The Woman in the Trees:
A novel about America’s first approved Marian apparition
by Theoni Bell
About the book:
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.
The Woman in the Trees: A Novel about America's First Approved Marian Apparition by Theoni Bell, a #mustread debut! #CatholicFiction Click To TweetMy review:
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.
About the author:
Starting her career in journalism, Theoni Bell traveled to 13 countries studying religion and culture, writing human-interest stories along the way. Now this homeschooling mother of four lives in California with the coolest guy she knows. A Catholic convert, she writes fiction with heavy spiritual undercurrents. She’s usually reading historical fiction, though she’s a big fan of science fiction. Someday, she’ll tackle writing a supernatural, sci-fi thriller that captures the attention of Orson Scott Card himself.
Links:
Website: https://theonibell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortheonibell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordslikeseeds
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It’s funny, my daughter-in-law comes from Wisconsin, and her dad – – who is a Catholic deacon – – told me 6 years ago, (when I had just finished writing Erin’s Ring), that the Peshtigo fire/Marian apparition would make a great subject for another historical novel. I knew nothing about this miraculous event and became fascinated. I’ve been collecting notes about it for years, but never got around to starting it. I’m so happy to see that someone has written about it in a genre that would be great for young readers. This book looks SO GOOD!
I hope you enjoy it! I really knew next to nothing about the apparition before I read the book. I’d heard of it, but that was the extent of my knowledge. And I think even outside of the apparition, the local history and particularly the fire are fascinating. I hope this book meets great success.
Hi, Laura! That is fascinating! I would LOVE to share notes. It’s been interesting to do all my research on the internet. I had contact with an archivist in Green Bay, but not being able to hold original documents or visit the Shrine and archdiocese while I wrote was unbearable.
Thanks for your comment!
Theoni
Thank you for reviewing and posting this, Carolyn! I am so blessed by you!
My pleasure!