Shelterwood: A Novel BY Lisa Wingate

In Lisa Wingate's gripping novel, "The Nightingale's Promise," readers are transported to the heart of Oklahoma's tumultuous history, where the lives of two remarkable women intersect across decades.

At the dawn of the 20th century, eleven-year-old Olive Augusta Radley bravely flees from her stepfather's menacing intentions towards Choctaw girls, embarking on a perilous journey with her young companion, Nessa. Together, they navigate the treacherous Winding Stair Mountains, forging unlikely alliances to escape exploitation and find safety.

In 1990, law enforcement ranger Valerie Boren-Odell seeks solace in the tranquil surroundings of Horsethief Trail National Park, only to be drawn into the midst of local turmoil. As she grapples with the disappearance of a teenager, controversies surrounding the park's openings, and the shocking discovery of a burial site containing the remains of three children, Valerie's quest for truth leads her to collaborate with the Choctaw Tribal Police. Together, they unearth buried secrets and confront the haunting legacy of the land.

Through Wingate's masterful storytelling, themes of justice, ownership, and resilience are interwoven into the fabric of the narrative. As Olive and Valerie traverse Oklahoma's rugged landscape, their journeys serve as powerful symbols of the enduring human quest for redemption and belonging in the face of adversity.

"The Nightingale's Promise" is a poignant testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope, even in the darkest of times. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, Wingate's novel captivates readers and leaves them reflecting on the enduring strength of the human spirit long after the final page is turned.