The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate
Lisa Wingate is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Before We Were Yours, [which has sold more than three million copies and been translated into over forty languages worldwide]. However, that’s just the beginning of her long list of successful books including; The Book of Lost Friends, Before and After, her newest Shelterwood, and two of her many thematic series Tending Roses Books [Tending Roses and A Thousand Voices were two that I enjoyed] and Carolina Heritage Heirlooms Book which includes The Story Keeper.
Before We Were Yours was the first Wingate Novel I read- I believe it is still my favorite. Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country- therefor not an easy topic to write or read about. However, her writing style is riveting, in this mesmerizing tale about sibling love.
In her most recent novel, which I did read and very much enjoyed, Shelterwood, Wingate traces the story of children abandoned by the law and the battle to see justice done. Taking place in the early 1900’s in Oklahoma, she skillfully uses the untold history of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth to weave this unforgettable story.
Next on my reading list is The Book of Lost Friends yet, but according to the description, it is an historical novel depicting the story of three young women searching for family amid the destruction of the post–Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who learns of their story and its vital connection to her students’ lives.
My recent Wingate read is The Story Keeper, in which a Successful New York editor, Jen Gibbs, recently secured a new ‘dream’ position at Vida House Publishing. All is going well until a mysterious manuscript from an old ‘slush pile’ appears on her desk. Along with Jen, readers are drawn into the life of Sarra [the main character], a mixed-race Melungeon girl trapped by dangerous men in the turn of the century Appalachia, she follows a risky hunch in the hopes of it leading to The Story Keeper’s hidden origins and unknown author.
As she discovers the trail is turning towards the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place Jen thought she’d left behind forever, she’s not sure that solving the mystery and possibly attaining a book deal, are worth the risk of going back home.
This is yet another example of Lisa’s ability to create captivating stories from difficult topics. Beautifully written, The Story Keeper is a journey of discovery; intertwining themes of forgiveness, returning home, and navigating brokenness.
For more information about Lisa Wingate and her complete book list, go to https://lisawingate.com/
