The Women of Oak Ridge
In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.

1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation—one that comes at significant cost.

1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences.

  • Standalone Southern historical fiction great for fans of Lisa Wingate, Donna Everhart, and Lynn Austin
  • A compelling dual-timeline novel set during WWII and the 1970s about the weight of secrets and the power of forgiveness
  • Includes discussion questions for book groups
1147072670
The Women of Oak Ridge
In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.

1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation—one that comes at significant cost.

1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences.

  • Standalone Southern historical fiction great for fans of Lisa Wingate, Donna Everhart, and Lynn Austin
  • A compelling dual-timeline novel set during WWII and the 1970s about the weight of secrets and the power of forgiveness
  • Includes discussion questions for book groups
32.99 Pre Order
The Women of Oak Ridge

The Women of Oak Ridge

by Michelle Shocklee
The Women of Oak Ridge

The Women of Oak Ridge

by Michelle Shocklee

Hardcover

$32.99 
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    Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on September 9, 2025

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Overview

In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.

1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation—one that comes at significant cost.

1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences.

  • Standalone Southern historical fiction great for fans of Lisa Wingate, Donna Everhart, and Lynn Austin
  • A compelling dual-timeline novel set during WWII and the 1970s about the weight of secrets and the power of forgiveness
  • Includes discussion questions for book groups

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781496484215
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication date: 09/09/2025
Pages: 368
Product dimensions: 6.50(w) x 1.50(h) x 9.50(d)

What People are Saying About This

Liz Tolsma

A beautiful story. . . . I couldn’t put it down until I got to the very satisfying ending. Another great read to add to your bookshelf.

Stephanie Landsem

Michelle Shocklee masterfully weaves the stories of two women—one looking forward in hope, the other burdened by the past—into a tender exploration of human frailty, the power of truth, and the freedom that comes only with forgiveness. Readers won’t want to miss Michelle Shocklee at her very best.

Robin Lee Hatcher

Intrigue, danger, and secrets fill The Women of Oak Ridge and kept me turning the pages well into the night. . . . If you love historical fiction, you don’t want to miss this one.

Amanda Dykes

Gripping from the first to the last page, The Women of Oak Ridge is a fascinating exploration of a secret city, its effects on the entire world, and the people who guarded its mysteries. . . . a tale of intrigue with poignant insight into the ways the human soul grapples with the complexities of the past.

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Michelle is a masterful storyteller, and she’s outdone herself in this novel. I give The Women of Oak Ridge my highest recommendation.

Jennifer L. Wright

In her trademark style, Shocklee examines the ramifications of long-held secrets while also exposing some of history’s own, exploring the often-overlooked sacrifices of the people of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during World War II. . . . A thought-provoking, beautiful, meticulously researched novel not to be missed.

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