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When No One Else Will
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Expected 26 May 26In 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 . . .
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 . . .
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Expected publication May 26, 2026
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About the author
Amanda Skenandore
16 books2,293 followersAmanda 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.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 18, 2025
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
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
November 19, 2025
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.
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.
November 24, 2025
*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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gosh, I loved this book. Skenandore wrote about such sensitive and controversial topic with compassion and thoughtfulness. As a character, Mimi was well thought out. She faced real life struggles that were incredibly relevant to the time period. Skenandore really illustrated this and made the reader feel like they were right there with Mimi trying to decide between feeding her family, keeping their house, or participating in something she may not have agreed with at first.
I also cannot understate how BRAVE Skenandore’s characters are! They stood up for each other and their patients, even when doing the right thing came with consequences. I can’t imagine how difficult that decision would have been in a time where providing abortions was illegal and also would have come with social shunning as well. These nurses risked their livelihoods, careers, and their freedom to help women in need.
I also liked how the author included the whole sub plot with Stan and Mimi’s relationship. While Stan’s injury and subsequent behavior were the catalyst for Mimi to work at the clinic, I really felt for her as their relationship continued to deteriorate and she had to keep more and more secrets from him.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It really made me think about how far we have come in terms of access to abortion, yet how far we still have to go. It made me question what I would do if I was in Mimi’s shoes. If you’re looking for a thought provoking book based in reality, look no further. Amanda Skenandore has done it again. I love reading her books and this was no exception.
I also cannot understate how BRAVE Skenandore’s characters are! They stood up for each other and their patients, even when doing the right thing came with consequences. I can’t imagine how difficult that decision would have been in a time where providing abortions was illegal and also would have come with social shunning as well. These nurses risked their livelihoods, careers, and their freedom to help women in need.
I also liked how the author included the whole sub plot with Stan and Mimi’s relationship. While Stan’s injury and subsequent behavior were the catalyst for Mimi to work at the clinic, I really felt for her as their relationship continued to deteriorate and she had to keep more and more secrets from him.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It really made me think about how far we have come in terms of access to abortion, yet how far we still have to go. It made me question what I would do if I was in Mimi’s shoes. If you’re looking for a thought provoking book based in reality, look no further. Amanda Skenandore has done it again. I love reading her books and this was no exception.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wasn't sure I wanted to start off a new year with a book about a heavy, controversial topic like abortion, but WHEN NO ONE ELSE WILL pulled me in and kept me reading. Mimi is a sympathetic character, whose worries and challenges make her relatable. Her compassion and bravery make her admirable. I cared about her plight, and wanted her story to have a happy ending. Although I felt invested in Mimi's tale, the plot of the novel drags a bit, mostly because it's episodic more than driven by a compelling character goal. The author's note at the end mentions that the novel is based on real people and events, which explains some of the plot points, but still, it could have been tighter, which would have made the book more engrossing. On the whole, though, I found WHEN NO ONE ELSE interesting and thought-provoking. As you can imagine, it's not a gentle or cheery read. It deals with big issues that can be uncomfortable, heartbreaking, and triggering. If your book club can handle this kind of read, it would make for a rousing book club discussion. In the end, I found the novel worth the read, even though I can't say I loved it. It's the kind that will stick with me, though.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (1 F-bomb, plus occasional milder invectives), violence, mild sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (1 F-bomb, plus occasional milder invectives), violence, mild sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
January 18, 2026
Title: When No One Else Will
Author: Amanda Skenandore
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One woman takes on the financial responsibility for her family in the late 1930s after her baseball playing husband gets injured, ending his career. The catch? Her nursing job is secretive because of the illegal medical procedure the doctor performs.
Takeaways:
1. Trigger warnings: This is a story about abortions being performed on women in Chicago. Suicide is also mentioned in this book.
2. Skenandore did amazing research with this one. Well written and not too graphic given the topic.
3. The heart of this story is Mimi. She has her internal batțles of taking the job or not. She deals with supporting her household in light of her husband’s depression over the end of his career. she struggles with what happened with her older sister years ago and the impact it makes on her decisions regarding the choices she makes regarding the job at the clinic. Ultimate he realizes how she needs to stay true to herself and the life she’s built.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books/Publishing Corp for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on May 26, 2026.
#arc #netgalley #bookstagram @kensingtonbooks #whennooneelsewill @amandaskenandore
Author: Amanda Skenandore
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One woman takes on the financial responsibility for her family in the late 1930s after her baseball playing husband gets injured, ending his career. The catch? Her nursing job is secretive because of the illegal medical procedure the doctor performs.
Takeaways:
1. Trigger warnings: This is a story about abortions being performed on women in Chicago. Suicide is also mentioned in this book.
