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Moses Lake #4
Wildwood Creek
Allie Kirkland has never been one to take wild risks. But when she’s offered a costuming assistant’s job on a docudrama in the hills near Moses Lake, she jumps at the chance. She’s always dreamed of following in her director-father’s footsteps, and the reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step. The family expectations will have to wait.
But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delevan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the folk songs of Chinquapin Peaks. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.
When strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, everyone in Wildwood, including Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set, Blake Fulton, seems to be hiding secrets, and Allie doesn’t know who she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself . . . with the most unthinkable results.
But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delevan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the folk songs of Chinquapin Peaks. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.
When strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, everyone in Wildwood, including Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set, Blake Fulton, seems to be hiding secrets, and Allie doesn’t know who she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself . . . with the most unthinkable results.
378 pages, Audiobook
First published January 28, 2014
638 people are currently reading
2508 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Wingate
57 books13.3k followersLisa Wingate is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Before We Were Yours, which remained on the bestseller list for over two years. Her award-winning works have been selected for state and community One Book reads, have been published in over forty languages, and have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide. The group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa and six others as recipients of the National Civics Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. She lives in Texas and Colorado with her family and her deceptively cute little teddy bear of a dog, Huckleberry. Find her at www.lisawingate.com, on Facebook at LisaWingateAuthorPage, or on Instagram @author_lisa_wingate
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
October 31, 2014
I didn't realize this was book 4 in a series, but that didn't seem to matter. It definitely stood alone. I saw this was labeled as a Christian Romance, yet the Christian elements were very minimal and the romance was hardly there. Fortunately, a friend told me that before I started it, so I was disappointed. I took it for the mystery is was and loved it!
I loved the way this story went back and forth between historical times and modern day. The way the characters and storyline were woven together was brilliant! Lisa Wingate paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind with her descriptions--I could actually visualize the characters and the setting. As in any good mystery, there are characters that I just love to hate and others that I adore. As the mystery unraveled, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out who did it and what was going on. I thought it was very creatively done.
Allie had to learn to stand up for herself and fight from an early age. She was quite independent, yet she was also determined to please those around her, which seemed to be exhausting. Kim, her best friend, was very fickle. She seemed to wear rose colored glasses and would flit around doing what made her happy at the moment and wanted to check out when the going got tough. They were a good friend combination.
Content: a few instances of religious moments (not preachy); a small handful of cursing; some violence (talk of kidnappings, murders, etc); very few romantic situations. Clean!
I loved the way this story went back and forth between historical times and modern day. The way the characters and storyline were woven together was brilliant! Lisa Wingate paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind with her descriptions--I could actually visualize the characters and the setting. As in any good mystery, there are characters that I just love to hate and others that I adore. As the mystery unraveled, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out who did it and what was going on. I thought it was very creatively done.
Allie had to learn to stand up for herself and fight from an early age. She was quite independent, yet she was also determined to please those around her, which seemed to be exhausting. Kim, her best friend, was very fickle. She seemed to wear rose colored glasses and would flit around doing what made her happy at the moment and wanted to check out when the going got tough. They were a good friend combination.
Content: a few instances of religious moments (not preachy); a small handful of cursing; some violence (talk of kidnappings, murders, etc); very few romantic situations. Clean!
January 23, 2022
3.5 stars.
I like this author. She seems to be a solid 4 stars for me which is why I felt compelled to round up to 4. I liked the dual story lines, but I inevitably liked one more than the other. So when it toggled back and forth, I couldn't help but to feel annoyed.
Readers have really loved this one or they really hated it. I was kind of in the middle. It wasn't my favorite, but I enjoy the writing of the author. She has a way with words and she knows where to place some well written descriptive strokes. So 4 stars for this one.
I like this author. She seems to be a solid 4 stars for me which is why I felt compelled to round up to 4. I liked the dual story lines, but I inevitably liked one more than the other. So when it toggled back and forth, I couldn't help but to feel annoyed.
Readers have really loved this one or they really hated it. I was kind of in the middle. It wasn't my favorite, but I enjoy the writing of the author. She has a way with words and she knows where to place some well written descriptive strokes. So 4 stars for this one.
March 3, 2014
Since I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway from the publisher, I felt obligated to finish it. But, it was so bad, I could only force my way to page 190. Years ago, I read Tending Roses by Wingate & loved it. Reading Wildwood Creek, however, became "work" & gets only one star. The characters & plot were incredibly boring. Flipping from present to past normally would build suspense, but the mystery I expected from this book just wasn't there.
April 14, 2021
I love this story, and the whole series! Such beautiful writing! I only wish the ending of this one had lasted a bit longer and given me more insights to the characters happily ever afters.
January 12, 2022
I was telling Kelsey how I hadn't found any time-slip novels that I liked and she recommend a couple by Lisa Wingate and this was one of them. I found it on Scribd and started listening.
The first two-thirds of the book is good and fascinating, but they aren't action-packed. I however loved them. I found myself loving both the historical and contemporary stories and felt Lisa Wingate did an amazing job with both. The last third, I couldn't put it down. That was heart-pounding.
Two things disappointed in the story. I felt some parts of the historical story were so vague, I had trouble putting pieces together. In the contemporary story, I felt
I look forward to finding more time-slip novels that are well written and as interesting.
Content notes: The historical section has mentions of rape (not-graphic) and a character with a traumatic past (not-graphic). The contemporary story talks about historical undergarments (in a factual, not sensual way).
The first two-thirds of the book is good and fascinating, but they aren't action-packed. I however loved them. I found myself loving both the historical and contemporary stories and felt Lisa Wingate did an amazing job with both. The last third, I couldn't put it down. That was heart-pounding.
Two things disappointed in the story. I felt some parts of the historical story were so vague, I had trouble putting pieces together. In the contemporary story, I felt
I look forward to finding more time-slip novels that are well written and as interesting.
Content notes: The historical section has mentions of rape (not-graphic) and a character with a traumatic past (not-graphic). The contemporary story talks about historical undergarments (in a factual, not sensual way).
February 20, 2014
I was unaware that this book was the same as Firefly Island, as they both run in the same series. I really did not enjoy reading Firefly Island. This book may have a tad bit better of a lead character, but the story is even more boring. The story does something trendy that has been happening in romance novels of late. It's been flashing back in the past, and then flashing forward in the future by showing how the town was in the past, and how it's being inhabited now.
