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The Moonshine Women
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Expected 31 Mar 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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100 copies available
U.S. only
In the Prohibition era Missouri Ozarks, three sisters take over their father’s moonshine business in an evocative story of reinvention, sisterhood, and the alchemy of love for readers of Jeannette Walls, Fannie Flagg, Sue Monk Kidd, and Donna Everhart.
Every batch of Strong moonshine has its own special flavor, thanks to the secret ingredients that matriarch Lidy Strong adds to the barrels of fermenting corn mash. Whether a bucketful of golden peaches, a ripe melon or juicy, jewel-toned berries, that extra “something something” is what makes the Strong “shine” so prized—and allows the family to survive after crop prices plummeted in the wake of the Great War.
Each of the Strong sisters, too, is distinct. Stoic, steadfast Rebecca would rather be with her beloved farm animals or off hunting in the woods than socializing. Middle sister Elsie is kindhearted, beautiful—and itching for a life more thrilling than the farm can offer. Jace, the youngest, is known far and wide as “Shine,” a name that suits her fiery personality and flaming red hair as much as her innate skill with a still.
Their father, Hiram, has been drowning himself in grief and liquor ever since his wife died. But the moonshine business is unforgiving, especially with Prohibition agents turning up in every creek and holler. When tragedy strikes, it falls to the Strong women to keep the still running, the family together, and hope burning on the horizon.
From the Ozark mountains edged in oak and pine, to the outlaw paradise of Hot Springs, Arkansas—where gangsters like Al Capone line the bar at the Southern Club—the sisters’ quests for vengeance, healing, and love will drive them forward, in search of a future as transformative and powerful as the purest Strong moonshine.
Every batch of Strong moonshine has its own special flavor, thanks to the secret ingredients that matriarch Lidy Strong adds to the barrels of fermenting corn mash. Whether a bucketful of golden peaches, a ripe melon or juicy, jewel-toned berries, that extra “something something” is what makes the Strong “shine” so prized—and allows the family to survive after crop prices plummeted in the wake of the Great War.
Each of the Strong sisters, too, is distinct. Stoic, steadfast Rebecca would rather be with her beloved farm animals or off hunting in the woods than socializing. Middle sister Elsie is kindhearted, beautiful—and itching for a life more thrilling than the farm can offer. Jace, the youngest, is known far and wide as “Shine,” a name that suits her fiery personality and flaming red hair as much as her innate skill with a still.
Their father, Hiram, has been drowning himself in grief and liquor ever since his wife died. But the moonshine business is unforgiving, especially with Prohibition agents turning up in every creek and holler. When tragedy strikes, it falls to the Strong women to keep the still running, the family together, and hope burning on the horizon.
From the Ozark mountains edged in oak and pine, to the outlaw paradise of Hot Springs, Arkansas—where gangsters like Al Capone line the bar at the Southern Club—the sisters’ quests for vengeance, healing, and love will drive them forward, in search of a future as transformative and powerful as the purest Strong moonshine.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 31, 2026
18 people are currently reading
15158 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Collins Anderson
2 books412 followersMichelle Collins Anderson grew up on a farm in the Missouri Ozarks — a place and a way of life that has shaped her writing. She received her MFA from Warren Wilson College and has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri.
Her short fiction has appeared in Nimrod International Journal #37 Awards Edition, Literal Latté, Midwestern Gothic, bosque, The Lascaux Review, Pooled Ink, Literary Mama and Elder Mountain: A Journal of Ozark Studies and is forthcoming in Storied Hills: An Anthology of Contemporary Ozark Fiction.
Michelle has been an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri and Stephens College, taught creative writing at her local elementary school, and serves on the board of The Missouri Review. The Flower Sisters is her first novel. She and her husband, Clay, have three adult children and live in St. Louis, Missouri, with a rambunctious border collie and two sister cats.
Her short fiction has appeared in Nimrod International Journal #37 Awards Edition, Literal Latté, Midwestern Gothic, bosque, The Lascaux Review, Pooled Ink, Literary Mama and Elder Mountain: A Journal of Ozark Studies and is forthcoming in Storied Hills: An Anthology of Contemporary Ozark Fiction.
Michelle has been an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri and Stephens College, taught creative writing at her local elementary school, and serves on the board of The Missouri Review. The Flower Sisters is her first novel. She and her husband, Clay, have three adult children and live in St. Louis, Missouri, with a rambunctious border collie and two sister cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 26, 2025
The Moonshine Women brings a fascinating story of three sisters from the Ozark Mountains and the regions’ rich folk tradition of moonshine whiskey.
Rebecca, the oldest sister, loves the farm life, surrounded by animals and nature. Elsie, the middle sister, craves beauty and a family atmosphere far from rural hardship. Shine, the youngest, is full of verve and the most inclined to carry on their father’s legacy.
The story begins in 1929 Missouri, with seventeen-year-old Shine introducing the moonshine tradition. Even before the Prohibition, their father made his own moonshine, as many respected farmers did. None of them would waste money on store-bought alcohol. The formulas for moonshine were handed down from generation to generation like cake recipes. When crops became nearly worthless and couldn’t feed the family, they turned them into something that could. And with human nature, what was forbidden quickly became lucrative - especially when Grandma Lidy Strong added her own secretive ingredients.
There are other captivating characters woven into the story. John Flanagan is a federal agent enforcing prohibition through the Volstead Act. His harsh childhood shaped his strict allegiance to the law. He is proud of what he has achieved in his life and determined to track down those he beliefs waste their money on alcohol.
After the death of their mother, the girls’ father drowns himself in grief and liquor. He never saw the moonshine business as wrong - it was legal before after all. But after his death, the sisters device creative ways to transport contraband across state lines. Shine has an additional motive: she wants to find. She wants to find the person responsible for their father’s death.
After setting in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Shine eventually encounters the notorious gangster she’s heard so much about - Al Capone himself. He’s come to Hot Springs, tired of Chicago’s alcohol scene, and brings with him his own beliefs about what women should and shouldn’t do. Working at the bar of the Southern Club, Shine faces Capone’s smirks and chauvinism, each encounter stoking a fire of her vengeance.
The character-driven story explores themes of sisterhood and reinvention. The characters are compelling, the threads of the plot come together seamlessly, and the prose is both beautiful and entertaining. The descriptions of the Ozarks and its traditions are vivid and immersive. The Moonshine Women delivers a memorable story full of heart, grit, and cultural richness.
The first half of the story had a faster pace than the second half. The first half had the character-development which I enjoyed and was more absorbed by rather than the second half which was more about events.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rebecca, the oldest sister, loves the farm life, surrounded by animals and nature. Elsie, the middle sister, craves beauty and a family atmosphere far from rural hardship. Shine, the youngest, is full of verve and the most inclined to carry on their father’s legacy.
The story begins in 1929 Missouri, with seventeen-year-old Shine introducing the moonshine tradition. Even before the Prohibition, their father made his own moonshine, as many respected farmers did. None of them would waste money on store-bought alcohol. The formulas for moonshine were handed down from generation to generation like cake recipes. When crops became nearly worthless and couldn’t feed the family, they turned them into something that could. And with human nature, what was forbidden quickly became lucrative - especially when Grandma Lidy Strong added her own secretive ingredients.
There are other captivating characters woven into the story. John Flanagan is a federal agent enforcing prohibition through the Volstead Act. His harsh childhood shaped his strict allegiance to the law. He is proud of what he has achieved in his life and determined to track down those he beliefs waste their money on alcohol.
After the death of their mother, the girls’ father drowns himself in grief and liquor. He never saw the moonshine business as wrong - it was legal before after all. But after his death, the sisters device creative ways to transport contraband across state lines. Shine has an additional motive: she wants to find. She wants to find the person responsible for their father’s death.
After setting in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Shine eventually encounters the notorious gangster she’s heard so much about - Al Capone himself. He’s come to Hot Springs, tired of Chicago’s alcohol scene, and brings with him his own beliefs about what women should and shouldn’t do. Working at the bar of the Southern Club, Shine faces Capone’s smirks and chauvinism, each encounter stoking a fire of her vengeance.
The character-driven story explores themes of sisterhood and reinvention. The characters are compelling, the threads of the plot come together seamlessly, and the prose is both beautiful and entertaining. The descriptions of the Ozarks and its traditions are vivid and immersive. The Moonshine Women delivers a memorable story full of heart, grit, and cultural richness.
The first half of the story had a faster pace than the second half. The first half had the character-development which I enjoyed and was more absorbed by rather than the second half which was more about events.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2025
The Moonshine Women is a upcoming historical novel about the struggles of thr Strong Family as they try their best to make a living during prohibition and their own personal tragedies. I will say I was quite impressed with this Arc because we were introduced to three sisters who worked their tails off to keep their father's work alive. Overall this novel really does offer a great deal of information on how dangerous this kind of work was.
Some of the hardships this family faced started around before the birth of the youngest daughter Shine when Elise and Rebecca's mother Alma suffered a tragic accident. However, despite the circumstances the three sisters manage to grow up rather close under the watchfull eye of their grandmother. Years later their father ends up dying and immediately it is up to the girls to keep the moonshine business going.
I will say that this novelhad me intrigued from the start. I really enjoyed the close dynamic that the sisters had. Although there are some dark family secrets but that just keeps the novel interesting!
Some of the hardships this family faced started around before the birth of the youngest daughter Shine when Elise and Rebecca's mother Alma suffered a tragic accident. However, despite the circumstances the three sisters manage to grow up rather close under the watchfull eye of their grandmother. Years later their father ends up dying and immediately it is up to the girls to keep the moonshine business going.
I will say that this novelhad me intrigued from the start. I really enjoyed the close dynamic that the sisters had. Although there are some dark family secrets but that just keeps the novel interesting!
August 1, 2025
Very good read! Fast paced with nice array of characters. I wouldn’t say major twists, but definitely some OMG developments. I will look for other works by Michelle Collins Anderson.
December 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. 4.25 stars. I really enjoyed this book, even if I didn’t find it exceptional. I found it to be original and refreshing. It is rare to find historical fiction that hasn’t already been done to death, and I think this book fits that mold. The author has a unique ability to capture the nature of the historical Ozarks in her works, and her love for her home region comes through in her narratives. The descriptions of settings are poetic, and her prose is lyrical in a way that totally captures the readers. I found her characterizations in this novel, especially of the Strong sisters, were successful. I enjoyed reading about the growth of all three women through their individual hardships during the shadow of Prohibition. Again, the author devises an ending that is a little convenient and saccharine, but it is delightful nonetheless, and I love the last chapter from an unexpected perspective. This novel was a great way to spend a week, and I would recommend it to fans of American historical fiction.
October 7, 2025
Reading this book felt somewhat like watching a cartoon. I don't know if that makes any sense, but there was something about the combination of dramatic events, over the top characters, and Prohibition-era setting that just really gave it that sort of comic book kind of energy.
In general, I found that the start of this book was very strong. We follow the Strong sisters, who live high up in the Ozark mountains with their father and grandmother during the 1920s and 1930s. As a family, they manage to make a decent living by selling the moonshine that they brew with the help of their father. But moonshine is, of course, illegal, and it's a constant struggle trying to keep their activities under wraps.
The sisters themselves were decently fleshed out as characters, but the rest of the ensemble was a tad flat. Especially John, a "prohi" trying to arrest individuals who are selling alcohol. Jed, one of the book's main antagonists, was also fairly undeveloped. And even the sisters, while they started out strong, ended up feeling a bit flat to me in the end.
I did really enjoy the setting, and especially loved the cameos from famous characters like Al Capone. But there was just something so very off about the pacing in this novel. Months and years go by between chapters, and for me, the plot just sort of lost its focus at the 50% mark. After a very promising beginning, that was just a bit disappointing, especially because there were important character moments that no longer felt like they held much weight.
But, a fun, decently quick read that gives you an interesting look at the Prohibition Era. And the prose in general was also quite good.
Thanks to the publisher for the eARC!
In general, I found that the start of this book was very strong. We follow the Strong sisters, who live high up in the Ozark mountains with their father and grandmother during the 1920s and 1930s. As a family, they manage to make a decent living by selling the moonshine that they brew with the help of their father. But moonshine is, of course, illegal, and it's a constant struggle trying to keep their activities under wraps.
The sisters themselves were decently fleshed out as characters, but the rest of the ensemble was a tad flat. Especially John, a "prohi" trying to arrest individuals who are selling alcohol. Jed, one of the book's main antagonists, was also fairly undeveloped. And even the sisters, while they started out strong, ended up feeling a bit flat to me in the end.
I did really enjoy the setting, and especially loved the cameos from famous characters like Al Capone. But there was just something so very off about the pacing in this novel. Months and years go by between chapters, and for me, the plot just sort of lost its focus at the 50% mark. After a very promising beginning, that was just a bit disappointing, especially because there were important character moments that no longer felt like they held much weight.
But, a fun, decently quick read that gives you an interesting look at the Prohibition Era. And the prose in general was also quite good.
Thanks to the publisher for the eARC!
October 26, 2025
Wow! I suggest you preorder this book today and on March 31 feign an illness and lock yourself away somewhere, as you will not want to put this book down. This book tells the story of Moonshiners from the Missouri Ozarks and their life and struggles in the 1930’s. Michelle’s storyline, character development and overall story telling ability is outstanding! Every character comes alive with her exceptional ability to weave a backstory into the present one. Her use of historical events, places and characters adds realism to the story of these strong, courageous and compelling female characters. Thank you Ms. Anderson for another great read, I hope you’re working on another!
November 24, 2025
Wow....let's just say I am glad to not be a moonshine woman
December 11, 2025
thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
i’m such a sucker for historical fiction I just knew I would love this. I loved all the characters individually but the way they gelled together was the best part🥹 I loved reading about times during the prohibition too! everything was tied back to the moonshine in some way whether it was what it meant in the times of prohibition or how it’s made and I LOVEDDDDDD that<3 shine is that girl. 5/5!!
i’m such a sucker for historical fiction I just knew I would love this. I loved all the characters individually but the way they gelled together was the best part🥹 I loved reading about times during the prohibition too! everything was tied back to the moonshine in some way whether it was what it meant in the times of prohibition or how it’s made and I LOVEDDDDDD that<3 shine is that girl. 5/5!!
June 19, 2025
The most important stories are the ones we tell to - and about - ourselves. And her story could no longer be one of weakness and wishing, of deference and denial. If she desired a different ending, she would have to act...she would do what she needed to do.
She would save her own damn self.
I am so grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this outstanding new book (*releasing March 31, 2026) in exchange for my honest opinions.
The Moonshine Women explores the lives of the aptly named Strong sisters: three siblings eking out a hardscrabble existence in the rural Ozarks region of Missouri. Eldest sister Rebecca is hardworking and stoic, happy to tend the land and be surrounded by nature. Middle sister Elsie is beautiful and kind but yearns for a life beyond the confines of the family farm. Youngest sister Jace, better known as "Shine", is a redheaded spitfire who has an untamed spirit and love of adventure.
When their mother dies tragically, the Strong sisters find themselves struggling to hold their family together. Along with their father and grandmother, the broken family must find a way to subsist in the difficult years after the end of the Great War. With crop prices plummeting and an uncertain future, the Strongs turn to the only certain way to earn a living: using their unsold corn and barley crops to craft barrels of homemade moonshine to sell on the black market.
The descriptive prose in this novel is so striking. Author Michelle Collins Anderson not only brings the characters to life but puts the reader in their world, with vivid depictions of the pine forest of the Missouri Ozarks and the big city doings of lawless Hot Springs, Arkansas. Weaving together real historic events and prominent figures of the 1920s with the saga of the Sisters Strong, she tells a tale that is full of adventure, heartache, vengeance and redemption. I was rooting for the sisters from start to finish and felt fully invested in their stories and immersed in every aspect of their lives.
A remarkable work of historical fiction with a memorable cast of strong women, shady men and a host of larger than life characters pulled from the pages of history, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great story. 4.5 stars
She would save her own damn self.
I am so grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this outstanding new book (*releasing March 31, 2026) in exchange for my honest opinions.
The Moonshine Women explores the lives of the aptly named Strong sisters: three siblings eking out a hardscrabble existence in the rural Ozarks region of Missouri. Eldest sister Rebecca is hardworking and stoic, happy to tend the land and be surrounded by nature. Middle sister Elsie is beautiful and kind but yearns for a life beyond the confines of the family farm. Youngest sister Jace, better known as "Shine", is a redheaded spitfire who has an untamed spirit and love of adventure.
When their mother dies tragically, the Strong sisters find themselves struggling to hold their family together. Along with their father and grandmother, the broken family must find a way to subsist in the difficult years after the end of the Great War. With crop prices plummeting and an uncertain future, the Strongs turn to the only certain way to earn a living: using their unsold corn and barley crops to craft barrels of homemade moonshine to sell on the black market.
The descriptive prose in this novel is so striking. Author Michelle Collins Anderson not only brings the characters to life but puts the reader in their world, with vivid depictions of the pine forest of the Missouri Ozarks and the big city doings of lawless Hot Springs, Arkansas. Weaving together real historic events and prominent figures of the 1920s with the saga of the Sisters Strong, she tells a tale that is full of adventure, heartache, vengeance and redemption. I was rooting for the sisters from start to finish and felt fully invested in their stories and immersed in every aspect of their lives.
A remarkable work of historical fiction with a memorable cast of strong women, shady men and a host of larger than life characters pulled from the pages of history, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great story. 4.5 stars
October 9, 2025
When you read a great many books it takes an incredible story to truly capture your attention. I have found such a book! The Moonshine Women by Michelle Collins Anderson hits all the categories of being a time honored best seller when it is published March 31, 2026. I received a preview copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If I could rate a book more than 5 stars, I certainly would. The author's voice as she tells the tale was so engaging that I completely lost myself in the lives of the Strong family women and their world as moonshiners during the prohibition era of Ozark mountain history. Each woman is unique and so vivid that I was grieving with their losses and rooting for their accomplishments as if they were close personal friends. Three sisters, Rebecca, Elsie, and "Shine" , with startlingly different personalities, exude resilience throughout the many trials of eking out a living in a poor Arkansas community.
In addition to the Strong family, Anderson introduces some famous characters to add intrigue to the story and create a historical element to enhance the setting and timeframe. My favorite one is Al Capone, the famous Chicago mob boss. The youngest sister, "Shine" impresses Mr. Capone with her forthright personality and expertise in drinkology,, within the confines of Hot Springs Arkansas's teaming bars and bath houses. Such an interesting element to add to the plot.
The story is absorbing. It is as if I could see the story in its entirety within my mind. The Moonshine Women would make an amazing major motion picture and I would be one of the first in line to purchase a ticket. But in the meantime, book clubs should add it to their must read lists. It even includes a discussion guide in the back of the book.
Needless to say, I strongly recommend setting an alert on your phone to go and buy this book next March. I was enchanted by it and will tell everyone what a gem it is.
If I could rate a book more than 5 stars, I certainly would. The author's voice as she tells the tale was so engaging that I completely lost myself in the lives of the Strong family women and their world as moonshiners during the prohibition era of Ozark mountain history. Each woman is unique and so vivid that I was grieving with their losses and rooting for their accomplishments as if they were close personal friends. Three sisters, Rebecca, Elsie, and "Shine" , with startlingly different personalities, exude resilience throughout the many trials of eking out a living in a poor Arkansas community.
In addition to the Strong family, Anderson introduces some famous characters to add intrigue to the story and create a historical element to enhance the setting and timeframe. My favorite one is Al Capone, the famous Chicago mob boss. The youngest sister, "Shine" impresses Mr. Capone with her forthright personality and expertise in drinkology,, within the confines of Hot Springs Arkansas's teaming bars and bath houses. Such an interesting element to add to the plot.
The story is absorbing. It is as if I could see the story in its entirety within my mind. The Moonshine Women would make an amazing major motion picture and I would be one of the first in line to purchase a ticket. But in the meantime, book clubs should add it to their must read lists. It even includes a discussion guide in the back of the book.
Needless to say, I strongly recommend setting an alert on your phone to go and buy this book next March. I was enchanted by it and will tell everyone what a gem it is.
January 12, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC
The Moonshine Women by Michelle Collins Anderson is a captivating story set in the Ozark Mountains during the Prohibition era. It follows the Strong family, one of the many who make their own moonshine. Unlike others who only distill enough for personal use, the Strongs sell small batches of their unique concoctions. In order to do so, they must carefully conceal their stills and cautiously approach potential buyers.
At the heart of the family is Lidy, the matriarch, who learned the art of moonshining during her marriage and passed the skill on to her son, Hiram, after Lidy's husband’s death. Lidy is also known in the community as the local healer, using her knowledge of herbs and potions to keep her neighbors healthy. The Strong moonshine is know for its distinctive flavors, often infused with fruit or herbs Lidy gathers from the surrounding mountains. Their farm produces not only the corn for the mash but also provides milk, meat, and vegetables to feed the family. Lidy’s well-stocked root cellar holds plenty of vegetables, preserves, and moonshine hidden in plain sight.
The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Prohibition officers ("prohis") raid the Strong property, destroying the still and fatally injuring Hiram. Left to fend for themselves, the women of the family continue the tradition of distilling spirits.. Shine, Hiram's youngest daughter, was taught everything she knows about the craft by her father. Determined to keep the family business alive, Shine travels to Hot Springs, Arkansas—a town where the law often turns a blind eye to gambling and drinking. While in Hot Springs, Shine also seeks to avenge her father’s death by finding the men who killed him.
After successfully selling her first batch of moonshine to a local club, Shine stays behind to continue her search. However, a series of unfortunate events causes her next batch of moonshine to be lost in transit, leaving Shine in Hot Springs for years as she struggles to repay the debt.
With numerous intriguing subplots, The Moonshine Women is a richly woven tale that brings the Prohibition era to life. The author’s vivid descriptions of the towns, the era, and the characters make it a believable read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of adventure.
