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The Woman in the Trees
Set within the expanses of the American frontier, The Woman in the Trees follows Slainie, an inquisitive pioneer girl, whose life is forever transformed when a mysterious seer shows up at her door. Amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, family tragedy, and the nation's most destructive wildfire, Slainie must navigate her rugged pioneer life as she encounters love and loss, and comes face to face with the story of America's first approved Marian apparition.
238 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2020
36 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Theoni Bell
2 books25 followersTheoni Bell has been fascinated with America's first approved Marian apparition (Our Lady of Champion) for 10 years. Her historical fiction novel "The Woman in the Trees: a novel about America's first approved Marian apparition" was published in 2021 by TAN Books. Theoni also writes and speaks about baby and infant loss. Her baby loss picture book with Holy Heroes is due Spring 2024. Her book for teens detailing the approval process for Marian apparitions, and specifically the investigation of Our Lady of Champion, will be available Fall 2024.
Theoni has a master's in international journalism and studied religion and culture in 9 countries. She came to Catholicism in college. She writes from Houston where she lives with her husband and three children, never forgetting to ask aid from their four children in heaven.
Find more at theonibell.com.
Theoni has a master's in international journalism and studied religion and culture in 9 countries. She came to Catholicism in college. She writes from Houston where she lives with her husband and three children, never forgetting to ask aid from their four children in heaven.
Find more at theonibell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 28, 2020
One of my favourite books of the year.
“When Theoni Bell reached out to me and asked if I wanted to be a part of the launch team for The Woman in the Trees, I was hesitant. I didn’t know anything about Our Lady of Good Help. I had only heard the name Adele Brise in passing. Besides that, I was busy, and I didn’t think I’d have time to read and review the book before the release date.
I shouldn’t have worried. As soon as I sat down to read the story of Slainie LaFont, I realized that finishing in a couple of days wouldn’t be a problem. Bell’s writing dragged me into the world of Civil War-era Wisconsin and wouldn’t let go. I knew that this book and its main character were historical fiction based on the true events surrounding Adele Brise, Our Lady, and a group of Belgian immigrants to rural Wisconsin. What I didn’t expect was that it would stand so well as a compelling, well-written novel.”
See my full review here: https://onepeterfive.com/book-review-...
“When Theoni Bell reached out to me and asked if I wanted to be a part of the launch team for The Woman in the Trees, I was hesitant. I didn’t know anything about Our Lady of Good Help. I had only heard the name Adele Brise in passing. Besides that, I was busy, and I didn’t think I’d have time to read and review the book before the release date.
I shouldn’t have worried. As soon as I sat down to read the story of Slainie LaFont, I realized that finishing in a couple of days wouldn’t be a problem. Bell’s writing dragged me into the world of Civil War-era Wisconsin and wouldn’t let go. I knew that this book and its main character were historical fiction based on the true events surrounding Adele Brise, Our Lady, and a group of Belgian immigrants to rural Wisconsin. What I didn’t expect was that it would stand so well as a compelling, well-written novel.”
See my full review here: https://onepeterfive.com/book-review-...
March 1, 2021
Historical fiction is always such an enjoyable way to learn. And I learned a lot through this book. The Woman in the Trees revolves around a Marian apparition that occurred in Wisconsin during the 1800s. At the time, there were many who did not believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary made an appearance in such an isolated land. However some did believe Adele Brise’s account and a chapel was built at the site where devout Catholics would gather and pray. I don’t want to give anything away but will say this land did become the site of a miracle that was witnessed by hundreds.
This fascinating true account is interwoven into a fictional story about a Belgium family who immigrated to Wisconsin searching for a better life. The book follows the life of Slainie, first as a child, then as a teenager, and finally as a young mother. Through Slainie, the reader experiences the difficulties of journeying to America and building a life from nothing. Besides the hardships of immigration, there are other fantastic discussion topics featured in the book such as the struggles of pioneer life, the heartbreak of the Civil War, and of course, Marion visions.
The author did a wonderful job of combining an intriguing fictional story with fascinating real events and individuals, creating a truly inspirational story.
This fascinating true account is interwoven into a fictional story about a Belgium family who immigrated to Wisconsin searching for a better life. The book follows the life of Slainie, first as a child, then as a teenager, and finally as a young mother. Through Slainie, the reader experiences the difficulties of journeying to America and building a life from nothing. Besides the hardships of immigration, there are other fantastic discussion topics featured in the book such as the struggles of pioneer life, the heartbreak of the Civil War, and of course, Marion visions.
The author did a wonderful job of combining an intriguing fictional story with fascinating real events and individuals, creating a truly inspirational story.
July 26, 2020
A real treat for fans of well-researched historical fiction, this Civil War-era novel follows the struggles of a young pioneer girl to come to terms with her new homeland, her relationship with her mother, her Catholic faith, and ultimately herself. The backdrop of the country’s most destructive wildfire and America’s little-known but first approved Marian apparition make this a gripping read for tweens, teens and even moms.
July 29, 2020
The Woman in the Trees will appeal to a variety of readers: children, teens, adults, fans of historical fiction and fans of religious fiction, specifically those interested in appearances of the Blessed Mother.
There's a lot to be learned here about the Peshtigo fire, Our Lady of Good Help (the U.S.'s only Church-approved Marian apparition), and American life around the time of the Civil War. That's not to say this is a dry textbook. On the contrary, it's a richly human story of a loss, suffering, hope, and faith through the eyes of a young girl (and later, young woman), Slainie, who encounters the enigmatic seer Adele Brise.