Summary: Allie Kirkland is aspiring to follow in her family footsteps and wanting to work in the movie industry. Now she has been offered the chance to do costumes for a documentary drama that is filming about Wildwood Creek in the 1800's as the unexplored mystery of the disappearance of the town's inhabitants is being looked into. Mr. Delvan was essentially the leader of the town then, but the person who is blamed for what happened is a woman named Bonnie. When connections between Allie and Bonnie are revealed she becomes further curious, and even more cautious of current people residing there during filming like Blake.
Characters: I don't want to bash books like this, and honestly I would love to find one I enjoy. While the story has potential the characters are just flat. I couldn't place a distinct personality, and even more so with this one. There was so much placement on making the story spooky and a mystery that it forgets the characters completely. Allie is just a tool to reach into the past to Bonnie, and Bonnie's story feels like it reaches nowhere. Then there are other smaller characters like Maggie Grace, Bonnie's sister, and multiple love interest that get lost like a captain and the future Blake. Everyone feels so undefined that when they do show up they aren't very interesting to read.
Writing: The positive is that unlike Firefly Island, the story seems a tad less emotion driven. There isn't a ton of time over spent on going over obvious things the reader could pick up on dialogue or the reader just going over a lot of pointless questions. For some reason though the writing never connects me with the characters either though. There are rare moments that they have where I feel like they do.
Plot: I guess another huge problem I always encounter with these books, that resonates in this one as well is how unrealistic they are. I can understand why people like them. They have enough problems to give the characters a dilemma, that seems fun to read. Like with this one Allie is letting the paranoia of the past and the rumors of the town being cursed haunt her own future there, but the threat could be more real than she thinks beyond what the story is. Then there is the past with Bonnie that shows a woman who has an entire life that has been misread by the present, and sadly she's been turned into a bad guy by the stories. It has a lot of interesting conflicts happening. The fact that these characters never interact like anyone I know takes me away from being interested in the story though. While working on a film set in close proximity everyone is having very chaste romances, and the biggest actor problems are just spoiled child actors. In the film world I assume a person of faith would have a lot more conflicts going on including the clash of faith and those in the film industry who usually are a lot different than what a Christian lifestyle might practice.
Wildwood Creek provides a safe and suspenseful read for those who enjoy this genre and for those who have been following the Moses Lake series. It's got a lot of stronger attributes than Firefly Island, but the story tries to do so much that it becomes lost. I never knew the pattern of the story, and sometimes I would be bored that I lost trying to keep up.
This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review
Summary: Allie Kirkland is aspiring to follow in her family footsteps and wanting to work in the movie industry. Now she has been offered the chance to do costumes for a documentary drama that is filming about Wildwood Creek in the 1800's as the unexplored mystery of the disappearance of the town's inhabitants is being looked into. Mr. Delvan was essentially the leader of the town then, but the person who is blamed for what happened is a woman named Bonnie. When connections between Allie and Bonnie are revealed she becomes further curious, and even more cautious of current people residing there during filming like Blake.
Characters: I don't want to bash books like this, and honestly I would love to find one I enjoy. While the story has potential the characters are just flat. I couldn't place a distinct personality, and even more so with this one. There was so much placement on making the story spooky and a mystery that it forgets the characters completely. Allie is just a tool to reach into the past to Bonnie, and Bonnie's story feels like it reaches nowhere. Then there are other smaller characters like Maggie Grace, Bonnie's sister, and multiple love interest that get lost like a captain and the future Blake. Everyone feels so undefined that when they do show up they aren't very interesting to read.
Writing: The positive is that unlike Firefly Island, the story seems a tad less emotion driven. There isn't a ton of time over spent on going over obvious things the reader could pick up on dialogue or the reader just going over a lot of pointless questions. For some reason though the writing never connects me with the characters either though. There are rare moments that they have where I feel like they do.
Plot: I guess another huge problem I always encounter with these books, that resonates in this one as well is how unrealistic they are. I can understand why people like them. They have enough problems to give the characters a dilemma, that seems fun to read. Like with this one Allie is letting the paranoia of the past and the rumors of the town being cursed haunt her own future there, but the threat could be more real than she thinks beyond what the story is. Then there is the past with Bonnie that shows a woman who has an entire life that has been misread by the present, and sadly she's been turned into a bad guy by the stories. It has a lot of interesting conflicts happening. The fact that these characters never interact like anyone I know takes me away from being interested in the story though. While working on a film set in close proximity everyone is having very chaste romances, and the biggest actor problems are just spoiled child actors. In the film world I assume a person of faith would have a lot more conflicts going on including the clash of faith and those in the film industry who usually are a lot different than what a Christian lifestyle might practice.
Wildwood Creek provides a safe and suspenseful read for those who enjoy this genre and for those who have been following the Moses Lake series. It's got a lot of stronger attributes than Firefly Island, but the story tries to do so much that it becomes lost. I never knew the pattern of the story, and sometimes I would be bored that I lost trying to keep up.
This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review
March 13, 2014
In Wildwood Creek, Lisa Wingate tells the story of two women, one chasing a dream that determines her future, the other running from the nightmare of the past. Allie Kirkland wants to follow her father into the film industry. When she’s offered a job as a production assistant, she jumps at the chance, even though it means being sequestered on a set for the summer. When she arrives, she gets more than she’s bargained for.
Meanwhile, Bonnie Rose comes to Wildwood Creek seeking a better life for her sister and herself, only to find that the new beginning she is seeking might be worse than the past she is trying to escape. The town founder, Harland Devland, holds the townspeople captive before they begin disappearing. Will Bonnie Rose survive long enough for the answers she seeks and the love she longs for?
Wildwood Creek is book four in the Moses Lake series, but it is a stand-alone novel. It is set in two different time periods and is surprisingly effective. I thought that most of it was well-written in terms of dialect and description. However, the book was hard to read. I was slogging through it at times. The characters were under-developed and shallow, and they grew very little from start to finish. Most I found annoying.
The book was strangely mysterious but without the adrenaline rush of a thriller. The plot had no direction and I was disappointed. In most novels, I have found that the love story angle is over-played. In Wildwood Creek, it was under-developed and anti-climatic.
I love historical and mystery novels, but Wildwood Creek was not my cup of tea. Regretfully, I give it two out of five stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review
Meanwhile, Bonnie Rose comes to Wildwood Creek seeking a better life for her sister and herself, only to find that the new beginning she is seeking might be worse than the past she is trying to escape. The town founder, Harland Devland, holds the townspeople captive before they begin disappearing. Will Bonnie Rose survive long enough for the answers she seeks and the love she longs for?
