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The Fallen Woman's Daughter
When eight-year-old Nora arrives at the Park Ridge School for Girls in 1932, she is sure there's been some mistake. She can't imagine why she and her little sister, Patsy, were torn from their mother only to be subjected to the cruel whims of the house matron, Mrs. Morris. When their mother fails to rescue them week after week-and Mrs. Morris drops hints that their mother may be a "fallen woman"-Nora begins to doubt they will ever see her again.
Nine years prior, at seventeen, Gertie Gufftason runs off with Lorenzo, the barker for the traveling carnival passing through her small coal-mining town in Southern Iowa. Thinking she is embarking on a fantastic adventure, Gertie is bitterly disappointed by the life that follows and is thrown into despair when the State removes their two daughters.
Gertie eventually tracks down her girls at the Park Ridge, but, expecting a warm welcome, she is shocked by Nora's cool reception. Nora reluctantly returns home with Gertie and Patsy, determined to live a more perfect life than her mother. It is only when she discovers a secret Gertie has kept hidden all these years that Nora begins to fully understand-and forgive-her mother's tragic choices . . .
Nine years prior, at seventeen, Gertie Gufftason runs off with Lorenzo, the barker for the traveling carnival passing through her small coal-mining town in Southern Iowa. Thinking she is embarking on a fantastic adventure, Gertie is bitterly disappointed by the life that follows and is thrown into despair when the State removes their two daughters.
Gertie eventually tracks down her girls at the Park Ridge, but, expecting a warm welcome, she is shocked by Nora's cool reception. Nora reluctantly returns home with Gertie and Patsy, determined to live a more perfect life than her mother. It is only when she discovers a secret Gertie has kept hidden all these years that Nora begins to fully understand-and forgive-her mother's tragic choices . . .
417 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
646 people are currently reading
3536 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Cox
11 books1,955 followersMichelle Cox has always been obsessed with stories of the past and has spent a lifetime collecting them. She is the award-winning author of historical fiction, including the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, The Fallen Woman’s Daughter, and The Merriweather Novels. Cox also pens the wildly popular, “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog chronicling the lives of Chicago’s forgotten residents.
She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
March 6, 2024
Eight-year-old Nora and her younger sister Patsy arrive at the Park Ridge School for Girls in 1932, removed from the care of their mother Gertie by the authorities. Upset and confused, Nora is sure there's been some mistake and that their mother will come to get them soon.
The story begins in 1932 with the girls' arrival at Park Ridge School and then skips back to 1923 where we meet Gertie and gradually learn the story of how and why Nora and Patsy ended up at Park Ridge. Quite a bit of the story is told in those two timelines, then next thing we know it's the 1940s and then 1962/63. There are many life-changing occurrences in the intervening years but, as another reviewer mentioned, the overall essence is one of sadness. I would've liked more detail for some of those intervening years but then I'd probably complain that the book was too long. It's easy to read and goes pretty quickly. Overall I really liked it although I don't think the epilogue was really necessary.
As far as the title goes, Gertie wasn't really a "fallen woman" as we think of it, she just made poor choices in men.
TW: Sexual content, domestic violence, swearing.
Many thanks to Woolton Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
The story begins in 1932 with the girls' arrival at Park Ridge School and then skips back to 1923 where we meet Gertie and gradually learn the story of how and why Nora and Patsy ended up at Park Ridge. Quite a bit of the story is told in those two timelines, then next thing we know it's the 1940s and then 1962/63. There are many life-changing occurrences in the intervening years but, as another reviewer mentioned, the overall essence is one of sadness. I would've liked more detail for some of those intervening years but then I'd probably complain that the book was too long. It's easy to read and goes pretty quickly. Overall I really liked it although I don't think the epilogue was really necessary.
As far as the title goes, Gertie wasn't really a "fallen woman" as we think of it, she just made poor choices in men.
TW: Sexual content, domestic violence, swearing.
Many thanks to Woolton Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
January 5, 2024
1923. Gertie Gufftason is seventeen and lives with her large family in a mining shack, in Keystone, Iowa, and she’s rather naïve. When a carnival passes through town Gertie can’t believe it when her father buys tickets for them to go after church, here she meets Lorenzo, he spins her a tale of traveling all over America as a couple and she falls for him and his farfetched story.
Lorenzo is all talk, yes he does work for the carnival and so does his brother Roman, he marries Gertie and leaves her behind for weeks on end in a small town in a rundown house and she too ashamed to go back home and assumes her parents would have washed their hands of her. Lorenzo is impulsive and unpredictable, eventually they do travel to Chicago, and after a series of misunderstandings and setbacks the state removes her two daughters Nora and Patsy and sends them to the Park Ridge School for Girls.
1932. Nora is only eight years old and Patsy is six, she’s sure a mistake has been made, Patsy’s too little to understand, she cries for their mother and the house matron enjoys punishing her. Sundays are visiting days, Nora and Patsy wait for Gertie to arrive and take them home and she never shows up. Gertie isn’t a fallen woman, she’s illiterate, easily mislead and extremely unlucky in love. Her girls will be given an education at the Park Ridge, she makes the choice for them to stay for the time being and believes one day they will all be reunited.
Finally they are and Nora isn’t happy to see her and Patsy is really excited. Patsy seems to be following in her mother’s footsteps, she’s restless like her father Lorenzo and acts impulsively and Gertie puts it down to her gypsy blood. Nora doesn’t want to be like her mother and sister, she gets a good job, marries her best friend's brother and has two sons. As the years go by, the trauma and emotionally stress of her childhood, catches up with Nora, she feels like she's always had to be the strong and sensible one and when her mother wants to make peace with her past, Nora discovers she’s judged her mum rather harshly and she was clueless and made assumptions about events.
I received a digital copy of The Fallen Woman’s Daughter by Michelle Cox from Woolton Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Spanning from 1923 to 1963, the multi-generational story is based around a tale the author heard over thirty years ago and she thought it would make for an interesting and thought provoking basis for her book.
It certainly does, a narrative about a mother and her two daughters, and how she wishes she could turn back time and her regrets and biggest fears are revealed. Four stars from me and perfect for fans of historical fiction sagas.
Lorenzo is all talk, yes he does work for the carnival and so does his brother Roman, he marries Gertie and leaves her behind for weeks on end in a small town in a rundown house and she too ashamed to go back home and assumes her parents would have washed their hands of her. Lorenzo is impulsive and unpredictable, eventually they do travel to Chicago, and after a series of misunderstandings and setbacks the state removes her two daughters Nora and Patsy and sends them to the Park Ridge School for Girls.
1932. Nora is only eight years old and Patsy is six, she’s sure a mistake has been made, Patsy’s too little to understand, she cries for their mother and the house matron enjoys punishing her. Sundays are visiting days, Nora and Patsy wait for Gertie to arrive and take them home and she never shows up. Gertie isn’t a fallen woman, she’s illiterate, easily mislead and extremely unlucky in love. Her girls will be given an education at the Park Ridge, she makes the choice for them to stay for the time being and believes one day they will all be reunited.
Finally they are and Nora isn’t happy to see her and Patsy is really excited. Patsy seems to be following in her mother’s footsteps, she’s restless like her father Lorenzo and acts impulsively and Gertie puts it down to her gypsy blood. Nora doesn’t want to be like her mother and sister, she gets a good job, marries her best friend's brother and has two sons. As the years go by, the trauma and emotionally stress of her childhood, catches up with Nora, she feels like she's always had to be the strong and sensible one and when her mother wants to make peace with her past, Nora discovers she’s judged her mum rather harshly and she was clueless and made assumptions about events.
I received a digital copy of The Fallen Woman’s Daughter by Michelle Cox from Woolton Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Spanning from 1923 to 1963, the multi-generational story is based around a tale the author heard over thirty years ago and she thought it would make for an interesting and thought provoking basis for her book.
It certainly does, a narrative about a mother and her two daughters, and how she wishes she could turn back time and her regrets and biggest fears are revealed. Four stars from me and perfect for fans of historical fiction sagas.
January 30, 2024
This book WRECKED ME. I read it in 2 sittings!
Michelle Cox brings the Chicago area to life again, this time spanning the 1920s through the 1960s, following multiple generations of women in the same family. No spoilers here but I absolutely loved Nora and Patsy and just wanted to hug them. I alternately loved and despised Gertie, maybe because I could see so much of her in so many of us, myself included. This was a beautiful, devastating look at how our choices affect generations, and at the end of the day, those with love in our hearts are all doing the best we can with what we have.
TW for sexual assault and domestic abuse
Michelle Cox brings the Chicago area to life again, this time spanning the 1920s through the 1960s, following multiple generations of women in the same family. No spoilers here but I absolutely loved Nora and Patsy and just wanted to hug them. I alternately loved and despised Gertie, maybe because I could see so much of her in so many of us, myself included. This was a beautiful, devastating look at how our choices affect generations, and at the end of the day, those with love in our hearts are all doing the best we can with what we have.
TW for sexual assault and domestic abuse
March 6, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes; opinions expressed are honest and mine alone.
It’s taken me 48 hours to live with this book, after finishing it, before I could craft a review. It has so many elements of books that I enjoy: history, saga, strong women, opportunities for change and growth - making a difference. I read and hoped and read and hoped; so much sadness…
Sad stories can be good stories. This isn’t one of them. To keep readers on the hook for hundreds of pages with no relief is cruel. There were many missed opportunities to add a moment of humor, a tiny victory and to maintain the integrity of the story. Readers need a break from excess, whatever form it takes.
Author, Michelle Cox, notes at the back of the book that this story is based on a true story she heard from a resident in a nursing home. I can only surmise that she was so affected and impressionable at that time that when she turned it into this story it became a personification of misery - generational misery. For me, it read like one never ending Facebook entry. She records excruciating detail by month and year, one miserable event after another. It’s overwhelming.
If you’re prone to being triggered, be advised: sexual abuse, child abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, poverty and on and on. There’s not a lot of descriptive prose attached to any of the abuse scenes but Cox is a good writer, technically. You will get the point, in no uncertain terms.
Three stars or two stars? It’s been a battle to figure that out. Technically, the book is well written and organized. Even the mixed up time line in the beginning is manageable, if you pay attention. Cox has a mystery series that’s far better than this, IMHO, so with those things considered, I’ve gone with three. I will, however, be far more cautious about reading the synopsis of her next book should she venture into historical fiction again📚
Read and Reviewed from a PW Grab a Galley, via Kindle, with thanks
It’s taken me 48 hours to live with this book, after finishing it, before I could craft a review. It has so many elements of books that I enjoy: history, saga, strong women, opportunities for change and growth - making a difference. I read and hoped and read and hoped; so much sadness…
Sad stories can be good stories. This isn’t one of them. To keep readers on the hook for hundreds of pages with no relief is cruel. There were many missed opportunities to add a moment of humor, a tiny victory and to maintain the integrity of the story. Readers need a break from excess, whatever form it takes.
Author, Michelle Cox, notes at the back of the book that this story is based on a true story she heard from a resident in a nursing home. I can only surmise that she was so affected and impressionable at that time that when she turned it into this story it became a personification of misery - generational misery. For me, it read like one never ending Facebook entry. She records excruciating detail by month and year, one miserable event after another. It’s overwhelming.
If you’re prone to being triggered, be advised: sexual abuse, child abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, poverty and on and on. There’s not a lot of descriptive prose attached to any of the abuse scenes but Cox is a good writer, technically. You will get the point, in no uncertain terms.
Three stars or two stars? It’s been a battle to figure that out. Technically, the book is well written and organized. Even the mixed up time line in the beginning is manageable, if you pay attention. Cox has a mystery series that’s far better than this, IMHO, so with those things considered, I’ve gone with three. I will, however, be far more cautious about reading the synopsis of her next book should she venture into historical fiction again📚
Read and Reviewed from a PW Grab a Galley, via Kindle, with thanks
February 15, 2024
This is the story of Gertie who made decisions in her young life that came back to hurt her in the future through no fault of her own. Her daughters Nora and Patsy taken from her for many years.
A lovely book about choices, love, family and regret. Totally recommend this book.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Woolton Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the read
A lovely book about choices, love, family and regret. Totally recommend this book.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Woolton Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the read
April 10, 2024
I’ve read several books from this author and this is my favorite so far.
The Fallen Woman’s Daughter is an emotional and moving story about family, courage and second chances, beautifully written and compelling. If you like stories with strong female characters this story is for you.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 by Michelle Cox Writes released March 5, 2024.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
The Fallen Woman’s Daughter is an emotional and moving story about family, courage and second chances, beautifully written and compelling. If you like stories with strong female characters this story is for you.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 by Michelle Cox Writes released March 5, 2024.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
May 29, 2024
The Fallen Woman's Daughter is a Beautiful and Heartbreaking story. This story and the characters will stay with forever.This is a must read!
August 6, 2024
The audio narrator was bad but managed to listen at 2x speed Generational story with everyone making awful choices - not enjoyable or believable at times
April 22, 2025
Great book. Gertie makes poor choices where men are concerned and has to live with the consequences. Story starts in the 1930s and continues into the 1960s.
One of her daughters Nora, is a strong woman who overcomes a poor start in life.
One of her daughters Nora, is a strong woman who overcomes a poor start in life.
January 28, 2024
The author sent me an advance copy of this book. The book will be available to all on 3/5/24.
I really enjoyed this book. I love a family saga and if you do too, I highly recommend this book
The story spans from 1932-1963.
Here's the blurb:
When eight-year-old Nora arrives at the Park Ridge School for Girls in 1932, she is sure there’s been some mistake. She can’t imagine why she and her little sister, Patsy, were torn from their mother only to be subjected to the cruel whims of the house matron, Mrs. Morris. When their mother fails to rescue them week after week—and Mrs. Morris drops hints that their mother may be a “fallen woman”—Nora begins to doubt they will ever see her again.
Nine years prior, at seventeen, Gertie Gufftason runs off with Lorenzo, the barker for the traveling carnival passing through her small coal-mining town in Southern Iowa. Thinking she is embarking on a fantastic adventure, Gertie is bitterly disappointed by the life that follows and is thrown into despair when the State removes their two daughters.
Gertie eventually tracks down her girls at the Park Ridge, but, expecting a warm welcome, she is shocked by Nora’s cool reception. Nora reluctantly returns home with Gertie and Patsy, determined to live a more perfect life than her mother. It is only when she discovers a secret Gertie has kept hidden all these years that Nora begins to fully understand—and forgive—her mother’s tragic choices . . .
I really enjoyed this book. I love a family saga and if you do too, I highly recommend this book
The story spans from 1932-1963.
Here's the blurb:
When eight-year-old Nora arrives at the Park Ridge School for Girls in 1932, she is sure there’s been some mistake. She can’t imagine why she and her little sister, Patsy, were torn from their mother only to be subjected to the cruel whims of the house matron, Mrs. Morris. When their mother fails to rescue them week after week—and Mrs. Morris drops hints that their mother may be a “fallen woman”—Nora begins to doubt they will ever see her again.
Nine years prior, at seventeen, Gertie Gufftason runs off with Lorenzo, the barker for the traveling carnival passing through her small coal-mining town in Southern Iowa. Thinking she is embarking on a fantastic adventure, Gertie is bitterly disappointed by the life that follows and is thrown into despair when the State removes their two daughters.
Gertie eventually tracks down her girls at the Park Ridge, but, expecting a warm welcome, she is shocked by Nora’s cool reception. Nora reluctantly returns home with Gertie and Patsy, determined to live a more perfect life than her mother. It is only when she discovers a secret Gertie has kept hidden all these years that Nora begins to fully understand—and forgive—her mother’s tragic choices . . .
January 13, 2024
I do not even know where to start. I do not know what words to use to express the impact The Fallen Woman's Daughter. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Lovely. Sorrowful. Hopeful. I could not stop crying and laughing and being angry as I read this novel. This story and the characters touched me in ways that will stay with me, probably forever. The writing was exquisite. Devastatingly wonderful! This is a must read!
July 5, 2025
It's been a long while since I've been so engaged by a historical fiction. The narrative alternates between Gertie who eloped with a carnival barker hoping for an exciting life only to find abuse and tragedy and her daughter, Nora. Along with her sister, Nora was taken from Gertie for reasons she doesn't understand until much later in life.
I became so very attached to all these characters! Even more so after learning that the author based the story on real life woman and her family.
I became so very attached to all these characters! Even more so after learning that the author based the story on real life woman and her family.
March 27, 2025
This book was so sad and really showed the woman's poor choices in men and the consequences of that. I didn't find her likeable at all. I found it hard to read as there is a lot of abuse all around.
December 13, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher - I had the pleasure of reading this book in exchange for an honest review.
**There are some spoilers below**
I’m not quite sure where to begin. I will say that I shed dozens & dozens of tears! It probably doesn’t help that I’m pregnant & am a big fiery ball of emotions, but regardless I really enjoy a story that makes me feel something. Even if it’s sad tears.
In the Author’s note we find out that she worked at a nursing home several years ago. One of the residents shared her life story. The author based this book off of that woman’s life. All the names were changed of course, but that story is now Gertie’s story.
I will say that there are some Trigger Warnings in this book to be mindful of. A few of them being Domestic Violence & Sexual coercion/assault. Some areas of the book were difficult to get through.
Gertie’s story begins when she’s a young girl. She meets a carnival worker (Lorenzo) & runs away with him (this is where the sexual coercion occurs) & never returns back home- until she’s in her 60’s. Here is where a series of lifelong mistakes & regrets happen. Gertie ends up having 2 daughters with Lorenzo. The family goes through DV situations, Lorenzo is killed, and they suffer financial issues. Ultimately the girls end up being taken away from Gertie.
The girls go to a home for orphaned girls. We hear the girls perspectives. We hear about their heartbreak of being taken away from their mom & they wonder why their mom doesn’t come back for them. Utterly.heart.breaking. My heart was broken into oodles of pieces.
Meanwhile Gertie has a couple more abusive relationships & experiences more trauma. She feels regret & sadness surrounding the mistakes she had made.
Eventually when the girls become older (age 16 & 18?) they move back in with Gertie. Gertie also becomes a grandma! Becoming a grandma was so much more different than being a mother for Gertie. She became her grandkids sole provider for a period of time. Gertie was in a place in her life where she felt she really could care for the grandkids & wanted to do things different this time.
Towards the end of the book, the family experiences a ton of (unexpected) deaths.
At one of the last chapters, one of the sisters finds an unread letter from her sister. Here are some beautiful & touching quotes from the letter:
-“Love transcends all.”
-“It’s time for you to forgive Ma, forgive me, & especially to forgive yourself.”
-“No more pity, no more anger, no more fear. I have had the benefit of being wrapped in your love my whole life. Now wrap yourself in it & live the life that has been given to you. You are free! But then, you have always been free, you just didn’t know it.”
**Cue more tears! ALL of the tears!**
My only complaint with the book is that it jumped around a bit & at times was hard to follow. Each chapter is marked with the year.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. And again, I adore books that can make me feel something. Grab the tissues & be prepared to get through a sad, emotional & touching read! I’ll be recommending this book to friends & family!
**There are some spoilers below**
I’m not quite sure where to begin. I will say that I shed dozens & dozens of tears! It probably doesn’t help that I’m pregnant & am a big fiery ball of emotions, but regardless I really enjoy a story that makes me feel something. Even if it’s sad tears.
In the Author’s note we find out that she worked at a nursing home several years ago. One of the residents shared her life story. The author based this book off of that woman’s life. All the names were changed of course, but that story is now Gertie’s story.
I will say that there are some Trigger Warnings in this book to be mindful of. A few of them being Domestic Violence & Sexual coercion/assault. Some areas of the book were difficult to get through.
Gertie’s story begins when she’s a young girl. She meets a carnival worker (Lorenzo) & runs away with him (this is where the sexual coercion occurs) & never returns back home- until she’s in her 60’s. Here is where a series of lifelong mistakes & regrets happen. Gertie ends up having 2 daughters with Lorenzo. The family goes through DV situations, Lorenzo is killed, and they suffer financial issues. Ultimately the girls end up being taken away from Gertie.
The girls go to a home for orphaned girls. We hear the girls perspectives. We hear about their heartbreak of being taken away from their mom & they wonder why their mom doesn’t come back for them. Utterly.heart.breaking. My heart was broken into oodles of pieces.
Meanwhile Gertie has a couple more abusive relationships & experiences more trauma. She feels regret & sadness surrounding the mistakes she had made.
Eventually when the girls become older (age 16 & 18?) they move back in with Gertie. Gertie also becomes a grandma! Becoming a grandma was so much more different than being a mother for Gertie. She became her grandkids sole provider for a period of time. Gertie was in a place in her life where she felt she really could care for the grandkids & wanted to do things different this time.
Towards the end of the book, the family experiences a ton of (unexpected) deaths.
At one of the last chapters, one of the sisters finds an unread letter from her sister. Here are some beautiful & touching quotes from the letter:
-“Love transcends all.”
-“It’s time for you to forgive Ma, forgive me, & especially to forgive yourself.”
-“No more pity, no more anger, no more fear. I have had the benefit of being wrapped in your love my whole life. Now wrap yourself in it & live the life that has been given to you. You are free! But then, you have always been free, you just didn’t know it.”
**Cue more tears! ALL of the tears!**
My only complaint with the book is that it jumped around a bit & at times was hard to follow. Each chapter is marked with the year.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. And again, I adore books that can make me feel something. Grab the tissues & be prepared to get through a sad, emotional & touching read! I’ll be recommending this book to friends & family!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
This was an interesting historical fiction story set in Iowa and Chicago from the 1920s to the 190s about a family focusing on the mother, Gertie, and her daughters, Nora and Patsy. Gertie wanted adventure in her life. When the carnival came to town, Gertie couldn't help herself be lured by the Showman into what she hoped was travel and adventure. Reality didn't involve either. Gertie had two daughters several years apart and was struggling day to day. The girls were taken from Gertie and send to a home because the neighbors didn't think she was taking care of them well and called the authorities. Nora writes her mother and begs her to come get them, but since Gertie can't read, the letters go unanswered.
The book tells Gertie's story and Nora's story from their own perspectives. Gertie struggles to fit in throughout her life and many of her decisions are questionable, but you do know she loves her daughters. Nora is thrown into the caregiver role for her younger sister Patsy and has to balance growing up and taking care of someone else at the same time. The story also shows how Nora desperately wanted her mother to take care of her and then how Nora ended up taking care of her mother as she grew older and frailer. The family dynamics were based in generational trauma of poverty, misogyny, illiteracy.
The characters were well developed and you can feel the despair of decisions made and not made. As you were reading about the girls' home/school, the carnival, the apartments, you could see and feel the emotions associated with each.
If you are looking for a story during the early to mid-1900s with women who are doing the best they can with the hand they are dealt, I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you Net Galley and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
The book tells Gertie's story and Nora's story from their own perspectives. Gertie struggles to fit in throughout her life and many of her decisions are questionable, but you do know she loves her daughters. Nora is thrown into the caregiver role for her younger sister Patsy and has to balance growing up and taking care of someone else at the same time. The story also shows how Nora desperately wanted her mother to take care of her and then how Nora ended up taking care of her mother as she grew older and frailer. The family dynamics were based in generational trauma of poverty, misogyny, illiteracy.
The characters were well developed and you can feel the despair of decisions made and not made. As you were reading about the girls' home/school, the carnival, the apartments, you could see and feel the emotions associated with each.
If you are looking for a story during the early to mid-1900s with women who are doing the best they can with the hand they are dealt, I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you Net Galley and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 4, 2024
Michelle Cox, the Author of “The Fallen Woman’s Daughter” has written an intriguing and captivating novel. The Genres for this book are Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Family Drama, and Fiction. In this well written novel, the author describes the relationships of family, mothers, sisters, daughters. In this poignant and heartfelt novel, the author portrays the tragedies of the times, and the consequences and mistakes that were made. The timeline for this story is set in approximately 1932, and goes to the past and the future when it pertains to the events and characters.The author vividly describes the scenery, the landscape and the dramatic characters. The Historical background is from the Depression, and goes to World War Two. The author takes us to the time of mining, and the time of war. The characters are described as complex, complicated and flawed, possibly due to a dysfunctional society.
In 1932, eight year old Nora and her younger sister arrive at an orphanage, when they have cruelly been taken from their mother. Tragic circumstances have forced the hands of Nora and Patsy’s mother, and the girls are in an orphanage. Nora has been told that her mother is a “fallen woman”, and her mother had made Nora promise she would look after her sister. The mother, Gertie has made one mistake after the other, and her choices are questionable in many ways.
I appreciate how the author discusses the importance of forgiveness, second chances, compassion, love and hope. The author also stresses the importance of family. I highly recommend this memorable novel.
In 1932, eight year old Nora and her younger sister arrive at an orphanage, when they have cruelly been taken from their mother. Tragic circumstances have forced the hands of Nora and Patsy’s mother, and the girls are in an orphanage. Nora has been told that her mother is a “fallen woman”, and her mother had made Nora promise she would look after her sister. The mother, Gertie has made one mistake after the other, and her choices are questionable in many ways.
I appreciate how the author discusses the importance of forgiveness, second chances, compassion, love and hope. The author also stresses the importance of family. I highly recommend this memorable novel.
March 5, 2024
Its 1923 and we meet Gertie Gufftason who is seventeen and she lives with her large family in a mining shack in Keystone, Iowa. When a carnival passes through her town Gertie cannot believe it when her father decides to buy tickets for them to go after church, this is where she meets Lorenzo, he tells her a tale of traveling all over America as a couple and she falls for him and his tall tale.
Gertie soon realizes that Lorenzo is all talk, he does work for the carnival with his brother Roman, he marries Gertie and the. leaves her behind for weeks in a small town in a rundown house, too ashamed to go back home and she assumes her parents have disowned her. Lorenzo is impulsive and unpredictable, they end up traveling to Chicago. When a series of misunderstandings lead the state to remove her two daughters Nora and Patsy the girls get sent to the Park Ridge School for Girls.
It’s 1932 and the girls wait for their mother to come and rescue them and she never does, when the house matron, Mrs. Morris drops hints that their mother may be a “fallen woman”. As the years go by, the trauma and emotionally stress of her childhood, catches up with Nora and Patsy, they soon come to conclusion they may have judged their mother rather harshly and maybe they were clueless and made assumptions about events in their lives. This was a heartbreaking multigenerational story.
Gertie soon realizes that Lorenzo is all talk, he does work for the carnival with his brother Roman, he marries Gertie and the. leaves her behind for weeks in a small town in a rundown house, too ashamed to go back home and she assumes her parents have disowned her. Lorenzo is impulsive and unpredictable, they end up traveling to Chicago. When a series of misunderstandings lead the state to remove her two daughters Nora and Patsy the girls get sent to the Park Ridge School for Girls.
It’s 1932 and the girls wait for their mother to come and rescue them and she never does, when the house matron, Mrs. Morris drops hints that their mother may be a “fallen woman”. As the years go by, the trauma and emotionally stress of her childhood, catches up with Nora and Patsy, they soon come to conclusion they may have judged their mother rather harshly and maybe they were clueless and made assumptions about events in their lives. This was a heartbreaking multigenerational story.
March 5, 2024
A seamless tale of family, but mostly of mothers and daughters and how the choices made affect future generations. I was not initially a fan of Gertie, myself judgmental, thinking she reaped what she sowed. But the overall message of how our roles in life change, how we at times are the prodigal, at times the one wronged tore me apart.
Michelle Cox has masterfully penned a brilliant portrait of the working class poor from the 1920's-1960's. The emotional range of her characters with their individual beliefs, motivations and fears captivated me from the first page to the last. The overall tone of despair and regret was at times overwhelming, until it hit me how realistic this story is for many. But then a message of resilience and hope rose from the ashes. This is a story told quietly but well, provoking deep thought.
Content warning: some sexual content, cussing and abuse.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher thorough Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Michelle Cox has masterfully penned a brilliant portrait of the working class poor from the 1920's-1960's. The emotional range of her characters with their individual beliefs, motivations and fears captivated me from the first page to the last. The overall tone of despair and regret was at times overwhelming, until it hit me how realistic this story is for many. But then a message of resilience and hope rose from the ashes. This is a story told quietly but well, provoking deep thought.
