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Paper Fortunes
Based on a true story. A disgraced nurse. A grieving socialite. A mentally challenged young woman. One baby.
Chicago, 1937. The Elizabeth Sullivan Home for Destitute and Degenerate Women is a crumbling Victorian mansion on the city’s South Side where women go when they have nowhere else to turn.
Marian Walters arrives at the Home as a disgraced nurse hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she is drawn to Opal Olson, a mentally challenged girl who turns up at the Home unable—or unwilling—to explain who she is or where she came from, carrying only a worn quilt and a small bag of paper fortunes. The more Marian learns about Opal, the more desperate she becomes to discover the girl’s secrets while hiding her own.
Across the city in a Drexel Boulevard mansion, wealthy socialite Evelyn Porter is suffocating beneath her mother's expectations and her own private grief. After a stay at a discreet country sanitarium fails to mend what is broken inside her, Evelyn returns home convinced that one thing alone can save her. But what she quickly learns is that what she wants most in the world may come at a price she never anticipated.
Told in three voices, Paper Fortunes follows three women whose lives are about to collide over a single child—and the paper-thin line between the futures we are handed and the ones we can still rewrite.
Perfect for readers who love historical fiction based on a true story, a class divide between three women, mental health and the asylums of the 1930s, a disgraced heroine’s second chance, motherhood and adoption, found family, and workplace romance.
Fans of Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours and Kristin Hannah will find a story that stays with them long after the last page.
Chicago, 1937. The Elizabeth Sullivan Home for Destitute and Degenerate Women is a crumbling Victorian mansion on the city’s South Side where women go when they have nowhere else to turn.
Marian Walters arrives at the Home as a disgraced nurse hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she is drawn to Opal Olson, a mentally challenged girl who turns up at the Home unable—or unwilling—to explain who she is or where she came from, carrying only a worn quilt and a small bag of paper fortunes. The more Marian learns about Opal, the more desperate she becomes to discover the girl’s secrets while hiding her own.
Across the city in a Drexel Boulevard mansion, wealthy socialite Evelyn Porter is suffocating beneath her mother's expectations and her own private grief. After a stay at a discreet country sanitarium fails to mend what is broken inside her, Evelyn returns home convinced that one thing alone can save her. But what she quickly learns is that what she wants most in the world may come at a price she never anticipated.
Told in three voices, Paper Fortunes follows three women whose lives are about to collide over a single child—and the paper-thin line between the futures we are handed and the ones we can still rewrite.
Perfect for readers who love historical fiction based on a true story, a class divide between three women, mental health and the asylums of the 1930s, a disgraced heroine’s second chance, motherhood and adoption, found family, and workplace romance.
Fans of Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours and Kristin Hannah will find a story that stays with them long after the last page.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Michelle Cox
12 books1,966 followersMichelle Cox has always been obsessed with stories of the past and has spent a lifetime collecting them. She is the award-winning author of historical fiction, including the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, The Fallen Woman’s Daughter, and The Merriweather Novels. Cox also pens the wildly popular, “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog chronicling the lives of Chicago’s forgotten residents.
She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 16, 2026
Set in Chicago, 1937, this story is a heartbreaker. The reader will get all the feels with this one because as wonderful as the characters are written, this is a gritty tale of three women. Evelyn is a wealthy wife, but dealing with the grief of losing a baby. Opal is a very poor, not well educated, pregnant young woman who also loses a baby. Marian is a single nurse that is connected to both of these women. The reader experiences the story from each view point. Even though Evelyn has status and money, that does not prevent her heart from breaking and her husband having no clue how to help except sending her away to a "spa" to get better. Opal just wants to be loved and have a home which she finds at the Elizabeth Sullivan Home for Destitute and Degenerate Women. Marian escapes from a hospital catastrophe for which she gets blamed involving Evelyn, and tries to restart her career and life at this same Elizabeth Sullivan Home where she meets Opal.
Even though the subject matter was tragic, I really enjoyed the character development and storytelling in this book. What was even better was the Author's Notes explain that Opal's story came from a real woman the author met at her job at a nursing home years ago.
I would recommend this book to all historical fiction readers, especially those that want to read a 1930s midwestern based tale.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Even though the subject matter was tragic, I really enjoyed the character development and storytelling in this book. What was even better was the Author's Notes explain that Opal's story came from a real woman the author met at her job at a nursing home years ago.
I would recommend this book to all historical fiction readers, especially those that want to read a 1930s midwestern based tale.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A delicately woven story, set in 1937. Three women with different circumstances cross paths in an unexpected way, ultimately sharing in an unexpected outcome. Opal appears to be a simple person who only wants to be reunited with her mother, but finds herself abandoned by her only remaining family.
Evelyn is a wealthy married woman who is traumatized by the tragic circumstances around the birth of her first child. She feels unloved, not understood, and trapped.
Marian is a nurse who continues to encounter working situations that result in her having to move on to another position. When she meets Opal, she is determined to unravel Opal’s story and find out how she ended up at the home where Marian works.
The author tells the intersecting story of these three characters from each of their different perspectives/voices. Their individual stories lead them down the path that they follow and the choices that they make. The reader is able to relate equally to each of them, being drawn into their perspective and understanding why they make the choices that they do.
A well written story that will leave you wondering how the characters come together, keeping the reader engaged and interested until the end.
I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Evelyn is a wealthy married woman who is traumatized by the tragic circumstances around the birth of her first child. She feels unloved, not understood, and trapped.
Marian is a nurse who continues to encounter working situations that result in her having to move on to another position. When she meets Opal, she is determined to unravel Opal’s story and find out how she ended up at the home where Marian works.
The author tells the intersecting story of these three characters from each of their different perspectives/voices. Their individual stories lead them down the path that they follow and the choices that they make. The reader is able to relate equally to each of them, being drawn into their perspective and understanding why they make the choices that they do.
A well written story that will leave you wondering how the characters come together, keeping the reader engaged and interested until the end.
I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
August 31, 2026
I loved this wonderfully emotional story. I loved Opal, Marian and Evelyn. I laughed and cried as we see depression, teen pregnancy and poverty. I loved how these three women become involved. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.
September 9, 2026
Chicago, 1937. The Great Depression has tightened its grip on the city, and three women find themselves bound together by the Elizabeth Sullivan Home for Destitute and Degenerate Women—a crumbling Victorian mansion that promises refuge while quietly trading in secrets.
Marian Walters, a disgraced nurse, arrives at the Home hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she finds herself drawn into the life of Opal Olson—a mentally challenged young woman who turns up at the Home unable to explain her circumstances, carrying only a worn quilt and a small bag of paper fortunes. As Marian attempts to unravel the mystery of Opal’s past, a crisis forces her to choose between following the rules and following her conscience.
Across the city in a Drexel Boulevard mansion, wealthy socialite Evelyn Porter is suffocating beneath her mother's expectations and her own private grief. After a stay at a discreet country sanitarium fails to mend what is broken inside her, Evelyn returns home convinced that one thing alone can save her — and she is about to learn that what she wants most in the world may come at a price she never anticipated.
Told in three interwoven voices, Paper Fortunes is a story about three women whose fates become tangled in a way none of them could have predicted—andthe fragile, paper-thin line between the futures we are given and the futures that can still be rewritten.
Marian Walters, a disgraced nurse, arrives at the Home hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she finds herself drawn into the life of Opal Olson—a mentally challenged young woman who turns up at the Home unable to explain her circumstances, carrying only a worn quilt and a small bag of paper fortunes. As Marian attempts to unravel the mystery of Opal’s past, a crisis forces her to choose between following the rules and following her conscience.
Across the city in a Drexel Boulevard mansion, wealthy socialite Evelyn Porter is suffocating beneath her mother's expectations and her own private grief. After a stay at a discreet country sanitarium fails to mend what is broken inside her, Evelyn returns home convinced that one thing alone can save her — and she is about to learn that what she wants most in the world may come at a price she never anticipated.
Told in three interwoven voices, Paper Fortunes is a story about three women whose fates become tangled in a way none of them could have predicted—andthe fragile, paper-thin line between the futures we are given and the futures that can still be rewritten.
August 31, 2026
During the Great Depression, three women, all from different socio-economic strata, find that they are connected in unexpected ways. There’s Opal, an orphaned young woman with some mental delays. Her siblings treat her poorly because of her slowness. Opal has a good heart and works to help support herself and her siblings. Marian, a young nurse, keeps finding herself in damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t situations. It costs her more than one position. She tries her best and works hard while tending to her widowed, sickly mother. Finally, there’s Evelyn, a wealthy young socialite, suffering after the loss of her newborn. She’s been sent to spend time in a sanatorium to deal with her grief, and she thinks she’s fallen in love with her therapist. Life, in the unpredictable way it works, brings the women together. Not everything goes smoothly, but in the end, things end in a good way for all.
This was an interesting and informative read. It offers insight into mental health in 1930s America. It touches on depression, attempted suicide, teenaged pregnancy, sexual abuse, transference of affections, adoption, and more. There are good aspects to the story as well, dealing with family, friendship, and romance.
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s an informative, if fictional, look at life in the Chicago area in the 1930s. It highlights the fact that mental illness can, and does, affect people from all levels of society. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity in sharing this book with me, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
This was an interesting and informative read. It offers insight into mental health in 1930s America. It touches on depression, attempted suicide, teenaged pregnancy, sexual abuse, transference of affections, adoption, and more. There are good aspects to the story as well, dealing with family, friendship, and romance.
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s an informative, if fictional, look at life in the Chicago area in the 1930s. It highlights the fact that mental illness can, and does, affect people from all levels of society. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity in sharing this book with me, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
September 11, 2026
Once again, Michelle Cox has taken us back in time to the post depression era and into the livs of some very interesting and complex women of the time. Each one is in a different social class and dealing with different life problems.
As their lives intersect, a lower class young woman with mental challenges and an unexpected pregnancy, a digraced nurse, and a wealthy socialite who has suffered loss, find their lives intertwined
as they try to solve their prblems, each in her own way, showing us even back in the 1930s, women who did not have many rights, were able to have some control of their future.
This is a book that will keep you glued to the pages until the unexpected ending. Like all of Cox's works, the historical elements are meticulously researched and the character iteresting and believable.
Enjoy.
I received a coplimentary ARC copy fro the author in exchange for an honest reiew.
Sandra Machaj
As their lives intersect, a lower class young woman with mental challenges and an unexpected pregnancy, a digraced nurse, and a wealthy socialite who has suffered loss, find their lives intertwined
as they try to solve their prblems, each in her own way, showing us even back in the 1930s, women who did not have many rights, were able to have some control of their future.
This is a book that will keep you glued to the pages until the unexpected ending. Like all of Cox's works, the historical elements are meticulously researched and the character iteresting and believable.
Enjoy.
I received a coplimentary ARC copy fro the author in exchange for an honest reiew.
Sandra Machaj
Review of advance copy received from Author
I eagerly devoured Michelle Cox's Paper Fortunes in a matter of a couple of days. Her author voice quickly ensnared me, pulling me into the setting and plot. Chicago in the 1930's is a time of dichotomy between the privileged few and the masses in lower and middle class struggling to survive the effects of the Great Depression. From the back alleys of the homeless to the mansions of the elite, Ms. Cox's story is one of suffering and injustice but also of hope and resilience. Filled with unforgettable characters whose stories grabbed hold of my heart and would not let go.
This is a poignant tale with several gritty subjects that the author's pen handles with grace but also doesn't beat around the bush at the realities of life. Three women's stories are skillfully woven into a brilliant masterpiece. I love the way the author allows the reader to gain an understanding of the reactions and motives of each as their individual stories slowly merge.
I highly recommend reading the author notes at the end. Learning that Opal's story was based on one told to the author in a nursing home made it that much more poignant and memorable. A wonderful tribute to all of the Opals who have quietly made their mark and been forgotten.
***content warning- adult topics for mature readers, sexual abuse, traumas associated with pregnancy, and foul language from a minor character.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a poignant tale with several gritty subjects that the author's pen handles with grace but also doesn't beat around the bush at the realities of life. Three women's stories are skillfully woven into a brilliant masterpiece. I love the way the author allows the reader to gain an understanding of the reactions and motives of each as their individual stories slowly merge.
I highly recommend reading the author notes at the end. Learning that Opal's story was based on one told to the author in a nursing home made it that much more poignant and memorable. A wonderful tribute to all of the Opals who have quietly made their mark and been forgotten.
***content warning- adult topics for mature readers, sexual abuse, traumas associated with pregnancy, and foul language from a minor character.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This novel about three different women, whose lives all intersect in the late 1930's during a time when men still very much made all decisions. Opal shows up at the Elizabeth Sullivan Home for the Destitute and Degenerate Women, she is well into her pregnancy and needs help. Keeping very much to herself, she doesn't give much information but she has a roof over her head, food and a doctor monitoring her pregnancy. Marian Walters has just started at Elizabeth Sullivan and has taken an interest in Opal. She is curious to know her story and how she got into the position she is in, she very much feels someone took advantage of her and wonders if she understands what is happening. At least she came here and sought help. Evelyn Porter is struggling with the grief over losing the baby, her husband has sent her off to a "spa" for recovery and she has been sent back home per doctor orders that she is cured. When Opal goes missing and it's Marian finds out her baby was adopted to a wealthy family, she will do everything she can to find the both of them. The trail leads her to the front door of her past and what she finds has her shocked, but she could never imaged things would have turned out how they have. A heartfelt read based on a true story from the history of those in Chicago, and during a time when women hardly had rights over their bodies. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set in Chicago during the Great Depression, this story is about three women whose lives become intertwined in a way no one would have thought. Marian Walters, a nurse, starts her job at The Elizabeth Sullivan Home for Destitute and Degenerate Women. Opal Olsen, a mentally challenged young girl is one of the residents. She is expecting a baby and Marian grows close to her. Evelyn Porter is a wealthy socialite, who has returned from a stay at a country sanitarium recovering from the grief of losing a pregnancy. The book tells the story of Opal's past life, Marion's life outside of work and why she was let go from her job at a city hospital, and Evelyn's life as she battles grief and a feeling of helplessness. I loved all the characters as they are described in detail. The story is one of faith, strength, and believing in the future. I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2026
I loved this book. It starts off a bit hard to follow, but don't let that discourage you. The protagonists are three women in different social classes living in Chicago in the latter part of the Great Depression. The excellent writing presents a clear picture of life for the homeless, and the merely poor, as well as the middle class and the well to do. Americans today would benefit from seeing those pictures. The book begins by telling each of the protagonists’ stories in parallel. Gradually, their stories come together. This book is packed with emotion: tragedy, hopelessness, perseverance and love. It is the emotional aspects of the book that make it compelling and kept my rapt attention. I read the book in less than 24 hours. I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book, based on a true story, is so well written that it pretty much pulls you in right away to these 3 women's lives. Taking place in 1937, we have 3 women of very different means whose lives are just about to become entwined with each other. The way that Michelle Cox manages to write about them and gets so much of their personalities into this story makes you care about each one of them.
The authors' notes at the end of the book are also very good and make looking back on the book even better, seeing how she took the story and filled in with excellent storytelling to flesh out what was known.
In my honest opinion, this is a recommended read for anyone interested in history, especially what different classes not only had in common but how they were able to deal with those issues.
This book, based on a true story, is so well written that it pretty much pulls you in right away to these 3 women's lives. Taking place in 1937, we have 3 women of very different means whose lives are just about to become entwined with each other. The way that Michelle Cox manages to write about them and gets so much of their personalities into this story makes you care about each one of them.
The authors' notes at the end of the book are also very good and make looking back on the book even better, seeing how she took the story and filled in with excellent storytelling to flesh out what was known.
In my honest opinion, this is a recommended read for anyone interested in history, especially what different classes not only had in common but how they were able to deal with those issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2026
Three women, Opal, Marian, and Evelyn, have nothing in common; but their lives intersect. In Chicago, in 1937, there is wide gap between the wealthy d the poor. Men are the decision makers and women, just follow along.
Truly heartbreaking events are revealed as Opal, who is considered mentally challenged, shows up bruised and pregnant at a home for unwed mothers. She shows up on Marian’s first day of work as a nurse. The pair strike up an unlikely friendship. Marian is more independent and does not always want to just agree with the men’s decisions.
On the other side of tome, Evelyn has suffered severe depression following the loss of her baby soon after it was born
Tragedy and poverty are seen in the book. It is a different time in history when things are often hidden behind closed doors
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
Truly heartbreaking events are revealed as Opal, who is considered mentally challenged, shows up bruised and pregnant at a home for unwed mothers. She shows up on Marian’s first day of work as a nurse. The pair strike up an unlikely friendship. Marian is more independent and does not always want to just agree with the men’s decisions.
On the other side of tome, Evelyn has suffered severe depression following the loss of her baby soon after it was born
Tragedy and poverty are seen in the book. It is a different time in history when things are often hidden behind closed doors
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
August 31, 2026
I love all things Michelle Cox, she writes the best historical fiction and this does not disappoint!! I could not put this down!! The story takes place in the 1930's with three women who are intertwined, but you wouldn't think they would be. Marian Walter's is a nurse who looses her job. The only place she can find one, is a house for destitute women. Opal is a young girl with a slow mind, and lives at the Elizabeth Sullivan Home for destitute and degenerate women. She carries around a bag with gumball fortunes inside; she has these from when she worked at the gumball factory, for a pittance. We also have Evelyn; who is a wealthy, educated woman, who is morning the loss of her baby. How could these women's stories possibly interconnected? Love the plot, great settings, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Michelle Cox!!!
October 28, 2026
Paper Fortunes is a poignant story about 3 women from very different walks of life that due to circumstances become entwined in an emotionally compelling story that keeps you intrigued throughout the tale. The ending delivers an unforgettable twist that is equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I thank Michelle again for the opportunity to read her ARC copy of her latest standalone historical fiction, Paper Fortunes. This novel was based on a true story that was told to her by a woman she met while working in a nursing home. She shared in her author’s note that “ I listened to and collected and curated hundreds and hundreds of stories. One thing that struck me was what rich lives, bad and good, these ordinary people had led and how they had faced and overcome, or capitulated to, so many obstacles.” I look forward to her sharing many more in her future novels.
September 6, 2026
This was an excellent read by one of my favourite authors.
I enjoyed the way the story was told from the perspective of three completely different women from three different walks of life.
The story was heartbreaking and heart warming in equal measure. It brought me to tears on a couple of occasions. The story is beautifully written with vivid descriptions which transport the reader directly into the characters' lives.
It should make any woman grateful that she didn't live in that time period. This book was riveting and I found it really difficult to put down and even when I put it down, I found it difficult to get out of my head.
I really look forward to reading another book by this author. I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the way the story was told from the perspective of three completely different women from three different walks of life.
The story was heartbreaking and heart warming in equal measure. It brought me to tears on a couple of occasions. The story is beautifully written with vivid descriptions which transport the reader directly into the characters' lives.
It should make any woman grateful that she didn't live in that time period. This book was riveting and I found it really difficult to put down and even when I put it down, I found it difficult to get out of my head.