Wildwood Creek is book four in the Moses Lake series, but it is a stand-alone novel. It is set in two different time periods and is surprisingly effective. I thought that most of it was well-written in terms of dialect and description. However, the book was hard to read. I was slogging through it at times. The characters were under-developed and shallow, and they grew very little from start to finish. Most I found annoying.
The book was strangely mysterious but without the adrenaline rush of a thriller. The plot had no direction and I was disappointed. In most novels, I have found that the love story angle is over-played. In Wildwood Creek, it was under-developed and anti-climatic.
I love historical and mystery novels, but Wildwood Creek was not my cup of tea. Regretfully, I give it two out of five stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review
April 18, 2014
Allie's late father was a movie director. Allie's goal is to follow in his footsteps in some capacity. So when her roommate convinces her to get a job working on set of a reality show, she agrees. The reality show will be based on the true story of an entire town that vanished without a trace. The contestants will be playing the part of the people who disappeared so long ago. But strange noises and mysterious circumstances are keeping Allie on edge. She arrives at the remote set location with all of her plans upset. She has now become one of the contestants instead of a production assistant.
The story is told in two parts. The modern day tale is about Allie as she struggles with the changes, learns how to live without modern conveniences, and tries to figure out the olden-day mystery. The second part of the story is about Bonnie Rose, one of the women who disappeared from the town.
I'm unsure how to articulate how I feel about the plot or characters. The entire time I was reading I kept thinking how strange the story felt to me. The part about Bonnie Rose was interesting, but I kept wishing for more information. The modern day story was a bit more confusing and lacked character development for me. The relationships between the characters felt at times forced and rushed. The story was good, but lacked quite a bit to make it great. I didn't realize until after I'd finished the book that this book is part of a series. Perhaps if I'd read the other books I might have enjoyed it more.
I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
The story is told in two parts. The modern day tale is about Allie as she struggles with the changes, learns how to live without modern conveniences, and tries to figure out the olden-day mystery. The second part of the story is about Bonnie Rose, one of the women who disappeared from the town.
I'm unsure how to articulate how I feel about the plot or characters. The entire time I was reading I kept thinking how strange the story felt to me. The part about Bonnie Rose was interesting, but I kept wishing for more information. The modern day story was a bit more confusing and lacked character development for me. The relationships between the characters felt at times forced and rushed. The story was good, but lacked quite a bit to make it great. I didn't realize until after I'd finished the book that this book is part of a series. Perhaps if I'd read the other books I might have enjoyed it more.
I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
January 28, 2014
Ever looked at a reservoir lake and wondered what’s underneath the water? Are there complete towns, homes, farms where families were raised for generations? Are there secrets hidden beneath the water?
So it is with Wildwood, a frontier settlement that came to life in the turbulent early years of the Civil War. A century later when it’s talked about, there are whispers of mystery, where was Wildwood Creek located, who lived there? Where did the people go? Why was the town found suddenly abandoned?
Past and present intertwine in Lisa Wingate’s new novel. A group of want to be young actors converge to challenge each other for a spot in the new movie that will recreate the elusive Wildwood, along the shores of modern-day Moses Lake, Texas. The past is woven into this gripping story, telling the tale of two sisters that traveled to Wildwood by riverboat, hoping to find a future in the mysterious town of Wildwood Creek.
But in past and present, Wildwood is a town plagued by sinister feelings, nightmares, strange stories and disappearances. Take the journey, from the first page to the last, I found myself riveted and heart beating faster with each step I took with the characters. It’s like living inside the story and wondering what is around the next turn…of the page.
So it is with Wildwood, a frontier settlement that came to life in the turbulent early years of the Civil War. A century later when it’s talked about, there are whispers of mystery, where was Wildwood Creek located, who lived there? Where did the people go? Why was the town found suddenly abandoned?
Past and present intertwine in Lisa Wingate’s new novel. A group of want to be young actors converge to challenge each other for a spot in the new movie that will recreate the elusive Wildwood, along the shores of modern-day Moses Lake, Texas. The past is woven into this gripping story, telling the tale of two sisters that traveled to Wildwood by riverboat, hoping to find a future in the mysterious town of Wildwood Creek.
But in past and present, Wildwood is a town plagued by sinister feelings, nightmares, strange stories and disappearances. Take the journey, from the first page to the last, I found myself riveted and heart beating faster with each step I took with the characters. It’s like living inside the story and wondering what is around the next turn…of the page.
March 11, 2014
About the Book:
Allie Kirkland has never been one to take wild risks. But when she’s offered a costuming assistant’s job on a docudrama in the hills near Moses Lake, she jumps at the chance. She’s always dreamed of following in her director-father’s footsteps, and the reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step. The family expectations will have to wait.
But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delevan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the folk songs of Chinquapin Peaks. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.
When strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, everyone in Wildwood, including Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set, Blake Fulton, seems to be hiding secrets, and Allie doesn’t know who she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself . . . with the most unthinkable results.
About the Author:
THE OFFICIAL BIO: Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, inspirational speaker, and the author of twenty mainstream fiction novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its nineteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novels are known for taking on gritty subjects while offering redemptive and uplifting themes. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. More information about Lisa's novels can be found at her website or on Facebook.
My Review:
The tale of two worlds intermingled into one yet they stand alone. It seems like a tale that is set worlds apart but its not. One world consists of Bonnie Rose, set in 1861, where she is forced to make some decisions, decisions that are detrimental to her life as well as Maggie's but she has found a way to make it work or so she thinks. And then we have a modern day story of Allie Kirkland, a girl that looked at life through a camera lens long before she could even walk. The two lives come together in Lisa Wingate's Wildwood Creek and spin the stories of each of the women into a fascinating twist of fate that could change it all.
I love reading stories that connect the past with present day and the author seemed to do that in magnificent fashion. She combined the two effortlessly and will definitely recieve top billing for her accomplishment.
** Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bookfun.org.
Allie Kirkland has never been one to take wild risks. But when she’s offered a costuming assistant’s job on a docudrama in the hills near Moses Lake, she jumps at the chance. She’s always dreamed of following in her director-father’s footsteps, and the reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step. The family expectations will have to wait.
But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delevan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the folk songs of Chinquapin Peaks. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.
When strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, everyone in Wildwood, including Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set, Blake Fulton, seems to be hiding secrets, and Allie doesn’t know who she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself . . . with the most unthinkable results.
About the Author:
THE OFFICIAL BIO: Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, inspirational speaker, and the author of twenty mainstream fiction novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its nineteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novels are known for taking on gritty subjects while offering redemptive and uplifting themes. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. More information about Lisa's novels can be found at her website or on Facebook.
