The Woman in the Trees, A Novel About America’s First Approved Marian Apparition
By Theoni Bell · Published by TAN Books
Overview
The Woman in the Trees, A Novel About America’s First Approved Marian Apparition is a historical Catholic novel set on the American frontier during the Civil War era, following Slainie, a pioneer girl whose life is forever changed when she encounters the story of the United States’ first Church‑approved Marian apparition at Champion, Wisconsin, drawing on real events and Catholic devotion to Our Lady of Good Help. Through family hardship, fire, love, and loss, the novel weaves faith into pioneer life and invites readers to deeper reflection on God’s providence and the Blessed Virgin’s care.
- Historical fiction grounded in real Catholic events and authentic Church‑approved Marian apparition testimony
- Follows a young protagonist’s journey of faith amid hardship, family struggle, and frontier life
- Introduces readers to Our Lady of Good Help, the only approved Marian apparition in the United States
- Combines historical setting with spiritual insight, making faith accessible within narrative form
- Appeals to adults and young adults seeking enriching Catholic fiction and cultural history
FAQs
Q: What is this novel about?
A: It tells the story of Slainie, a pioneer girl during the Civil War era, whose life and faith are transformed as she encounters the story of America’s first Church‑approved Marian apparition at Champion, Wisconsin.
Q: Is this book based on real events?
A: Yes, it uses factual elements, including the only Marian apparition approved by the Catholic Church in the United States, Our Lady of Good Help, woven into a historical narrative.
Q: Who will enjoy this book?
A: This novel is suitable for Catholic readers, young adults, families, and those who appreciate historical fiction that integrates real faith events with engaging storytelling.
Q: Does the book explore spiritual themes?
A: Yes, it addresses faith, divine providence, the Blessed Virgin’s care, and perseverance in trials, offering spiritual reflection within the context of daily pioneer life.([turn0search0](https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-woman-in-the-trees-a-novel-about-america-s-first-approved-marian-apparition/))
Q: Is this book suitable for group discussion?
A: Yes, its narrative richness and historical basis make it a good choice for parish book clubs, family reading, and small‑group discussion on faith and history.
Intended Audience
For Catholic readers and historical fiction lovers who desire an engaging narrative rooted in real Marian devotion, for families and young adults seeking spiritually uplifting stories, and for faith communities wishing to explore American Catholic history through fiction.
Key Themes
- Faith and spiritual growth amid adversity
- Historical Catholic witness and devotion
- Encounter with Mary, Our Lady of Good Help
- Integration of history, culture, and Catholic faith
- SKU:
- 3022
- ISBN-13:
- 9781505123784
- Publication Date:
- 12/14/21
- Product Format:
- Paperbound
- Pages:
- 224
- SKU:
- 2033
- Height:
- 8.50
- Width:
- 5.50
22 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
-
Just started reading it.
Just started reading this book and find it to be exciting and peaceful at the same time. Looking forward to reading the whole story.
-
A Perfect Introduction to Our Lady of Good Help, for Children and Adults
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.
-
The Woman in the trees
I thought this was an excellent read, in fact I gave it to my church book club to read. We all enjoy it and many were not even aware of this vision of our lady. I would recommend it to anyone.
-
Wonderful
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. Its written very well. Some parts are intense I agree and would also wait until age 11 or 12 to read it. I am blessed enough to live in Wisconsin temporarily and was able to visit the apparition site and shrine. I highly recommend making the pilgrimage.
-
Excellent read
Book given to 5th and 6th grade Catholic school students. Teacher and student report is extremely positive.
-
interesting story
The story is well-researched and interesting. I found the connections with other historical events like the Civil War especially interesting. The experiences of the Belgian immigrant family gave me an appreciation for all the sacrifices made to start a new life in America by these early pioneers.
-
Woman in the Trees
Living near the Shrine of O L O G H and knowing the history of the fire and the apparition, really made the story entertaining. Enjoyable story, wonderful characters, and will recommend to others to read.
-
Great!
Great novel for young adults
-
The Woman in the Trees
This was a compelling and realistic novel about the comparatively little known apparition of Our Lady during the mid-1800;s in Wisconsin. It appeals both to teens and adults. It details in biographical form of the hardships of pioneer living and of transmitting the Faith, as well as the miracle of their safety in the terrible Peshtigo fire.
-
11 YO daughter loves this novel
My 11 year old daughter loves this book. She enjoys the time period it is set in and had never heard of this apparition before so it was definitely a worthwhile purchase. She has already read it a few times in the month and a half we have had it. She said that the only thing that was difficult about it was that the timeline bounces around quite a bit as the story unfolds, which was hard for her to follow but she figured it out. She also said it was a little intense. I wouldnt recommend it to younger readers for that reasonîI think 11 is the youngest I would go, especially without having first read the book myself. I hope to soon! Im sure my younger children will enjoy it and learn from it once they get a little older.
