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The Women’s Center
Who believes, followsWho hopes, leadsWho loves, receivesWho forgives, healsAward-winning journalist Michele Fitzpatrick's engaging debut novel introduces four unlikely heroines in their fifties who navigate extraordinary challenges as ordinary people rarely smoothly, often treading water, sometimes barely afloat.Ruth Fortune is a trustworthy CEO who trusts no one, ever. Artist Pat Conelli considers her seven children her masterpieces but wonders where she mislaid herself. June Magee is a master craftswoman who can't craft a single love match. And Diane Jonasen? Her news career is solid. Her sanity? Not so much.They have reunited thirty-five years after they were students at Shorelake College for Women to fulfill a promise to the woman who was their college president. They set out to transform an aging Chicago mansion into a twenty-first-century women's center, unaware the process will transform them.What can you do when loss obliterates your faith, duty blurs hope, self-doubt trumps love or guilt denies you forgiveness? Flawed, funny, occasionally furious, they are about to find out.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2015
About the author
Michele Fitzpatrick
9 books10 followersMichele Fitzpatrick is a former staff writer and columnist for the Chicago Tribune. She has also worked as an executive editor in educational research and product development. Her blog, Mrs. Fitz's Story Emporium, is a lighthearted look at living in Chicago, living as a writer and growing up in the lively 1960s. A graduate of Mundelein College and University of Iowa School of Journalism, she and her husband Richard live in Chicago.
The Women's Center
is her first novel.
The author is available for select literary readings and lectures. A certified teacher, she also conducts seminars on media ethics, women in the arts and narrative journalism. To inquire about a possible appearance, visit michelefitz.com.
(Amika Press)
The author is available for select literary readings and lectures. A certified teacher, she also conducts seminars on media ethics, women in the arts and narrative journalism. To inquire about a possible appearance, visit michelefitz.com.
(Amika Press)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 25, 2015
Four women, with little in common except their ties to a Catholic women’s college in Chicago, are called together by Sister Mark, the nun they all adore. Diane is a successful journalist tentatively recovering from an event that shattered her life. June is a skilled carpenter, uncertain how to be feminine enough to find the love she craves. Pat is the earth mother, an optimistic artist and craftswoman who raised seven children on her own after her husband left her. Ruth is a powerhouse CEO, who tells herself that she needs no one, not even the man she once loved and thinks of still. Why has Sister Mark brought these former classmates together? Their alma mater, Shorelake College (a fictional version of Mundelein College) has closed and been taken over by nearby Rockbridge University (a fictional version of Loyola). Sister Mark has asked the women to make plans and raise funds to convert the mansion that was the emotional heart of the campus into a woman’s center. As they struggle to carry out this vaguely defined mission, the four women embark on a journey of discovery—unearthing their own inner truths and finding joy in unlooked-for friendships. Fitzpatrick portrays the complicated nature of women’s relationships with each other with nuance and insight. And in contrast to many women’s novels, this one gives the male characters their due, portraying them as real and complex people rather than stereotypes to promote the author’s agenda. The vividness of the setting will delight anyone who knows the Windy City, and many readers will relish the clever turns of phrase that sprinkle the narrative. All these details add up to an enjoyable debut novel.
June 17, 2021
While I enjoyed learning about the four main characters, I felt my progress through the book slow and the resolution disappointing.
January 31, 2018
A rich look at friendship among mature women in an academic setting. Touching and funny and satisfying.
November 20, 2020
Thirty years ago, four women attended a small Catholic college for women in Chicago. The women all knew each other, and while not exactly friends, were united to some extent by not fitting in to the majority of students and their absolute devotion to Sister Mark, the head of the college who had been a guide and mentor for each of them. The women have seldom seen or interacted with each other since. Now, sister Mark has asked them as a group to help her in a project. The college has closed and the land and buildings have been bought by the larger secular college next to their campus. Sister Mark wants them to plan and implement a method to raise funds to refurbish one of the original buildings and create a women's center to occupy the building in honor of the former college.
The four women are all flawed, quirky, and in some ways lost, although two of them have become very prominent and successful in their work lives. Their first fundraiser attempt is an absolute disaster and they are forced to rethink every aspect of their lives and to make some serious changes, not only to their plan for the women's center, but also their personal situations. The story encompasses their history, their time at the college, and where they are now and is told from four points of view. The entire novel is fascinating. A look back to the turbulent 70s, a story of four women who have suffered a multitude of sorrow, and are now fighting to make a better version of themselves, and a place for other women to come and gain skills, support, family.