My Review:
The tale of two worlds intermingled into one yet they stand alone. It seems like a tale that is set worlds apart but its not. One world consists of Bonnie Rose, set in 1861, where she is forced to make some decisions, decisions that are detrimental to her life as well as Maggie's but she has found a way to make it work or so she thinks. And then we have a modern day story of Allie Kirkland, a girl that looked at life through a camera lens long before she could even walk. The two lives come together in Lisa Wingate's Wildwood Creek and spin the stories of each of the women into a fascinating twist of fate that could change it all.
I love reading stories that connect the past with present day and the author seemed to do that in magnificent fashion. She combined the two effortlessly and will definitely recieve top billing for her accomplishment.
** Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bookfun.org.
January 20, 2017
I had to force myself to finish this book. I've read a couple of other books by Lisa Wingate, and enjoyed them. This one wasn't just slow to get started, it was slow most of the way through. It felt disjointed when it switched back and forth between times. I've read other books that switch between time periods, but they didn't jolt me each time it happened. The characters were poorly developed, and the relationships sometimes were almost vague. The end felt very rushed. I would NOT recommend this book. There are many, many others more worthy of your time.
October 2, 2018
Not a fan of this book. The book runs two lives parallel.... the 1860's Wildwood and its teacher, Bonnie Rose, and Allie Kirkland the present day young woman who finds herself on the set of a film about Wildwood. There is a gruesome mystery to the story. The love interest is mildly interesting. While the ending of the book explains some of the details of the original Wildwood I was left a bit confused and disappointed by the book. In some places it was hard to follow. I have liked some of Lisa Wingate's other books very much but this one was a letdown for me.
October 14, 2014
I absolutely loved how this book was written. Switching back and forth between Bonnie Rose and Allie Kirkland's point of view made the story more compelling. The mystery of what happened to Bonnie Rose was well written and captivating. The author chose her writing well because I did not want to put this book down. Read my full review here.
September 15, 2019
Okay I admit defeat. Why I keep reading Lisa Wingate when I just can't get into her writing is beyond me. I keep thinking oh that sounds like an interesting story line. But no she just can't pull it off. I really thought this time she'll actually do it. If you like shallow under developed characters, with a story line that doesn't go anywhere, this is the book for you. Oh and add Christian elements and romance that comes out of no where....
August 7, 2017
This book was okay. I really liked the writing style. But for some reason, I dragged my feet through this one and felt as if I'd been reading it for forever by the time I finished it. I didn't get into it until the 9th chapter or so and didn't give up only because I wanted to find out what happened to the town of Wildwood. It just didn't capture my attention.
January 5, 2019
I have read other Lisa Wingate books and I liked them especially Before We Were Yours, but this book was a chore to finish. I don't like the books that go between 2 different years unless they are done well. This book was not done well. I would have given it a 1 star but after I struggled to the end the last part where the slave was telling about her life. Now that was interesting!
August 29, 2016
Couldn't finish
September 27, 2021
3.5 rounded up
Moses Lake #4
I have read the other three in this series and this is definitely different. I am a big mystery fan and there is a mystery going on that took place in 1861.
I did love this story as well as the whole series. Lisa Wingate is a great storyteller and has a beautiful way of wording things. Although a series only a few recurring characters but I totally love all the quotes posted on the Wall of Wisdom of the “Waterbird” Bate and Grocery Store, Moses Lake, Texas.
Story alternates between the historical time of 1861 with young Irish school teacher Barbara Roses and Allie Kirkland in present times. Allie is the costuming assistant on a historical documentary being filmed in the hills about Moses Lake. The story is a reenactment of Wildwood back when it was a frontier settlement in 1861.
Audio narrators did a great job in performing the characters.
Moses Lake #4
I have read the other three in this series and this is definitely different. I am a big mystery fan and there is a mystery going on that took place in 1861.
I did love this story as well as the whole series. Lisa Wingate is a great storyteller and has a beautiful way of wording things. Although a series only a few recurring characters but I totally love all the quotes posted on the Wall of Wisdom of the “Waterbird” Bate and Grocery Store, Moses Lake, Texas.
Story alternates between the historical time of 1861 with young Irish school teacher Barbara Roses and Allie Kirkland in present times. Allie is the costuming assistant on a historical documentary being filmed in the hills about Moses Lake. The story is a reenactment of Wildwood back when it was a frontier settlement in 1861.
Audio narrators did a great job in performing the characters.
October 4, 2022
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the story line of Bonnie Rose woven throughout the book. This was definitely a different style compared to the other 3 books in this series.
April 23, 2014
Wildwood Creek has moved Lisa Wingate to favorite authors status.
This is only the 2nd novel of hers that I've read and now I feel compelled to read them all.
Why? Story, characters, writing.
First let's talk about story. Wildwood Creek is set in modern day and in 1861. Allie Kirkwood is eking out a dream she's had ever since her father tragically died, to pick up where he left off, making movies. Her mother and stepfather have no patience left for the nonsense of the life she is choosing. She discovers a big break, a chance to be behind the scenes on a historical reality show directed by one of the best and most powerful men in the business. Getting and keeping this job, helping recreate a mysterious 1861 Wildwood Texas, will give her what she needs to finally grasp her dreams.
Bonnie Rose is running from the horror of her past. As a young girl she and her younger sister were captured by a vicious tribe and Bonnie loses nearly everything, including her parents. She has a chance to move far away from the talk, the arched glances, the knowledge of who she is and what she has become, and what was taken from her, to make a better life for Maggie May and her. She signs up to teach in Wildwood, Texas.
The narrative ramps up tension as each woman discovers pieces of information, fragments of who she is, and adversity in their respective time frames. The adversity is tense. Disappearances occur in Wildwood in 1861 and the townspeople begin to wonder if Bonnie isn't a witch, the Queen of the River People. As the pounding panic hits a crescendo Bonnie's life is in danger. In the retelling of the story of Bonnie Rose, Allie finds herself falling deeper and deeper into the story of Wildwood, far deeper than she's comfortable with. And she breaks a cardinal rule that could get her removed from the set and ruin her dreams.
The story is enough to recommend the book, but there's more. The characters and writing go hand in hand. Each woman is different, with different ghosts that haunt, different fears that paralyze, but they are similar to each other in that they haven't fully lost the ability to hope. Wingate expertly handles backstory, much of the trauma they've each suffered is merely hinted at, but the characterization clearly shows how deep the trauma was and how it shaped the women. The writing is transcendent in that as soon as I began reading I became unaware of the words and was pulled completely into the story and the settings through my senses and through the deep characterization.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. I wasn't ready for the story to end and to lose touch with the characters.
If you are fascinated by history or reality television you should probably look into this one. If you want a good story that sucks you in and keeps you turning pages way past bedtime. If you love meaty writing and storytelling you really need to check into Wingate.
This is only the 2nd novel of hers that I've read and now I feel compelled to read them all.
Why? Story, characters, writing.
First let's talk about story. Wildwood Creek is set in modern day and in 1861. Allie Kirkwood is eking out a dream she's had ever since her father tragically died, to pick up where he left off, making movies. Her mother and stepfather have no patience left for the nonsense of the life she is choosing. She discovers a big break, a chance to be behind the scenes on a historical reality show directed by one of the best and most powerful men in the business. Getting and keeping this job, helping recreate a mysterious 1861 Wildwood Texas, will give her what she needs to finally grasp her dreams.
Bonnie Rose is running from the horror of her past. As a young girl she and her younger sister were captured by a vicious tribe and Bonnie loses nearly everything, including her parents. She has a chance to move far away from the talk, the arched glances, the knowledge of who she is and what she has become, and what was taken from her, to make a better life for Maggie May and her. She signs up to teach in Wildwood, Texas.
The narrative ramps up tension as each woman discovers pieces of information, fragments of who she is, and adversity in their respective time frames. The adversity is tense. Disappearances occur in Wildwood in 1861 and the townspeople begin to wonder if Bonnie isn't a witch, the Queen of the River People. As the pounding panic hits a crescendo Bonnie's life is in danger. In the retelling of the story of Bonnie Rose, Allie finds herself falling deeper and deeper into the story of Wildwood, far deeper than she's comfortable with. And she breaks a cardinal rule that could get her removed from the set and ruin her dreams.
The story is enough to recommend the book, but there's more. The characters and writing go hand in hand. Each woman is different, with different ghosts that haunt, different fears that paralyze, but they are similar to each other in that they haven't fully lost the ability to hope. Wingate expertly handles backstory, much of the trauma they've each suffered is merely hinted at, but the characterization clearly shows how deep the trauma was and how it shaped the women. The writing is transcendent in that as soon as I began reading I became unaware of the words and was pulled completely into the story and the settings through my senses and through the deep characterization.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. I wasn't ready for the story to end and to lose touch with the characters.
If you are fascinated by history or reality television you should probably look into this one. If you want a good story that sucks you in and keeps you turning pages way past bedtime. If you love meaty writing and storytelling you really need to check into Wingate.
March 11, 2014
Wildwood Creek is a story that I think can be enjoyed by either contemporary fiction fans or historical fiction fans. I thought it was a very versatile story. If you're a fan of historical fiction, you will enjoy reading about Bonnie Rose and her experience in the town of Wildwood when she first came to teach with her little sister Maggie May. If you're a fan of contemporary, you will enjoy reading about Allie Kirkland as she begins on a summer job she was desperate to get, as a production assistant to a television crew that has come to recreate the town of Wildwood and try to figure out the mystery behind it.
As these two young woman start off on a new adventure of life, neither know what will be waiting for them in Wildwood. Bonnie Rose just wants to be able to provide and care for her sister and herself and move on from the dark past that haunts her and her sister. The teaching position in Wildwood will offer her the fresh start she has dreamed of, but she doesn't know the cost. Allie just wants to follow in her father's footsteps and work in the movie industry. She would love to be able to move on to a film school. However, Allie deals with the constant guilt trips from her mom about settling down to a real life and moving on from this dream. Despite the hurt, Allie pushes aside what her mother wants and focuses on her dreams. After working many weeks as an intern to a hard nosed woman, Allie gets to finally enjoy the outcome of all of her labor when she sees the recreated Wildwood.
Switching back and forth between views and times was fantastic. Seeing what Bonnie Rose had to go through, then what Allie is trying to figure out, it makes you question, how much of history are we missing? What else is out there that we don't know about? What can we learn from the past?
Each character was unique and offered something fun, dark, or unusual to the story. I enjoyed their backgrounds and their stories that unfolded in these pages. As the events progressed in the story, I ended up quite surprised at the end, which is always fun.
Even though this is book four of the Moses Lake series, it worked well as a standalone.
Thank you to Bethany House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
As these two young woman start off on a new adventure of life, neither know what will be waiting for them in Wildwood. Bonnie Rose just wants to be able to provide and care for her sister and herself and move on from the dark past that haunts her and her sister. The teaching position in Wildwood will offer her the fresh start she has dreamed of, but she doesn't know the cost. Allie just wants to follow in her father's footsteps and work in the movie industry. She would love to be able to move on to a film school. However, Allie deals with the constant guilt trips from her mom about settling down to a real life and moving on from this dream. Despite the hurt, Allie pushes aside what her mother wants and focuses on her dreams. After working many weeks as an intern to a hard nosed woman, Allie gets to finally enjoy the outcome of all of her labor when she sees the recreated Wildwood.
Switching back and forth between views and times was fantastic. Seeing what Bonnie Rose had to go through, then what Allie is trying to figure out, it makes you question, how much of history are we missing? What else is out there that we don't know about? What can we learn from the past?
Each character was unique and offered something fun, dark, or unusual to the story. I enjoyed their backgrounds and their stories that unfolded in these pages. As the events progressed in the story, I ended up quite surprised at the end, which is always fun.
Even though this is book four of the Moses Lake series, it worked well as a standalone.
Thank you to Bethany House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2014
The overall story line of Wildwood Creek was great! I thoroughly enjoyed Lisa's writing with one main character in the present and one in the past! They both had similar struggles in two different time periods, but both of them gripped my heart! I loved how Bonnie Rose and Allison had the same hopeful and determined spirit in making a new life for themselves as well as pursuing their dreams! It was so encouraging and inspiring as they grew into the woman God created them to be while finding true love among the way (despite if they never thought they would).
Lisa's latest is also definitely a suspense novel that keeps you on the verge of your seat! I was surprised in the amazing description of every scene that had me feeling the same reactions as the characters! I'm sure my heart rate was up and every unexpected noise in my house made me jump (and laugh since I didn't realize I was concentrating so hard)! Wildwood gave me the creeps and I wasn't even in the story! Ha!
One thing that I thought was very unique about Wildwood Creek is Allison's passion in behind the scenes movie production! I thought her job was so fascinating even if it was very stressful with Tova! I didn't really think about how much work goes into costuming and all the other minor jobs she had to do to help the production come to life!
