The Lumber Baron's Wife

By Lynn Austin

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, Henry's spirited, much younger wife. Kate's sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town's elite, and when she begins confiding in Hannah, it's 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, she 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 HomeA richly layered Christian women's fiction novel with elements of mystery, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly, Kristy Cambron, and Susan MeissnerIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1496476395
• ISBN13: 9781496476395
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Must Read for all who love Christian Historical Fiction

Lynn Austin has done it again! She has taken me back in time and wrapped my heart around the characters in the book. To quote Hannah from the book: “Birth and death, sorrow and joy, suffering and peace came tangled together in this precarious dance of life.” Austin has long been one of my favorite authors in the way she gives me a well-researched glimpse of history. This novel is a must-read for everyone who loves Christian historical fiction!