Book Review: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Caro Claire Burke’s debut novel, Yesteryear, is a New York Times Best Seller and among the most popular novels of 2026 – and for good reason. Part psychological thriller and part satire, the story follows 32-year-old mega influencer “tradwife” Natalie Heller Mills. Natalie has built a lucrative business sharing her life as a devout Christian mother and wife living a wholesome, simple life on her Idaho ranch. Her carefully curated “reality” features a handsome, rugged cowboy husband, five adorable, well-behaved children and a knack for completing a myriad of domestic tasks with grace and ease.

But the lifestyle and persona she is peddling is a ruse. In reality, Natalie’s world runs on the labor of her nanny and staff. She is filled with contempt for her followers, staff, and even her family. The story takes a dark turn when Natalie wakes up trapped in pioneer-era 1855, and she is forced to actually live the rustic life she has promoted.

This sharp satire focuses on timely and relevant themes, including the potentially fraudulent nature of “reality” content and influencers, and the naivete of romanticizing past eras without acknowledging their challenges.

Readers and reviewers generally find Yesteryear to be an original, compelling page-turner. In fact, the book is already earmarked for film adaptation starring Anne Hathaway.