I found this the perfect introduction to the history of Our Lady of Good Help, both for myself and for my children. Recommended reading for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
(I edited this book and therefore read an author-provided copy. The opinions expressed here are my own and independent of the role I played in editing.)
There's a lot to be learned here about the Peshtigo fire, Our Lady of Good Help (the U.S.'s only Church-approved Marian apparition), and American life around the time of the Civil War. That's not to say this is a dry textbook. On the contrary, it's a richly human story of a loss, suffering, hope, and faith through the eyes of a young girl (and later, young woman), Slainie, who encounters the enigmatic seer Adele Brise.
I found this the perfect introduction to the history of Our Lady of Good Help, both for myself and for my children. Recommended reading for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
(I edited this book and therefore read an author-provided copy. The opinions expressed here are my own and independent of the role I played in editing.)
July 24, 2020
A LADY IN WHITE, STANDING BETWEEN TWO TREES! Mary, our Mother!
You will fall in love with this book and all the characters!
This book tells of a Belgin family who came to America (Wisconsin) for a better life!
In doing so, they were met with many hardships, obstacles as well as loss.
Adele Brise is a significant character in this book who encountered 3 visits of the Virgin Mary. She is the basis for this story.
The author (Theoni Bell) uses all facts regarding the only approved apparition in the United States, that tells a touching and hearfelt story of a families traveling to America from Belgium, meeting Adele and how she helped them discover our savior! Its a story of conversion and faith.
The Great Pestigo Fire, which devestated parts northeastern Wisconsin and the northern pensula of Michigan, tells of great faith that helped those escaping the fire, trusting in God, and taking refuge within the perimeter of the chapel located in Champion, Wisconsin, The site of the apparition and where Adele lived and taught the children were unharmed!
READ AND FIND OUT HOW THIS HAPPENED!
Adele at a young age, was told by Our Lady to, "gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they need to know about salvation". She was asking Adele to teach about Jesus!!
Wow!! Read, discover, and believe! You will not want to put this book down!
This story hits home with me because I am from Wisconsin and discovered the apparition of Our Lady, the Virgin Mary, who appeared to Adele Brise in 1859. The site is only 2 hours away! Its close to Green Bay, Wisconsin! Crazy how it's practiacally in my back yard. If you ever get a chance to visit the site, you will not be dissappointed. It's very peaceful and simple there! I love it! THANK YOU THEONI BELL FOR THIS WONDERFUL STORY THAT BRINGS LIFE TO ADELE and Our Mother! LIfe to the Apparition site each time I will be visiting now.
BTW.. I planted a Hemlock tree this summer, parallel to a Maple tree!
The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help located in Champion WI. https://championshrine.org/
You will fall in love with this book and all the characters!
This book tells of a Belgin family who came to America (Wisconsin) for a better life!
In doing so, they were met with many hardships, obstacles as well as loss.
Adele Brise is a significant character in this book who encountered 3 visits of the Virgin Mary. She is the basis for this story.
The author (Theoni Bell) uses all facts regarding the only approved apparition in the United States, that tells a touching and hearfelt story of a families traveling to America from Belgium, meeting Adele and how she helped them discover our savior! Its a story of conversion and faith.
The Great Pestigo Fire, which devestated parts northeastern Wisconsin and the northern pensula of Michigan, tells of great faith that helped those escaping the fire, trusting in God, and taking refuge within the perimeter of the chapel located in Champion, Wisconsin, The site of the apparition and where Adele lived and taught the children were unharmed!
READ AND FIND OUT HOW THIS HAPPENED!
Adele at a young age, was told by Our Lady to, "gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they need to know about salvation". She was asking Adele to teach about Jesus!!
Wow!! Read, discover, and believe! You will not want to put this book down!
This story hits home with me because I am from Wisconsin and discovered the apparition of Our Lady, the Virgin Mary, who appeared to Adele Brise in 1859. The site is only 2 hours away! Its close to Green Bay, Wisconsin! Crazy how it's practiacally in my back yard. If you ever get a chance to visit the site, you will not be dissappointed. It's very peaceful and simple there! I love it! THANK YOU THEONI BELL FOR THIS WONDERFUL STORY THAT BRINGS LIFE TO ADELE and Our Mother! LIfe to the Apparition site each time I will be visiting now.
BTW.. I planted a Hemlock tree this summer, parallel to a Maple tree!
The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help located in Champion WI. https://championshrine.org/
June 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It was interesting and entertaining. A good, clean Catholic novel.
I wasn’t familiar with this Marian apparition that the story centers around, so it was a great introduction to it.
I wasn’t familiar with this Marian apparition that the story centers around, so it was a great introduction to it.
August 3, 2020
As a retired elementary school teacher and a Catholic Catechism teacher, I passionately recommend this book for students and adults alike. The charm of the telling, history, and religious significance have come at a much needed time. When you finish reading this story, you can’t help but feel the hope of a better future for all. Thank you, Theoni Bell, for this book.
August 2, 2020
Reading this book, I couldn’t help but feel how timely it is. I had never heard of Our Lady of Good Help before and am grateful to be able to recommend this book written for young Catholics. The story had me completely engaged and was filled with examples of the virtues, so needed for today. I am also grateful to be giving such a well researched book to my boys to read.
July 12, 2021
“The beautiful Queen of Heaven said, ‘Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they must know for salvation.’”
When I think about apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, places like Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe come to the forefront of my mind. But what about Wisconsin?
Theoni Bell’s The Woman in the Trees brings to life the first Marian apparition approved in the United States. In October 1859, Our Lady appeared to Adele Brise, a twenty-eight-year-old Belgian immigrant. The Blessed Mother wore a dazzling white dress, with a yellow sash tied around her waist. A crown of stars adorned her head, over her long, golden hair. Standing elevated between two trees, she entrusted Adele with a mission: catechize the young immigrant children and pray for the conversion of sinners.
Teach them their catechism, how to sign themselves with the sign of the Cross, and how to approach the sacraments; that is what I wish you to do. Go and fear nothing, I will help you.
In response, Adele traversed the wilderness on foot, catechizing children. She also set-up a Catholic school and began a community of Third Order Franciscan women. Adele’s father built a small chapel at the site of the apparition, in Champion, Wisconsin. There many pilgrims experienced conversions and healings. Eventually, a larger Shrine was constructed.
An amazing miracle took place at the Shrine. On October 8, 1871 the deadliest wildfire in history occurred. Called the Peshtigo fire, it consumed areas of northeastern Wisconsin, burning 1,200,000 acres of land and claiming the lives of 1,500-2,5000 people. Many people flocked to the Shrine and gathered there with Adele, where they formed a procession and prayed the rosary. Though the fire surrounded them on four sides, it did not cross the perimeter of the Shrine. The Shrine was left undamaged and the faithful gathered there were spared from any harm.
This is the historical context of The Woman in the Trees, which follows protagonist Slainie LaFont and her family, Belgian immigrants who arrived in the United States and settled in Wisconsin. I saw two different themes emerging from the narrative. The first focuses on the concept of motherhood. Slainie has a strained relationship with her mother, who is practical, unaffectionate, and stern. Her mother also nurses a strong animosity toward religion. The narrative follows Slainie’s increasingly broken relationship with her mother, which parallels Slainie’s growing realization that she has a Heavenly Mother who loves her.
"She lost faith in some hidden goodness inside her mother. She lost hope that she herself could resist growing into the callous person her mother was. She now believed what had been true all along, that as she listened more and more to Adele she walked toward Mary—and walked away from her earthly mother."
The other theme centers on the harshness of the wilderness and how the immigrants were ill-prepared for it. They arrived in the United States expecting an easier, freer life than the one they previously experienced in Belgium. Yet, quite the opposite occurs.
"The cabin where Slainie lived as a child sat in the center of a hard-won clearing. For thousands of years, a forest of conifers and broad-leaved trees had grown unhindered in that spot. Some of those trees were as thick as four feet across. Only Indians had traversed there. In 1853, the Belgian settlers arrived, and with them, Slainie LaFont. In those early pioneering years, the settlers had hacked and sawed unceasingly at the forest."
The Belgians named their settlement Aux Premier Belges (The First Belgians). Slainie and her siblings spent their days doing laundry, milking the cows, feeding the animals, foraging for food in the woods, and digging up roots and preparing the soil for planting. When her mother placed her on laundry duty, Slainie labored for whole days cleaning clothing, collapsing exhausted on her bed after the grueling work. These scenes certainly did not evoke the warm, cozy scenes of Little House in the Big Woods! For many years the Belgians barely survived, turning to wild plants for food and making flour from acorns. For five years they lived alone, in total isolation from any other settlement.
As dire as these physical conditions were, the spiritual condition of the settlers was even worse. They did not know their faith: they buried their deceased without any proper prayers or Christian burial. They did not attend Mass. They suffered greatly, but did not know how to sanctify that suffering. Slainie’s family, in their journey to the United States, endured a personal tragedy, but they had no spiritual tools for processing their pain and finding hope in Christ.
"The LaFonts never spoke about their immigration experience—nothing mentioned of the discarded possessions, faring the seas, or the search for land to settle. Slainie dared not speak about leaving Belgium, because of the tragedy that followed. Immigrating and tragedy were one in Slainie’s mind. The first had caused the latter."
Aux Premier Belges gradually developed and flourished, after many difficult years. Yet, in the terrible Peshtigo fire, everything they worked so hard to accomplish and build vanished in an instant.
"Still to the west, the front row of trees stood calmly as if nothing was wrong. When the fire reached them they ignited with energetic bursts of flame. The leaves and needles burned first, right before Slainie’s eyes, so that the last thing she glimpsed of each tree was a black skeleton of branches. It flashed for an instant before each tree disappeared. Nearby barns and houses exploded into flames and burned to nothing in a matter of moments."
It is only the Shrine that withstands the fire: faith is the secure foundation to build upon. Our earthly labor, without a heavenly perspective, may be in vain if not sanctified through faith. Thus the critical need to teach people, young and old, about the hope we hold in Christ. The Woman in the Trees is a beautiful reminder that Our Blessed Mother will take care of our needs—spiritual and physical—whenever we turn to her as children.
When I think about apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, places like Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe come to the forefront of my mind. But what about Wisconsin?
Theoni Bell’s The Woman in the Trees brings to life the first Marian apparition approved in the United States. In October 1859, Our Lady appeared to Adele Brise, a twenty-eight-year-old Belgian immigrant. The Blessed Mother wore a dazzling white dress, with a yellow sash tied around her waist. A crown of stars adorned her head, over her long, golden hair. Standing elevated between two trees, she entrusted Adele with a mission: catechize the young immigrant children and pray for the conversion of sinners.
Teach them their catechism, how to sign themselves with the sign of the Cross, and how to approach the sacraments; that is what I wish you to do. Go and fear nothing, I will help you.
In response, Adele traversed the wilderness on foot, catechizing children. She also set-up a Catholic school and began a community of Third Order Franciscan women. Adele’s father built a small chapel at the site of the apparition, in Champion, Wisconsin. There many pilgrims experienced conversions and healings. Eventually, a larger Shrine was constructed.
An amazing miracle took place at the Shrine. On October 8, 1871 the deadliest wildfire in history occurred. Called the Peshtigo fire, it consumed areas of northeastern Wisconsin, burning 1,200,000 acres of land and claiming the lives of 1,500-2,5000 people. Many people flocked to the Shrine and gathered there with Adele, where they formed a procession and prayed the rosary. Though the fire surrounded them on four sides, it did not cross the perimeter of the Shrine. The Shrine was left undamaged and the faithful gathered there were spared from any harm.
This is the historical context of The Woman in the Trees, which follows protagonist Slainie LaFont and her family, Belgian immigrants who arrived in the United States and settled in Wisconsin. I saw two different themes emerging from the narrative. The first focuses on the concept of motherhood. Slainie has a strained relationship with her mother, who is practical, unaffectionate, and stern. Her mother also nurses a strong animosity toward religion. The narrative follows Slainie’s increasingly broken relationship with her mother, which parallels Slainie’s growing realization that she has a Heavenly Mother who loves her.
"She lost faith in some hidden goodness inside her mother. She lost hope that she herself could resist growing into the callous person her mother was. She now believed what had been true all along, that as she listened more and more to Adele she walked toward Mary—and walked away from her earthly mother."
The other theme centers on the harshness of the wilderness and how the immigrants were ill-prepared for it. They arrived in the United States expecting an easier, freer life than the one they previously experienced in Belgium. Yet, quite the opposite occurs.
"The cabin where Slainie lived as a child sat in the center of a hard-won clearing. For thousands of years, a forest of conifers and broad-leaved trees had grown unhindered in that spot. Some of those trees were as thick as four feet across. Only Indians had traversed there. In 1853, the Belgian settlers arrived, and with them, Slainie LaFont. In those early pioneering years, the settlers had hacked and sawed unceasingly at the forest."
The Belgians named their settlement Aux Premier Belges (The First Belgians). Slainie and her siblings spent their days doing laundry, milking the cows, feeding the animals, foraging for food in the woods, and digging up roots and preparing the soil for planting. When her mother placed her on laundry duty, Slainie labored for whole days cleaning clothing, collapsing exhausted on her bed after the grueling work. These scenes certainly did not evoke the warm, cozy scenes of Little House in the Big Woods! For many years the Belgians barely survived, turning to wild plants for food and making flour from acorns. For five years they lived alone, in total isolation from any other settlement.
As dire as these physical conditions were, the spiritual condition of the settlers was even worse. They did not know their faith: they buried their deceased without any proper prayers or Christian burial. They did not attend Mass. They suffered greatly, but did not know how to sanctify that suffering. Slainie’s family, in their journey to the United States, endured a personal tragedy, but they had no spiritual tools for processing their pain and finding hope in Christ.
"The LaFonts never spoke about their immigration experience—nothing mentioned of the discarded possessions, faring the seas, or the search for land to settle. Slainie dared not speak about leaving Belgium, because of the tragedy that followed. Immigrating and tragedy were one in Slainie’s mind. The first had caused the latter."
Aux Premier Belges gradually developed and flourished, after many difficult years. Yet, in the terrible Peshtigo fire, everything they worked so hard to accomplish and build vanished in an instant.
"Still to the west, the front row of trees stood calmly as if nothing was wrong. When the fire reached them they ignited with energetic bursts of flame. The leaves and needles burned first, right before Slainie’s eyes, so that the last thing she glimpsed of each tree was a black skeleton of branches. It flashed for an instant before each tree disappeared. Nearby barns and houses exploded into flames and burned to nothing in a matter of moments."
It is only the Shrine that withstands the fire: faith is the secure foundation to build upon. Our earthly labor, without a heavenly perspective, may be in vain if not sanctified through faith. Thus the critical need to teach people, young and old, about the hope we hold in Christ. The Woman in the Trees is a beautiful reminder that Our Blessed Mother will take care of our needs—spiritual and physical—whenever we turn to her as children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
⭐️3.5 stars rounded up
i picked this up one night and read a couple chapters. and unfortunately forgot about it until a few weeks ago…
while i enjoyed this unique time period ( one i haven’t read a lot on) the way this book was written was a bit confusing, beginning in the middle of a catastrophe with characters that just seem to pop up into the story. the next chapter goes back further into time helping you to get to know the LaFont family. although it was helpful that on the front of each chapter there was he date and how far the date was from the catastrophe in the first chapter.
I liked how in the end it was God who saved them with a miracle. I wish it was a more well known story.
fyi I am just saying ‘ catastrophe’ so i don’t give away spoilers
i picked this up one night and read a couple chapters. and unfortunately forgot about it until a few weeks ago…
while i enjoyed this unique time period ( one i haven’t read a lot on) the way this book was written was a bit confusing, beginning in the middle of a catastrophe with characters that just seem to pop up into the story. the next chapter goes back further into time helping you to get to know the LaFont family. although it was helpful that on the front of each chapter there was he date and how far the date was from the catastrophe in the first chapter.
I liked how in the end it was God who saved them with a miracle. I wish it was a more well known story.
fyi I am just saying ‘ catastrophe’ so i don’t give away spoilers
September 15, 2020
This was an amazing novel for many reasons. First it is the debut novel from the pen of Theoni Bell, and if it any indication we are in for some amazing stories. Second it was a story I was unaware of. It is a Marian apparition that I was hardly aware of and the way the story is presented in this novel is incredible. I read this book in one sitting, I could not put it down, and I stayed up much too late reading. I have a few contemporary Catholic authors that I cannot wait for them to release another book so I can read it. Theoni was added to that list based on the power of this story!
Last year I read a book about Our Lady of Good Help by Father Edward Looney Our Lady of Good Help: Prayer Book for Pilgrims. And loved the prayers. This novel brings it to life in a very powerful way. This novel gives us much of the background and a very personal way. This historical fiction novel follows Slainie a Belgium immigrant in the 1800’s. It follows her immigration, her travels across America and her struggles with faith and family. It is a deeply moving story.
As we find out about the Woman in the Trees and the mysterious seer. We follow Slainie and her family. He fathers embracing the apparitions, and her mother’s resistance and confrontational nature. The characters are masterfully written. The story will grab you and not let you go.
This book would be an excellent read for a book club, youth group, or classroom. It could also be read and discussed as a family. Reading this book really made me think of my impact upon my children and their faith. About how much a parent’s actions can either help or hinder our children and their spiritual life. The book inspired me to pray in a new way for my own children, and their relationship with Our Lady.
This is an excellent read for tweens, teens and adults. I can honestly say this is one of the best debut novels I have read in the last few years. I highly recommend this book!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
Last year I read a book about Our Lady of Good Help by Father Edward Looney Our Lady of Good Help: Prayer Book for Pilgrims. And loved the prayers. This novel brings it to life in a very powerful way. This novel gives us much of the background and a very personal way. This historical fiction novel follows Slainie a Belgium immigrant in the 1800’s. It follows her immigration, her travels across America and her struggles with faith and family. It is a deeply moving story.
As we find out about the Woman in the Trees and the mysterious seer. We follow Slainie and her family. He fathers embracing the apparitions, and her mother’s resistance and confrontational nature. The characters are masterfully written. The story will grab you and not let you go.
This book would be an excellent read for a book club, youth group, or classroom. It could also be read and discussed as a family. Reading this book really made me think of my impact upon my children and their faith. About how much a parent’s actions can either help or hinder our children and their spiritual life. The book inspired me to pray in a new way for my own children, and their relationship with Our Lady.
This is an excellent read for tweens, teens and adults. I can honestly say this is one of the best debut novels I have read in the last few years. I highly recommend this book!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
August 10, 2020
This historical fiction novel involves the only approved Marian apparition in the United States, Our Lady of Good Help. The story follows Slainie, a pioneer girl who immigrates to Wisconsin with her family and there learns about the Blessed Mother's appearance from Adele Brice, who witnessed it firsthand. Not only does the story shed light on a piece of Catholic history that even many cradle Catholics like myself have never learned about, it also explores themes of grief, loss, and change, along with the difficulties of living with a parent who does not share her child's faith. Young readers will relate easily to Slainie, who, despite being fictional, comes across as very real and believable, and they will gain new insight into the Civil War era by considering the time period from a strongly Catholic perspective. This would be a great addition to any Catholic curriculum covering American History, but it's also an engaging pleasure read filled with well-drawn characters and inspiring truths about the faith.
July 28, 2020
I loved this very well written, sweet and charming story...I was hooked at chapter one. What a great way to learn about America's first approved Marian apparition. I appreciated the information in the back of the book that explained the facts behind the story as well. Well done, Theoni Bell.
July 24, 2020
This book is well written, engaging, and entertaining with an exciting storyline that is based within historical events. It is great for elementary aged through adults.
June 18, 2024
It has been a month since I read "The Woman in The Trees" and I am still thinking about Slainie and her mother. I enjoyed learning about the first approved Marian apparition in America through the eyes of both faithful and fallen away Catholics and the miracles they experienced.
ETA: I finally added a copy of this to a TAN book order because it was in the monthly $5 sale (June 2024) I am so happy to finally have a beautiful copy of it to read again!
ETA: I finally added a copy of this to a TAN book order because it was in the monthly $5 sale (June 2024) I am so happy to finally have a beautiful copy of it to read again!
December 23, 2021
This novel opens a door to an undiscovered genre: Catholic historical fiction! Whether or not you have a religious background, this book will draw you in with its characters and historical content.
Based on the only approved Marian apparition in the U.S., "The Woman in the Trees" is a must-read for a Catholic pre-teens, teens, parents, and teachers alike! Discover the miracle of Our Lady of Good Help through the life of a Belgian immigrant, Slainie.
Based on the only approved Marian apparition in the U.S., "The Woman in the Trees" is a must-read for a Catholic pre-teens, teens, parents, and teachers alike! Discover the miracle of Our Lady of Good Help through the life of a Belgian immigrant, Slainie.
August 29, 2020
Wonderful story. I really appreciated how the author stuck to the facts about the apparation of Our Lady of Good Help. I fell in love with the characters and was drawn back to frontier Wisconsin. I can't wait for more books from the author!