2. Skenandore did amazing research with this one. Well written and not too graphic given the topic.
3. The heart of this story is Mimi. She has her internal batțles of taking the job or not. She deals with supporting her household in light of her husband’s depression over the end of his career. she struggles with what happened with her older sister years ago and the impact it makes on her decisions regarding the choices she makes regarding the job at the clinic. Ultimate he realizes how she needs to stay true to herself and the life she’s built.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books/Publishing Corp for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on May 26, 2026.
#arc #netgalley #bookstagram @kensingtonbooks #whennooneelsewill @amandaskenandore
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In late-1930s Chicago, Mimi is a wife and mother and proud of it. Her husband, Stan, was a popular White Sox baseball player until an injury takes him off the field. When money runs low, Mimi is forced to return to work but it’s been ten years since she last worked as a nurse. Jobs are difficult to come by and Mimi’s family is barely scraping by. When an old nursing school classmate tells her about a job opening, Mimi jumps for it so relieved. Until she learns that it's a clinic providing illegal abortions.
In a time when a woman must have her husband's permission to get birth control and her primary duty is raising her family even when her husband is unable to work, Mimi's choices are difficult. Her husband is depressed in a time when depression isn't spoken of. She has to come to terms with her own beliefs and the work she is doing, while keeping home for her family.
I had no idea until the author's note that the novel is based on a true story, which makes it even more powerful. This is a complex novel about an issue that is unfortunately timely once again. An important and fantastic read, and it will be amazing for book club discussions.
In a time when a woman must have her husband's permission to get birth control and her primary duty is raising her family even when her husband is unable to work, Mimi's choices are difficult. Her husband is depressed in a time when depression isn't spoken of. She has to come to terms with her own beliefs and the work she is doing, while keeping home for her family.
I had no idea until the author's note that the novel is based on a true story, which makes it even more powerful. This is a complex novel about an issue that is unfortunately timely once again. An important and fantastic read, and it will be amazing for book club discussions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel shines a light on an important and lesser-known aspect of medical history, and it’s clear that a great deal of research and care went into the setting and subject matter. The themes of compassion, service, and moral responsibility are handled with sensitivity and respect.
For me, the story moved at a slower pace, and while I appreciated the quiet, reflective tone, I found it difficult to stay fully engaged throughout. Some sections felt repetitive, and I wished for more narrative tension or emotional momentum to keep the plot moving.
Overall, When No One Else Will is a thoughtful and well-researched historical novel that will likely resonate with readers who enjoy character-driven, contemplative stories. While it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, I can see it appealing to fans of gentle, introspective historical fiction.
For me, the story moved at a slower pace, and while I appreciated the quiet, reflective tone, I found it difficult to stay fully engaged throughout. Some sections felt repetitive, and I wished for more narrative tension or emotional momentum to keep the plot moving.
Overall, When No One Else Will is a thoughtful and well-researched historical novel that will likely resonate with readers who enjoy character-driven, contemplative stories. While it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, I can see it appealing to fans of gentle, introspective historical fiction.
November 19, 2025
This is a very heavy and dark historical fiction about abortion and the clinicians that performed illegal procedures during the 1930s and 1940s. This story is pretty raw and is definitely a topic that is still quite controversial even in today's society. I, myself, found this book very solid and endearing and at times, emotional and heart wrenching. This may not be a read for everyone especially when it comes to the sociologically issue and stances on abortion, I would recommend this story and have the reader make their own judgements and maybe have an unbiased take before reading it.
I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Riveting story told in a straight forward and strong voice. The storyline is based on a real abortion clinic in 1930s downtown Chicago but features a fictional nurse, Mimi who works there. We read of a broad base of women's struggles, desperation, loyalty, friendshipand most importantlytheir strengths . I started reading this well researched book and couldn't put it down even though way past my bedtime, until I learned the how Mimi fared in the end.
I thank the author for writing this book as the research must have had her reading far too many maddening and sad articles.
I aloo thank the publisher Kensington for the ARC and for publishing this book. They have been in the forefront of finding historical events which need to be brought to light.
I thank the author for writing this book as the research must have had her reading far too many maddening and sad articles.
I aloo thank the publisher Kensington for the ARC and for publishing this book. They have been in the forefront of finding historical events which need to be brought to light.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Based on a true story, this book is about an illegal abortion clinic in Chicago in the 1930s- 1940s. With strong research and a protagonist that moves the reader thru the novel, carefully weaved are the struggles during this time period as well as the the limited options women had to work outside the home. It is a must historical fiction read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fantastic and well-written book about the brave nurses who fought tirelessly to support those in need of abortions during the time when it was illegal. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fantastic historical fiction story it really brought me in for a ride I absolutely loved every second of this
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews