I’m happy to have author Delores Topliff with us today sharing insights from her historical novel, Wilderness Wife. Stick around until the end for a chance to win an e-book copy of her novel!
Set in frontier Canada in 1810. Wilderness Wife is based on the early life of Marguerite Wadin MacKay. She believes her 17-year marriage to explorer Alex MacKay is strong—until sudden fame destroys it. When he returns from a cross-Canada expedition, he announces their frontier marriage is void in Montréal where he will now go to make his fortune and choose a society wife—not one with native blood. Taking only their son, MacKay sends Marguerite and their three daughters to a trading post where she’d lived as a child.
She believes her life is over and wrestles with emotional and spiritual anguish:
EXCERPT ~ WILDERNESS WIFE
“Tears prickle my eyes. I choke back sobs our girls must not hear. My jaws clench as heat blisters my heart. My hands fist until my fingernails cut my palms.
Lord, never leave us—like Alex, like Father…
My murdered father had no choice. I will not let Alex’s decision destroy us. Although my married life has ended, our daughters born of this failed marriage must not feel abandoned. My mind recalls this morning’s vivid dream that seems more real than this gray day. I repeat my prayer, proclaiming my trust in God.
When at last I rise, a stronger woman gazes back from my mirror. She resembles my mother, but greater resolve shines from her eyes. I think she is a woman who will not easily give up.”
Deeply shamed, she arrives at the trading post in time to assist young Dr. John McLoughlin with a medical emergency. He is impressed with the courage and wisdom in this uneducated woman. He asks the man in charge, “Why have I not heard of this remarkable woman before?”
“Because much is made of her husband. Not enough of her.”
As an abandoned mother living only for her girls to find a better life than hers, Marguerite depends solely on the Lord. Her hardships forge her into such a woman of strength that Dr. John McLoughlin will marry no one but her although he is nine years younger.
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

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GIVEAWAY
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for a chance to win an e-book copy of Wilderness Wife!
This book sounds amazing. I would love to read it. I love books about any one in history.
Yes! I enjoy true history in books I read as well. Thanks, Barbara!
I’ve carefully researched Marguerite and of course had to add some fiction, but I totally respect her and overcoming MANY hardships to impact North America’s Pacific Northwest.
This book sounds great!
Thanks for stopping by to enter, Betsy! The best to you in the giveaway!
I’d love for you to read it and do think you’d enjoy!
Your books are always filled with excitement and encouragement!!
Thanks for stopping by to enter, Mary! I’m glad you enjoy Delores’ books!
Thx., and so nice to hear from you, Mary.
I am very curious about this story about Wilderness Wife. I’m not sure how to spell her name, but I’ve been enthralled by frontier living since I was in grade school. I especially love the NW, since that’s where I grew up. And recently enjoying stories from Canada.
Hi Linda. Yes! I’ve not read it yet, but it does sound good. Thanks for stopping by!
Glad to hear from you and I hope you read and totally love the book.
Oh, I had assumed this might be a story related to northern community living in the ‘80s.
Are any of your books on Audible through Amazon?
Seems like a captivating story Deloris 💕
Nope, not writing about that except in blog posts at times– I found the time mostly wonderful. I know not everyone did.
This is based on very solid history w/ some poetic license taking. I think you’d like it.
My publisher isn’t putting books on Audible yet until general audio sales make that more attractive. It is on Kindle as well as print. I’m self-publishing my travelogue memoir, Israel on a Budget, and may get Jenny Meyers to do that 🙂
Thank you, Cynthia. Delores is a member of the ACFW Book Club. There are a lot of authors in this club. I am a member, but not a writer.
Wonderful! So glad you stopped by to share, Linda! Blessings!
Nice to see you here, Linda. Thanks for dropping by.
I love reading books that are based off of real life people and this one sounds like an intriguing story. I’m adding to my list of books to read!
Sounds good! Thanks for stopping by to enter, Stephanie!