A Wild and Heavenly Place

By: Robin Oliveira

Narrated by: Angus King, Katy Townsend, Tavia Gilbert

How far would you go? How much would you risk?

Hailey MacIntyre seems conjured from the depths of Samuel Fiddes’s loneliness. Caring for his young sister in the tenements of Glasgow, Scotland, Samuel has known only hunger, while Hailey has never known want. Yet, when Samuel saves Hailey’s brother from a runaway carriage, their connection is undeniable.

Through secret meetings and stolen moments, their improbable love grows. But then the City of Glasgow Bank fails, and Hailey’s bankrupt father impulsively moves their family across the globe to Seattle, a city rumored to have coal in its hills and easy money for anyone willing to work for it.

Samuel is haunted by Hailey’s parting words: Remember, Washington Territory. Armed only with his wits, he determines to follow her, leaving behind everything he has ever known in search of Hailey and the chance of a better life for his sister. But the fledgling town barely cut out of the wilderness holds its own secrets and will test them all in ways unimaginable.

Poignant and lyrical, A Wild and Heavenly Place is an ode to the Pacific Northwest, to those courageous enough to chase the American Dream, and to a love so powerful it endures beyond distance, beyond hope.

©2024 Robin Oliveira (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A vivid story of the grit and the glory of early Seattle…. An epic story of star-crossed lovers that spans continents and classes.”–Erica Bauermeister, New York Times bestselling author of The Scent Keeper

“Pulls you in from the beginning and rewards you with an ending that is both triumphant and bittersweet.”–Melanie Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Aviator's Wife

“A fascinating history too seldom told. Robin Oliveira’s words have changed the way I see home, what came before, and what has been here all along.”—Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This Is How It Always Is

Wonderful Story

Captivating story, likeable characters (for the most part!) and overall a wholesome read that soothes the soul. The narrators were also talented and not annoying.

Sleepless in WA Territory

As a Seattle native, I was expecting more rich history. I was a bit disappointed as I absolutely love
this beautiful city I live in. However, it was an interesting story of immigrants moving from a far a way land due to hardship to start anew. The devastating way those who moved away makes me sad and brings raw emotions in me due to those who lose their home country. However, they can also lose friends (even lovers) along with family when they move especially in those days. . This is in itself is worthy of exploration as many people left their home lands for America. I am not a person who likes romantic novels so that part, although the center piece of the story was vital, it just did not keep my full interest. I realized that this book was a love story, but would have enjoyed it so much more if more details had surfaced of the lives of our most famous founders here in Seattle! Although, the author did name drop such names as Yesler who was the founder of Seattle! Thanks to the author for sharing also about our shared city. She too is from here & a RN like me. That was why I wanted to read it & for sure, this first time read has encouraged me to look into her other books.

Scotland!!

If you know me, you know I love a story with Scotland. And this book is no different! While only 1/3 of the book takes place there, I just knew I was going to love it.

I was very invested in the characters in this story and had to stay up past my bedtime to see how it was going to end.

“But Samuel always feared he wouldn’t have a true home, because to him, home was always going to be a girl named Hailey.” 😭

historical fiction at its best

truly enjoyed the stories and plot lines. the author weaved the history of time and place beautifully in order to characterize the pain and suffering people endured during famine and the search for new beginnings.

The Scottish accents captivated me

Loved the story, the hope, the promise of love and life and adventure. This story had it all!

A Heavenly Read About a Wild Place

Robin Oliveira brings to life beauty beyond imagining. I could not put this book down. Now that it is finished, I hope Oliveira will pen a sequel to the lives of these richly drawn characters.