A Future of Her Own: A 1960s Historical Fiction Novel

by Samantha Quamma

“An engaging female protagonist confronts social issues that are unfortunately still relevant.” —Kirkus Reviews

When faced with the inequities of college life for women in 1965, first-generation college student Ramona Bronson must decide whether she's willing to risk her education for the possibility of better.

As fall term begins, Ramona is reassigned to the night shift waitressing at Dusty's Drive-In, which closes after the female-only campus curfew. Panicked because she needs her job to pay tuition, Ramona petitions to appeal the curfew on the advice of her friend Dimitri. When rejected by the dean, citing "safety concerns" for female students, Ramona turns to Dimitri's older brother, Theo, a leader in the campus anti-war movement, for help.

Exposure to the world of activism through new friends, who become family, reveals that the curfew is one of countless unfair expectations of women on campus—and Ramona's petition is only the beginning. She soon learns that the line between right and wrong isn’t always clear and must decide how far she’ll go to break down an unfair system.

A Future of Her Own will inspire the righteous, rebellious spirit in us all.

Genres: Historical Fiction

329 pages, Paperback

Published January 22, 2025

About the author

Samantha Quamma lives in Seattle, Washington. When she's not writing about women making their place in the world, she's working in the technology industry and chipping away at her yearly reading goal. A Future of Her Own is her first novel.

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: A Future Of Her Own
AUTHOR:Samantha Quamma
PUB DATE: 01.22.2025

When faced with the inequities of college life for women in 1965, first-generation college student Ramona Bronson must decide whether she's willing to risk her education for the possibility of better.

THOUGHTS:

I love a good historical fiction set in the 1960's, a tumultuous decade of social change, political conflict, and counterculture, the backdrop of this immersive book. In A Future Of Her Own by Samantha Quamma, we follow Ramona, a strong female character that is in the precipitous of change, ready to break out of the societal mold she was placed, and through her voice and bravery, I found her an inspiring main character. This was an engaging read from the start to the end.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut historical fiction read is fantastic! It’s set in 1965 on a college campus. Ramona who is a freshman on campus becomes an activist after she is turned down for a curfew exemption. Ramona works the night shift at a diner in order to pay for school. Only women have this curfew so her male coworker who is also a student can easily work the same night shift.

Romona leaves her comfort zone in order to strive for equality.

I think the book gives a great portrait of those times. There are mixed opinions on campus. Some women are ok with the curfew and other rules that are in the campus’s Women’s Handbook. Many don’t like the unfairness of the rules. There is also the issue of free speech on campus about the war and how students just want to be heard.

Watching Ramona find her own in a time that was confusing, was absolute joy. This book is a great motivating tool and a nod to the power of voice.

[Julia Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start to finish, this was a captivating story! I couldn’t put it down. I found myself fighting for Ramona, as much as she fought for herself. Highly recommend reading this one!

[Kerry Chaput · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Ramona’s hopeful nature right away. We get to watch a college student transform from starry-eyed and quiet, to a brave young woman committed to change. Set on a college campus in the 60s, the backdrop of resistance and social justice is applicable to today, and you’ll root for Ramona the entire way through.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ramona is excited to start her adult life as a first generation college student. Vietnam is in the forefront and campus is a whole different world with protests and rules for women. Rules that now affect her job and ability to pay for college. How ridiculous is this that women still are held to rules because it is believed that men will then behave? After breaking curfew for work and getting a mark against her, she knows this cannot continue. How is she supposed to pay for college if she doesn't have a job, yet the school doesn't seem to care and she's a women. Worse yet, her roommate is all for women following the rules and becoming house wives. Determined to make a change, Ramona continues to hit wall after wall of getting nowhere. When she gets asked to be part of a group that works to bring about change on campus, she starts to get some traction although this group is known to be disruptive, they are following all the rules of campus but often the police have to get involved. As word gets out of what Ramona is trying to do, many start go get behind her but when she is told a heartbreaking truth, she knows just what she needs to do to get change for her and the other women. This was such a good read with the whole Vietnam protests going on and what college campus life was like for men versus women. I really enjoyed Ramona's story. Thank you to the author for the complementary ebook and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1960s are one of my favorite periods to read about, and 𝐀 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐰𝐧 put me right there, both in place and time.

Ramona is a young woman attending college in 1965. She must work the night shift at Dusty’s diner to pay her tuition. However, this causes her to break the strict curfew enforced only on women.

The campus is a hotbed for protest, especially over free speech and the Vietnam War. It’s a time of significant social upheaval. Ramona decides to petition the curfew rule of the campus’ 𝑊𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛’𝑠 𝐻𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘; now is the time for change, but she will have to fight for it.

Not only did I love being back in the '60s with Ramona, but it was also inspiring to watch her find her courage and confidence. Although she dances along some questionable lines, it was necessary to break down the barriers of an unjust system. I appreciated that the author showed that protesting has positive and negative aspects, giving the story more power and authenticity.

𝐴 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑏𝑢𝑡!


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @samanthaquamma for a gifted ebook.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When faced with the inequities of college life for women in 1965, first-generation college student Ramona Bronson must decide whether she's willing to risk her education for the possibility of better.”
While at college and when her fall term begins Ramona is reliant on her waitressing job on the night shift waitressing at Dusty's Drive-In. That is until it closes after they are informed of the female-only campus curfew. Without this job she cannot afford her tuition. With the advice from her friend Dimitrit, Ramona petitions to appeal the curfew, the Dean shoots it down saying it’s for safety. Ramona turns to Dimitri's older brother, Theo, a leader in the campus anti-war movement, for help. While she works to make a change her eyes are soon opened to the line between right and wrong isn’t always clear and must decide how far she’ll go to break down an unfair system.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the way to debut - congratulations! I loved that the main character was entering college in 1965 - making her the same age as my mom. With dreams of being a college graduate, Ramona must work to pay tuition. The only problem is that she gets off work after the female-only curfew. Ya, my rebellious self wouldn’t handle that well either. Never fear, it’s the era of protest - the Vietnam War, politics, free speech, idealism, make love not war… and Ramona is up for the challenge. You go, girl! This story was an eye-opening experience of life before the road was paved for my generation. I admire the grit and growth of Ramona as well as both sides of the protesting coin. My experience with historical fiction has been limited to WWII, so it was interesting to get a glimpse of life in the 60’s. 

[crafty.jenn.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of strong female characters, and Ramona has quickly become one of my favorites! Set in 1965, the story follows her as she starts college, only to face an unfair rule: curfews that apply to women but not men. Determined to challenge this injustice, she organizes a petition, but when it’s rejected, she’s propelled into the world of activism.
Along the way, she discovers a found family and realizes the curfew is just the tip of the iceberg—one of many rules designed to hold women back. Ramona’s determination to stand up for what’s right, even when the odds are against her, is incredibly inspiring. Her courage and resilience shine through on every page, and the author does an amazing job immersing you in her journey. What an incredible debut!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being transported back in time to the 60s for this coming of age novel! The protagonist is complex yet relatable; I found myself mirroring the waves of her feelings throughout the book as she navigates the multitude of personal and systemic challenges present on campus. I also liked that the love story wasn’t the A-plot, as I felt more drawn to Ramona’s individual journey but still appreciated the reminder of the satisfaction yet turbulence a first love brings. The supporting characters are vibrant in my head, as is the campus and surrounding settings. The story is a blend of fun and poignant themes that still have so much relevance for today, whether or not you’re navigating your first quarter of higher ed or entering another chapter of life :)

[Kaylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Absolutely loved this debut novel. Ramona is an inspiring protagonist - resilient, determined, and wise. I love a story that grapples with ethics and that questions how far one would go to stand up for what they believe in. I felt transported into the time and place of the setting and was kept on my toes by the plot and character’s choices. Made me feel so grateful for the women like Ramona who came before me. Can’t wait for more by this author!

“It’s through education that understanding is bred. It’s through understanding that empathy is bred. It’s through empathy that change is made.”

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I was over the historical fiction genre.

This book dragged me back in, with very little kicking, or screaming.

Ramona, as a FMC, is a delight. Strong, intelligent, coming into her own, I never got tired of her.

The college campus, in the midst of the chaos of war, misogyny, and the fight for free speech, was the perfect foil.

I was particularly interested in the relationships between the women pushing for change, and the ones happy with the status quo.

The fact that this is a debut novel frustrates me to no end. What am I to do with no back catalogue in which to dive?

[Elizabeth Zech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut author Samantha Quamma paints a convincing picture of college life in the PNW. The setting might be the 1960's but following Ramona on her journey growing into herself and fighting for women's rights fits right into the world we are living in today. I loved the character development in this story which also came with some unexpected twists, romantic and otherwise. Ultimately, this was poignant read that reminded me of college life and the righteous anger it sometimes requires to stick up for yourself and what you believe.

[Julia Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a captivating debut! As you follow Ramona on her journey of self-discovery, you’ll find yourself quickly drawn into her world - loving and loathing the people she meets along the way. Quamma masterfully captures the era’s shifting social landscape, weaving a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. The vivid storytelling, rich historical backdrop of the late 1960s, plus the touch of heat and romance, makes this novel perfect for any fans of coming-of-age stories, women’s fiction, or immersive historical dramas.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me! I read it at the end of a VERY long and trying January and it gave me a good dose of motivation which I appreciate. Ramona was a force to be reckoned with. I was rooting for her from the beginning and developed a lot of respect for her as the story went on. So many women that came before us fought hard for women’s rights. No doubt there is still a long way to go but books like this one give me hope about how far we have come.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. This novel was much lighter reading than I was expecting. It seems to be Young Adult, and the "fighting back" referred to seems to be one particular "wrong" that she wishes to change (rightfully so) but I was expecting a wider expanse of discrimination against females than the book was going to present. I got to chapter 7 and quit reading.
I probably would have read it if it was for sitting on the beach, but I was on a 9 hour plane ride and wanted something much meatier.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning I was hooked and had to know more about where Ramona’s fight for change would take her, and her story did not disappoint!! I loved that she took risks, did things out of the norm for her time and was determined to create a better future for all women. Great book and I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!

[Claire Keck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m still considering what I’m going to say (long review to come), but overall better than I expected. Quite predictable, simple prose, but still enjoyable. I did appreciate that the male characters, rather than the female characters, were underdeveloped. It gets 3.5 stars because I hardcore support the activism theme

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories with strong female characters and this one was fun and inspiring.
A Future Of Her Own follows Ramona in her struggle to balance College Life, her job and the strict rules of 1960s. A powerful book about resilience, ambition and fighting for our dreams and rights.

[Hannah Postings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I loved! I love reading about women being the change they want to see, and loved it even more with it being set in Seattle!

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great debut. The writing grabbed me from the start, and I felt like I was on campus with Ramona. I loved seeing her confidence grow in such a short time span and sticking up for herself and the cause. The protests and Ramona’s role in them were really interesting to follow and with the small romance it was hard to determine what Ramona was going to choose. It showed the pros and some cons of protesting but in a powerful and inspiring way.

Thank you @samanthaquamma @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Sophie Amster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great debut novel from Samantha! Can't wait to see more from her.

[Sarah Quamma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of reading this book. Ramona’s struggles and desires ring true even today! An inspiring story on every level!

[Lisa Timberlake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and thoughtful read.