Lastly, I was so glad that Lisa weaved in some other characters from her previous Moses Lake books! It was so awesome to meet some of the characters again as well as have Allie write on the famous Wall of Wisdom!
It was very exciting to read Allison and Bonnie Rose's adventures in the city of Wildwood! The hope that drove these women in horrifying times was beyond amazing! I recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good historical mystery/suspense kind of story because Lisa does not disappoint! Plus the romance was super sweet!
I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you Lisa for my review copy! I enjoyed it so much! All thoughts written are my own! I was not required to write a positive review!
Lisa's latest is also definitely a suspense novel that keeps you on the verge of your seat! I was surprised in the amazing description of every scene that had me feeling the same reactions as the characters! I'm sure my heart rate was up and every unexpected noise in my house made me jump (and laugh since I didn't realize I was concentrating so hard)! Wildwood gave me the creeps and I wasn't even in the story! Ha!
One thing that I thought was very unique about Wildwood Creek is Allison's passion in behind the scenes movie production! I thought her job was so fascinating even if it was very stressful with Tova! I didn't really think about how much work goes into costuming and all the other minor jobs she had to do to help the production come to life!
Lastly, I was so glad that Lisa weaved in some other characters from her previous Moses Lake books! It was so awesome to meet some of the characters again as well as have Allie write on the famous Wall of Wisdom!
It was very exciting to read Allison and Bonnie Rose's adventures in the city of Wildwood! The hope that drove these women in horrifying times was beyond amazing! I recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good historical mystery/suspense kind of story because Lisa does not disappoint! Plus the romance was super sweet!
I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you Lisa for my review copy! I enjoyed it so much! All thoughts written are my own! I was not required to write a positive review!
October 27, 2016
Of the four books in the Moses Lake series, I enjoyed this one best (although the others were really good reads). The concept of a movie being made where the actors must live in the setting as the characters for a period of several months intrigues me. To add to that, the themes of this story involve those things that I enjoy most: God, romance, suspense. Allie Kirkland is not the type to be in front of the camera; she would rather be in the production end of it. But when the chance is offered for her to play the one of the main characters in the play and receive a scholarship to help her finish her master's in production, she accepts the part, albeit with reservations. Thus, begins the role that will take her from just knowing about love to the point of accepting God's love, as well as man's love. Along the way, the chance is given for her to solve a 150 year old mystery of a woman who was believed to have caused the disappearances of many people.
Favorite quotes:
"A black sheep is a black sheep, but he’s a sheep too. And the Lord loves sheep, and the Lord loves you.”
"Can’t never could, won’t never would, and shan’t probably should. Basically, it meant, stop whining and get busy doing. God gives every bird his worm, but He doesn’t drop it in their mouths once they’re big enough to fly."
"Sometimes you can either laugh or cry, and you might as well laugh.”
"Maybe a tragedy is exactly that—a singular thing, a shadow we travel through on the way to a different destination. Maybe the bigger tragedy is the one we undergo by choice. The decision never to walk forth from the shadow and see what lies beyond it."
"In the end, it makes little difference what’s printed in granite when you’re gone. It’s what you do while you’re here that matters."
Favorite quotes:
"A black sheep is a black sheep, but he’s a sheep too. And the Lord loves sheep, and the Lord loves you.”
"Can’t never could, won’t never would, and shan’t probably should. Basically, it meant, stop whining and get busy doing. God gives every bird his worm, but He doesn’t drop it in their mouths once they’re big enough to fly."
"Sometimes you can either laugh or cry, and you might as well laugh.”
"Maybe a tragedy is exactly that—a singular thing, a shadow we travel through on the way to a different destination. Maybe the bigger tragedy is the one we undergo by choice. The decision never to walk forth from the shadow and see what lies beyond it."
"In the end, it makes little difference what’s printed in granite when you’re gone. It’s what you do while you’re here that matters."
July 21, 2016
"Good Hope Road" was my first experience with a Lisa Wingate novel. And I'm not sure if it was because it was the first one of hers I read, or if it really is her best work, but I'm still thinking that one is my favorite of all her books.
This one felt like a re-write of other books I've read. Nothing really new, nothing outstanding, just a quick mostly uplifting read.
That said, there were a few things that bothered me. Kim was basically just an annoying gnat flying around waiting to fulfill her purpose in the book. Tova should have been better explained - she was just too mean/nasty/imperious/self-absorbed without some context or history. And yes, there were others that just felt sort of "blah". The whole book had the sense of being a "paint by numbers" book.
The reason I kept reading was the writing. I still love the way Ms. Wingate has of drawing me in with her command of the written word. Even things that bother me don't bother me enough to quit reading. I stick with it because I enjoy the writing more than the characters/plot.
I took note of several passages that struck me while I was reading the book, but when I went back over them, they weren't quite so stand-out. Must have been the spell I was under whilst reading.
And still: kudos to Ms. Wingate for keeping her writing clean and free from offensive language. That just might, perhaps, be why I keep returning to this author. I don't think anyone would be embarrassed to be seen reading any of her books.
This one felt like a re-write of other books I've read. Nothing really new, nothing outstanding, just a quick mostly uplifting read.
That said, there were a few things that bothered me. Kim was basically just an annoying gnat flying around waiting to fulfill her purpose in the book. Tova should have been better explained - she was just too mean/nasty/imperious/self-absorbed without some context or history. And yes, there were others that just felt sort of "blah". The whole book had the sense of being a "paint by numbers" book.
The reason I kept reading was the writing. I still love the way Ms. Wingate has of drawing me in with her command of the written word. Even things that bother me don't bother me enough to quit reading. I stick with it because I enjoy the writing more than the characters/plot.
I took note of several passages that struck me while I was reading the book, but when I went back over them, they weren't quite so stand-out. Must have been the spell I was under whilst reading.
And still: kudos to Ms. Wingate for keeping her writing clean and free from offensive language. That just might, perhaps, be why I keep returning to this author. I don't think anyone would be embarrassed to be seen reading any of her books.
March 7, 2014
Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, Minneapolis, Minnesota (c) 2014 Wingate Media LLC.
The premise of Wildwood Creek is interesting and original. Allie, a college student with dreams of being a film maker, takes a summer job on a set that promises a unique experience. A real-action recreation of a Civil War town and the strange, unresolved disappearance of its population, is interwoven with the college student’s story line. Allie ends up being cast as the school teacher of the town as re-enactment shifts into high gear. Romance and danger flit between the two time periods, and a mystery unfolds.
