The Lumber Baron’s Wife + Giveaway

When the young wife of a powerful lumber baron vanishes into the wilds of frontier Michigan, her friend is left to unravel the truth in this captivating dual-timeline novel from bestselling author Lynn Austin.

1873

After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy, a friend of her husband John, offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town—where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed—Hannah reluctantly agrees.

There, she meets Kate Abernathy, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite. As she begins confiding in Hannah, it becomes clear her marriage is not what it seems—and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.

Present Day

Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum.

While volunteering with the restoration, Ashley stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.

Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home 

My Review:

First off, is there an era Lynn Austin hasn’t written about? Her deep dives into centuries past are so well researched that I don’t know how she finds the time to write as well! This time we’re transported back to the late 1800s in Michigan for the historical part of this emotionally gripping dual timeline novel.

A mystery from the past reaches into the future and the way Austin blends the two is so compelling. The pacing between timelines is exceptionally well done, keeping a reader enthralled as she flips back and forth, edging ever closer to the full reveal.

The author doesn’t shy away from showcasing the gritty reality of messy lives. There is more than one way to be broken and a multitude of ways to be redeemed and Austin highlights that here with breathtaking grace. A moving celebration of women’s strength and fortitude; their ability to endure and come out stronger and the uplifting joy of sisterhood.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US –  paperback or ebook – winner’s choice 

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lumber Baron’s Wife, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 29 2026.

34 thoughts on “The Lumber Baron’s Wife + Giveaway”

  2. Love the cover on THE UMBER BARON’S WIFE. With her head turned, it makes it a bit mysterious. It sounds like an amazing story. I do so love dual timeline stories and I know this author does it almost seamlessly. Can’t wait for the opportunity to read this book already on my TBR list.

    Thank you so much for the amazing chance to win a copy!

    Have an amazing day! You heard the old saying “It’s the third day that the pain shows up.” Well, I think it’s true. Thankfully, I have a high tolerance for pain, but it will definitely be a sit and read day today. 😊

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. I was fortunate to hear Lynn’s presentation about the inspiration and research about this book, and had her sign my copy! She is truly a wonderful and versatile author.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t read a Lynn Austin book for a long time. I need to remedy that! This one looks and sounds intriguing!

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. I read this recently and it was fantastic but be aware that there are some tough and gritty subjects involved. Even so, I highly recommend! (No entry)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. This sounds like such a fascinating story! I love reading dual timelines! Even more intriguing is that the setting is in Michigan, which is where I live! Everything about this book says, “READ ME!”. Thanks for the chance to win a copy, Kav!!

    Alison Boss
    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Although I’m currently a South Carolinian, I was born and raised in Michigan and love to read books about the history of the area.

    I have quite a collection of Lynn Austin books on my shelves, although I’ve only read a few of them. I’m hoping life will calm down a little bit soon, than I will get more reading time to correct that!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment