The Making of a Mad Woman

by Kristy Cambron

She built an advertising empire on Madison Avenue. Then she walked away . . .

Manhattan, 1962. Josephine "Jo" Carmichael is the fashion world's reigning It Girl on the runways of Europe until she's forced back to New York for her estranged father's funeral. When she discovers his prestigious Madison Avenue ad agency is drowning in debt, Jo shocks everyone by wowing the board of directors and succeeding him as the new CEO. Branded "the boss's daughter" in a male-dominated industry, Jo must outwit her "Mad Men" rivals with a female team, win back major accounts, and prove she's more than just a pretty face--before her family's legacy goes up in smoke.

Present day, Port Huron, MI. Alex Carmichael has always lived in the shadow of her legendary grandmother, who once ruled the New York advertising world before mysteriously abandoning it for a quiet life running a flower shop in a lakeside Michigan town. Now, as Alex puts her own dreams on hold to care for her sharp-tongued, aging Gran, Jo makes one final, unexpected request that turns both of their worlds upside she insists on a return trip to New York.

With both of their futures in the balance, grandmother and granddaughter must come to terms with the truth behind Jo's sudden departure from the fast-paced world of a Manhattan C-suite all those years ago, and discover that ambition, sacrifice, love, and legacy are never simple.

Spanning decades from the Golden Age of advertising to today, The Making of a Mad Woman is a sweeping story of reinvention, family, and the courage it takes--for any generation of women--to claim the life they truly want.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian

400 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 9, 2027

About the author

Kristy Cambron is a USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author who writes from the space where beauty, art, and history intersect. She's an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her internationally bestselling novels, THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN and THE PARIS DRESSMAKER, as well as nonfiction titles. Her work has been named to Cosmopolitan's Best Historical Fiction Novels, Library Journal’s Best Books, and has been featured at People Magazine, Once Upon a Book Club Box, Frolic, Book Club Girl, BookBub, and Country Woman magazine.

The USA Today bestselling novel, THE FRENCH KITCHEN, is available now -- in which an ex-pat wife haunted by her experiences as an undercover agent in the American OSS during WWII crosses paths with chef Julia Child in a post-war Paris cookery class, complicating the carefully constructed high-society world she’s built to hide her past.

Kristy holds a degree in art history/research writing and spent fifteen years in education and leadership development for a Fortune 100 corporation, partnering with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup, before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling. She's also served as Vice President and a literary agent with Gardner Literary.

Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three basketball-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.

(🚫 AI Disclosure: Kristy does not use AI in her books. Please visit: kristycambron.com/contact for more information.)

To connect with Kristy, visit:

Kristy's Website: https://kristycambron.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristycambron/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kristycambron
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCambronAuthor/
And sign up for her newsletter: https://kristycambron.myflodesk.com/

Reviews

[Natasha Lester]

My copy of the book was provided to me by the publisher.

Don Draper, step away. It's time for the women of Madison Avenue's ad agencies to tell their vastly more interesting stories. This is a fascinating intergenerational saga set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1960s New York and the present day. There's just something about the bond between grandmothers and granddaughters that always makes for a compelling tale. If you like ambitious women with fabulous wardrobes, together with a dash of mystery and romance, this is the book for you

[Taskin⋆彡⭒ (s-ia) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Making of a Mad Woman had me hooked from the first chapter. I loved bouncing between Jo's fight to survive 1960s Madison Avenue and Alex's present-day search for the truth about her grandmother, both timelines pulled their weight, and I never wanted to leave either one.

Jo is exactly the kind of heroine I root for: sharp, stubborn, and done letting anyone else decide what she's capable of. But this isn't just a story about ad agencies and boardroom wins , it's about what we sacrifice for the people we love, and what we pass down without meaning to. Cambron's writing is smooth and easy to sink into, but she still gives the big emotional moments room to breathe. Jo and Alex are everything you want in a book. I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. Amazing book if you enjoy generational mystery books.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC copy 🫶🏼✨

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

{𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝑴𝒂𝒅 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏}

“𝙰 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚖 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎; 𝚊 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚍.”

💼 Release Date: February 9, 2027 💼
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While this book didn’t grab me as quickly as most of Cambron’s books typically do, I still enjoyed reading it. I definitely had a favorite out of the timelines—the 60’s are just such a cool era 😄—but both stories were rather interesting. The ending pulled together both stories in the beautiful HEA most readers look for in their stories ❤️

There was just something that didn’t quite work with Alex’s story, but I can’t put my finger on what exactly it was. It just didn’t have the flow that I typically like my stories to have, and I couldn’t immerse myself in it like I wanted to. While there were quite a bit of emotions involved, it just didn’t have that authentic feel I was looking for.

If this entire book had been solely about Jo, it would have been much better off in my opinion. While there were times I enjoyed bits and pieces of Alex’s story, it was the 1960s timeline that really held my interest. My emotions were brought to the surface multiple times by the way women were treated back then, along with the simmering but forbidden romance between Sam and Jo.

Regardless of how I felt about the stories, this book is one I would purchase if given the right opportunity. It’s honestly a whole vibe, and I like that about a book. I’d definitely recommend it to other readers, especially if they enjoy historical fiction mixed with contemporary fiction in a split timeline novel following the lives of two women claiming their best lives.
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I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. All opinions listed are purely my own.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

She built an advertising empire on Madison Avenue. Then she walked away . . .

The Making of a Mad Woman is a time-split story, with the present day and 1962, when Alex and her grandmother, Jo, show Jo Carmichael as she starts Madison and Co.,

I liked the Making of a Mad Woman, which shows Jo's struggles in 1962, and then Alex, her granddaughter, who runs a florist shop but doesn’t want anyone to know it’s barely running. Jo insists on making a trip to New York with Alex and her childhood friend, Finn. She’s trying to match the two, but…she revisits her own heart to remind Alex not to give up on hers.

My gratitude to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are honest and mine

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled when I saw that this book was partially set in Port Huron, MI where I grew up and have lived most of my life. However, that part was a huge disappointment. Other than being near the water, the author didn't get much right. In the grand scheme of things, this wasn't that important to the overall story (which I really enjoyed), but it was blatantly wrong enough that it took me out of the story for a while.

[Liisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a woman dares to take her place at the table in a world determined to keep her out?

The Making of a Mad Woman by Kristy Cambron is an engaging dual-timeline novel about ambition, sacrifice, family secrets, and the complicated legacy women leave behind.

In 1962 Manhattan, Josephine “Jo” Carmichael unexpectedly finds herself running her late father’s struggling Madison Avenue advertising agency. It’s the Mad Men era, when women are expected to make the coffee, not call the shots. But Jo has other ideas. With a team of determined women beside her, she sets out to prove that she belongs in the boardroom - even if the odds are stacked against her.

Fast-forward to the present day, where Jo’s granddaughter Alex has put her own dreams on hold to care for her ageing, sharp-tongued grandmother. When Jo suddenly insists on one last trip to New York, long-buried family secrets begin to surface, raising questions about what really happened to end Jo’s career decades earlier.

I loved both timelines, which isn’t always the case with dual-timeline novels! Jo’s story was particularly compelling, capturing the challenges faced by ambitious women in the 1960s, while Alex’s journey explores the quieter sacrifices women continue to make for family.

What I particularly enjoyed was the connection between the two women and the way their stories reflected each other across generations. Different eras, different expectations, but some surprisingly familiar struggles.

My one small frustration? I would have loved a little more closure around the characters from the 1960s timeline. I became invested in their lives and wanted to know where they ended up and what became of them. A little more of that would have made the ending even more satisfying.

At its heart, this is a story about women finding their voices, challenging expectations, and discovering that it’s never too late to reclaim your own story.

A thoughtful, enjoyable read with strong female characters, family secrets, and a lovely blend of historical fiction and contemporary storytelling.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date: 9 February 2027.

[readcleancatmomtanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! This wasn't my favorite by Kristy Cambron, but I enjoyed the story. It was a dual timeline from the 1960s in one, present day in the other. I liked the 1960s timeline better. It took me a little while to get invested in the book.

I really liked Jo's story from the 1960s and how she handled all she went through. This story was inspired by another lady from the 1960s. It was interesting why the book was named what it was, too. I was impressed by how courageous and intelligent Jo was in the story by standing up against all the men who didn't think a woman could be a CEO. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Chanel clothing from that time period. A dress in the story that Jo wears sounds so gorgeous!

I would've liked to have learned more about the characters from the present time period a bit more. The present time period was about Jo's granddaughter, Alex, and her love interest, Finn. I don't feel like I knew them enough or knew enough about what they went through. That part could've gone deeper.

I won't give away any spoilers. I did enjoy the story overall. Recommend the story to learn more about what women went through during that time period.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the eARC. All opinions are my own, and I wasn't required to give a certain rating.

[Cindy · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

This book had most of the aspects of a 4 star read for me but fell just short - oh what fun it is to be able to give ratings with decimal points!! I actually enjoyed both timeframes and loved how they connected but I felt there were a few too many switches between timeframes. For me the best measure of a switch is I'm ticked off the author made one as I was so absorbed in the story. These quick switches often didn't give me enough time to get that deeply embedded. Overall a fun read with a couple fun surprises along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Making of a Mad Woman is a wonderfully immersive, era‑spanning story about ambition, reinvention, and the complicated legacy passed from one generation of women to the next. The novel opens in Manhattan in 1962, and the author captures the energy of the Golden Age of advertising with such vivid detail — the glamour, the pressure, the sharp elbows of a male‑dominated industry that never expected someone like Josephine Carmichael to step into its highest office. Jo’s transition from runway darling to Madison Avenue CEO is bold, unexpected, and deeply satisfying. She’s a woman who refuses to be underestimated, and watching her outwit her “Mad Men” rivals with a female team of her own gives the story a fierce, triumphant edge.

But beneath the glossy boardrooms and high‑stakes pitches lies something more fragile: Jo’s need to prove herself, not just to the industry but to the shadow of her father’s legacy. The tension between her public confidence and private vulnerability is beautifully drawn, and the author allows her victories and missteps to unfold with a realism that makes her feel wonderfully human. You sense early on that her success comes at a cost — one that will echo far beyond her Madison Avenue years.

The present‑day storyline adds a lovely emotional counterbalance. Alex Carmichael, living in the quiet lakeside town of Port Huron, has grown up in the long shadow of her formidable grandmother. Jo’s sharp tongue, stubborn pride, and lingering secrets make her both difficult and magnetic, and the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter is one of the novel’s most compelling threads. Alex’s struggle to carve out her own identity while caring for Jo feels tender and authentic, especially as Jo’s final request — a return to New York — forces both women to confront the truth behind her sudden departure decades earlier.

The dual timelines weave together beautifully, revealing how ambition, sacrifice, and love shape a life in ways that aren’t always visible from the outside. The contrast between Jo’s high‑pressure world of Manhattan advertising and her later life running a flower shop in Michigan is striking, and the mystery of why she walked away keeps the story moving with quiet urgency. When the truth finally comes into focus, it feels earned — a blend of heartbreak, resilience, and the complicated choices women make to protect themselves and the people they love.

Sweeping, stylish, and emotionally resonant, The Making of a Mad Woman is a powerful exploration of legacy and reinvention. It’s a story about the courage it takes to claim the life you truly want, whether you’re a woman fighting for a seat in a 1960s boardroom or someone trying to step out from the shadow of the generation before you. A compelling, beautifully crafted read that lingers long after the final page.

With thanks to Kirsty Cambron, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Angie Miale · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Making of a Mad Woman is a dual-timeline blend of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and family drama, and for me, its strongest element was easily its look inside the golden age of advertising.

In Manhattan in 1962, Jo Carmichael is a model who returns to New York to succeed her father as CEO of a Madison Avenue advertising agency. Think Mad Men, but from the perspective of a woman trying to claim a seat at a table that was very much designed for men. (And despite the title, no, Jo isn’t actually “mad”—although trying to run a company as a woman in 1962 might have been enough to make anyone a little crazy.)

This was by far my favorite part of the novel. Cambron explores an interesting contradiction in advertising at the time: men were making the decisions about how products should be marketed, even though women controlled so many of the everyday purchasing decisions within American households. I loved getting a glimpse into how campaigns were created, who was allowed to have a voice in the room, and the ways women had to fight to be taken seriously in the business world. The Mad Men vibes are definitely there, but with a much more female-centered perspective.

In the present-day timeline, we meet Jo’s granddaughter Alex, who has spent much of her life living in the shadow of her formidable grandmother. Jo eventually walked away from Madison Avenue, but Alex doesn’t know the whole story of why. Now running a flower shop in Michigan, Alex finds herself drawn back into her grandmother’s past after Jo makes an unexpected request.

While I liked both timelines and thought the premise had a lot of potential, I never became quite as emotionally invested in the characters as I wanted to be. The characterization felt a little thin in places, particularly for a story centered so heavily on family history, identity, and the complicated relationships between generations of women. A little more depth there could have made the revelations and emotional moments land much harder for me.

Overall, I enjoyed The Making of a Mad Woman, but I’m not sure it will be one that sticks with me for very long. I’d recommend it especially to readers who enjoy historical fiction blended with contemporary women’s fiction, dual timelines, family secrets, and stories about women carving out space for themselves in male-dominated industries.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 stars
📚 Publication date: February 9, 2027

[Dieuwke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Making of a Mad Woman is a dual-time line historical fiction, and -as is often the case- both have a romance happening.

The novel opens in 1962 with Jo Carmichael who, we soon learn, is one of a kind. A former model, with a well to do British mother and a rich American father, she has also actually worked in advertising and did quite well.
Her father now, has died. His legacy, an advertising agency, and his inheritance is what is at stake. Jo's mother has ideas about them, as do Jo's half-brothers.

Jo, who's seen quite a bit of the world, including some of the bad (having been a model and all, and it being the misogynistic early 1960s) rises to the occasion and becomes CEO of the advertising agency on Madison Avenue. Clients and employees run - a woman boss can only mean bad news.

In present day there's Alex working as a florist, on her way to a blind date. She's stood up, but reconnects with the proprietor of the place: her childhood crush: her friend Molly's older brother.

of course these two timelines must make sense at some point, and it's up to the reader to fit the pieces together.

Jo's story, the running of an advertising agency in New York of the 1960's absolutely gripped me. I could've read a novel JUST about that, and about her. The city and the time really came to life (again, infuriatingly so - the MEN are.... well, and this novel is set in the USA, so there's racism too) It all us just so fascinating, there's Martin Luther King, Vietnam, the world changing ( 1963 the Beatles, 1967 Muhammad Ali just to name two random things) and there's a woman facing forward, very nearly on her own, in a world dominated by men.

Alex(andra) is Jo's granddaughter and together they travel back to NYC for a wedding, where the two storylines come together.

Rereading this review, I notice I basically skipped over Alexandra's story and that does say a lot about where my heart, and where the beauty of the book lies. Despite financial considerations, it did feel there wasn't much at stake for her and for her love interest.

That said, a very enjoyable read with lots of NYC now and then, with women who stand upon shoulders of women who'd kicked open doors, with intrigue and fairly recent history that has truly shaped today.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in return for my unbiased opinion

Out February 7, 2027

[Kloe Forster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Making of a Mad Woman ahead of the publication date. It is due for release in February 2027.

This was my first time reading a book by Kristy Cambron - I really enjoyed her writing style. I’m definitely going to be reading Kristy’s other novels soon!

I’m usually a big fan of historical fiction and this book pulled me in from the very first chapter.

The blending of the past and present timelines was very interesting (though, I think I preferred the past timeline if I was to choose… the present timeline just felt a bit too much like a romance novel for me and personally I’m not an avid romance reader but I can definitely see the appeal for those who are!).

The past timeline is set in Manhattan in the early 1960s and focusses on Jo Carmichael. It gives us a fascinating glimpse into Madison Avenue and the golden age of advertising. Jo is a true icon for feminism, becoming CEO of her father’s advertising company following his death. The present timeline starts off in rural Michigan and focuses on Jo’s granddaughter, Alex. Alex has inherited the family flower business and has her life paused to be there for Jo, who is now in her 90s.

Both women lead different lives yet they share similar struggles when it comes to sacrifice, love and legacy.

Both timelines explored the difficulties of family dynamics and were neatly brought together by towards the end of the book when Jo and Alex travel to New York together.

I would definitely recommend this book to others and it would be an excellent choice for a reading group discussion.

I haven’t seen Mad Men, but I feel inspired to watch it after reading this wonderful book. I could also see Making of a Mad Woman being adapted for screen in the near future!

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointment.

As a big fan of Mad Men, I was really hoping this book would delve further into the inner workings of a Madison Avenue ad firm during the heyday of the Creative Revolution, especially with the premise of a woman taking over her family's old-boys' firm. But instead of taking us along for the highs and lows of late-night pitch sessions, creative presentations, office politics, and wooing clients, we were simply told about the (always successful) results after they happened (in some cases, years have passed), almost as an aside. Interspersed with this was a completely separate story about a florist in Michigan, the ad woman's granddaughter. Entire plot lines in her story are equally glossed over.

Neither love story was believable, as both female protagonists barely spent any time with their respective love interests. The present-day granddaughter's former marriage and bout with cancer are briefly mentioned, almost as casually as you might describe what she was wearing. And the whole premise of a NYC destination wedding being pulled together in a matter of days by out-of-state vendors is preposterous. No NYC hotel would allow outside catering without charging a significant fee for the business they're losing.

I still don't know enough about either of these characters to cheer for them or be happy about their outcomes.

It's almost as if the author had two books outlined: the 1960s ad executive and the 2026 florist, but not enough story for either one to be a full book. So she jammed them together as grandmother and granddaughter to meet the page requirement. In the end, I was left wishing the author had picked one story and actually given it the depth it deserved.

I was given an ARC of this book by Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Readers meet Jo Carmichael in 1962 as she mourns the loss of her father. Jo's resolve to confront the antiquated racism and sexism of the advertising profession during the Golden Age of Advertising particularly impressed me as she did what she could to save her father's company.

I could only imagine the expressions on the board member faces when she brought up the growing impact of American housewives and working women as significant consumers. After all, women were frequently the ones who decided what to buy for their families!

Jo's bravery in speaking up and challenging the status quo truly blew me away. She was a fascinating figure because of her opinions, tenacity, and readiness to defend herself.

The other time line is current time, Port Huron, MI. Where Alex Carmichael has spent her life in the shadow of her legendary grandmother, Jo Carmichael, who once ruled New York’s advertising world.

Jo makes one final, unexpected request—one that turns their worlds upside down. In her old age she was reminded that "when we feel like we can’t control what’s happening around us, we can control our response.”

This is a must-read, as the author does an excellent job evoking the spirit of the 1960s, when the world was rapidly changing on all fronts. This novel deeply touched me. I highly recommend this as a book club pick. There is a lot to discuss.

I liked this quote from author notes: ““I hope this novel is a tribute to the spirt and the lasting impact of Mary Wells Lawrences in our history. If not for her grit and grace, intelligence and ingenuity, and sheer determination to advance against the odds, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to pick up a pen and write this or any novel.”

I requested an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
Nora St Laurent

[Cynthia Zepeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Options expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely loved Jo and admired the courage it took for her to become the CEO of an advertising company back in the 1960s. During a time when women were not expected or encouraged to take on leadership roles, Jo proved that women are capable of achieving incredible things. It just goes to show that with hard work, dedication, and determination, women can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Sometimes, you have to fight tooth and nail for what you want!

Then we have Alex, Jo’s granddaughter, who is humble and doing her best to survive on her own. I admired her independence, but girl, sometimes you have to accept help! There is absolutely no shame in needing a little support when life gets tough.

Although I would have loved to see more of Jo in her role as CEO, I really enjoyed the overall story. But there was one part that truly touched my heart:

“I chose the path of owning my name for a different one. After all, if I’d changed it, how would the man I loved find me if he ever came home?”

THIS! That was such a beautiful and heartbreaking sentiment. The thought of holding on to your name, your identity, and the hope that the person you love might find their way back to you? Just beautiful.

I definitely did NOT expect this book to turn out to be a love story.

Overall: A story about love, resilience, independence, and women fighting for the lives they want. I went into this book expecting one thing and got something entirely different, and I enjoyed the journey!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I appreciate the opportunity. All thoughts are my own.

[Cindy Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Making of a Mad Woman by Kristy Cambron
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but all opinions are completely my own.
I thought this was going to be a story about a woman who goes mad. Boy, was I wrong! The “Mad” in the title refers to the advertising industry on Madison Avenue in the 1960s—think Mad Men!
The story moves between 1960s Madison Avenue and present-day Lake Huron, Michigan, showing us two strong, independent women determined to make their own way in this world.
In the 1960s, Jo takes over her father’s advertising agency after his death—a nearly an unheard-of move for a woman in this very male-dominated industry. After losing clients, she builds an incredible team of women, wins clients back, lands new ones, and becomes a highly successful and famous advertising executive.
In the present day, Alex, Jo’s granddaughter, runs the flower shop her grandmother built after leaving the corporate world. But Jo has been keeping family secrets, and Alex is determined to uncover the truth.
I absolutely loved Jo’s character development—from a young, fearless CEO to a regal woman in her 90s who still has plenty of life left in her. I especially enjoyed the warm, honest relationship between Jo and Alex.
There’s romance woven into both stories, but it’s light, sweet, and satisfying.
I loved this story! The characters pulled me in, the writing was easy to read, and yes…this was definitely a “just one more chapter” until midnight kind of book!
The Making of a Mad Woman will be published February 9, 2027, so add it to your TBR and consider preordering it—especially if you love strong women, family secrets, and dual timelines!
I gave it 4*’s!

[Jacqueline Rackard · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the reasons that I requested this ARC was because I am a big fan of the 1960s particularly life in New York City and the way that women began more involved in male dominated professions. Kristy Cambron's novel provides a close- up look at the life of a confident, intelligent and skillful woman, Jo, who leaves her jet setting life to take over her father's ad agency after his death.

As soon as the story starts, I am Jo's fan. Her desire to speak out against injustices (particularly those centered around women), her strong work ethic and her vow to make a difference in the inequity of women's job prospects spoke to me immediately. Then comes the first surprise, a short time after growing her father's business, Jo leaves it behind in a very mysterious way.

We are transported to Jo's in her old age as she manages a small flower shop. The dual timelines, Jo as a young executive, and Jo as an elderly woman in the present day provides an depth to the her character arc. Why did Jo leave New York and her career behind?

This story blends the concept of female empowerment, a heartwarming relationship between Jo and Alex, and a greater look at the ways that women struggled to survive the preconceived notions of womanhood in the very male dominated work force of the 1960s.

The descriptions of life in NYC and in the small city where Jo builds her later life are perfectly depicted and I truly appreciated the manner in which I could perceive the vast differences in Jo's life. In the end, everything comes together with even pacing and a solid ending. I appreciate the manner in which Cambron weaves the narrative into an enlightening, realistic and fascinating story.

[Second Chapter Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristy Cambron has done it again.

From the very first chapter, The Making of a Mad Woman pulled me into its beautifully crafted dual timeline and never let go. I was just as invested in Jo's journey through the cutthroat world of 1960s Madison Avenue as I was in Alex's present-day search for the truth about her family's past.

Jo is the kind of heroine I love reading about. She's intelligent, determined, and refuses to let anyone define what she's is capable of. Watching her fight to prove herself in a male-dominated industry made her impossible not to root for.

What I loved most was the balance between historical detail and emotional depth. This isn't just a story about advertising or business. It's about family, ambition, sacrifice, love, and the legacy we leave behind. Every chapter added another layer, and I found myself completely immersed in both timelines.

Kristy Cambron's writing is elegant and engaging, making the pages fly by while still giving every emotional moment the time it deserves. By the time I reached the final pages, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters.

If you love historical fiction with strong female leads, dual timelines, family secrets, and stories that stay with you long after you've finished, The Making of a Mad Woman belongs on your must-read list.

This is an easy five-star read and one I know I'll be recommending often in my bookstore.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told in dual timelines—the turbulent 1960s and the present day—this remarkable story blends vivid historical detail with deeply relatable characters, drawing the reader in from the very first page.
In the 1960s, Jo Carmichael is one of Europe’s top runway models. When her estranged father dies, she returns to New York for his funeral and discovers that his once thriving Madison Avenue ad agency is facing serious financial trouble. To everyone’s surprise, Jo walks away from her prestigious modeling career and persuades the board to appoint her as CEO. With determination and a mostly female team, she works tirelessly to restore the agency’s success, all while battling a male dominated industry and outsmarting the “Mad Men” who underestimate her.
The present day storyline unfolds in Michigan, where Jo’s granddaughter, Alex Carmichael, has lived her entire life. Years earlier, Jo abruptly left her high-powered career in New York and chose a quieter life running a flower shop. Now in her nineties, Jo remains sharp, commanding, and fiercely independent, and Alex has put much of her own life on hold to care for her. When the truth behind Jo’s sudden departure from New York finally comes to light, it not only reframes Jo’s past but also empowers Alex to make some life altering decisions of her own.
This is an engaging, heartfelt novel that beautifully intertwines ambition, resilience, and the legacy of strong women across generations.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Kristy Cambron, and I really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one, but I ended up getting really pulled into the story.

It's told in two timelines, with Jo in 1960s New York and her granddaughter Alex in the present day. I liked both storylines, but Jo's was definitely my favorite. I loved the whole Madison Avenue advertising setting and watching her try to make her place in a world that was very much dominated by men. Some of the things she had to deal with just because she was a woman were frustrating to read, but they also made me root for her even more.

I also found the advertising side really interesting. It's not something I've read much about before, and I loved getting that glimpse into New York and the advertising world in the 60s. Honestly, I could have read an entire book just about Jo and her time on Madison Avenue.

Alex's present-day story didn't pull me in quite as much, but I still enjoyed it, especially as we started learning more about Jo's past and why she eventually left New York. I also really liked the relationship between Jo and Alex and seeing how the choices made by one generation can affect the next.

There is some romance, family drama and secrets along the way, but for me, Jo and her story were what really made this book.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable historical fiction read and a great introduction to Kristy Cambron. I would definitely read more from her after this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Denise-Marie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Best Books I’ve Read This Year

I tore through The Making of a Mad Woman. This dual-timeline novel moves between the early 1960s and the present, following a grandmother in the past and her granddaughter today, while also revealing the deep love they share in the present. It was my first novel by Kristy Cambron, but it certainly won’t be my last.

I absolutely loved both storylines. The historical thread vividly portrays the culture of the early sixties and the formidable barriers women faced as they fought to rise to the highest levels of major corporations. The present-day thread was equally compelling, and the bond between the grandmother and granddaughter made both stories even more meaningful.

The novel also portrays with painful realism the emotional strain that multiple marriages can place on children. That added another layer of complexity to the family relationships and made the characters feel even more authentic.

At heart, this is also a deeply satisfying love story. The romance was palpable and completely satisfying to this incurable romantic. As a lover of all things floral, I also delighted in the wonderful detail surrounding floral artistry.

The ending surprised me in the best possible way and brought me to tears. This was one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Carmichael, a successful model and young woman, moves back to New York in 1962 after her father dies to take over his Madison Avenue advertising company. This is unheard of: women don’t know anything about advertising, and all advertisements are still targeted towards men. As she advances the strategy, she makes friends and enemies alike; she meets the love of her life, Sam, whose idealism pulls him far from her.

Fast-forward 40+ years, and Alex Carmichael lives in Michigan, running a flower shop where she runs into her old crush, Finn, who, last she heard, was a successful chef in New York City. After battling a
personal illness, she’s been caring for her eccentric grandmother for years while running the family flower shop. When she finds an old picture of a man in her grandmother’s things, Alex is challenged with trying to figure out who it is because it’s not the grandfather she grew up with.

Stories collide, and everything is revealed when Jo suddenly needs to visit New York, and ropes Alex and Finn to accompany her. It is then that Alex realizes her grandmother is far more than she ever believed. This is what historical fiction should be- inspiring, daring, well-written, and intriguing.

Thank you to Kristy Cambron and Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me to review this arc freely in exchange for an honest review.
#TheMakingofAMadWoman #libraryninja📚

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter, I could sense this was going to read well & transition between the 1960s with its societal, political & cultural changes to present day with ease.

The Making of a Mad Woman checks all the boxes for captivating characters, a jet-set lifestyle that is easily envisioned & historical accuracy. As someone from an older demographic, the descriptions of the settings felt familiar & the habits of both the men & women read authentic.

That plot would have been entertaining enough. It certainly could sell books & gain positive feedback. The author takes the story further here & creates a subplot that too few authors seem to explore.

No one escapes Father Time nor does sickness discriminate either. No matter where you are reading, health battles strike at any age. These hurdles can sideline even the youngest dreams for a career or a relationship & that includes several key persons in this book.

Most readers are going to recognize events like this given our healthcare services. I felt this added depth rarely seen in historical fiction & I think it sets the read apart. Rare is the person who doesn’t know someone that has suffered with health issues or seeking care.

I thank NetGalley, the author, & Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.

[Amy Campbell · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I like Kristy Cambron, but I think this one tried to do too much. It's like going to a restaurant with a 40 page menu of all the things and none of it is very interesting. This is a dual timeline family history that goes between the 60's and now. In the 60s, Alex's grandmother was a fashion model who took over a family ad agency. That was...unexpected...as she didn't have much prior experience in a) running a business b) advertising or c) involvement with her family. There were cultural references aplenty.

The story veers back and forth between this era and her granddaughter Alex trying to keep a struggling flower shop afloat while recovering from cancer (never fully explored as to how/when) and looking for love online. Enter the childhood bestie's brother who is back in the small Michigan town for reasons of his own, which become apparently later and cause the predictable tension between the two characters.

It wraps up neatly at the end. It was a pleasant afternoon's reading but I didn't walk away thinking oh, what a great book! I'll still follow Ms. Cambron, but this one was a bit below par for me.

With thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The MAKING OF A Mad Woman
By: Kristy Cambron
Pub Date: February 9, 2027
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

A dual time line which starts in 1962. Manhattan is filled with a male-dominated industry, but Josephine (Jo) Carmichael is about to enter that world. The cover of this book shows a well-dressed woman from those times. Gloves, hat, hoes and a fitted suit. Bold, and gorgeous. She is out to make her mark as Madison Avenue CEO, and the men around her are not ready.

Jo shows the world what she wants them to see and not her vulnerability and what it might cost her to get what she wants.

The current time line has Jo’s granddaughter and her world. She is working in Michigan running a flower show.

This story is filled with resilience, women’s issues, some romance and family. A powerful and must read. Loved this story and I could not help but remember the show “ Mad Men” and those times.

I was completely immersed in these characters. The authors writing had me engaged and spent my afternoon in another time period.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, I received a complementary copy of this book and the opinions that I expressed are my own. I enjoyed this book based on the experiences of a young woman, Jo Carmichael who becomes the CEO of a prominent Madison Ave , New York ad agency in the 1960’s. The story focuses on Jo’s trials and tribulations, challenges, and sexism that she faced as a young woman running this company that she inherited from her father and her desire to expand and modernize this organization. The story also has a dual timeline that focuses on Jo’s granddaughter, Alex , living in Michigan working as a florist in current time. I enjoyed both timelines , but I especially enjoyed reading about Jo’s experiences in the 1960’s, I wished that perhaps the author would have elaborated on that part of the story. The story about Alex was good and I believe the purpose was to show Alex the women can flourish and dream big and accomplish many things based on her grandmother’s experiences. I would highly recommend this enjoyable book.

[Caz Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely mine.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Wow!! This was a 5 star read for me absolutely loved every part, its one of those books you don’t want to put down but at the same time also don't want to end!!

I have never read a book by this author and I will be exploring her back catalogue after reading this, this book is a beautiful historical fiction novel with dual timeline and present day. I absolutely loved the characters both Jo and Alex were incredible. Jo becomes CEO of an advertising company in the 1960s and the storyline follows this alongside the storyline of her granddaughter Alex battling financial issues from running a small boutique flower shop, the stories come together beautifully and I may have shed a tear.

If you love historical fiction, romance, strong female characters and an epic storyline this book is for you! I truly wish it didnt have to end.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in so many ways! After the first three chapters I was totally hooked and I loved how the dual timelines were written. This author is so talented and there are many little details in this story that are special. I have never watched Mad Men so I truly had no expectations at all in that regard. I enjoyed the 60s era and felt like I was really there in New York with them. Rarely do I love both timelines, but in this book I really did! I was excited to jump back and forth and there is a little hint of a mystery that is tied up in the end. There is clean romance but there is so much more within the pages of this story. The characters all have something hard to work through and several times I teared up. I just loved everything about this story and it is one of my favorites of the year.
I highly recommend!

Five stars.

"I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book! Dual timelines of 1960s & present day. Often when stories are written about strong women there is a focus on the bad men around them. This story did have that, but the focus on men was on the loving supportive men, strong men who know how to apologize. While I know that isn’t everyone’s experience, I have felt lately that those men are ignored in books and that we are pushed to believe all men and bad.

There are two main characters in this book - Jo who is a strong leader, smart, creative, and ambitious. Then there is Alex who is also smart and creative, but needs confidence and support to push her forward. Both characters felt real and relatable and you see their growth. The romance was believable and pacing was good.

I was going to give this book 4 stars, but I keep thinking about it and was emotionally invested so I’m upping it to 5.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

[Cindy Bokma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read, offering a glimpse inside the world of advertising in the 1960s. Think of Mad Men, but from a woman's point of view.

Josephine "Jo" Carmichael is working as model but when the opportunity comes to run her family's business after the death of her father, she grabs it. Deep in debt, the agency is floundering and it needs new ideas and a bold direction, and Jo knows she is the one to take over and create something special.

Naturally a woman in a "man's world" in the 1960s is going to offer a bunch of obstacles and Jo deals with them as they come, with her incredible wisdom and intelligence.

We go from the 1960s and Jo in NYC, to Michigan where her granddaughter Alex is running a flower shop, but she dreams of more. Will she find her grandmother's resolve within herself? When she takes her grandmother on a trip to Manhattan, she ends up with a new perspective on her grandmother and herself.

This is a good, solid book that moves quickly!