Content warning: some sexual content, cussing and abuse.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher thorough Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2024
Michelle Cox is a master of historical writing in the 1920s and with every new novel in her popular 'Henrietta and Inspector Howard 'series she has got better and better. Her new stand-alone 'The Fallen Woman's Daughter' is no exception, and her knowledge, understanding, and passion for life in 1920s US shines through every page. She notes that this story is heavily based on a real-life situation. It is an emotional and sad story of two sisters, taken from their mother when very young, and their relationship with her as they grew older. Not an easy read but a powerful one.
My thanks to Woolton Press and NetGalley for a digital copy.
My thanks to Woolton Press and NetGalley for a digital copy.
February 29, 2024
This is a story about a mother and her daughters that spans three generations. Filled with love, mistakes, hope, family and determination it's a book that once you start reading you won't want to stop. Excellent cast of characters described in detail and a well written story that will draw you in. I highly recommend this book!
July 20, 2024
This may be the most heartrending book I have ever read. Greta’s inability to read & write & the few choices available to women in her circumstances leads to such tragic outcomes . She obviously suffers from a learning disability like dyslexia and that makes one so aware of how children suffer in school and life if they are not diagnosed & receive help.
April 25, 2024
This book follows the crazy lives of a woman and her daughters. Gertie definitely didn't win a mother of the year award in this one, but her struggles felt real and more close to real life.
Getting ran away from her family with a man that was part of the circus. She ended up having two daughters which ended up in a girl's school since she well struggled with caring for them and had issues with some not so caring people. This book moves back and forth from Gertie to her eldest daughter Nora. Nora really spent so much time looking after her sister Patsy that she struggled doing this for her.
Of course the girls don't lose connection with their mom and make up for some lost time later in their lives, but even then there is so much tragedy and drama. I guess that is real life.
I am not sure why I struggled getting through this book, but maybe it was due to a majority of the time toward the beginning was spent with the girls younger. It definitely fast forwarded pretty quickly near the end which was my favorite part. There was a nice full circle wrap up at the end.
Thank you to Woolton Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Getting ran away from her family with a man that was part of the circus. She ended up having two daughters which ended up in a girl's school since she well struggled with caring for them and had issues with some not so caring people. This book moves back and forth from Gertie to her eldest daughter Nora. Nora really spent so much time looking after her sister Patsy that she struggled doing this for her.
Of course the girls don't lose connection with their mom and make up for some lost time later in their lives, but even then there is so much tragedy and drama. I guess that is real life.
I am not sure why I struggled getting through this book, but maybe it was due to a majority of the time toward the beginning was spent with the girls younger. It definitely fast forwarded pretty quickly near the end which was my favorite part. There was a nice full circle wrap up at the end.
Thank you to Woolton Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
June 21, 2025
Heart breaking read about the suffering endured by Gerda and her children as a result of her gullibility and immature decisions. The last chapter and epilogue made me cry. A great story of redemption and forgiveness.
June 28, 2025
Read it in 2 days, couldn’t put it down, interesting book!
I want to read other books by this author!
I want to read other books by this author!
May 9, 2025
It was difficult to listen to the tragedies that unfolded first for Gertie then her daughters. But the redemption, acceptance and love at the end brought me to tears and joy.
December 30, 2024
Captivating story
If you enjoy stories that go through generations, as I do, you will like this book.
Might have jumped too quickly at some parts, but was an overview of how each succeeding age is impacted by the family history.
If you enjoy stories that go through generations, as I do, you will like this book.
Might have jumped too quickly at some parts, but was an overview of how each succeeding age is impacted by the family history.
June 15, 2025
I loved the local connection, and that the story is loosely based on true facts. I will look to read more of her books in the future.
May 30, 2025
“The Fallen Woman's Daughter” by Michelle Cox
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS
PRINT: © 2024-02-18; ISBN: 979-8988009702; ASIN : B0CJX59NXZ; Woolton Press; 417 pages; unabridged (Info from Amazon.com)
Available also Digitally 2024-11-05; ASIN B0CJBMQZTS, Woolton Press, 419 pages. And in Audio 2024-07-11, ASIN B0D96YRQJ3, Woolton Press, 13 hours, 45 mins. (All unabridged. All info from Amazon.com).
FILM: No
SERIES: No.
CHARACTERS: (Not comprehensive)
• Gertie Guftason – Growing up in a small mining town, Gertie longs for adventure and believes she has found it when the barker of a traveling circus takes an interest in her.
• Lorenzo – Lorenzo is an alluring older man who knows just how to capture a young girl’s attention.
• Nora De Lorenzo – Having been forcefully swept from their home by a Social Worker, Nora and her younger sister find themselves in a hostile environment from which there seems to be no escape, wondering where her mother could be and why she hasn’t come to their rescue.
• Patsy De Lorenzo – Nora’s 6-year-old younger sister, Patsy, is so distraught that her unwillingness to accept her circumstances make her a target for militant discipline.
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
SELECTED: Having recently finished a book narrated by Jayne Entwistle, I decided to listen to another. It was late at night and I didn’t want to take time to see which book would be next in Jane’s chronological line-up, so I took this first result on the list.
ABOUT: This story was based on a true story, told to the author by the woman who is Gertie in the story. Gertie’s longing for excitement and adventure begins with an innocent desire to meet the famous singer who has come to town with the circus. But the fellow who spots her, as she waits near the stage for her young suitor to return, recognizes an opportunity to try to seduce her, first with a promise to introduce her to the singer she idolizes; then, that accomplished, through further plotting. Soon, Gertie believes she is off to see the world with the traveling circus. The reality turns out to be not quite what she’d imagined.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: There’s a lot of disappointment, loss, and disillusionment here; some psychological cruelty, misunderstandings, anger, and other related, less than cheerful mindsets that had me wondering if I’d made a wrong choice and should be looking for a happier story. But I carried on, and by the end, I have to say it had great merit in its insight into the misunderstandings and judgements that form within families.
I also liked the hints at Spiritual elements.
INSPIRED ME TO READ:
I’m not interested in reading anything else by this author in this genre, nor did I notice that any of the characters had any favorite books that actually exist. In reading about the author though, I do wonder if her previous mystery books might be good. I may have to try the first one to make sure I’m not missing out. 😊
AUTHOR:
Michelle Cox. (From Michellecoxauthor.com)
“Michelle Cox has always been obsessed with stories of the past and has spent a lifetime collecting them. She is the award-winning author of historical fiction, including the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, The Fallen Woman’s Daughter, and The Merriweather Novels. Cox also pens the wildly popular, “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog chronicling the lives of Chicago’s forgotten residents.
She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.”
NARRATOR:
Jayne Entwistle (Excerpt From “The Jayne Show”)
“Jayne was born in the North of England and lived in a myriad of places (Vancouver, San Francisco, Tucson, Sequim, Seattle) before landing in Los Angeles. She is an avid improviser who hitched her space-work wagon to Patrick Bristow’s company, Improvatorium, where she studied, taught, directed and performed improv.
She is an award-winning audiobook narrator best known for her narration of the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. She also received the 2015 Odyssey Honour Award for The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry and the 2016 Odyssey Award for, The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
When not inhaling books for work or pleasure, Jayne works in film, television and commercials. The biggest star she has ever worked with is Shaquille O’Neal. He is quite literally THE biggest star she has ever worked with. Ever. He’s really big!”
TIME PERIOD:
1920’s-1970’s
GENRE:
Women’s Historical fiction; Family relations
SUBJECTS:
Family; Love; Betrayal; Psychology; Poverty; Abandonment: Foster Children; Boarding Schools; Motherhood; Daughters; Sisters; Dyslexia; Marriages of Convenience; Latchkey Kids; Child Abuse
LOCATION:
Iowa; Park Ridge School for Girls; Chicago; various others
DEDICATION:
“For all the girls who run.
May you find the home you are looking for.”
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
Excerpt From “Chapter One: April 1932 Nora”
“This was all Olson’s fault, Nora thought bitterly, trying to fight back her tears. They had been happy enough with Ma in the shelter and then the little apartment. But then he had to come along and ruined it all. It was Olson’s fault, and no one else’s. His fault that they had been taken away by these terrible people.
Nora peered out the rain-spattered window at the landscape rolling by. Not even the fact that this was her first time in an automobile could abate her rising panic. Though she was all of eight years old, she had never been outside Chicago, and she began to feel more and more afraid as the horizon opened up, the motorcar chugging along. So much open space. It was frightening.
“Where are we going?” Nora finally managed to ask.
The man driving said nothing, but the lady next to him barked, “The Park Ridge School for Girls,” without even bothering to turn around. Nora could only guess what that meant and clutched Patsy’s hand, though she knew her little sister wouldn’t be of any real help. Patsy had somehow fallen asleep, her head nestled in Nora’s lap. She was six years old, but still acted like a baby. Still even sucked her thumb.
Nora wiped the tears that would not stop rolling down her cheeks. Ma had tried to hide them in an armoire, but the woman had found them anyway. Patsy had managed to escape the woman’s clutches and had run to Ma, but the woman had simply pried her off, despite Patsy screaming and Ma crying and begging. In the end, the woman had had to employ the silent man she’d left leaning in the hallway to help her carry the kicking, wailing Patsy down the stairs. Nora, watching the horror, had decided she wouldn’t struggle. Ma had grabbed Patsy’s little cloth doll and stuffed it into Nora’s pocket, fiercely instructing her to watch over Patsy until she could come get them. Nora couldn’t get Ma’s eyes out of her mind. She had never seen them that frantic—that scared and trapped. It made Nora cry all the harder.
The car stopped, and Patsy stirred. Nora peered out at a cluster of stark buildings. “Park Ridge School for Girls” was chiseled above the front door of the main one.
RATING:
4 stars.
STARTED-FINISHED
4/27/2025-5/7/2025
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS
PRINT: © 2024-02-18; ISBN: 979-8988009702; ASIN : B0CJX59NXZ; Woolton Press; 417 pages; unabridged (Info from Amazon.com)
Available also Digitally 2024-11-05; ASIN B0CJBMQZTS, Woolton Press, 419 pages. And in Audio 2024-07-11, ASIN B0D96YRQJ3, Woolton Press, 13 hours, 45 mins. (All unabridged. All info from Amazon.com).
FILM: No
SERIES: No.
CHARACTERS: (Not comprehensive)
• Gertie Guftason – Growing up in a small mining town, Gertie longs for adventure and believes she has found it when the barker of a traveling circus takes an interest in her.
• Lorenzo – Lorenzo is an alluring older man who knows just how to capture a young girl’s attention.
• Nora De Lorenzo – Having been forcefully swept from their home by a Social Worker, Nora and her younger sister find themselves in a hostile environment from which there seems to be no escape, wondering where her mother could be and why she hasn’t come to their rescue.
• Patsy De Lorenzo – Nora’s 6-year-old younger sister, Patsy, is so distraught that her unwillingness to accept her circumstances make her a target for militant discipline.
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
SELECTED: Having recently finished a book narrated by Jayne Entwistle, I decided to listen to another. It was late at night and I didn’t want to take time to see which book would be next in Jane’s chronological line-up, so I took this first result on the list.
ABOUT: This story was based on a true story, told to the author by the woman who is Gertie in the story. Gertie’s longing for excitement and adventure begins with an innocent desire to meet the famous singer who has come to town with the circus. But the fellow who spots her, as she waits near the stage for her young suitor to return, recognizes an opportunity to try to seduce her, first with a promise to introduce her to the singer she idolizes; then, that accomplished, through further plotting. Soon, Gertie believes she is off to see the world with the traveling circus. The reality turns out to be not quite what she’d imagined.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: There’s a lot of disappointment, loss, and disillusionment here; some psychological cruelty, misunderstandings, anger, and other related, less than cheerful mindsets that had me wondering if I’d made a wrong choice and should be looking for a happier story. But I carried on, and by the end, I have to say it had great merit in its insight into the misunderstandings and judgements that form within families.
I also liked the hints at Spiritual elements.
INSPIRED ME TO READ:
I’m not interested in reading anything else by this author in this genre, nor did I notice that any of the characters had any favorite books that actually exist. In reading about the author though, I do wonder if her previous mystery books might be good. I may have to try the first one to make sure I’m not missing out. 😊
AUTHOR:
Michelle Cox. (From Michellecoxauthor.com)
“Michelle Cox has always been obsessed with stories of the past and has spent a lifetime collecting them. She is the award-winning author of historical fiction, including the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, The Fallen Woman’s Daughter, and The Merriweather Novels. Cox also pens the wildly popular, “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog chronicling the lives of Chicago’s forgotten residents.
She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.”
NARRATOR:
Jayne Entwistle (Excerpt From “The Jayne Show”)
“Jayne was born in the North of England and lived in a myriad of places (Vancouver, San Francisco, Tucson, Sequim, Seattle) before landing in Los Angeles. She is an avid improviser who hitched her space-work wagon to Patrick Bristow’s company, Improvatorium, where she studied, taught, directed and performed improv.
She is an award-winning audiobook narrator best known for her narration of the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. She also received the 2015 Odyssey Honour Award for The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry and the 2016 Odyssey Award for, The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
When not inhaling books for work or pleasure, Jayne works in film, television and commercials. The biggest star she has ever worked with is Shaquille O’Neal. He is quite literally THE biggest star she has ever worked with. Ever. He’s really big!”
TIME PERIOD:
1920’s-1970’s
GENRE:
Women’s Historical fiction; Family relations
SUBJECTS:
Family; Love; Betrayal; Psychology; Poverty; Abandonment: Foster Children; Boarding Schools; Motherhood; Daughters; Sisters; Dyslexia; Marriages of Convenience; Latchkey Kids; Child Abuse
LOCATION:
Iowa; Park Ridge School for Girls; Chicago; various others
DEDICATION:
“For all the girls who run.
May you find the home you are looking for.”
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
Excerpt From “Chapter One: April 1932 Nora”
“This was all Olson’s fault, Nora thought bitterly, trying to fight back her tears. They had been happy enough with Ma in the shelter and then the little apartment. But then he had to come along and ruined it all. It was Olson’s fault, and no one else’s. His fault that they had been taken away by these terrible people.
Nora peered out the rain-spattered window at the landscape rolling by. Not even the fact that this was her first time in an automobile could abate her rising panic. Though she was all of eight years old, she had never been outside Chicago, and she began to feel more and more afraid as the horizon opened up, the motorcar chugging along. So much open space. It was frightening.
“Where are we going?” Nora finally managed to ask.
The man driving said nothing, but the lady next to him barked, “The Park Ridge School for Girls,” without even bothering to turn around. Nora could only guess what that meant and clutched Patsy’s hand, though she knew her little sister wouldn’t be of any real help. Patsy had somehow fallen asleep, her head nestled in Nora’s lap. She was six years old, but still acted like a baby. Still even sucked her thumb.
Nora wiped the tears that would not stop rolling down her cheeks. Ma had tried to hide them in an armoire, but the woman had found them anyway. Patsy had managed to escape the woman’s clutches and had run to Ma, but the woman had simply pried her off, despite Patsy screaming and Ma crying and begging. In the end, the woman had had to employ the silent man she’d left leaning in the hallway to help her carry the kicking, wailing Patsy down the stairs. Nora, watching the horror, had decided she wouldn’t struggle. Ma had grabbed Patsy’s little cloth doll and stuffed it into Nora’s pocket, fiercely instructing her to watch over Patsy until she could come get them. Nora couldn’t get Ma’s eyes out of her mind. She had never seen them that frantic—that scared and trapped. It made Nora cry all the harder.
The car stopped, and Patsy stirred. Nora peered out at a cluster of stark buildings. “Park Ridge School for Girls” was chiseled above the front door of the main one.
RATING:
4 stars.
STARTED-FINISHED
4/27/2025-5/7/2025
March 5, 2024
I have been a fan of Michelle Cox’s books for a long time, I love her writing, the crafting of her stories and the research she does for every single book she writes, this book wasn’t the exception, it is beautifully written and very engrossing from beginning to end.
The book tells a story of broken and missing opportunities, a multigenerational family drama that spans forty years, at times it will make you smile but also will break your heart, the story focuses on the relationship of mother and daughters, and how a single life choice, or mistake, will influence the life of a whole family for generations to come.
The book stayed with me for days after finishing it and lived in my head and my heart for a long time before I was able to put down in words my feeling for it.
The book tells a story of broken and missing opportunities, a multigenerational family drama that spans forty years, at times it will make you smile but also will break your heart, the story focuses on the relationship of mother and daughters, and how a single life choice, or mistake, will influence the life of a whole family for generations to come.
The book stayed with me for days after finishing it and lived in my head and my heart for a long time before I was able to put down in words my feeling for it.
January 22, 2025
This novel is a multi-generational story filled mostly with hardship, unhappiness, and sorrow over a crucial mistake a young girl makes in 1923 to run away with a carnival barker. The repercussions of this decision reverberate through the next 4 decades of her life, affecting her two daughters and their children as well. The story becomes more and more melodramatic and depressing until the end, which is inexplicably saccharine. Not one that I would recommend.
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