Lisa Wingate

Lisa Wingate is a New York Times bestselling author known for writing both contemporary and historical fiction novels. Her breakout work "Before We Were Yours" (2017) brought widespread recognition and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year. Prior to her mainstream success, Wingate wrote inspirational fiction and romance novels, publishing more than 30 books across multiple genres. Her writing often explores themes of family relationships, hidden histories, and social issues, particularly those affecting children and marginalized communities. "Before We Were Yours" was based on true events surrounding the Tennessee Children's Home Society scandal and the illegal adoption scheme run by Georgia Tann. This work established Wingate as a significant voice in historical fiction, leading to her subsequent novel "The Book of Lost Friends" (2020), which examines post-Civil War era history and connections between generations. Wingate's work has earned numerous literary awards, including the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize and the Oklahoma Book Award. Her novels are frequently selected for book clubs and reading groups, and her work has been translated into multiple languages.

Readers consistently praise Wingate's research depth and ability to weave historical events into compelling narratives. Reviews highlight her character development and emotional storytelling, particularly in "Before We Were Yours." Many readers note learning about historical events they hadn't known about. What readers liked: - Authentic portrayal of Southern culture and dialogue - Connection between past and present storylines - Educational value of historical content - Strong female characters - Clean content suitable for all ages What readers disliked: - Predictable plot developments - Slow pacing in novel beginnings - Romance elements feel forced - Multiple timeline structure confuses some readers - Religious themes too prominent for some Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Before We Were Yours" - 4.4/5 (863,000+ ratings) "The Book of Lost Friends" - 4.3/5 (116,000+ ratings) Amazon: Average 4.6/5 across titles BookBrowse: 4.5/5 member rating One reader noted: "Her books teach history through characters you care about." Another stated: "The dual timeline format takes getting used to, but pays off."

Before We Were Yours (2017) A historical novel based on real-life scandals involving the Tennessee Children's Home Society, following the stories of five siblings in 1939 Memphis and a wealthy present-day woman discovering her family's past.

The Book of Lost Friends (2020) Set in Louisiana, this historical fiction connects the story of three young women searching for family in the post-Civil War South with a modern-day teacher discovering their written stories.

The Prayer Box (2013) A young single mother discovers a collection of prayer boxes in an old house on Hatteras Island, revealing the life story of its former owner through letters spanning several decades.

Tending Roses (2001) A new mother learns life lessons from her grandmother's stories while caring for her aging relative in Missouri.

Talk of the Town (2008) A Hollywood producer arrives in Daily, Texas, to create a reality show about a local waitress who resembles a missing starlet.

Larkspur Cove (2011) A game warden and a recently divorced social worker cross paths while investigating a mysterious young boy living in the wilds of Moses Lake, Texas.

The Carolina Chronicles (2020) Chronicles the story of a successful New York editor who returns to her roots in the South Carolina Lowcountry to care for her father.

A Month of Summer (2008) An independent businesswoman must return to her childhood home in Texas to care for her aging father and stepmother, confronting past family conflicts.

Kristin Hannah writes historical fiction focused on women's relationships and family bonds during challenging periods like WWII and the Great Depression. Her novels "The Nightingale" and "The Four Winds" share similar themes with Wingate's work about resilient characters facing historical adversity.

Diane Chamberlain combines contemporary and historical storylines with elements of family secrets and moral dilemmas. Her books often involve dual timelines and explore social issues in the American South, similar to Wingate's approach in "Before We Were Yours."

Karen White writes Southern fiction that weaves together past and present narratives. Her books feature family mysteries and generational stories set in the American South, with themes that align with Wingate's storytelling style.

Susan Meissner creates dual-timeline narratives that connect modern-day characters with historical events and family histories. Her work explores how the past shapes present relationships, particularly focusing on women's experiences across generations.

Charles Martin writes character-driven stories set in the Southern United States that examine faith, redemption, and family relationships. His narrative style combines elements of contemporary fiction with historical elements, similar to Wingate's approach to storytelling.