Thea

by Genevieve Morrissey

– 2025 Page Turner Book Award winner for Best Historical Fiction & Character Architect Award

"Morrissey crafts a wise and moving coming-of-age historical novel with resonant contemporary themes, meticulous period detail, and flawed but sympathetic characters who will win readers’ hearts… Lovers of historical fiction and coming-of-age stories will relish time spent with Thea." —BookLife 'Editor's Pick' review

"Thea is a coming-of-age tale with a lot of heart and charm… Morrissey's characters truly leap off the pages." —Readers' Favorite review

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Oklahoma City, 1925

Fifteen-year-old Thea Carter lives in a small garage apartment—Thea’s seventh “home” in four years—provided by her alcoholic mother’s employer, the morose and enigmatic Dr. Hallam.

School is Thea’s refuge and she’s an excellent student, but the parasitic Mrs. Carter’s instability continually threatens her dream of getting a high school diploma. In an effort to keep her mother employed and the two of them housed, Thea secretly takes on much of her mother’s work while at the same time navigating adolescence, friendships, and first love.

Dr. Hallam, impressed by her drive and intelligence, becomes Thea’s unexpected ally, but in addition to wealth and position, the doctor also has a secret that could ruin him, and shatter his bond with Thea.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

About the author

Genevieve Morrissey is an avid student of British and American social history, who, through one of those strange little quirks of fate, spends most of her days talking with scientists. THEA, her most recent novel, is a coming-of-age story set in 1920s Oklahoma City. MARRIAGE AND HANGING is a historical mystery set in early 19th-century New England. Her post-apocalyptic ANTLANDS series explores a future history of societies coping with the loss of civilization, and their attempts to rebuild it.

In addition to writing, Genevieve enjoys reading obscure books, travel, and solitude.

Reviews

[HippieWitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and sad beautiful story

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read this was. Told in first person point of view, I really came to love 15 yr old Thea, her strength, courage and smarts, in spite of the obstacles thrown in her way. The story flowed well, and kept my rooted to my chair, reading til it was done, after having kept me company through a wakeful hour in the night. I thought the character development was excellent, each of them distinct and relatable to various real people I’ve known. Glad I happened upon this novel via the kindle app.

[Zenia Primrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very amazing book. It was written so well and it was such a beautiful and also sad at times story.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story begins in Oklahoma City in 1925 and is named after the main character, Thea, a girl of 15 who is determined to finish high school. She was born to her parents when her two siblings were already grown. When her father dies, she and her mother slowly spiral into poverty, living in several places with their declining funds. They now live in a small garage apartment after her mother is hired as a housekeeper/cook for an unmarried medical doctor, Dr. Hallam. Unfortunately, Thea's mother is also an alcoholic, so many of her duties fall to Thea by default. Dr. Hallam takes an interest in Thea's education when he realizes she is intellectually gifted and responsible for her mother. When Thea learns why Dr. Hallam is a pariah to some in their rigid Baptist community, her friendship with him only grows.

Dr. Hallam is a mentor to Thea, encouraging her to continue her education when her mother urges her to get a job to support both of them. Through her remaining high school years, Thea forms a strong connection with a boy in her class, experiences grief and then connects with a family she didn't realize she had. Dr. Hallam is constantly advocating her, and she is equally devoted to helping him regain his happiness. This book emphasizes the depth of bonds we create with a family of our own choosing.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

THEA is a very moving, coming-of-age story set in Oklahoma City in the 1920s. The title character, Thea, is a teenage girl who strives for a normal life despite all the chaos from her mother’s alcoholism. Initially (at least), Thea’s one goal is to live in the same place long enough to graduate from high school. To accomplish this, she needs to keep her mother from getting fired from her job as a cook/housekeeper to Dr. Hallam, an enigmatic and rather morose medical doctor. Thea’s mother constantly pressures her to drop out of high school and get a full-time job, but Thea eventually comes to the attention of Dr. Hallam, who sees her as a diamond in the rough and who tries to mentor her and who encourages her to consider college. However, Dr. Hallam has a secret that threatens his career, which Thea ultimately discovers. As the story progresses, we follow Thea as she navigates (with some help from Dr. Hallam) her mother’s increasing alcohol addiction, a budding romance with a classmate, and personal tragedy. What is most remarkable about this novel is the crystal clarity with which Morrissey draws her characters. They truly seem alive, and her use of dialog is superb. I think THEA will appeal to both adults and older teens alike.

[Andrea George · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I want to thank Genevieve Morrissey and LibraryThing for an arc of this outstanding novel. From the first page to the last page, you will find yourself enthralled with the characters, plot, and setting. Even though some of the characters are more likeable than others, they are all believable and add to the storyline. The plot follows the life of Thea Carter and her mother who have less than an
ideal life. That is, until Mrs. Carter finds employment in the home of Dr. Hallam. Thea loves their small garage apartment on Dr. Hallam's property, especially after moving seven times in the past four years. For the first time in her life, she enjoys attending the same school and living in one place. She has also established friendships, which is a first for her. Thea is also getting to know Dr. Hallam, who seems to have secrets of his own. Will Thea be able to keep her mother's alcoholism/narcissist ways hidden, or will her life to fall apart, yet once again? In my opinion, this is definitely a novel to add to your tbr list.
Ms. Morrissey has written several other novels, including a historical fiction. I look forward to reading them as well.

[Patrycja · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Thea” is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel set in 1920s Oklahoma City. The story follows Thea Carter, a determined teenager navigating the challenges of growing up with an alcoholic mother while striving for a better future. Morrissey’s writing is engaging and easy to read, making it effortless to connect with Thea’s journey. The characters feel real and well-developed, and the historical details add depth to the narrative. With themes of resilience, ambition, and found family, Thea is a compelling and heartfelt read that keeps you invested until the very end.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a coming of age story for Thea, a very smart girl with an alcoholic single mom. Thea is trying to graduate H.S. and go to college, which isn't the norm, all while also doing her mom's housekeeping work in order to keep their roof over their heads. This is the longest she's stayed in one school and she wants to stay there. The doctor her mother works for takes Thea under his wing. The one thing they all have in common is they each have secrets.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable

It’s a pretty good read. I was able to finish in a couple of days because it’s an easy read. I enjoyed the storyline.