Reviews

Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate

tracyp01's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

reneesmith's review against another edition

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4.0

Elegant writing & an interesting story. Loved the characters & plot from the past. And I must admit that I wish the items in the epilogue--in the interview--had been written out for readers to savor. A very talented author!

aprillikesbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

Going into this story without having read much about it before I started, I was surprised to find that it was a timeslip! This is the last book in the Moses Lake series, and quite different in format from the first three. Each book has some level of romance, mystery and faith, none are too taxing on the brain, but all are engaging enough to carry you away from reality if just for a bit. I will admit to binge listening to the audio of these over the course of a week!

digitlchic's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars

kbranfield's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars.

In Wildwood Creek, the fourth installment in the Moses Lake series, Lisa Wingate brilliantly blends the past and present into one fascinating story. A little different from her usual novels, it is none the less a captivating read with an intriguing mystery about long ago events and a sweet modern day romance.

Frontier life is fraught with danger as Bonnie Rose and her family quickly discover. Limited options force Bonnie Rose to accept a position as a school teacher and along with her sister, they begin the treacherous journey to Wildwood Creek. Bonnie is uneasy around the town's founder Harland Delevan and when residents begin disappearing, rumors begin to swirl that Bonnie is somehow responsible. In the aftermath of unspeakable horror, the fate of Bonnie, her sister Maggie May, two slaves and Wildwood Creek remain a mystery for well over a century.

Allie Kirkland's best friend Kim talks her into trying out for a role in an upcoming reality show based on a mysterious Texas town and its missing inhabitants. Meticulous research goes into recreating the 1861 town of Wildwood Creek and the actors completely immerse themselves in their roles, giving up all modern conveniences once filming begins. Allie begins as a production assistant and is soon cast in the role of Bonnie Rose, the young Irish immigrant with a tragic past who traveled to Wildwood Creek with her young sister to teach the town's children. Allie is fascinated by Bonnie's story and her efforts to uncover the truth about what happened to Bonnie lead to unexpected consequences.

Like many young adults, Allie is caught between following her dreams and living up to her family's expectations. Deciding to join the reality show is her first real act of independence and provides her the opportunity to pursue her career goals. Filming the show poses challenges she is not sure she is equipped for but remembrances of her Grandma Rita's sage wisdom guide her during the coming months. Equally helpful is charming but mysterious Blake Fulton. Blake is reluctant to reveal any personal information about himself but their close proximity leads to an easygoing friendship. With little to distract them, Blake and Allie spend quality time getting to know one another and their quiet moments together lead to deeper emotions.


The historical portion of the plot is richly detailed and rings with authenticity. Scrupulous attention is paid to speech patterns and I could literally hear the dialogue in my mind as I read the passages. The cultural differences between the German and Irish settlers figure heavily into the unfolding drama and adds another layer of interest to the overall storyline.

With a distinct and unique plot, Wildwood Creek vibrantly springs to life through its enthralling cast of incredible characters. Lisa Wingate beautifully incorporates a terrible time in America's history into a deeply moving and compelling story of faith and love that is truly unforgettable.

marmeelovesbook's review against another edition

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4.0

Review doing soon- very unique storyline!

jlanganke's review against another edition

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1.0

Since I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway from the publisher, I felt obligated to finish it. But, it was so bad, I could only force my way to page 190. Years ago, I read Tending Roses by Wingate & loved it. Reading Wildwood Creek, however, became "work" & gets only one star. The characters & plot were incredibly boring. Flipping from present to past normally would build suspense, but the mystery I expected from this book just wasn't there.

amberofak's review against another edition

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2.0

I really wanted to like this story. I have a few issues though. The future protagonist has no clue she’s drop dead gorgeous and her “fat friend” finally loses those few pounds in her happy ending. The woman who was the slave friend to the protagonist in the past praises the heroism of her white friend, which just doesn’t sit well with me in today’s climate and lack of appreciation for black accurate history telling. And personally I am usually turned off by corny faith based storylines - and this one us syrupy with the god talk.

donnareadathon2021's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is set mostly on a film set near Moses Lake, but there isn’t a lot of the characters we met in the first three books.

Allie is putting herself through film school when she gets a chance to work on the back end of a historical, reality production that’s been set up in Wildwood, a now deserted settlement near Moses Lake.

The story switches between 1861 to the life of Bonnie Rose and modern day Allie, whose resemblance to Bonnie leads to her being pulled into the cast of the series.

My favourite part was right near the end when the story of what happened to Bonnie Rose was revealed.

Before that happens though there is a bit of mystery, a connection to the handsome neighbour Blake and the ins and out of tackling life back in the 1860’s from a modern day perspective.

This would make a really good standalone book apart from the rest of the books in the series! It’s a good one
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