Wilderness Wife

by Delores Topliff

When life collapses around you in a single day, how do you continue living?

Genres: Historical

346 pages, paperback

First published February 15, 2022

About the author

Delores Topliff is from Washington State near the Columbia River where she wanted to operate a houseboat library for residents without books. That and the entry of a Japanese submarine into the Columbia during WWII inspired her debut novel, Books Afloat. She married a Canadian so enjoys U.S. and Canadian citizenships. She teaches online for the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Minnesota near her two doctor sons and families. She brags on five amazing grandchildren and is something she didn’t think she’d be—a snowbird dividing her year between Minnesota and Northeastern Mississippi, staying busy both places writing, speaking, and teaching. She loves her grandchildren and travel. Find blogs, books, and more at delorestopliff.com and on Facebook at Delores Topliff Books.

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before picking up Wilderness Wife – a new historical romance by Delores Topliff – I had never heard of Marguerite Wadin MacKay or Dr. John McLoughlin. Nor had I ever hear the term ‘wilderness wife’ or studied the conflict between the Hudson Bay and North West fur trading companies. At least not in a way that it stuck in my brain. Yet on the pages of this novel, thanks to Topliff’s love of history and education, I met these key historical personalities in the story of the Pacific Northwest and came away with a new appreciation for the women of that era particularly.

We all know that wilderness life wasn’t easy, but I think sometimes we forget just how arduous it really was. Particularly for women and for people of mixed heritage. In Marguerite’s case, she had to deal with both types of prejudice and the accompanying insecurities they left behind in her heart. As I read this sweet romance and got to know Marguerite, I came away so impressed by her strength, her resiliency, and her spirit. The author does a great job of conveying how ‘deserving’ Marguerite was of a pity party, of giving up, and of harboring bitterness – and of how seldom she did any of that. Yet, she remained an infinitely relatable character for any woman who has ever felt less than ‘enough’.

And then there’s John, whom I found equally fascinating as a historical figure. He is definitely a hero to be admired, a husband to be swooned over, and a man to respect. My heart broke for him in a particular season of the story, and I held my breath more than once. I’m kinda glad, in hindsight, that I didn’t know the outcome of the book’s events so I could experience it firsthand on these pages. I was moved to tears a couple of times and also found myself wanting to know even more about his and Marguerite’s life and their descendants.

Bottom Line: If you love discovering little-known historical figures on the pages of a novel and seeing their stories brought to life with romance and danger and faith, then you definitely need to check out Wilderness Wife by Delores Topliff! Your heart will be touched and your mind will be engaged, and you will quickly become enthralled with the history playing out in each chapter. Marguerite is a heroine with grit, strength, faith, and a heart full of love. But most importantly she is a sweet example of overcoming the negative voices from without and especially from within – the voices that say we are not worthy of love, that we are not worthy of respect – and replacing them with the voices of our Creator and those who love us most. John & Marguerite’s story is forever imprinted on my heart, and I am the better for it.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Susan P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of the powerful fur trade, North American history, and wilderness marriages between Indigenous people and Caucasians, this is a good read.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an excellent book! And a wonderful way to learn more history! This one is set in Canada, although it ends up in Oregon, so it hits the US as well, and includes much of the history of the pioneers in both countries. It is carefully based on actual historical persons and documents, only fleshed out and adds interest where the historical narrative falls short.

If anyone has ever seen (or read) James A. Michener’s Centennial, you will be familiar with the story of the fur trappers, such as Pasquinel, who married "wilderness wives" in order to further their alliances with native tribes, and then took "society wives" for the same reason - to advance their careers in the eastern cities.

Wilderness Wife is a similar story, only told from the point of view of a woman who is part white and part native, who marries such a man. When her trapper husband deserts her to further his business and political career in the east, she is devastated. Fortunately, having grown up native, she has the skills to survive and continue to care for her daughters (her son was taken by her husband).

On her husband's direction, she relocates from her wilderness home to a frontier fort for reasons of safety. There she meets for the first time Dr. John McLoughlin, a frontier doctor whom she assists in a challenging case just as she arrives at the fort. Her skill and knowledge of native medicine put her in a position to become the fort's medical provider, as the doctor has to travel from fort to fort, not just as a doctor, but as a leader of the fur-trading company.

There is much rivalry among the fur-trading companies, much blood is shed, men are accused of things they did not do, natives are mistreated, and many traders boldly supply the natives with alcohol in order to take advantage of them.

With her "wilderness wife" position dissolved, Marguerite in her loneliness begins to enjoy the company of the doctor, and eventually they marry, although theirs is also a wilderness contract, because clergy is unavailable to bless the marriage. This becomes a sore spot later on, as the doctor begins to rise in his position in the company, even traveling to Europe to further alliances between the fur-trading companies. When nearly three years go by without word from her doctor husband, Marguerite considers the marriage dissolved, and bitterness sets in. What will happen when the doctor finally arrives back home? Will he be able to convince her of his true love?

This was a riveting story of frontier life and love, even better because it was true. Highly recommended for fans of history/historical fiction.