The Moonshine Women by Michelle Collins Anderson is a captivating story set in the Ozark Mountains during the Prohibition era. It follows the Strong family, one of the many who make their own moonshine. Unlike others who only distill enough for personal use, the Strongs sell small batches of their unique concoctions. In order to do so, they must carefully conceal their stills and cautiously approach potential buyers.
At the heart of the family is Lidy, the matriarch, who learned the art of moonshining during her marriage and passed the skill on to her son, Hiram, after Lidy's husband’s death. Lidy is also known in the community as the local healer, using her knowledge of herbs and potions to keep her neighbors healthy. The Strong moonshine is know for its distinctive flavors, often infused with fruit or herbs Lidy gathers from the surrounding mountains. Their farm produces not only the corn for the mash but also provides milk, meat, and vegetables to feed the family. Lidy’s well-stocked root cellar holds plenty of vegetables, preserves, and moonshine hidden in plain sight.
The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Prohibition officers ("prohis") raid the Strong property, destroying the still and fatally injuring Hiram. Left to fend for themselves, the women of the family continue the tradition of distilling spirits.. Shine, Hiram's youngest daughter, was taught everything she knows about the craft by her father. Determined to keep the family business alive, Shine travels to Hot Springs, Arkansas—a town where the law often turns a blind eye to gambling and drinking. While in Hot Springs, Shine also seeks to avenge her father’s death by finding the men who killed him.
After successfully selling her first batch of moonshine to a local club, Shine stays behind to continue her search. However, a series of unfortunate events causes her next batch of moonshine to be lost in transit, leaving Shine in Hot Springs for years as she struggles to repay the debt.
With numerous intriguing subplots, The Moonshine Women is a richly woven tale that brings the Prohibition era to life. The author’s vivid descriptions of the towns, the era, and the characters make it a believable read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of adventure.
Read
January 6, 2026The Moonshine Women is a vivid and emotionally grounded novel that brings together history, resilience, and the often-overlooked power of women’s friendships. Michelle Collins Anderson tells a story that feels both intimate and expansive, centering on women who are shaped by hardship but refuse to be defined by it.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its characters. Anderson writes women who feel real—flawed, determined, and deeply human. Their relationships are at the heart of the story, and the way they support, challenge, and sometimes clash with one another gives the book much of its emotional weight. Rather than idealizing them, the author allows her characters to make mistakes, which makes their growth more meaningful.
The setting is also richly drawn. Anderson uses place not just as a backdrop, but as a force that influences choices and limits opportunities, especially for women. The atmosphere adds tension and authenticity, helping the reader understand what is at stake for the characters and why their decisions matter so much.
The novel explores themes of independence, survival, and solidarity, particularly in a world that doesn’t offer women many easy paths. While the story moves at a measured pace, it rewards patient readers with depth and emotional payoff. The prose is clear and evocative without being overly dramatic, allowing the story and characters to take center stage.
Overall, The Moonshine Women is a thoughtful and compelling read that highlights the strength found in connection and perseverance. It’s especially recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction and stories that focus on women’s lives, struggles, and quiet acts of courage.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its characters. Anderson writes women who feel real—flawed, determined, and deeply human. Their relationships are at the heart of the story, and the way they support, challenge, and sometimes clash with one another gives the book much of its emotional weight. Rather than idealizing them, the author allows her characters to make mistakes, which makes their growth more meaningful.
The setting is also richly drawn. Anderson uses place not just as a backdrop, but as a force that influences choices and limits opportunities, especially for women. The atmosphere adds tension and authenticity, helping the reader understand what is at stake for the characters and why their decisions matter so much.
The novel explores themes of independence, survival, and solidarity, particularly in a world that doesn’t offer women many easy paths. While the story moves at a measured pace, it rewards patient readers with depth and emotional payoff. The prose is clear and evocative without being overly dramatic, allowing the story and characters to take center stage.
Overall, The Moonshine Women is a thoughtful and compelling read that highlights the strength found in connection and perseverance. It’s especially recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction and stories that focus on women’s lives, struggles, and quiet acts of courage.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed this book set in the US during prohibition. It tells the stories of four Strong women, presumably their surname is no coincidence. There's a lot of themes here and a lot happens. Each chapter tells the story of a different character. Given the length of time that the book covers I would have liked more depth or focus on each character. However I enjoyed the whole book and was a bit disappointed when I reached the end. It felt like there were so many more stories to explore.
January 10, 2026
I really enjoyed this one overall. The setting immediately pulled me in, and the atmosphere of the Ozarks during Prohibition was vivid and immersive. The Strong sisters were the heart of the story for me. Each one felt distinct, with their own strengths, struggles, and desires, and I loved watching how they navigated grief, survival, and loyalty to one another.
The moonshine business added an interesting layer to the story, especially as tensions rose with Prohibition agents and outside threats. There were moments that felt powerful and emotionally grounded, particularly when the women had to step up and carry the weight of the family forward.
There were a few elements that did not fully align with me personally, and some parts moved a little slower than I expected, but they did not take away from my overall enjoyment. This ended up being a solid, engaging read with strong female characters, rich historical detail, and a story about resilience and found strength. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy historical fiction with grit and heart.
The moonshine business added an interesting layer to the story, especially as tensions rose with Prohibition agents and outside threats. There were moments that felt powerful and emotionally grounded, particularly when the women had to step up and carry the weight of the family forward.
There were a few elements that did not fully align with me personally, and some parts moved a little slower than I expected, but they did not take away from my overall enjoyment. This ended up being a solid, engaging read with strong female characters, rich historical detail, and a story about resilience and found strength. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy historical fiction with grit and heart.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was beautifully written and I feel like I had a deep understanding of the essence of the characters after reading only a few chapters about them. Some of them had some exciting adventures- I especially enjoyed reading about the encounter with Al Capone and other gangsters as they all found their way to Hot Springs. Some of the characters had slower stories and I wished the plot was faster for them. Every once in a while the author would let a new nugget slip that made me think about the situation in a new light, which also helped keep me engaged.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read and I came out with a better understanding of the prohibition era, moonshine production and it's challenges, and the Depression- areas where there isn't much historical fiction on the shelves. It is also a powerful reminder of the value of family and leaning on each other in the face of hardship. Would recommend!
Overall this was a very enjoyable read and I came out with a better understanding of the prohibition era, moonshine production and it's challenges, and the Depression- areas where there isn't much historical fiction on the shelves. It is also a powerful reminder of the value of family and leaning on each other in the face of hardship. Would recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
THE MOONSHINE WOMEN is another story on my finished reads that is a unique perspective of women's history from the early 1900's. And honestly this is women's history, it's the parts that's never talked about because we're seen and not heard.
We follow the stories of the sisters and their grandmother through the pivotal time of Prohibition and what it meant to be poor and fighting for survival.
Michelle Collins Anderson was descriptive in the surroundings to understand the beauty of the place while it can also be an unattractive place.
🍻 Prohibition
🪦 Death/Suicide
😥 Domestic assault
😥 Sexual assault
We follow the stories of the sisters and their grandmother through the pivotal time of Prohibition and what it meant to be poor and fighting for survival.
Michelle Collins Anderson was descriptive in the surroundings to understand the beauty of the place while it can also be an unattractive place.
🍻 Prohibition
🪦 Death/Suicide
😥 Domestic assault
😥 Sexual assault
November 4, 2025
The Moonshine Women is a historical novel written from the perspective of a family of women running a moonshine operation during prohibition. I had never read a book focusing on the female perspective in this time period. Keeps your interest, well written characters, and set in a time period that isn’t covered enough in historical novels. Looking forward to more from this author.