Lisa Wingate writes with ease and grace. Her characters are believable and events well-paced; the suspense is alluring. The only down-side to the story line is that the author ends it with planned sentimentality rather than allowing it to unfolding with complete integrity.
Wingate demonstrates insight into people and their development through their faith, making it attractive to Christian and non-Christian readers alike. Rating: 3.5/5
Sarah Tun
Author
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
The premise of Wildwood Creek is interesting and original. Allie, a college student with dreams of being a film maker, takes a summer job on a set that promises a unique experience. A real-action recreation of a Civil War town and the strange, unresolved disappearance of its population, is interwoven with the college student’s story line. Allie ends up being cast as the school teacher of the town as re-enactment shifts into high gear. Romance and danger flit between the two time periods, and a mystery unfolds.
Lisa Wingate writes with ease and grace. Her characters are believable and events well-paced; the suspense is alluring. The only down-side to the story line is that the author ends it with planned sentimentality rather than allowing it to unfolding with complete integrity.
Wingate demonstrates insight into people and their development through their faith, making it attractive to Christian and non-Christian readers alike. Rating: 3.5/5
Sarah Tun
Author
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
February 25, 2014
This is a good combination of contemporary suspense and historical fiction. The contemporary aspect is very informative about creating the kind of historical reenactments we see on the television. The historical aspect reminds us of the hardships pioneers went through.
A production company rebuilds a pioneer town in central Texas as part of a historical mystery series. All of the people in the town disappeared in the 1860s and no one has figured out what happened. It was interesting to read the parallel stories of young women going to the same town a century and a half apart - one a part of the current production cast and the other a young woman going to the pioneer town to be a teacher.
The contemporary story could have been a little tighter and the book a little shorter, but all in all, a good novel. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1o1V1Ik.
A production company rebuilds a pioneer town in central Texas as part of a historical mystery series. All of the people in the town disappeared in the 1860s and no one has figured out what happened. It was interesting to read the parallel stories of young women going to the same town a century and a half apart - one a part of the current production cast and the other a young woman going to the pioneer town to be a teacher.
The contemporary story could have been a little tighter and the book a little shorter, but all in all, a good novel. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1o1V1Ik.
August 9, 2016
This is the last in the series. I have loved this series and am sad to see it come to an end. But alas all good things must come to an end. Something I really loved about this series was the reoccurring secondary characters. They were so much fun and endearing. One in particular who we meet in the first book, I just fell in love with. He struggled in life but was doing his best, and my heart felt for him and loved his heart. At first I struggled a bit with the back and forth from the past to the present, but once I got a feel for it, it was fine. I highly recommend this series. They are well written and wonderful.
May 9, 2014
Lisa Wingate weaves an intriguing story -- or rather, stories -- within the pages of Wildwood Creek. I was pulled back and forth between the worlds of Allison and Bonnie Rose -- wondering how the two intersected, and also unsure how the book would end. The author kept me turning pages -- it was challenging not to flip to the end -- and I was especially curious about the mystery and tragedy surrounding Bonnie Rose. Very satisfying read.
October 20, 2015
Fascinating story
I don't think I have ever read anything quite like it. The characters are real and compelling and the winding history and modern day characters is masterful. Nobody can paint a picture of time and place better than Lisa Wingate. She is amazing. This was definitely the best of the series. Loved it.
I don't think I have ever read anything quite like it. The characters are real and compelling and the winding history and modern day characters is masterful. Nobody can paint a picture of time and place better than Lisa Wingate. She is amazing. This was definitely the best of the series. Loved it.
November 30, 2020
This is my favorite book in this series. It's very different in format than the previous three books. The book switches back and forth between two stories, one set before the Civil War and the other present day.
The story from 1861:
Bonnie Rose (O’Brien) - orphaned, kidnapped, raped, baby taken from her, moving with her younger sister to Wildwood to start a new life as a teacher.
Maggie May - 9 yr old sister, likes horses like their dad.
Big Neb - a slave, a good man, watches out for Bonnie Rose.
Essie Jane - a young slave girl Bonnie is kind to and who helps Bonnie.
Captain James Engle - kind and good, cares for Bonnie Rose.
Mr. Grayson Hardwick - wagon master, takes them to Wildwood along with supplies for Mr. Delevan.
Mr. Delevan - rich man, employer, evil. Hires men to patrol the area, supposedly to keep the people safe.
Children:
Brady Riley 7
Catherine Riley 9
3 more, (2 are older boys Aiden 13 and Tomas 11)
Klara Baum 14
3 more + boy infant (sister Corrie 10)
People are disappearing, they're called Gonefolk. Everyone is afraid and Bonnie is blamed.
The story from present day:
Allie Kirkland - her deceased dad was a film director, she is hired as a production assistant for a movie about Wildwood, then hired to play Bonnie Rose because she looks like her. Like the previous books in the series, she has a negative relationship with her mother.
Stewart - nerdy boy from her apartment.
Doesn’t make sense the actors really live on set for three months the way they did back in 1861, including gold claims.
