Ellen Marie Wiseman

Ellen Marie Wiseman is a contemporary author known for her historical fiction novels, which often explore themes of family, resilience, and the human spirit.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Orphan Collector

    A Heroic Novel of Survival During the 1918 Influenza Pandemic

    Set against the backdrop of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic in Philadelphia, the story follows a young German immigrant, Pia Lange, who is left to care for her twin brothers after their mother dies. As the city is ravaged by illness and fear, Pia faces unimaginable challenges when she is separated from her siblings. The narrative explores themes of loss, resilience, and the impact of xenophobia, as Pia navigates a world where desperation leads to both acts of cruelty and unexpected kindness. Her journey is a poignant exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure and find hope amidst tragedy.

  2. 2. The Lost Girls Of Willowbrook

    A Heart-Wrenching Historical Novel of Survival and Hope

    Set against the backdrop of the infamous Willowbrook State School in the 1970s, the story follows a young girl named Sage who is thrust into a world of secrets and deception when she discovers her twin sister, believed to be dead, might still be alive. As Sage navigates the harrowing conditions of the institution, she uncovers disturbing truths about the treatment of its residents and the dark history that haunts its halls. Driven by determination and love, Sage embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth and save her sister, all while confronting the shadows of her own past.

  3. 3. The Life She Was Given

    Set against the backdrop of a Depression-era traveling circus, this poignant tale weaves together the lives of two women across decades. It begins with a young girl, hidden away in her family's attic, who is sold to the circus by her mother, thrusting her into a world of wonder and cruelty. Years later, a young woman inherits her family's estate and uncovers dark secrets that reveal the truth about her mother's past and the mysterious girl. As the narrative unfolds, themes of family, identity, and redemption are explored, painting a vivid picture of resilience and the enduring human spirit.

  4. 4. What She Left Behind

    Set against the backdrop of a haunting asylum, this gripping novel intertwines the lives of two young women separated by decades. One, a contemporary teenager grappling with her mother's mental illness, discovers the tragic story of a woman wrongfully committed to the asylum in the 1920s. As she unravels the mystery through letters and artifacts, she uncovers dark secrets and injustices, leading to a poignant exploration of love, resilience, and the quest for truth amidst the shadows of the past.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org