The Lumber Baron's Wife

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
• A richly layered Christian women’s fiction novel with elements of mystery, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly, Kristy Cambron, and Susan Meissner
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2026 Lynn Austin (P)2026 Tyndale Fiction

Wow!

I never knew I had so many emotions! This is Lynn Austin’s best book yet!

Lynn Austin’s best work yet

I always enjoy Lynn Austin books, but this one is definitely my new favorite. The story is transporting and beautifully crafted. The narration is excellent. I appreciated the flow of the dual timeline which subtly makes you realize that moral dilemmas haven’t changed much in over 100 years. I loved how each character’s inner conflicts unfolded - very relatable. Best of all, the subject matter and characters aren’t worn out reruns or twice told tales. In my opinion, that’s a hard find in Christian historical fiction

Another gem from Lynn Austin.

I enjoyed this book. Lynn has such an ability to make you get to know characters personally. She allows us to see imperfections and highlights God’s infinite grace.