“Organization and analysis prevents paralysis” Ch 5
"My voice sounds like Ma's - so much so that it wrenches my heart like a fist reaching in. That's how the grievin' becomes after a time. You've tossed off the black blanket, but scraps of it fall on you unexpected, your life always a quilt with a dark patch or two. The Good Lord uses those to show off the bright colors, I think." Ch 9
"Follow your heart, but always take your brain with you." Ch 13
"It didn't even matter. When you're laughing hard enough, nothing does." Ch 16
"She taught me that I was worth something, that I mattered. Sometimes, just one person is enough to make you believe it...Your job is to find [yourself], and to make sure that when you find her, you find all the best things inside her, all the beautiful and unique things - just like the star on the top of the rock. God made you smart, talented, and pretty. Put that stuff on the surface. There's no reason to go around taking a swipe at people before they can take a swipe at you. Just give them a chance, and see how it goes." Ch 20
"I feel like we owe it to them to get it right, to honor their lives...Something happened to the residents here. They deserve for the truth to finally come out." Ch 22
"You may miss your daddy, sugar pie, and I know you do. You always will. But you got to remember, God's just one prayer, or one thought, or one hope away...You lean on that when the world goes dark. Whatever big hurt you've got inside you, God can cover it over. Don't be afraid to open up and ask." Ch 22
"Maybe a tragedy is exactly that - a singular thing, a shadow we travel through on the way to a different destination. Maybe the bigger tragedy is the one we undergo by choice. The decision never to walk forth from the shadow and see what lies beyond it." Ch 22
"I’d lived my life as if I had all the time in the world - time to think about relationships, time to understand why I was put on the planet, time to make my life count for something, time to make a difference. I'd never really understood that at any moment, time could run out." Ch 25
"Some of the unexpected moments in life are the ones you remember the most." Ch 26
"When you love someone - really love someone - that person's happiness becomes your own happiness. I had finally figured that out. Life isn't about protecting yourself, it's about tearing the box wide open and letting other people in. The people you meet come with lessons to teach." Ch 26
"When the right person steps into your life, you know it." Ch 26
"One thing a near-disaster will do is bring families together." Ch 26
"Life should never be a stagnant thing. Just like the rivers, we thrive when the water flows in and washes away the silt of the past. All the debris we cling to doesn't keep us afloat, it kills the life within us." Ch 26
"I didn't even want to think about [him]. He didn't belong in this day or anywhere in my life. I wouldn't let what he'd done steal one day of my future." Ch 26
"The thing I had hoped and prayed for all these years had finally been just...handed to me. But like so many answered prayers, it had come with the knowledge that I had stored up my treasure in the wrong place. The important thing isn't proving you can achieve a goal, but living every moment along the way, even the side trips. Perhaps, especially the side trips." Ch 26
"Some of our best moments are born of the worst...In film, and in life, the highest point arrives just after the lowest." Ch 26
"My life been a' adventure - wit' pain, hard work, love, and blessin's. Lord give me everythin' I need, day by day, and the blessin' part is, I knowed that while it was happenin'. Didn' go 'round wantin' mo', way these young folk do today. All that wantin' make you pow'ful unhappy. I learn that early, so I jus' spend my life thankin'. Thankin' the Almighty fo' everythin'." Epilogue
"I just fall on my knees, and thank God, thank God, thank God. He a God of miracles and wonders. And love the greatest one of all. This big ol' world can't never, ever get enough of it." Epilogue
The story from 1861:
Bonnie Rose (O’Brien) - orphaned, kidnapped, raped, baby taken from her, moving with her younger sister to Wildwood to start a new life as a teacher.
Maggie May - 9 yr old sister, likes horses like their dad.
Big Neb - a slave, a good man, watches out for Bonnie Rose.
Essie Jane - a young slave girl Bonnie is kind to and who helps Bonnie.
Captain James Engle - kind and good, cares for Bonnie Rose.
Mr. Grayson Hardwick - wagon master, takes them to Wildwood along with supplies for Mr. Delevan.
Mr. Delevan - rich man, employer, evil. Hires men to patrol the area, supposedly to keep the people safe.
Children:
Brady Riley 7
Catherine Riley 9
3 more, (2 are older boys Aiden 13 and Tomas 11)
Klara Baum 14
3 more + boy infant (sister Corrie 10)
People are disappearing, they're called Gonefolk. Everyone is afraid and Bonnie is blamed.
The story from present day:
Allie Kirkland - her deceased dad was a film director, she is hired as a production assistant for a movie about Wildwood, then hired to play Bonnie Rose because she looks like her. Like the previous books in the series, she has a negative relationship with her mother.
Stewart - nerdy boy from her apartment.
Doesn’t make sense the actors really live on set for three months the way they did back in 1861, including gold claims.
“Organization and analysis prevents paralysis” Ch 5
"My voice sounds like Ma's - so much so that it wrenches my heart like a fist reaching in. That's how the grievin' becomes after a time. You've tossed off the black blanket, but scraps of it fall on you unexpected, your life always a quilt with a dark patch or two. The Good Lord uses those to show off the bright colors, I think." Ch 9
"Follow your heart, but always take your brain with you." Ch 13
"It didn't even matter. When you're laughing hard enough, nothing does." Ch 16
"She taught me that I was worth something, that I mattered. Sometimes, just one person is enough to make you believe it...Your job is to find [yourself], and to make sure that when you find her, you find all the best things inside her, all the beautiful and unique things - just like the star on the top of the rock. God made you smart, talented, and pretty. Put that stuff on the surface. There's no reason to go around taking a swipe at people before they can take a swipe at you. Just give them a chance, and see how it goes." Ch 20
"I feel like we owe it to them to get it right, to honor their lives...Something happened to the residents here. They deserve for the truth to finally come out." Ch 22
"You may miss your daddy, sugar pie, and I know you do. You always will. But you got to remember, God's just one prayer, or one thought, or one hope away...You lean on that when the world goes dark. Whatever big hurt you've got inside you, God can cover it over. Don't be afraid to open up and ask." Ch 22
"Maybe a tragedy is exactly that - a singular thing, a shadow we travel through on the way to a different destination. Maybe the bigger tragedy is the one we undergo by choice. The decision never to walk forth from the shadow and see what lies beyond it." Ch 22
"I’d lived my life as if I had all the time in the world - time to think about relationships, time to understand why I was put on the planet, time to make my life count for something, time to make a difference. I'd never really understood that at any moment, time could run out." Ch 25
"Some of the unexpected moments in life are the ones you remember the most." Ch 26
"When you love someone - really love someone - that person's happiness becomes your own happiness. I had finally figured that out. Life isn't about protecting yourself, it's about tearing the box wide open and letting other people in. The people you meet come with lessons to teach." Ch 26
"When the right person steps into your life, you know it." Ch 26
"One thing a near-disaster will do is bring families together." Ch 26
"Life should never be a stagnant thing. Just like the rivers, we thrive when the water flows in and washes away the silt of the past. All the debris we cling to doesn't keep us afloat, it kills the life within us." Ch 26
"I didn't even want to think about [him]. He didn't belong in this day or anywhere in my life. I wouldn't let what he'd done steal one day of my future." Ch 26
"The thing I had hoped and prayed for all these years had finally been just...handed to me. But like so many answered prayers, it had come with the knowledge that I had stored up my treasure in the wrong place. The important thing isn't proving you can achieve a goal, but living every moment along the way, even the side trips. Perhaps, especially the side trips." Ch 26
"Some of our best moments are born of the worst...In film, and in life, the highest point arrives just after the lowest." Ch 26
"My life been a' adventure - wit' pain, hard work, love, and blessin's. Lord give me everythin' I need, day by day, and the blessin' part is, I knowed that while it was happenin'. Didn' go 'round wantin' mo', way these young folk do today. All that wantin' make you pow'ful unhappy. I learn that early, so I jus' spend my life thankin'. Thankin' the Almighty fo' everythin'." Epilogue
"I just fall on my knees, and thank God, thank God, thank God. He a God of miracles and wonders. And love the greatest one of all. This big ol' world can't never, ever get enough of it." Epilogue
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