I had read several reviews of the book before I read it. Many were glowing, but there were a goodly number who also rated it one star or did not finish. I will admit that the first part of the book was difficult in some ways. The pace was slow, and the women did not appear very likable. But I am so glad I continued reading. It was immensely rewarding to see the growth in these women and the changes in their relationships.
The four women are all flawed, quirky, and in some ways lost, although two of them have become very prominent and successful in their work lives. Their first fundraiser attempt is an absolute disaster and they are forced to rethink every aspect of their lives and to make some serious changes, not only to their plan for the women's center, but also their personal situations. The story encompasses their history, their time at the college, and where they are now and is told from four points of view. The entire novel is fascinating. A look back to the turbulent 70s, a story of four women who have suffered a multitude of sorrow, and are now fighting to make a better version of themselves, and a place for other women to come and gain skills, support, family.
I had read several reviews of the book before I read it. Many were glowing, but there were a goodly number who also rated it one star or did not finish. I will admit that the first part of the book was difficult in some ways. The pace was slow, and the women did not appear very likable. But I am so glad I continued reading. It was immensely rewarding to see the growth in these women and the changes in their relationships.
September 21, 2023
On the surface of it this seemed like an interesting book. Sadly, I have struggled with it. It could be a great book but somehow for me it didn't flow. It was boring. It is some how too "wordy". It is like the author was trying too hard and in the process she has turned a good storyline into a bit of a dull, grey read. It might just be me. Others might enjoy it. The essential idea is a good one.
**********************************
Who believes, follows
Who hopes, leads
Who loves, receives
Who forgives, heals
Award-winning journalist Michele Fitzpatrick's engaging debut novel introduces four unlikely heroines in their fifties who navigate extraordinary challenges as ordinary people do: rarely smoothly, often treading water, sometimes barely afloat.
Ruth Fortune is a trustworthy CEO who trusts no one, ever. Artist Pat Conelli considers her seven children her masterpieces but wonders where she mislaid herself. June Magee is a master craftswoman who can't craft a single love match. And Diane Jonasen? Her news career is solid. Her sanity? Not so much.
They have reunited thirty-five years after they were students at Shorelake College for Women to fulfill a promise to the woman who was their college president. They set out to transform an aging Chicago mansion into a twenty-first-century women's center, unaware the process will transform them.
What can you do when loss obliterates your faith, duty blurs hope, self-doubt trumps love or guilt denies you forgiveness? Flawed, funny, occasionally furious, they are about to find out.
**********************************
Who believes, follows
Who hopes, leads
Who loves, receives
Who forgives, heals
Award-winning journalist Michele Fitzpatrick's engaging debut novel introduces four unlikely heroines in their fifties who navigate extraordinary challenges as ordinary people do: rarely smoothly, often treading water, sometimes barely afloat.
Ruth Fortune is a trustworthy CEO who trusts no one, ever. Artist Pat Conelli considers her seven children her masterpieces but wonders where she mislaid herself. June Magee is a master craftswoman who can't craft a single love match. And Diane Jonasen? Her news career is solid. Her sanity? Not so much.
They have reunited thirty-five years after they were students at Shorelake College for Women to fulfill a promise to the woman who was their college president. They set out to transform an aging Chicago mansion into a twenty-first-century women's center, unaware the process will transform them.
What can you do when loss obliterates your faith, duty blurs hope, self-doubt trumps love or guilt denies you forgiveness? Flawed, funny, occasionally furious, they are about to find out.
September 30, 2021
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing was lyrical, so much so that I highlighted numerous passages, something I almost never do with fiction. But the initial pace was extremely slow; if I hadn't felt obligated to leave a review since I had won this in a giveaway, I probably would have abandoned the book, again something I almost never do. As it turns out, I'm glad I persevered. I enjoyed the development of each of the four individual women as well as the growth of the relationships between them. The wisdom of Sister Mark who had played an important role in each of their lives as young students many years previously and continued to do so resonated with me in many ways.
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing was lyrical, so much so that I highlighted numerous passages, something I almost never do with fiction. But the initial pace was extremely slow; if I hadn't felt obligated to leave a review since I had won this in a giveaway, I probably would have abandoned the book, again something I almost never do. As it turns out, I'm glad I persevered. I enjoyed the development of each of the four individual women as well as the growth of the relationships between them. The wisdom of Sister Mark who had played an important role in each of their lives as young students many years previously and continued to do so resonated with me in many ways.
November 2, 2020
This hit home. As one who attended college in the early 70s, empowered to a degree by the women who went before us but with so much still to attain, I could relate to these women.
I have difficulty separating characters who are all introduced together, but the artistry of the phrasing in the story carried me until I could more clearly identify the personalities. The college friendships the women shared seem superficial at first, but they grow to understand much about themselves and each other as they work together. They realize they *are* friends; they see strengths and possibilities their younger selves couldn't have comprehended.
I have difficulty separating characters who are all introduced together, but the artistry of the phrasing in the story carried me until I could more clearly identify the personalities. The college friendships the women shared seem superficial at first, but they grow to understand much about themselves and each other as they work together. They realize they *are* friends; they see strengths and possibilities their younger selves couldn't have comprehended.
August 15, 2020
I just couldn't finish this book. I really tried but I just couldn't do it. It was boring. The flowery descriptions had no relevance to the plot. I am not even sure if there was a plot. I didn't like any of the characters. I will admit that it got slightly better about one quarter of the way through but I gave up about one third of the way through. And I rarely give up on a book. There are so many good and even sort of good books out there to read, this just isn't one that I want to spend my time reading. Sorry.
August 16, 2020
Great Read!
If you’re looking for a book you can finish in an evening, don’t read this one! The artistry of the author’s words, development of the characters and expansion of the story line require patience to read. But the time, thought, patience and effort you put into carefully reading every word is well worth it. This is a novel I read more than once to be sure I picked up on all the subtleties and subplots. I truly found it invigorating, emotional, and illuminating!
If you’re looking for a book you can finish in an evening, don’t read this one! The artistry of the author’s words, development of the characters and expansion of the story line require patience to read. But the time, thought, patience and effort you put into carefully reading every word is well worth it. This is a novel I read more than once to be sure I picked up on all the subtleties and subplots. I truly found it invigorating, emotional, and illuminating!
February 16, 2021
Surprisingly interesting. Good characters, some of whom I'd quite like to meet in real life! It broadened out into an interesting story and I'd like to know more about how things pan out. Another book? However, in my head I've already done that, in a positive mode. I thought Sister Mary Francis was the chief instrument here and was sorry she didn't seem to get the credit. Again, in my head, she did! I've known many great nuns just like her - wise and humble!
August 22, 2020
Although this book ended up having a fairly good storyline, it was very hard to read because it ignored the basic rules concerning viewpoint. You slid in and out of different viewpoints, sometimes from one sentence to the next. You knew everyone's thoughts, and there was no one or two main characters to identify with. I managed to finish the book, but I didn't really enjoy it.
August 8, 2020
As women we change due to our history. Sometimes only friendships help make us who we need to be. As quoted in this book, 'She's my friend. The words slipped a knot somewhere inside as she felt those words were the right words. True words.'
September 17, 2021
I REALLY, REALLY tried to finish this book, but I just couldn't get into it. I won this on a Goodreads giveaway, so I wanted to give a fair, honest review. I've finally concluded that my honest review is that this book just isn't for me.
December 5, 2022
A way with words, a play in words, the use of words.
Not a story to be taken lightly. The best and worst of those involved is depicted here. This is a story to be discussed and digested. It is a deep picture of several characters. It is an excellent choice for book clubs.
Not a story to be taken lightly. The best and worst of those involved is depicted here. This is a story to be discussed and digested. It is a deep picture of several characters. It is an excellent choice for book clubs.
Want to Read
July 29, 2020Available FREE today (7/29/2020)
August 3, 2020
This was a good read. I saw bits of myself in some of the characters and that made it all the more interesting.
August 14, 2020
DNF
Repetitive incipient and boring
Repetitive incipient and boring
January 5, 2021
Loved her descriptive passages. However, too much fairy dust, hearts, flowers and unicorns for me.
May 10, 2022
Kinda strange
March 6, 2025
Marvelous book
Michele Fitzpatrick is a wonderful writer. The tone of this book is perfect . Every sentence a gem. I highly recommend this book. Read it. You won’t be disappointed.
Michele Fitzpatrick is a wonderful writer. The tone of this book is perfect . Every sentence a gem. I highly recommend this book. Read it. You won’t be disappointed.
February 14, 2026
3.5 stars. I really fell in love with the characters, although I felt some parts of the story deserved more time while others deserved less.
January 18, 2016
When I started this story my first reaction was, who got into my life? The background of the characters and their experiences in a Catholic girl’s college were as I remembered my own. The writer’s style was entertaining throughout, the prose clever but meaningful. Although the men in the story were minor characters, I found them delightful. The four women were well characterized and resolved challenges in their lives in manners that were unique to them. These ladies will remain in my mind for a long time.
August 16, 2015
loved it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews