When No One Else Will

by Amanda Skenandore

In the fall of 1939, while Europe grapples with the outbreak of war, Mimi Lukas wages a private battle in her Chicago neighborhood. Her husband, Stan, once a promising White Sox player, has been sidelined by a broken leg. His hopes of returning to baseball are dwindling along with their savings. As Stan sinks into inertia, Mimi resolves to go back to nursing.

When a friend tells her of a women's clinic in need of a nurse, Mimi hesitates. Such places are illegal and at odds with her religious upbringing. But Dr. Gabler’s office isn't the dingy establishment Mimi envisioned. The space is clean, bright, and welcoming, the staff skillful. Patients are treated with dignity and compassion, even as they are sworn to secrecy about what happens within its walls.

The patients, too, are not who Mimi expected. Some are heartbreakingly young. Most are married, and many already have children. Police and state prosecutors are paid handsomely to turn a blind eye. As Mimi finds kinship with her colleagues and with an officer on retainer, she begins her own private reckoning between what is legal and what is necessary, no matter how painful or inconvenient. But Mimi senses the tide turning against them. She knows, too, that soon she must decide how much she will risk to defend the ideals she's come to embrace through hard-won experience . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Crime, Audiobook, Feminism, Literary Fiction

369 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2026

About the author

Amanda Skenandore is an award-winning author of historical fiction and a registered nurse. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and garnered accolades from the American Library Association, Reader’s Digest, Silicon Valley Reads, and Apple Books. She is a 2024 Nevada Arts Council’s literary fellow. Amanda lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their pet turtle, Lenore.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

1939, Chicago. Mimi Lukas husband Stan was a White Sox player, when he breaks his leg and it ends his career. As her husband tries to come to terms with never playing the games he loves again, he switches off from what’s happening at home and is depressed. The couple have two children Junior and Penny and her mother-in-law Halina lives with them, their saving are almost gone and Mimi decides to go back to nursing.

Mimi has worked in over ten years, she gets fired from one hospital and bumps into an old friend Emily who mentions a women’s clinic in Loop needs a nurse. Dr. Gabler’s office isn't what Mimi was expecting, she thought it might be a private surgery and for wealthy patients. The clients come from all walks of life, they are treated with dignity and compassion, and post op care is provided but must never mention what happens here and it’s a secret.

America is still in the grips of the depression and with the threat of another war looming people are worried and many can’t afford another mouth to feed. Police and state prosecutors are paid handsomely to turn a blind eye and Mimi becomes friends with her colleagues and an officer on a retainer.

Mimi knows what she’s doing is helping desperate women and teenage girls and it's illegal, all they need is one person to report the clinic and it will all come crashing down and her secret will be revealed and her family will discover the truth and she doesn’t want to hurt them.

I received a copy of When No One Else Will by Amanda Skenandore from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an unbiased review and all thoughts expressed are my own. Contraceptives in the 1930’s were expensive, hard to access, having an abortion was the last resort and the ladies had no other options.

Five stars from me and if you've read Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall I suggest considering No One Else Will by M. Skenandore. It’s not about deciding what’s right or wrong but about choices and women having rights over their own bodies.

[MaryEve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved Amanda's stories. I have followed this wonderful author since her debut BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY.

WHEN NO ONE ELSE WILL doesn't disappoint. Another winner!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHEN NO ONE ELSE WILL
By Amanda Skenandore
Narrated by Nicole Poole

Compassion, Risk, and Impossible Choices

Inspired by the true story of an illegal women’s clinic at the center of a landmark trial in 1940s Chicago, this compelling and timely historical novel follows Mimi, a nurse and mother who risks everything to care for women with nowhere else to turn.

Mimi is a compassionate yet conflicted character, torn between her religious beliefs, financial struggles, the demands of a husband wallowing in self-pity, and her growing empathy for the desperate women seeking help at the clinic. As she becomes more deeply involved, she risks not only her nursing career and freedom, but also her reputation, personal safety, and the stability of her family life.

Amanda Skenandore handles a controversial subject with honesty, compassion, and emotional depth, exploring the impossible choices many women faced during that era. The story raises difficult moral questions while remaining deeply human and character-driven.

Nicole Poole’s narration adds warmth and emotional nuance to Mimi’s journey. Combining both audio and ebook made the experience especially immersive and impactful.

Amanda Skenandore blends historical detail with emotionally driven storytelling. The prose feels heartfelt and engaging, with a strong focus on character development and the ethical dilemmas Mimi faces. The pacing allows the emotional weight of the story to build naturally, making it both compelling and reflective.

“…we must know our past to fully understand our present, navigate what lies ahead and build a better future.”

I’ve read one other book by Skenandore and enjoyed it, and this too is a well-written and compelling story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Highbridge Audio | RB Media for the eARC and ALC.

[Rebecca Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book (May 26, 2026 publication)When No One Else Will from Amanda Skenandore is excellent, and in fact, it might be my favorite book by Skenandore to date. It addresses many emotional topics - war, difficulties in marriage, husbands without a job, poverty, family secrets, injustice, and the struggles with women's health issues. The story begins in 1939 Chicago, and main character Mimi needs employment to keep her family going since her husband, a professional athlete, is sidelined with a broken leg. This book is very realistic in handling young wife Mimi's mental struggles with her religious beliefs versus her desire to use her nursing skills, all at a time when there aren't a lot of jobs available. Accepting the position in an illegal women's clinic is dangerous for Mimi, but back alley "solutions" for desperate women are dangerous for many, and this book reminds readers of the importance of compassion. This is a powerful book!

[Minette Hanekom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book punched me right in the chest in the best way. I could feel every bit of the main character’s emotion, the fear, the frustration, the impossible choices, the quiet strength she did not even know she had. It captures that awful time in history when women basically needed a man’s signature just to exist, when society decided our only value was cooking meals and having babies.

The author shows exactly what women were up against, men with egos too big to let their wives work, families and churches telling them to stay small, and a legal system designed to crush them. And through all of that, you see these women trying to help each other, holding onto hope, carrying loss, and still showing up with compassion.

What I loved most is how real Mimi felt. Her inner turmoil is so raw you can almost hear her thinking. She is torn between what is “allowed” and what is actually right, and that battle is the heart of the story. The clinic, the patients, the danger, it all feels alive and incredibly human.

It is emotional, powerful, and honestly important. One of those books that stays with you because it shows how far we have come and how easily those rights could be taken again.

Absolutely worth reading.

#arc review

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Medical Historical Fiction. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really liked the narrator for this audiobook. This book covers a topic that brings a lot of emotions and feelings, and it is a hot topic even today. I think it covers the topic very well, and I think it was well done in that way. I think the beginning was slow to get going, and I almost DNF this book a couple of times. I also felt the ending did not wrap up everything really well. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Nicole Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book made me sick. The first “procedure” aka killing a baby is described in such a no-big deal manner & I wanted to vomit. 🤮 & it brought tears to my eyes. THERE IS NO EXCUSE for killing an innocent unborn baby. Abortion is NOT healthcare…it’s murder. I cannot continue to read this book. I recommend Why the Sky is Blue by Susan Meissner. It’s sad because I’ve loved Amanda Skenandore’s other books & so that’s why I grabbed this one. I am no longer a fan if she can justify abortion.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional novel ! Very cleverly written, this novel deals with illegal abortions in the USA in the 1930's and 1940's. Based on the story of a real illegal clinic and the real persons who lead it, the reader gets numerous information about law, cases and the various social contexts in which women sought out the clinic. This is extremely interesting! Only Mimmy and her family are fictional characters.
What I particularly loved and appreciated in this novel, is the fact that nowhere in the book, one guesses the author's own opinion about abortion. The reader makes his/her own opinion. I found this very subtle and cleverly done. This is obviously a thought provoking topic, and the novel offers all kinds of reasons why a woman decides to have an abortion without allowing for any judgement.
There is more in the novel though which makes the story even more worthwhile: women's place in society, in the home hierarchy as well as at work. After years of suffering from the Depression, some women had to find a way to make the home work through work for instance, having fewer children.... A gripping, emotional, interesting and brilliant novel! Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Jo Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown away!! Firstly I have never before come across Amanda Skenandores work and I’m positive I’ve been missing out in a big way. When No One Else Will will be like its subject matter divisive, I believe it’s a topic that will divide society until the end of time. Open the book and take yourself back in time and to the life of a nurse, who for the lack of any other means of income takes a role at an illegal abortion clinic. You’ll laugh you’ll cry but where will your moral compass sit as you close the last page and more importantly I hope you’ll question why almost 100 years on is woman’s healthcare a political weapon.

Fantastic writing, wonderful narration.

Al the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

My thanks to Highbridge Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Beth Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the true story of an illegal women’s clinic in 1940s Chicago and the women who risked their freedom to work there. I liked that it was about women who stepped up to help other women during a time when women had so little rights. The author did a good job of presenting the compassion, judgement and difficult decisions these women had to make. This book didn’t wow me. It was slowly paced and repetitive in parts. Also, I felt like the main character was working in the clinic mainly for the money without any sense of moral conviction. I’ve read better books (“The women on platform two”) on this topic. It was a quick read and I’m glad to have read it.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When No One Else Will is compelling historical fiction set in Chicago is 1939. Mimi is a young wife and mother whose husband, a professional baseball player, is unable to work. Desperate to take care of her family, she takes a job as a nurse in a clinic that is not only illegal, it puts her at odds with her own convictions. Mimi was a fascinating character, swept up in a world she never imagined for herself, but always keeping her children at the forefront of her mind. I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Marisa Cheaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me in ways I can’t explain. I sobbed my eyes out at the bravery and sacrifices women before my generation made to help other women in a time where abortions were illegal. It feels so eery to be living in a time where again, this is being threatened and already has been taken away in so many states. While this is deemed historical fiction, it is not in many ways. To learn that 80% of the book was based on a true story here in Chicago, as well as the direction our country is headed because of evil men who want to police women’s bodies, made me so emotional. I think of the brave women who put their freedom on the line to help other women, knowing that risk and doing it anyway, is braver than anything. This book is deep, raw, emotional, and so well written. I thank the author for writing such a real story in such a dark time in America.

[Roger DeBlanck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Skenandore’s compelling historical novel brings an examining lens to a women’s clinic in Chicago in the late 1930s. The story’s main focus is Mimi Lukas, a mother with a nursing degree who has stepped away from her training to rear her two children.

When her husband Stan, a longtime slugger on the White Sox, suffers a career-threatening injury and distances himself from Mimi and their children, she must decide about a return to nursing in order to keep the family financially stable. On a suggestion from a friend, Mimi visits a medical office aiding women with unwanted pregnancies.

Needing the job but hesitant about the morality of her work, she learns as much about herself as those seeking healthcare for the difficult choices made at the clinic. Neither the hardships on women during that era nor the personal crises she faces are able to break Mimi down. Her resilience and mettle are part of what make the novel so engaging and memorable.

Skenandore’s prose has a natural fluidity that compliments the page-turning drama. She keeps you gripped to the tensions and dilemmas Mimi endures as she confronts an ultimate quandary of what to do, a choice that will impact both her and her family. Shocks, sorrow, and multiple side stories are nicely held together as the novel builds towards its riveting climax.

Amid the nation’s inevitable entrance into World War II, Skenandore skillfully addresses women’s ethical rights in regard to their own bodies, which sheds light on the current challenges still existing. When No One Else Will delivers a heartfelt historical novel with a strong female protagonist who leaves a lasting impression.

[Carol N · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When No One Else Will" is a skillfully written and compelling historical novel by Amanda Skenandore. It was inspired by a real underground clinic in Chicago and includes the people who operated it. Knowing that the story was based on a real clinic and its staff added an additional emotional layer for this reader and gave me a needed insight into the legal system of the time.

Mimi Lukas, wife and mother to two young children, is navigating her own private war. Her husband, a baseball player, is sidelined with an injury, the savings account is vanishing, and the children are hungry. After having the newly purchased refrigerator repossessed, she decides to return to nursing and finds limited opportunities for her return. Much to her chagrin, finally she secures a job at a clinic, better known as an illegal woman's health center. Even though its services clashes with her personal and religious upbringing, she soon finds the clinic to be a clean, compassionate sanctuary where woman are treated as humans rather than an unsolvable problem. One can't help but appreciate the transformation of Mimi as she goes from a stay-at-home mother in the 1930's to a woman willing to risk her freedom to help others in a desperate situation. Along the way she encounters friendship, purpose and camaraderie among her fellow workers.

This book highlights the resilience of women and the harsh realities of the time. It is a timely reminder of how hardly our women's right are won and how often they are and continue to be threatened. Skenandore's book is thought provoking, very emotional, and a story that stays with you well after you have turned the final page.

Thanks to Book Browse for providing me with a free copy of this book for review and discussion.

[she_loves_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read plenty of historical fiction, and I was especially interested in this title because it’s a topic I haven't come across much before. The story centers on Mimi, a nurse, sister, and mother, who is at the heart of the abortion storyline without experiencing it herself. I liked how Skenandore chose a character who learns about the industry so we, the readers, can learn with her. However, I did think the emotions would hit harder if there were a 1st person narrator, rather than a 3rd person omniscient narrator.
As the storyline progresses, the web of characters slowly reveals different perspectives and reasons for assisting these women looking for help. No matter how you feel about abortion, I think the story is engrossing without being overtly political. The author’s note at the end explains how she wanted to provide a story about the pre-Roe v Wade era and the extensive research she put into the novel. I was surprised to learn many of the characters (not Mimi) were based on real people. Near the end, I found some of the events too convenient; too coincidental to be believable. Although most stem from history, Skenandore does admit she adjusted the timeline to benefit the novel. Mimi has a short-term job as a night nurse, and her duties were more detailed than I expected. Then I learned the author is a registered nurse. It’s fun to read about topics you know the writer genuinely knows and cares about.
Overall, I would recommend this title to fans of historical fiction, those with an interest in reproductive rights or sociology, and readers who like strong female characters.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This subject is super important and I've read other books about the same issue/times. Unfortunately this was my least favorite book by Amanda Skenandore who I consider one of my favorite authors. The writing was lovely as always but this was slower paced throughout and I don't think I ever connected truly with the main character. She got into the abortion practice because she needed money. We did see her realize what she was doing helped a ton of people, however, I never really felt that this was a passion for her and I think that was what was most missing for me. It still felt like something she really did for the pay. I don't think that is at all what I was supposed to come away with. Still go find all of Amanda's books and read them. Many of them are literally the best historical fiction has to offer.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: I have read all of Skenandore's books. She is an amazing author no matter the setting of her novels. Her attention to historic facts and details, paired with her deep and realistic characters, make her books fascinating, suspenseful, and educational. This book was no different, although even more suspenseful than some of her others.

Mimi has to go back to working as a nurse in 1930's Chicago when her husband breaks his leg and is cut from the Chicago White Sox. She needs a job that pays well and isn't only night shifts. She is directed by a friend towards an office that seems too good to be true. It's a women's clinic where abortions are done. Mimi is horrified by this but they desperately need the money.
Over time, Mimi realizes the women who come there need help and in that time period help is hard to find. People are not always what they seem, and difficult choices abound. Mimi also creates relationships with the people in the office and those in the area who help them.
I read this book holding my breath at times. Mimi evolved into a brave, fierce woman who did what needed to be done, illegal or not. But it was stressful and illegal.
The majority of this book is based on a true clinic in Chicago in the 1930's and 40's. Many of Mimi's circle were real people and the consequences they faced actually occurred.
Another amazing book by Skenandore. I was immersed in the time period and in Mimi's life. This was a time and place where women were an afterthought but still had to run their families and survive. Having a choice about family, their bodies, and their futures is again a timely topic in this country. What happens when women loose autonomy and agency is devastating. This book spells it all out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advance digital copy. These opinions are my own.

[Bossmanaries Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the title of this book! When no one else will put food on your table, what do you do? When no one else will help their neighbor, what do you do? When no one else will speak up for the marginalized, what are you willing to do?

There is a bridge that connects and links the past and the present, whereas this books clearly shows that connection. Of this country’s past and present. Have we developed as a nation to pull people into being greater collectively and not just individually.

Time period: and period of time in post Great Depression and beginning of World War II,

Our story does center around a true story about an illegal abortion clinic with a brave nurse at its center. The FMC Mimi, a nurse, married to an injured baseball player in Chicago must work for her family to have a roof over over their head and food on the table.

Amanda Skenandore writes a compelling story of strength and courage when life throws curveballs everywhere you turn. A mother or wife is the nucleus and stabilizing point of relationships or situations that seem turbulent. I’m amazed at the writing that centers around an actual trial and actual events taken place, even thought the FMC is fictious there are several women who worked when men couldn’t and challenged society’s laws and perceptions.

The author makes us sit in the regressive mindset that is prevalent even though technologically we are progressed. Banning anything has never worked for societies, it just creates a culture of fear and heavy policing and compliance.


Thanks to #NetGalley for providing the advanced audio version in exchange for an honest review. 

#WhenNoOneElseWill #netgalley #historicalfiction

Rating: 4 stars

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I had the audiobook of this historical fiction read by Nicole Poole who adds to the enjoyment. I don’t think I’d have enjoyed reading as much as it’s slower paced.

It’s a new subject matter for me, I always like something different.
1939 Chicago Mimi’s world has collapsed around her following her husbands promising baseball career imploding following an injury. Stan is living in denial and inertia so Mimi is left to support the family. Mimi starts work in a women’s clinic.

I was drawn by the topic, but it’s the characters that sold it to me.
This is a slower paced very character driven story, it shows the moral dilemma, the need of the service, the risks, and the costs to the individuals involved. It’s a moving story. The author really drew me into their world and struggles. I really liked Mimi, who I admired, she held her family together at a time of crisis, she could see the need for the service they provided, my heart went out to her. I even warmed slightly to Mimi’s mother in law at the end. The letters from Mimi’s sister Jenny are especially moving.
WOW do read/ listen the authors notes they are eye opening.

It may be historical fiction but the topic still has pertinence in current times for some. Due to the subject matter this book might not be for everyone.

I had this book for free

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! It is the story of an abortion clinic in Chicago run when abortions were illegal in the 1930's and 1940's. The story is told by Mimi, one of the nurses who worked in the clinic. The story of the women who came to the clinic of their own volition is an eye-opener. Many of the women were poverty stricken and barely feeding the 4-5 children they already had at home. Preventing another child meant they could take care of the children they had at home and feed them. Some were victims of rape. Most had excellent reasons for what they did. Yet the "law of the land" made abortions criminal.
It amazes me that 90 years later there are still so many mixed feelings about abortions even when it is the "right thing to do" for some people. The Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade has made it difficult to obtain abortions in some states although my understanding is that many women are using mail order abortions today. Ah the problem continues.

[Esha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75🫶🏼 I truly with all my heart believe that women should have the choice on what they do with their body. This includes abortion and this book really shows how it was viewed in the 1930-40s 🫠 It was awful how much these people had to go through to let women have a choice and the one where the 12 year old girl came in genuinely broke my heart because this is REAL, These things happen and to take that choice away from a person and deem it a crime? It’s just cruel 💔 I truly love historical fiction as a genre and I was so proud seeing Mimi’s decision at the end ☹️

[Tonya Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. The writing is evocative and vivid, the kind of book you want to discuss with someone as soon as you finish reading it. It's incredible how much of this story actually happened. The challenging topics were handled with a humanizing touch. I didn't want it to end, yet I couldn't put it down.

[Crystal G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book here on goodreads. I really enjoyed this book. Its unlike any book Ive read from this time period. It just goes to show that life was going on even during the awful WW2 time period.

[Cheryl Sokoloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on true events, anyone who wants to know about abortion in America (pre WW2.-1942) should read When No one Else Will. Thank you author Amanda Skensndore for a highly moving read. Also if you”re interested in baseball ⚾️ during the same period there is a bit about that too!

[Katherine Derdzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous historical fiction about abortion in the pre Roe era

[Amanda Pompoco · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Amanda Senandore's books and having read all her books proves that point. Unfortunately, I didn't like this book as much as others. However, I find it still a good and enjoyable historical drama read.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a must-read for all women. It is a powerful reminder of women’s rights and their importance. I have been a big fan of this author since her since reading The Second Life of Mirielle West in 2021 - I still think of Mirielle years later. This story and these characters will stay with me for a long time as well - it’s unforgettable. Thankful to Amanda Skenandore for writing and sharing this compelling story! Nicole Poole was a wonderful narrator.

[Marybeth MB · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing I loved most about this one was the premise. What the FMC becomes involved with at the clinic was genuinely fascinating. It’s one of those stories that reminds you that history isn’t always as far removed from the present as we’d like to believe. There were definitely moments where I found myself thinking, “Wait… we’re still having versions of these same conversations today.”

I also really appreciated how much of the story centered on women helping women and navigating situations where there often weren’t any easy choices. It made me angry at times, it made me grateful at times, and it definitely gave me a lot to think about.

This wasn’t a book that completely wowed me, but I’m glad I picked it up. The subject matter was compelling, the historical elements were interesting, and I walked away with plenty to think about afterward. For me, that’s always a sign that a book did something right. 📚✨💕

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could not stand her husband or his mother. That part annoyed me enormously. Can’t tolerate women who make excuses and look the other way when men and MIL’s act like jerks.