December 7, 2025
Oh man, I don't think yall are ready for this one. The Moonshine Women is a must read for fans of Little Women and I highly suggest giving it a read even if you don't think historical fiction is for you.
The novel takes place during America's Prohibition Era, hence the titular moonshine, and focuses on the Strong family as they grapple with challenges that arise after taking over their late father's moonshine business. What follows is a story of sisterhood, righteousness, and resilience.
The three Strong sisters-Rebecca, Elise, and Shine-each have their own path to follow in their journey to finding themselves. Rebecca is the textbook definition of the older sister. She's hard working and quiet, rarely speaking up as to not shake up family dynamics. Elsie is the "princess" of the trio, preferring to find a husband a settle down rather than work on their farm or moonshine business. She has the least amount of involvement with the moonshine business, but her husband Jed conveniently provides them with a Model A to transport the shine. And lastly there's Shine, whose birthname is actually Jace, and is the ringleader of the moonshine business. She's fiery and hot-headed, but that makes her character all the more interesting and loveable. There are a few more characters that have major roles in the book, but I won't dive into all their details.
Something the book explores is how women take care of each other in the absence of a biological mother. The sisters' mother passes away soon after Shine is born and their paternal grandmother, Lidy, takes over. There's also Birdie, whom Shine meets while staying at the Hot Springs, and is also motherless. These relationships really highlight how women can be nurturing in many different ways and how important these connections are.
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but this book was a pleasant surprise. There weren't too many jaw-dropping moments and some plot points are predictable, but the novel is very well written and cohesive. I learned about Prohibition in my US History class, but it was fun reading about it through the lens of a fictional character. I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway sponsored by Kensington Books, thank you for the ARC and I can't wait for it to be published!
The novel takes place during America's Prohibition Era, hence the titular moonshine, and focuses on the Strong family as they grapple with challenges that arise after taking over their late father's moonshine business. What follows is a story of sisterhood, righteousness, and resilience.
The three Strong sisters-Rebecca, Elise, and Shine-each have their own path to follow in their journey to finding themselves. Rebecca is the textbook definition of the older sister. She's hard working and quiet, rarely speaking up as to not shake up family dynamics. Elsie is the "princess" of the trio, preferring to find a husband a settle down rather than work on their farm or moonshine business. She has the least amount of involvement with the moonshine business, but her husband Jed conveniently provides them with a Model A to transport the shine. And lastly there's Shine, whose birthname is actually Jace, and is the ringleader of the moonshine business. She's fiery and hot-headed, but that makes her character all the more interesting and loveable. There are a few more characters that have major roles in the book, but I won't dive into all their details.
Something the book explores is how women take care of each other in the absence of a biological mother. The sisters' mother passes away soon after Shine is born and their paternal grandmother, Lidy, takes over. There's also Birdie, whom Shine meets while staying at the Hot Springs, and is also motherless. These relationships really highlight how women can be nurturing in many different ways and how important these connections are.
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but this book was a pleasant surprise. There weren't too many jaw-dropping moments and some plot points are predictable, but the novel is very well written and cohesive. I learned about Prohibition in my US History class, but it was fun reading about it through the lens of a fictional character. I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway sponsored by Kensington Books, thank you for the ARC and I can't wait for it to be published!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Michelle Collins Anderson, a beloved author, makes a remarkable return with her latest enthralling novel, THE MOONSHINE WOMEN, following the tremendous success of her dazzling debut, The Flower Sisters. Both works feature stunning covers and showcase the brilliance of this masterful Southern storyteller.
In this captivating piece of historical fiction, readers are transported to the Prohibition-era Ozarks, where three sisters find themselves unexpectedly tasked with managing their father's illicit business after a tragic event dramatically changes their lives.
As the narrative unfolds, you will be drawn into a suspenseful journey that delves into the sisters' individual and collective struggles for survival, revenge, healing, and love. The story intricately navigates a treacherous landscape filled with federal agents and gangsters, guaranteeing an exhilarating reading experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About...
The sisters' father, Hiram, who has been drowning in grief and liquor since his wife's death, is murdered. Following their father's murder, the Strong women (including their grandmother Lidy) must keep the still running and the family together, leading them to seek vengeance.
Shine and Rebecca move the business from rural Missouri to Hot Springs, Arkansas, an "outlaw paradise" where they encounter real-life figures like gangster Al Capone. Throughout their endeavors, the sisters must evade federal Prohibition agents, including John Flannagan and R.J. McConnell, who are enforcing the Volstead Act.
The sisters' quest extends beyond the business, encompassing personal paths: Rebecca's healing and new love, Elsie's search for excitement, and Shine's drive to make money, pay debts, and survive the dangerous world they've entered.
The novel skillfully explores themes of sisterhood, survival, and reinvention against the backdrop of a challenging historical era.
My thoughts...
Reflecting on "The Moonshine Women," it becomes evident that the author masterfully captures the emotional depth, a rich historical backdrop, and compelling female protagonists. The prose is not only vivid and poetic but also deeply sensory, offering an evocative glimpse into the Prohibition-era landscapes of Missouri and Arkansas.
With meticulous research and a profoundly immersive narrative, Anderson skillfully invites readers into the vibrant world of the 1920s, centered around the lives of three sisters. You are going to love them.
Their intertwined journeys weave a collective saga that illustrates how these resilient women harness their unique strengths and the bonds of sisterhood to safeguard their family and carve out their own identities amidst a chaotic world.
The historical context of the Ozarks during Prohibition reveals a complex environment where traditional practices, economic hardship, and changing social norms created fertile ground for the illegal alcohol trade that defines The Moonshine Women.
Together, the sisters' journeys form a collective saga of how these determined women use their individual strengths and bonds of sisterhood to protect their family and find their own places in a turbulent world.
Moonshining was deeply ingrained in the regional culture as a way to make money when traditional avenues failed. It operated as part of a "shadow economy" when many legal businesses were shutting down nationwide.
The Strong sisters' quest for revenge is tied to the expansion of their illegal moonshine business after their father, Hiram's murder. The sisters—specifically Shine (Jace), Rebecca, and Elsie—take over the family operation. To avenge his death and find the person responsible, they relocate the business from their home in Kinney, Missouri, to the "outlaw paradise" of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Women like the Strong sisters operated in a "gray area" of the law and society. Many states had laws that made it illegal for male police officers to search women, so female bootleggers could transport alcohol more easily by hiding it in their clothing or a baby carriage.
Law enforcement and the public often underestimated women's capacity for crime, with some juries hesitant to convict them. This perception allowed women to become highly effective bootleggers, sometimes outnumbering their male counterparts. For many women, bootlegging wasn't a choice but a necessity to feed their children and keep a roof over their heads. Court records show women pleading that it was an alternative to starvation.
The title...
The Moonshine Women is fascinating and holds significance on both a literal and a symbolic level, reflecting the core themes of the novel from the illicit business, the livelihood, the secrecy and night work, and a strong, potent product.
On a deeper, symbolic level, the title refers to the characters themselves and their remarkable ability to endure and reinvent their lives. They are forced to become "tough" and "strong" (again, linking to their surname) in the face of tragedy, murder, and societal constraints.
The "alchemy of love and reinvention" is a key theme of the book.
The story is primarily driven by the internal lives, motivations, and relationships of the sisters rather than just the historical events. The structure of The Moonshine Women is centered on the perspectives of the sisters and their grandmother, allowing for deep dives into their individual struggles and growth.
Ultimately, the title The Moonshine Women, the literal illegal world they inhabit, and the inner grit, resilience, and clandestine strength that define the Strong sisters.
The writing...
Michelle Collins Anderson's writing style is strongly character-driven historical fiction that is rich in sensorial, descriptive prose and meticulous, research-based detail. Her background growing up on a farm in the Missouri Ozarks informs her authentic regional voice. It features vivid, sensorial descriptions, a character-driven narrative, and seamless integration of history with themes of resilience and family.
Her writing consistently explores "stories with a big heart, on family and human relationships" and "the inevitability of change and loss". The tone is tender yet gripping, focusing on the grit, hope, and heart of strong women characters.
THE MOONSHINE WOMEN is an absorbing and exhilarating read. A compelling and poignant tale of survival, secrets, and strong women that keeps readers engaged and page-turning. Anderson skillfully allows the struggles and triumphs of her characters to come alive on the page, creating an immersive experience of a challenging historical era.
While Anderson's debut novel, The Flower Sisters, was directly inspired by the real-life 1928 Bond Dance Hall explosion in her hometown of West Plains, Missouri, The Moonshine Women is a work of fiction. However, the setting and environment are deeply rooted in fact, whereas the specific story of the Strong sisters is a fictional creation designed to illustrate the lives of women in that turbulent time. I highly recommend both books from this master storyteller. An ideal pick for book clubs and further discussions.
Recs...
If you enjoyed the themes of strong women, family secrets, and the Prohibition era in The Moonshine Women, here are some other historical fiction novels you might enjoy:
~Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls
~The Moonshiner's Daughter by Donna Everhart
~The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
~The Bootlegger's Daughter by Nadine Nettmann
~The Wicked City by Beatriz Williams
If you enjoyed The Moonshine Women, you will surely delight in the author's previous book, The Flower Sisters also set in the Ozarks and dealing with family secrets and a real-life historical tragedy in the 1920s.
A special thanks to Kensington Publishing | A John Scognamiglio Book and NetGalley for graciously providing an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Mar 31, 2026
In this captivating piece of historical fiction, readers are transported to the Prohibition-era Ozarks, where three sisters find themselves unexpectedly tasked with managing their father's illicit business after a tragic event dramatically changes their lives.
As the narrative unfolds, you will be drawn into a suspenseful journey that delves into the sisters' individual and collective struggles for survival, revenge, healing, and love. The story intricately navigates a treacherous landscape filled with federal agents and gangsters, guaranteeing an exhilarating reading experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About...
Setting: The Missouri Ozarks during the Prohibition era (1920s-1940s).
Plot: After their father's murder, the Strong sisters must run the family's moonshine operation, which involves secret ingredients, dodging law enforcement, and dealing with gangsters.
Characters: The story centers on the distinct personalities of the three sisters: stoic Rebecca, kind Elsie, and fiery Shine (Jace). Their grandmother, Lidy, also plays a key role.
Themes: Sisterhood, revenge, love, survival, strong women, and the history of moonshine.
Genre: Historical fiction, coming-of-age, Southern fiction, rural small town
Author: Michelle Collins Anderson, also known for The Flower Sisters
The Strong family relies on their moonshine business, made unique by matriarch Lidy's (grandmother) secret "something something" ingredients, to survive after crop prices fall in the wake of the Great War.
The sisters' father, Hiram, who has been drowning in grief and liquor since his wife's death, is murdered. Following their father's murder, the Strong women (including their grandmother Lidy) must keep the still running and the family together, leading them to seek vengeance.
Shine and Rebecca move the business from rural Missouri to Hot Springs, Arkansas, an "outlaw paradise" where they encounter real-life figures like gangster Al Capone. Throughout their endeavors, the sisters must evade federal Prohibition agents, including John Flannagan and R.J. McConnell, who are enforcing the Volstead Act.
The sisters' quest extends beyond the business, encompassing personal paths: Rebecca's healing and new love, Elsie's search for excitement, and Shine's drive to make money, pay debts, and survive the dangerous world they've entered.
The novel skillfully explores themes of sisterhood, survival, and reinvention against the backdrop of a challenging historical era.
My thoughts...
Reflecting on "The Moonshine Women," it becomes evident that the author masterfully captures the emotional depth, a rich historical backdrop, and compelling female protagonists. The prose is not only vivid and poetic but also deeply sensory, offering an evocative glimpse into the Prohibition-era landscapes of Missouri and Arkansas.
With meticulous research and a profoundly immersive narrative, Anderson skillfully invites readers into the vibrant world of the 1920s, centered around the lives of three sisters. You are going to love them.
Their intertwined journeys weave a collective saga that illustrates how these resilient women harness their unique strengths and the bonds of sisterhood to safeguard their family and carve out their own identities amidst a chaotic world.
The historical context of the Ozarks during Prohibition reveals a complex environment where traditional practices, economic hardship, and changing social norms created fertile ground for the illegal alcohol trade that defines The Moonshine Women.
Together, the sisters' journeys form a collective saga of how these determined women use their individual strengths and bonds of sisterhood to protect their family and find their own places in a turbulent world.
Moonshining was deeply ingrained in the regional culture as a way to make money when traditional avenues failed. It operated as part of a "shadow economy" when many legal businesses were shutting down nationwide.
The Strong sisters' quest for revenge is tied to the expansion of their illegal moonshine business after their father, Hiram's murder. The sisters—specifically Shine (Jace), Rebecca, and Elsie—take over the family operation. To avenge his death and find the person responsible, they relocate the business from their home in Kinney, Missouri, to the "outlaw paradise" of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Women like the Strong sisters operated in a "gray area" of the law and society. Many states had laws that made it illegal for male police officers to search women, so female bootleggers could transport alcohol more easily by hiding it in their clothing or a baby carriage.
Law enforcement and the public often underestimated women's capacity for crime, with some juries hesitant to convict them. This perception allowed women to become highly effective bootleggers, sometimes outnumbering their male counterparts. For many women, bootlegging wasn't a choice but a necessity to feed their children and keep a roof over their heads. Court records show women pleading that it was an alternative to starvation.
The title...
The Moonshine Women is fascinating and holds significance on both a literal and a symbolic level, reflecting the core themes of the novel from the illicit business, the livelihood, the secrecy and night work, and a strong, potent product.
On a deeper, symbolic level, the title refers to the characters themselves and their remarkable ability to endure and reinvent their lives. They are forced to become "tough" and "strong" (again, linking to their surname) in the face of tragedy, murder, and societal constraints.
The "alchemy of love and reinvention" is a key theme of the book.
The story is primarily driven by the internal lives, motivations, and relationships of the sisters rather than just the historical events. The structure of The Moonshine Women is centered on the perspectives of the sisters and their grandmother, allowing for deep dives into their individual struggles and growth.
Ultimately, the title The Moonshine Women, the literal illegal world they inhabit, and the inner grit, resilience, and clandestine strength that define the Strong sisters.
The writing...
Michelle Collins Anderson's writing style is strongly character-driven historical fiction that is rich in sensorial, descriptive prose and meticulous, research-based detail. Her background growing up on a farm in the Missouri Ozarks informs her authentic regional voice. It features vivid, sensorial descriptions, a character-driven narrative, and seamless integration of history with themes of resilience and family.
Her writing consistently explores "stories with a big heart, on family and human relationships" and "the inevitability of change and loss". The tone is tender yet gripping, focusing on the grit, hope, and heart of strong women characters.
THE MOONSHINE WOMEN is an absorbing and exhilarating read. A compelling and poignant tale of survival, secrets, and strong women that keeps readers engaged and page-turning. Anderson skillfully allows the struggles and triumphs of her characters to come alive on the page, creating an immersive experience of a challenging historical era.
While Anderson's debut novel, The Flower Sisters, was directly inspired by the real-life 1928 Bond Dance Hall explosion in her hometown of West Plains, Missouri, The Moonshine Women is a work of fiction. However, the setting and environment are deeply rooted in fact, whereas the specific story of the Strong sisters is a fictional creation designed to illustrate the lives of women in that turbulent time. I highly recommend both books from this master storyteller. An ideal pick for book clubs and further discussions.
Recs...
If you enjoyed the themes of strong women, family secrets, and the Prohibition era in The Moonshine Women, here are some other historical fiction novels you might enjoy:
~Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls
~The Moonshiner's Daughter by Donna Everhart
~The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
~The Bootlegger's Daughter by Nadine Nettmann
~The Wicked City by Beatriz Williams
If you enjoyed The Moonshine Women, you will surely delight in the author's previous book, The Flower Sisters also set in the Ozarks and dealing with family secrets and a real-life historical tragedy in the 1920s.
A special thanks to Kensington Publishing | A John Scognamiglio Book and NetGalley for graciously providing an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Mar 31, 2026
November 30, 2025
This was an interesting story of three sisters set in the Prohibition-era Missouri Ozarks.
To make ends meet on his farm, Hiram Strong starts producing moonshine. Soon enough, moonshine is the only thing keeping them afloat.
His youngest daughter, Jace “Shine” works alongside him making moonshine. Beautiful Elsie dreams only of being a housewife and mother off the farm one day. And Rebecca is better at talking to farm animals than people and is happiest working on the farm.
When family circumstances worsen, Shine must take matters in hand and starts bootlegging. Selling moonshine eventually takes her to Hot Springs, Arkansas, a town that turns a blind eye to Prohibition rules and welcomes bootleggers, bar clientele and gangsters with open arms. As Elsie’s dreams of wedded bliss dissipate and Rebecca experiences firsthand the dangers of bootlegging, all three sisters must learn to make their way in a rapidly changing world. An engaging read in an enjoyable era and setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
To make ends meet on his farm, Hiram Strong starts producing moonshine. Soon enough, moonshine is the only thing keeping them afloat.
His youngest daughter, Jace “Shine” works alongside him making moonshine. Beautiful Elsie dreams only of being a housewife and mother off the farm one day. And Rebecca is better at talking to farm animals than people and is happiest working on the farm.
When family circumstances worsen, Shine must take matters in hand and starts bootlegging. Selling moonshine eventually takes her to Hot Springs, Arkansas, a town that turns a blind eye to Prohibition rules and welcomes bootleggers, bar clientele and gangsters with open arms. As Elsie’s dreams of wedded bliss dissipate and Rebecca experiences firsthand the dangers of bootlegging, all three sisters must learn to make their way in a rapidly changing world. An engaging read in an enjoyable era and setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book will take you on so many adventures. Twists and turns will keep you flipping the pages as you take a glimpse at prohibition, love, and the true meaning of family.
September 24, 2025
The Moonshine Women is set in the Ozarks during prohibition.
Jayce (Shine) Strong and her father Hiram are bonded over the family’s moonshine production. They take great pride in the family “recipe.”
Shine, Hiram, her 2 sisters, and her grandmother depend on the moonshine to make ends meet.
After a family tragedy, Shine and her sisters, along with a brother-in-law, introduce their “product” to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
An unexpected twist of fate strands Shine in Hot Springs forcing her to pay unexpected debts.
Meanwhile, her family in Missouri is struggling to maintain the family farm.
Unforeseen circumstances cause the Shine girls to grow in ways none of them could have imagined.
The Moonshine Girls is a great story of family and survival. These women are smart, and they are tough!
It is about strong, smart women-all very different-growing apart and coming back together even more united.
While this is fiction, the history and some historical figures make this book interesting.
Thank you Kensington Publishing Corp. and NetGalley for sending me this ARC!
Jayce (Shine) Strong and her father Hiram are bonded over the family’s moonshine production. They take great pride in the family “recipe.”
Shine, Hiram, her 2 sisters, and her grandmother depend on the moonshine to make ends meet.
After a family tragedy, Shine and her sisters, along with a brother-in-law, introduce their “product” to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
An unexpected twist of fate strands Shine in Hot Springs forcing her to pay unexpected debts.
Meanwhile, her family in Missouri is struggling to maintain the family farm.
Unforeseen circumstances cause the Shine girls to grow in ways none of them could have imagined.
The Moonshine Girls is a great story of family and survival. These women are smart, and they are tough!
It is about strong, smart women-all very different-growing apart and coming back together even more united.
While this is fiction, the history and some historical figures make this book interesting.
Thank you Kensington Publishing Corp. and NetGalley for sending me this ARC!
September 13, 2025
I am the child of a mother born in the Ozarks in the early 1900's, so I was really anxious to read this book. And I enjoyed it tremendously. Great characters in a very believable story. Simple country people who struggled to survive in a place and in an era when survival was pretty much all they managed to do. Looking back on the years of prohibition from this family's point of view shows the more human side of what this country got itself into by banning alcohol. People will always want what you tell them they cannot have after they have learned they can have it. These people learned they could make more money by fermenting corn into corn liquor than they could by selling corn for the dinner table. But there were always those who couldn't manage their alcoholic consumption, as there always will be, and everyone paid the price. There will also always be zealots, anxious to make a name for themselves, and in the process not just busting the stills in the backwoods, but burying the bodies and reputations of simple country people who simply wanted to make ends meet. A very enjoyable read with great characters and a lot of happy endings.
December 10, 2025
I lingered over reading The Moonshine Women, by Michelle Collins Anderson. It was not intentional, but rather the result of too much to do at this time of the year and too many books to read. Because of this, I ended up feeling like I really got to know these characters and to like them. This is a story of family, trust, compassion, and grit.
This story of the three Strong sisters, their grandmother, father, and the community members in Kinney, the small Missouri farm town where they live, is set in the Ozark Mountains during the Prohibition era. The Strongs make strong moonshine, and they are strong people. The sisters have unique strengths and perspectives and they value and recognize those in each other. Each batch of their homemade "shine" has its unique flavors and notes, as well, being blended with a little "somethin' somethin'" depending on what's grown well or been scavenged (peaches, blackberries, etc.). The family's recipe is not known, but their shine is and that invites trouble from both Prohibition officers as well as those jealous or covetous of the Shine's product.
The sisters are there for each other no matter what, despite the challenges they face. Given that this is a farming family trying to scrabble together a living from the land and illegal moonshine during the 1929-1930 Prohibition years, that says much about the familial ties. I enjoyed how each of the sisters matured and learned more about herself during the story, identifying what she wanted from life.
Trouble befalls the sisters Strong (and those they love) at just about every turn but the author weaves together the storylines in a way that makes sense, sprinkling in references to historical figures and events like Al Capone and Frank "Jelly" Nash, and the Kansas City Massacre. Regional dialect and colloquialisms are used effectively, painting a vivid setting for the reading. The aftermath of WWI brought about many changes to US farmers and this novel explores some of that history.
I appreciate Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC of this compelling novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
This story of the three Strong sisters, their grandmother, father, and the community members in Kinney, the small Missouri farm town where they live, is set in the Ozark Mountains during the Prohibition era. The Strongs make strong moonshine, and they are strong people. The sisters have unique strengths and perspectives and they value and recognize those in each other. Each batch of their homemade "shine" has its unique flavors and notes, as well, being blended with a little "somethin' somethin'" depending on what's grown well or been scavenged (peaches, blackberries, etc.). The family's recipe is not known, but their shine is and that invites trouble from both Prohibition officers as well as those jealous or covetous of the Shine's product.
The sisters are there for each other no matter what, despite the challenges they face. Given that this is a farming family trying to scrabble together a living from the land and illegal moonshine during the 1929-1930 Prohibition years, that says much about the familial ties. I enjoyed how each of the sisters matured and learned more about herself during the story, identifying what she wanted from life.
Trouble befalls the sisters Strong (and those they love) at just about every turn but the author weaves together the storylines in a way that makes sense, sprinkling in references to historical figures and events like Al Capone and Frank "Jelly" Nash, and the Kansas City Massacre. Regional dialect and colloquialisms are used effectively, painting a vivid setting for the reading. The aftermath of WWI brought about many changes to US farmers and this novel explores some of that history.
I appreciate Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC of this compelling novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 13, 2025
This was a really interesting read. Not the normal women's historical fiction kind of book. I mean three women involved in running a moonshining business. These aren't our normal run of the mill girls, no. They were raised by their grief-stricken dad who loved to drink his moonshine in the hopes of not focusing on the love of his life, while his mother, a healer raised them in the Ozark mountains. Rebecca is out hunting and taking care of the farm animals, while Elsie is trying to do as little as possible--but daydreaming of a better life with a family of her own, and Shine (aka Jace) who makes moonshine with her daddy.
After tragedy strikes the family, the young women take charge. They need to make some money and head to Hot Springs, Arkansas to sell their moonshine--and Shine well she is after a Prohibition agent who needs to be dealt with.
Things for the family go from bad to worse. The short-term plan to make some money in Hot Springs turns into life changing events. Each woman grows and changes on her own but strengthens them as a whole.
There is a number of characters the author jumps around from one to another. I didn't think Rebecca's character really added too much to the story, where I thought Elise and Shine's could have been given more attention and dived a little deeper with. Or maybe given more depth to Rebecca--I don't want to spoil, but with the enormity of her relationship at the time was given very little. It would have been huge for everyone involved and it came across and just added in. I also would have liked to have gotten to know more about the grandmother-she was an interesting character.
Even though I have some criticisms, I really did enjoy the book. It's such a different story plot, but perfect for growing strong female characters! Shine was definitely my favorite character. I really appreciated the ending. I love knowing where the characters end up. I could even see a prequel book about the mother/grandmother. There seemed like there was more story to tell.
After tragedy strikes the family, the young women take charge. They need to make some money and head to Hot Springs, Arkansas to sell their moonshine--and Shine well she is after a Prohibition agent who needs to be dealt with.
Things for the family go from bad to worse. The short-term plan to make some money in Hot Springs turns into life changing events. Each woman grows and changes on her own but strengthens them as a whole.
There is a number of characters the author jumps around from one to another. I didn't think Rebecca's character really added too much to the story, where I thought Elise and Shine's could have been given more attention and dived a little deeper with. Or maybe given more depth to Rebecca--I don't want to spoil, but with the enormity of her relationship at the time was given very little. It would have been huge for everyone involved and it came across and just added in. I also would have liked to have gotten to know more about the grandmother-she was an interesting character.
Even though I have some criticisms, I really did enjoy the book. It's such a different story plot, but perfect for growing strong female characters! Shine was definitely my favorite character. I really appreciated the ending. I love knowing where the characters end up. I could even see a prequel book about the mother/grandmother. There seemed like there was more story to tell.
November 8, 2025
I really liked this book! It has a bit of everything — love, loss, resilience, and a deep sense of place. The strong character development pulls you right into their world and keeps you reading.
There are some dark, shocking moments throughout that give a real sense of how tough life was in the 1920s and ’30s.
A gritty, emotional, and beautifully told story about survival, strength, and sisterhood.
Definitely worth a read!
There are some dark, shocking moments throughout that give a real sense of how tough life was in the 1920s and ’30s.
A gritty, emotional, and beautifully told story about survival, strength, and sisterhood.
Definitely worth a read!
December 6, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! “The Moonshine Women” by Michelle Collins Anderson tells the story of a moonshine-ing family in the Ozarks, focusing primarily on three sisters and their grandmother, the matriarch. It’s really a beautiful tale of love, coming of age, and resilience, set during the Prohibition era. It’s a fairly straightforward story without many twists and turns, but it is thoughtfully, carefully told, and I would absolutely recommend it to fans of historical fiction. I will be looking for more works by this author! Thanks to NetGalley, Michelle Collins Anderson, and the publishers for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2025
Top notch historical fiction in the vein of Gone With the Wind, Forever Amber, or even Exodus. Characters are fleshed out, honors the time and place.
November 25, 2025
4.25 rounded down.
A historical fiction that follows three sisters and their family business of making moonshine in the prohibition period.
The book started off a little slow, but once the plot thickens I could not stop reading - really enjoyed the strong female characters, their quiet observations and dedication their family and each other. A very realistic portrayal of how family dynamics work and how families would pull through in tricky situations.
While some parts of the novel felt a little too convenient, the story line was still quite fun to follow along and the twists and their resolution were very believable for the most part which I greatly valued. The horrors were not out there, thus their impact did not have the same effect as one might expect, but the reader was not allowed to be delusional about some of the realities.
Would recommend this book for the new perspective it brought out and for those who are looking for a quick read. I will definitely be looking for other works from this author.
Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC.
A historical fiction that follows three sisters and their family business of making moonshine in the prohibition period.
The book started off a little slow, but once the plot thickens I could not stop reading - really enjoyed the strong female characters, their quiet observations and dedication their family and each other. A very realistic portrayal of how family dynamics work and how families would pull through in tricky situations.
While some parts of the novel felt a little too convenient, the story line was still quite fun to follow along and the twists and their resolution were very believable for the most part which I greatly valued. The horrors were not out there, thus their impact did not have the same effect as one might expect, but the reader was not allowed to be delusional about some of the realities.
Would recommend this book for the new perspective it brought out and for those who are looking for a quick read. I will definitely be looking for other works from this author.
Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC.
September 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)
I’m always drawn to stories featuring strong female protagonists, and I was eager to dive into this one. While I enjoyed the premise, the execution didn’t fully resonate with me. The narrative often felt a bit disjointed, with frequent time jumps that made it difficult to stay fully immersed in the story. Just as I started to connect with the characters or setting, the timeline would shift ahead, pulling me out of the moment.
That said, I appreciated how everything came together in the end, tying the threads into a cohesive conclusion. The author’s intent and creativity definitely shine through, and I can see how readers who enjoy nonlinear storytelling might connect with it more deeply than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
#TheMoonshineWomen #NetGalley
I’m always drawn to stories featuring strong female protagonists, and I was eager to dive into this one. While I enjoyed the premise, the execution didn’t fully resonate with me. The narrative often felt a bit disjointed, with frequent time jumps that made it difficult to stay fully immersed in the story. Just as I started to connect with the characters or setting, the timeline would shift ahead, pulling me out of the moment.
That said, I appreciated how everything came together in the end, tying the threads into a cohesive conclusion. The author’s intent and creativity definitely shine through, and I can see how readers who enjoy nonlinear storytelling might connect with it more deeply than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
#TheMoonshineWomen #NetGalley
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