The Women of Oak Ridge

De: Michelle Shocklee

Narrado por: Caroline Hewitt

In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.

1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation―one that comes at significant cost.

1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light...with potentially disastrous consequences.

• Standalone Southern historical fiction great for fans of Lisa Wingate, Donna Everhart, and Lynn Austin
• A compelling dual-timeline novel set during WWII and the 1970s about the weight of secrets and the power of forgiveness
• Includes discussion questions for book groups

©2025 Michelle Shocklee (P)2025 Tyndale Fiction

The presentation of the gospel

I didn’t like the story of espionage and Mae’s lack of courage to do the right thing.

Engaging storyline and excellent narration.

I enjoy WW2 fictional stories, and this one was nicely done. The storyline was one I’d never heard about and was very interesting. The duel timeline blended well and it was easy to become attached to the characters. It’s so nice to find historical Christian fiction that isn’t redundant, predictable, or has a plot that centers solely around a romantic angle. The narrator did a wonderful job as well.

Another Shocklee/Hewitt Favorite-

I love learning history through the lens of Michelle Shocklee’s imagination. This dual-time, Christian historical fiction novel brings to life the secrecy of the facilities at Oak Ridge and its part in the Manhattan Project. A younger and older Mae weaves the story together through suspense and memory, regret and redemption-with some unexpected twists along the way. A well-written, well-told story with spiritual and historical depth.

Caroline Hewitt is stellar when it comes to southern stories. Her portrayal of these characters is no exception. Well done!

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased the audiobook.

Riveting historical split-time

Another riveting story of history that I never would have known or even thought about. Michelle brings these characters to life in such a way that you feel like they are good friends. Her talent to create these stories from the historical research she does is amazing to me. I look forward to her next book.

Enlightening!

I live in TN so when I heard of this book I knew I wanted to listen to this. It met and exceeded all expectations!

Not what I expected

Book was more about a fitional scandal vs what really went on. My grandmother worked at Oakridge and I was genuinely wanting an idea into her perspective. I did not get that.