December 22, 2020
Slainie Lafont is excited to leave Belgium and travel to the wilds of Wisconsin with her family in the mid 19th century. But the old story holds true: pioneer life isn’t as easy as it looks. As she matures from a young child to a young lady, tragedy and trial strike one after another. The one consolation offered to her–the teaching and companionship of Adele Brise–is angrily rejected by Slainie’s cold mother. Adele claims to have had a vision of the Mother of God, who gave her a mission to teach the pioneer children about God. But to Slainie’s mother, a belief in God is more dangerous than all the difficulties of the Wisconsin wilderness. Wasn’t it God, after all, who brought misfortune into their lives?
The story follows Slainie through adolescence and the losses brought by the Civil War, and into adulthood, marriage, and family. Though her relationship with her mother is still fraught, Slainie has come to a deep faith in God, which sustains and comforts her. But will her faith be enough help her through the greatest danger she’s yet had to face?
The Woman in the Trees is historical fiction gold. Theoni Bell describes the events surrounding the Peshtigo Wildfire, the Civil War, and “everyday” pioneer life for Beligian immigrants with a straightforward gracefulness. Slainie is a wonderful character; her voice rings true from childhood to motherhood, and her growth during that time is both believable and moving.
While this story, centered around the miraculous appearance and intercession of Our Lady of Good Help (the only Marian apparition in the United States approved by the Catholic Church), could have a broad appeal to lovers of historical fiction, I’d say that its primary audience will be Catholic young adults. It’s hard to find stories about Catholic kids trying to live out their faith in an authentic, story-worthy way. Don’t get me wrong; “everyday sanctity” requires heroic courage, but it doesn’t always make for the best stories. Combining Slainie’s story of spiritual growth with the drama of pioneer life is a perfect combination.
P.S. Can I have a quick second to talk about the cover art? This blew me away. So well done.
The story follows Slainie through adolescence and the losses brought by the Civil War, and into adulthood, marriage, and family. Though her relationship with her mother is still fraught, Slainie has come to a deep faith in God, which sustains and comforts her. But will her faith be enough help her through the greatest danger she’s yet had to face?
The Woman in the Trees is historical fiction gold. Theoni Bell describes the events surrounding the Peshtigo Wildfire, the Civil War, and “everyday” pioneer life for Beligian immigrants with a straightforward gracefulness. Slainie is a wonderful character; her voice rings true from childhood to motherhood, and her growth during that time is both believable and moving.
While this story, centered around the miraculous appearance and intercession of Our Lady of Good Help (the only Marian apparition in the United States approved by the Catholic Church), could have a broad appeal to lovers of historical fiction, I’d say that its primary audience will be Catholic young adults. It’s hard to find stories about Catholic kids trying to live out their faith in an authentic, story-worthy way. Don’t get me wrong; “everyday sanctity” requires heroic courage, but it doesn’t always make for the best stories. Combining Slainie’s story of spiritual growth with the drama of pioneer life is a perfect combination.
P.S. Can I have a quick second to talk about the cover art? This blew me away. So well done.
February 27, 2024
Would be easier to read if it was written past to future from left to right. Lacks something that binds it together—but I don’t know what.*
*consolidating Goodreads accounts, pasted review
*consolidating Goodreads accounts, pasted review
March 27, 2024
Olivia read and rated it five stars
January 27, 2025
How awesome to have such well written Catholic fiction! I wish there was more!
This books helps the United States only approved Marian apparition come alive!
This books helps the United States only approved Marian apparition come alive!
August 19, 2020
This is a FANTASTIC novel by a debut author about a young girl who immigrated from Belgium to Wisconsin in the 1800s. As Slainie deals with a difficult home life, she meets Adele Brise, a young woman to whom Mary appeared as Our Lady of Good Help. Slainie observes Adele's work in the Belgium immigrant community and slowly grows in her own faith as well. I thoroughly appreciated the author's attention to historical fact and detail while spinning an excellent story. This novel is suitable for children over age 10 or adults. Catholic teaching is woven throughout the story without being preachy or overbearing, so even non-Catholic readers may appreciate the story and this glimpse at this part of America's history.
August 19, 2020
What a privilege it’s been to sneak peak this beautiful historical novel, detailing the only approved Marian apparition to Catholic - Belgian immigrant Adele Brise. This story of Our Lady of Good Help is enchanting, thoroughly researched, and wonderfully orchestrated into a lovely and authentic piece of Catholic historical fiction. I truly could not put this down, and learned so much about the Catholic pioneers on the American frontier and the little known apparition of our Blessed Mother in Wisconsin. You will surely want this book for the whole family, with the target audience being middle graders and teens.
August 15, 2020
This would be a great book to read aloud with the whole family! It was very engaging from beginning till end. I loved learning more about Our Lady of Good Help and the events that surrounded the apparition.
The book was very easy to read and it kept me engrossed during a recent flight that I took. Given the current difficult times, the following passage, spoken by Adele, resonated with me, "You see, all that matters is that we get to heaven and bring others with us. Suffering humbles us. It makes us need God more. Without that need, I may try to do it alone, and truly be alone." (p 150).
I would highly encourage everyone to read this book! It is good for all ages.
The book was very easy to read and it kept me engrossed during a recent flight that I took. Given the current difficult times, the following passage, spoken by Adele, resonated with me, "You see, all that matters is that we get to heaven and bring others with us. Suffering humbles us. It makes us need God more. Without that need, I may try to do it alone, and truly be alone." (p 150).
I would highly encourage everyone to read this book! It is good for all ages.
January 12, 2024
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book - it has given me hope for the Catholic fiction genre. Although, I do think it is easier to write about faith in a historical novel, but it was still very good besides.
One thing I really liked was how Bell handled suffering, loss, and all the historical details. She really helps the reader see what Slainie is seeing and feeling, and as I read the book, it never really felt like those books where it's obvious the author didn't do her research. I was transported to the time of the Peshtigo fire, and that's good because that's what the story needed to do for the reader.
Another thing she used well was the "____ years before" thing. Normally, when authors use this, it's a sign of lazy writing. They just want to jump around the timeline to the good stuff (as someone who hopes to publish one day, I know how tempting it is to say, "Let's skip to the good part!"). However, Bell actually used it as a useful plot tool because then we could see the full (or at least a fuller) story of Slainie's family and what they went through from before they left Belgium, how they came to America, and what it took to settle in the peninsula region of Wisconsin. Through this, we also got some vital looks at the spiritual life of this family and were able to see how they struggle and grow in faith.
Perhaps it's just the way it is, but any evangelization parts in books and movies always seem a little forced to me, but Bell did manage to make it less awkward despite it still feeling somewhat awkward anyway. That's probably the only thing that makes me take part of a star, but maybe that's not fair - I don't know.
Regardless of any of the slightly awkward evangelization conversations in the book, I still admire how well done the book was and how well it represented the Catholic faith, how it tackled some tough questions, showed healthy and unhealthy family dynamics, and continued to spread the message of Our Lady of Champion in my home state, Wisconsin.
I definitely enjoyed this one and will reread it!
I really enjoyed this book - it has given me hope for the Catholic fiction genre. Although, I do think it is easier to write about faith in a historical novel, but it was still very good besides.
One thing I really liked was how Bell handled suffering, loss, and all the historical details. She really helps the reader see what Slainie is seeing and feeling, and as I read the book, it never really felt like those books where it's obvious the author didn't do her research. I was transported to the time of the Peshtigo fire, and that's good because that's what the story needed to do for the reader.
Another thing she used well was the "____ years before" thing. Normally, when authors use this, it's a sign of lazy writing. They just want to jump around the timeline to the good stuff (as someone who hopes to publish one day, I know how tempting it is to say, "Let's skip to the good part!"). However, Bell actually used it as a useful plot tool because then we could see the full (or at least a fuller) story of Slainie's family and what they went through from before they left Belgium, how they came to America, and what it took to settle in the peninsula region of Wisconsin. Through this, we also got some vital looks at the spiritual life of this family and were able to see how they struggle and grow in faith.
Perhaps it's just the way it is, but any evangelization parts in books and movies always seem a little forced to me, but Bell did manage to make it less awkward despite it still feeling somewhat awkward anyway. That's probably the only thing that makes me take part of a star, but maybe that's not fair - I don't know.
Regardless of any of the slightly awkward evangelization conversations in the book, I still admire how well done the book was and how well it represented the Catholic faith, how it tackled some tough questions, showed healthy and unhealthy family dynamics, and continued to spread the message of Our Lady of Champion in my home state, Wisconsin.
I definitely enjoyed this one and will reread it!
August 10, 2020
As a former 1st grade teacher and lover of the Catholic faith I highly recommend this book! It is a beautiful story of the apparition to Adele Brise. It was both well-researched and exciting to read. I think Catholic historical fiction is my new favorite genre!
September 16, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have been to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help seven of the last nine years and each time I am amazed at what peace and grace is poured out there. This is a fictional account of historical facts. I would consider this book more of a young adult book, but the characters were ones you could get attached to.
Few people have heard of the Peshtigo fire, even though it was one of the largest and deadliest in our nation's history. Between 1500 and 2500 people died in this quickly moving fire. Those who made it to the Shrine were safe. It was a miracle.
Few people have heard of the Peshtigo fire, even though it was one of the largest and deadliest in our nation's history. Between 1500 and 2500 people died in this quickly moving fire. Those who made it to the Shrine were safe. It was a miracle.
February 15, 2021
I’m having a hard time with a star rating for this one, maybe landing at 3.75. It’s a good story, based on an approved Marian apparition I hadn’t previously known much about. The story follows an immigrant family from Belgium and their experience relating to the apparition. It’s a good story, and you can tell the author put lots of work into research and creation. There were just a few... inconsistencies that I am having a hard time getting around. I do think most of my Catholic friends would enjoy this fairly short novel. It’s good, I just feel it could have been improved with another round of edits. Let me know if you want to borrow it, friends who get my reviews via email. 😉
December 1, 2020
As someone who has been raised in the Catholic faith, a family of believers, my thoughts and words are steeped in the belief there is a God, a creator, a loving Father who watches over us and waits for us. This belief gives me solace in times when the inexplicable & unfathomable become too much.
For me, I do not need a woman in the trees to affirm my faith. I believe all things are possible with God.
But for those of Theoni Bell's account, their lives were wholly lacking in this foundational faith. Add the rigors and hardships of early American pioneer life, the crude conditions, civil war, constant toil, disease and death and it is a wonder they could do more than merely survive. How could they rise each day to meet what lay ahead? It is a life I am grateful not to have endured.
Theoni Bell gives account of the first approved Marian apparition through the eyes of Slanie, a young impressionable girl, a girl without God. A girl, who as a young mother would survive one of America's most horrific wildfires. This account bears witness to the miracle of their survival. While millions of acres were reduced to char and ash, the faithful and their little church remained unscathed, a circle of life in a forest of destruction.
It is true the apparition and how Slanie and her fellow villagers survived the fire is a mystery, a miracle. Yet, my take-away from this account is not in what I can't understand, but what I can understand.
Mary's apparition brought God to Slanie and her people. This new found faith created bonds among family & friends, enriched lives, and gave strength and purpose to their lives. Disease and death persisted, civil war raged and toil was constant; however, knowing God was there, right beside them, their spirit prevailed.
As I said, such proof of religious miracles are not pillars of my faith. For me, the proof is in the pudding, the messy blob of everyday life, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Whatever life brings, it is in the messiness of life that faith affords fortitude and that God holds us together. In other words, eat your pudding and be thankful.
Jesus loves me, this I know.
Yet, I see beauty in our God reaching out, Mary's apparitions, all the angels and saints interjections into our little lives. Everyone needs a hug every now and then.
Whether you are a believer or a seeker, I impart some humble advice:
Remember to pray.
Read The Woman in the Trees.
And, eat your pudding.
Blessings to you and yours,
Rebecca
For me, I do not need a woman in the trees to affirm my faith. I believe all things are possible with God.
But for those of Theoni Bell's account, their lives were wholly lacking in this foundational faith. Add the rigors and hardships of early American pioneer life, the crude conditions, civil war, constant toil, disease and death and it is a wonder they could do more than merely survive. How could they rise each day to meet what lay ahead? It is a life I am grateful not to have endured.
Theoni Bell gives account of the first approved Marian apparition through the eyes of Slanie, a young impressionable girl, a girl without God. A girl, who as a young mother would survive one of America's most horrific wildfires. This account bears witness to the miracle of their survival. While millions of acres were reduced to char and ash, the faithful and their little church remained unscathed, a circle of life in a forest of destruction.
It is true the apparition and how Slanie and her fellow villagers survived the fire is a mystery, a miracle. Yet, my take-away from this account is not in what I can't understand, but what I can understand.
Mary's apparition brought God to Slanie and her people. This new found faith created bonds among family & friends, enriched lives, and gave strength and purpose to their lives. Disease and death persisted, civil war raged and toil was constant; however, knowing God was there, right beside them, their spirit prevailed.
As I said, such proof of religious miracles are not pillars of my faith. For me, the proof is in the pudding, the messy blob of everyday life, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Whatever life brings, it is in the messiness of life that faith affords fortitude and that God holds us together. In other words, eat your pudding and be thankful.
Jesus loves me, this I know.
Yet, I see beauty in our God reaching out, Mary's apparitions, all the angels and saints interjections into our little lives. Everyone needs a hug every now and then.
Whether you are a believer or a seeker, I impart some humble advice:
Remember to pray.
Read The Woman in the Trees.
And, eat your pudding.
Blessings to you and yours,
Rebecca
September 12, 2020
I finished reading this novel while hundreds of thousands of people were being evacuated from their homes because of the terrible fires blazing all across the western states of America. Even more than the videos taken by people fleeing from the flames, the climax of this book made me feel the fear and fierceness of fire's devastation.
Theoni Bell's book begins and ends during the deadliest fire in recorded history, the Peshtigo fire of October, 1871, which killed between 1,500 and 2,500 people in Wisconsin. (How did I not know about this tragedy before???) The novel follows a fictional Belgian immigrant from her early childhood to her married life when she fled with her family from the fire’s horrible destruction. The novel not only covers this real-life fire. It also tells the story of a real-life woman, Adele Brisé, who saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary in October, 1859 and was instructed by Our Lady to catechize the children of that then, still wild place. (How did I also not know about this only APPROVED Marian apparition in the United States before???) The heroine of the novel is taught and counseled by Adele and, as an adult, she flees to the place of the apparition in hopes of safety from the inferno.
Combining history, pioneer life, family drama, a bit of romance, suspense (sometimes long drawn out), spiritual wisdom, and heartfelt faith, The Woman in the Trees was a worthwhile read that left powerful images burned into my mind. Reading this young adult book was a quietly engaging, sometimes loudly enthralling, way to learn history and to put myself in the shoes of people who free from raging fires, having life as they know it consumed in relentless flames.
Our Lady of Good Help, pray for us!
Theoni Bell's book begins and ends during the deadliest fire in recorded history, the Peshtigo fire of October, 1871, which killed between 1,500 and 2,500 people in Wisconsin. (How did I not know about this tragedy before???) The novel follows a fictional Belgian immigrant from her early childhood to her married life when she fled with her family from the fire’s horrible destruction. The novel not only covers this real-life fire. It also tells the story of a real-life woman, Adele Brisé, who saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary in October, 1859 and was instructed by Our Lady to catechize the children of that then, still wild place. (How did I also not know about this only APPROVED Marian apparition in the United States before???) The heroine of the novel is taught and counseled by Adele and, as an adult, she flees to the place of the apparition in hopes of safety from the inferno.
Combining history, pioneer life, family drama, a bit of romance, suspense (sometimes long drawn out), spiritual wisdom, and heartfelt faith, The Woman in the Trees was a worthwhile read that left powerful images burned into my mind. Reading this young adult book was a quietly engaging, sometimes loudly enthralling, way to learn history and to put myself in the shoes of people who free from raging fires, having life as they know it consumed in relentless flames.
Our Lady of Good Help, pray for us!
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