I really look forward to reading another book by this author. I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2026
Michelle Cox does not disappoint with her historical fiction books. Paper Fortunes had many threads and I was wondering how the author was intertwining the stories. Once those threads connected, everything fell into place and I couldn’t put it down.
Michelle writes her characters with a realness that touches your heart and makes you feel like you know them. The subject matter in this book could be heavy, but Michelle keeps it honest, real, and pertinent.
Highly suggest reading this book and her Henrietta and Inspector Howard series. This series mentions my hometown and surrounding areas which is a fun twist. The stories are rich and Henrietta is one of my favorite fictional characters.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the author. This review and my opinions are my own.
Michelle writes her characters with a realness that touches your heart and makes you feel like you know them. The subject matter in this book could be heavy, but Michelle keeps it honest, real, and pertinent.
Highly suggest reading this book and her Henrietta and Inspector Howard series. This series mentions my hometown and surrounding areas which is a fun twist. The stories are rich and Henrietta is one of my favorite fictional characters.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the author. This review and my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a reveiw.
Three women in different life situations find themselves on a collision course in this sad yet optimistic story. The tale is emotionally poignant and touching. I found myself invested in the outcome, wanting the best for the infant, but also not sure exactly what they would be. By the end of the story, all three women were facing a promising future. The ending left me with a feeling of hope.
Michelle Cox writes emotionally charged stories that capture your heart and leaves the reader with a positive feeling.
Three women in different life situations find themselves on a collision course in this sad yet optimistic story. The tale is emotionally poignant and touching. I found myself invested in the outcome, wanting the best for the infant, but also not sure exactly what they would be. By the end of the story, all three women were facing a promising future. The ending left me with a feeling of hope.
Michelle Cox writes emotionally charged stories that capture your heart and leaves the reader with a positive feeling.
August 28, 2026
Paper Fortunes has many lessons on love, loss and learning to trust again. Michelle Cox writes with a deep compassion how women in an era of being thought of as “less than” proved to be far stronger and resilient than the dominating men. Sometimes it just wasn’t men - it could be a female supervisor, sister, or a mother trying and sometimes succeeding to make a woman feel they had little to no value. All too often they were proven wrong. I highly recommend this book.
August 29, 2026
Beautifully written book about harsh circumstances. It is amazing how this author was able to weave a story of three completely different women from vastly varied social situations around some terrible realities into a compelling and heartwrenching tale. I turned the pages as fast as I could so I could see where this story was going to take me. I always know I am in good hands when reading a book by Ms. Cox.
September 8, 2026
Cox does not disappoint in adding yet another historically rich, suspenseful novel. The narrator seamlessly interweaves the stories of three women from vastly different worlds who are confronted with making decisions time and time again. It is a complex story with plenty of twists and turns, based on Cox's own experiences working in a nursing home, that warrants this historical book its own place.
September 13, 2026
Michelle Cox writes stories that will tug at your heart and leave you feeling hopeful. Paper Fortunes tells the story of three women facing their own challenges. Their lives are intertwined and each one must make the best decision for themselves, even if it’s not the desired outcome.
The story of these women is told with care and empathy and my heart broke for them. Many thanks to Michelle Cox for my advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.
The story of these women is told with care and empathy and my heart broke for them. Many thanks to Michelle Cox for my advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.
October 12, 2026
What an emotional read! This historical novel is quite something, really reeling the reader in with excellent writing and characterization in this sad and heartbreaking story. The story line might be a bit too hard hitting for those looking only for a “feel good” read. While I first became aware of Michelle Cox by reading her mystery books, I have so enjoyed the historical fiction like this book, as well as The Fallen Woman’s Daughter. Terrific writing.
October 25, 2026
This book will captivate you from the very beginning. I could not put it down! I had to know what happened next. In this book you will meet Marian, a nurse with a past she doesn’t deserves. Opal, slightly backwards but a heart of gold and treated so horribly you will be angry , and then Evelyn, a woman w depression so horribly and a need to love so misplaced. Jim the dr is placed throughout and you will love him and get angry with him! The entire story is amazing to read!
Thank you Michelle for a copy for my honest review.
Thank you Michelle for a copy for my honest review.
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August 20, 2026I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Marion is a nurse who , when standing up for her patients, keeps getting knocked down…but keeps getting right back up and listens to her head and heart. Opal is a sad and lonely girl who ultimately finds a champion...Read more
September 1, 2026
I quite enjoyed the book, which I received free in exchange for an honest review. I like Michelle Cox's work. She is a very good author. This story did not disappoint. Strong female characters who deal with tragedy and loss and do what must be done to survive. The ending was somewhat predictable, but at the same time it was surprising. Read the book, find out why!!
September 8, 2026
What a heartwarming story!! Marian, a nurse at Elizabeth Sulllivan Home for woman, Opal a young pregnant girl at the home, and Evelyn a wealthy lady who just lost a baby that wants one more than anything. Three woman who could not be any more different and how their lives will be joined together in a special bond. A wonderful story!!
October 8, 2026
Paper Fortunes by Michelle Cox was such an amazing book with wonderful characters this was a page - turner I highly recommend this book I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion!
September 15, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
August 31, 2026
Wow is all I can muster without bluster for Michelle Cox’s expertly weaved stories that instantly engross you into the world of a bygone era of poverty and severance,and perseverance. Of Paper Fortunes as the title aptly says . The avenues and alleyways of what has passed and what information one can amass from the past.
The storytelling begins with Marian Walters a disgraced nurse who ends up in the same place as a destitute young woman Opal who has gone through such plight ,since the age of nine. Her ma in the loony bin her da not a care no her older siblings neither. She finds what’s happened to their ma and her sister leads the way but stays away ,done with the woman who has lost her way in her mind. Not to be unkind but has no use for a ma who can do nothing in return. Opal though does return and time and again. Even when she works for a pittance does she visit her. Marian is fascinated by her stories when she turns up all forlorn with paper fortunes in her mitts and a quilt that’s ripped. There’s a lady ,name of Evelyn who crosses her path too ,only she’s a well to do educated lady who has a malady of the mind though she’s undermined by her mother. It beggars belief the horrors these women all face ,a disgrace and the subject matter is one of suppression as well as depression and torment with no lament ,just torture and scenes of an awful nature . Compelled to read this poignant tale of old and based on truth once told to the young nurse and retold , a party of history written down on which others can learn and frown. Excellently penned Michelle my friend ,it certainly draws you in and has you in a tail spin of how the story is weaved together and each of them held by a poignant thin tether. From grief and sorrow all hope for a better tomorrow.Awesome storyline that is written so well ,it has you feeling quite emotional as well
The storytelling begins with Marian Walters a disgraced nurse who ends up in the same place as a destitute young woman Opal who has gone through such plight ,since the age of nine. Her ma in the loony bin her da not a care no her older siblings neither. She finds what’s happened to their ma and her sister leads the way but stays away ,done with the woman who has lost her way in her mind. Not to be unkind but has no use for a ma who can do nothing in return. Opal though does return and time and again. Even when she works for a pittance does she visit her. Marian is fascinated by her stories when she turns up all forlorn with paper fortunes in her mitts and a quilt that’s ripped. There’s a lady ,name of Evelyn who crosses her path too ,only she’s a well to do educated lady who has a malady of the mind though she’s undermined by her mother. It beggars belief the horrors these women all face ,a disgrace and the subject matter is one of suppression as well as depression and torment with no lament ,just torture and scenes of an awful nature . Compelled to read this poignant tale of old and based on truth once told to the young nurse and retold , a party of history written down on which others can learn and frown. Excellently penned Michelle my friend ,it certainly draws you in and has you in a tail spin of how the story is weaved together and each of them held by a poignant thin tether. From grief and sorrow all hope for a better tomorrow.Awesome storyline that is written so well ,it has you feeling quite emotional as well
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