didn’t settle her own desires until she had settled her wealth for helping others. It is a book I will think about for a good long time. Thank you for writing it for us to enjoy.
May 31, 2024
Deanna Lynn Sletten is a favorite author of mine and books like "The Women of Great Heron Lake" are why. She has the ability to get into the minds of these women in such a personal way it makes it so much easier for us readers to feel their personal accomplishments along with the pain and struggle it sometimes takes to get there. This book explores two very strong women from two different time periods who both prove they're more than the labels attached to them.
I love a good dual time period story, especially when the protagonists are women. I highly recommend this one along with her other books. Happy Reading!
I love a good dual time period story, especially when the protagonists are women. I highly recommend this one along with her other books. Happy Reading!
March 2, 2025
A good dual timeline story
The popular trend these days of stories told alongside in different centuries aren’t always my favorite, but this novel was good. The author did a good job connecting the family line convincingly. I was expecting a bombshell revelation of a missing relative because of an old affair, but there wasn’t one. The houses and buildings were characters in the story, too, which added an extra level. Some nice romances here and behaviors written very directly. For me, this wasn’t a terribly exciting book but it was a very good read for women’s rights since the 1880’s through modern times.
The popular trend these days of stories told alongside in different centuries aren’t always my favorite, but this novel was good. The author did a good job connecting the family line convincingly. I was expecting a bombshell revelation of a missing relative because of an old affair, but there wasn’t one. The houses and buildings were characters in the story, too, which added an extra level. Some nice romances here and behaviors written very directly. For me, this wasn’t a terribly exciting book but it was a very good read for women’s rights since the 1880’s through modern times.
October 25, 2023
What a great story! This story is written in the present and in the past, 150 years ago. It parallels two women, Alaina, from the past and Marla, from the present. Although they are from different eras, there are many similarities in these women’s lives. It all centers in a mansion on Heron Lake. I enjoyed learning about a women in the 1800’s, what was expected of a women and what rights a woman had. Fast forward to present day and what women are like today. There was great character development and gave me so much to think about once the story was done. I absolutely enjoyed this story!
May 5, 2020
Excellent story
As a lover of genealogy I immediately was drawn in the moment the main character found a hidden 150 year old journal. The transition between present day and the past was seamless and easy to read. I would recommend this book to lovers of both historical and women's fiction. After reading this book, I will definitely be interested in reading more of the authors works.
As a lover of genealogy I immediately was drawn in the moment the main character found a hidden 150 year old journal. The transition between present day and the past was seamless and easy to read. I would recommend this book to lovers of both historical and women's fiction. After reading this book, I will definitely be interested in reading more of the authors works.
August 23, 2020
I savored this story of two women from two times and connected by family, a mansion, and a journal. Marla's husband passes away after 20 years of marriage. He is "old money" and by the time he married Marla, he had already done the things he wanted and was ready to settle down. He expected that of his young wife and she complied. After he passed, Marla had to find out who she was and what she wanted from life. Then she ran across the journal. And everything changed.
November 1, 2022
Truly a wonderful book
This is the second time I've read this book because it is just that good. So well written, full of life experiences women have gone through and still do. I really wish there was a sequel to this story, a continuation of the Madison women. Did Reese go on to carry on the legacy of Alaina? Did Marla find another of Alaina journals?
Highly recommend this author and all her books.
This is the second time I've read this book because it is just that good. So well written, full of life experiences women have gone through and still do. I really wish there was a sequel to this story, a continuation of the Madison women. Did Reese go on to carry on the legacy of Alaina? Did Marla find another of Alaina journals?
Highly recommend this author and all her books.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 189 reviews