[Susie Sellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In addition to being based on actual people who played important roles in North American history, the novel brings to life the rugged lifestyle of those who lived in the Canadian wilderness north of Lake Superior, the prejudice against Indians by white people and city folk, and the tension between the rival trading post companies. Marguerite, being part Indian and part Caucasian, is skilled at the medicinal use of herbs and other plants in the wilderness, she is an expert shot and thus able to kill animals for skins and food, she traps, and she is fiercely loyal to her husband and children. Her first husband left her when earning a promotion and wanting a "society wife". She worried that Dr. McLoughlin, who was extremely impressed with her medicinal knowledge and medical assistant skills as well as enamored by her beauty and charm, would be limited by having a wife who was part Indian. However, he insisted that she was the one he wanted to marry. While the first husband took their Caucasian-looking son with him when he left Marguerite and their three daughters, Marguerite was an excellent mother to her girls and birthed sons with Dr. McLoughlin. She even took in an orphaned girl with various disabilities. The book was a page turner holding the reader in great suspense numerous times. I would highly recommend the novel to anyone interested in history, adventure, and romantic stories.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't say it's action-packed, but there's plenty of adventure in Delores Topliff's historical fiction novel Wilderness Wife. I admire Marguerite MacKay's faith, determination, and endurance after she's abandoned by her husband, Alex MacKay, because she's of mixed race and he's out to make a fortune for himself. Delores introduces the reader to life in the Canadian wilderness in the early 19th century, when tensions between fur trading companies is on the rise and also between Canada and her neighbor to the south, the U.S. The book reads like a journal, revealing Marguerite's heart and strength, her brokenness, her dependence on God, her deep love for her children, her survival skills, her kindness and caring for those in need, and for the man she eventually marries, Dr. John McLoughlin. Authentic, relatable characters and a plot that keeps you reading. This is not a light, fun work of fiction, but it's certainly entertaining and worth reading.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating story of little known Marguerite and John McLoughlan, said to be the mother and father of Oregon.
The author brings the past to life and the characters find their way into your heart as she shows the difficult, often impossible situations they encounter as they carve a living out of the wilderness of Canada.
Ms. Topliff cites harrowing circumstances but also shows the compassion and Christian charity of Marguerite. John suffers much but also exhibits forgiveness and sacrificial love.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this historic couple and look forward to another part of the story in the future. An interesting fact that I learned was that several descendants of Margurite read this book and contacted the author with additional information. Very cool!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from publisher, Scriveners Press, and the author for a book club discussion. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Patricia Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about a mixed race Native American woman in the Canadian wilderness in the early 1800’s. is full of adventure and strong characters. The indomitable courage and wilderness survival skills the heroine, Marguerite MacKay demonstrated in the story are amazing and admirable. This fictionalized story is based on real historical figures, and it shows in the writing that a considerable amount of historical research was integrated into the novel. The struggles Marguerite faces as she is abandoned by her first husband and then waits an inordinate amount of time for her second husband to return is well-defined. This was a most enjoyable read, and it was exciting to meet relatives of Marguerite through our book club who discovered the book and joined our discussion.

[Jennie Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the history…I love it!
Delores Topliff has written a phenomenal tale of love, hardship, and sacrifice. Wilderness Wife brought the reader right into the Canadian wilderness, immersing them into the culture and struggles of the early 19th century. Delores’ knowledge of that era lifts off each page as she shares Marguerite Wadin Mackay’s story. This is a must read, especially to those who love a well-written historical story.

[Mary Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good I didn't want it to end! The author did a tremendous job with research and wrote a rattlin' good story. John and Marguerite's love story was exceptionally well done, but the plot pitched and writhed like a woman with wild birthpangs. Even with all that, peace reigned within the pages. Hat's off to this author! This book was a lovely treat.

[F.D. Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully crafted novel intertwined with Christian values that all are sure to enjoy. Through the author's well-developed characters and artistic descriptions, the reader is swept back to the early 1800s and into this powerful story of a woman's strength as she battles rejection, grief, heartache, trust, and surviving nature itself, all while caring for a family.

[Michelle Aleckson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story for those who enjoy historical frontier romances

. Topliff delivers a heartfelt telling of the life of one remarkable woman overcoming the dangers and hardships of life in the wilds of central Canada in the 1800's. I hope she will continue to share more.

[Carolyn Geiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilderness Wife by Delores Toplift


This book was recommended by a descendant of Marguerite. I was so taken by her unwavering faith, love of family, bravery, knowledge of natural healing, You did a remarkable job of bringing her to life in your book. Thank you!

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canada. 1800s. Trappers. Deceit. Love.

What I really enjoyed was how pleasant and respectful the people were to each other, especially the family and the children. It was like sarcasm hadn't been invented yet. Just a nice gentle feel to this book.

[Beth Gooch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Very inspiring. It's obvious the author did a lot of research. Learned a lot of about history and the real-life characters in the story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I prefer books written in the third-person point of view and hesitated when I saw Wilderness Wife is written in the first-person point of view of the main character Marguerite Wadin MacKay. However, I was drawn into the story immediately and enjoyed this fictionalized account of her life. The author effectively captured Marguerite’s dual Swiss-Ojibwey or Cree (scholars disagree about her tribal origins) ancestry through her speech cadence and view of the world – often through nature. The descriptions are lyrical and create strong visualization: “winter solidifies our world to iron while Fort William and our whole region quakes as the unthinkable news…” Marguerite’s faith is a strong thread throughout the story as she faces hardship after hardship. I was unfamiliar Marguerite or western Canada, so I enjoyed learned about both and was so interested, I conducted research to learn more after finishing the book. The story isn’t fast paced but moves along at a steady pace.
I received a complimentary copy of Wilderness Wife from the author, and a positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Lois Kennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wilderness Wife" by Delores Topliff is one of the best books I've read in my many decades of life. In my grade school years I loved reading novels about Native Americans and early frontier history, but this historical novel set in Canada and Northwest USA about an indomitable half-native woman and her wilderness doctor husband truly floored me. I had been exhausted and verging on depression this fall after a slow recovery from Covid, but this inspiring novel about faithful, God-fearing people overcoming incredible difficulties renewed my own determination to press forward. I'm thankful for this uplifting novel, and the insight it gave me into real-life people who influenced an important piece of history in North America.