The Fallen Woman's Daughter - Softcover

Cox, Michelle

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798988009702

Publisher: Woolton Press, 2024

Synopsis

“A compelling, poignant story…” —Kate Quinn

"Cox offers a powerful saga that plunges into the complexity of family, love, forgiveness, and the cyclical nature of three-generational family dynamics."—Booklife, Editor's pick

"An addictive read!"—Kirkus Reviews

"Michelle Cox writes flawed, fascinating women with understanding, compassion, and grace—I rooted for them with every turn of the page!"— Kate Quinn, New York Times best-selling author

When eight-year-old Nora arrives at the Park Ridge School for Girls in 1932, she is sure there’s been some mistake. She can’t imagine why she and her little sister, Patsy, were torn from their mother only to be subjected to the cruel whims of the house matron, Mrs. Morris. When their mother fails to rescue them week after week—and Mrs. Morris drops hints that their mother may be a “fallen woman”—Nora begins to doubt they will ever see her again.

Nine years prior, at seventeen, Gertie Gufftason runs off with Lorenzo, the barker for the traveling carnival passing through her small coal-mining town in Southern Iowa. Thinking she is embarking on a fantastic adventure, Gertie is bitterly disappointed by the life that follows and is thrown into despair when the State removes their two daughters.

Gertie eventually tracks down her girls at the Park Ridge, but, expecting a warm welcome, she is shocked by Nora’s cool reception. Nora reluctantly returns home with Gertie and Patsy, determined to live a more perfect life than her mother. It is only when she discovers a secret Gertie has kept hidden all these years that Nora begins to fully understand—and forgive—her mother’s tragic choices . . .

About this title

About the Author

Michelle 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, and a naughty Goldendoodle.  Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn't have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music.  Also marmalade.

From the Back Cover

From the author of The Henrietta and Inspector Howard series . . .

The Fallen Woman's Daughter
When eight-year-old Nora arrives at the Park Ridge School for Girls in 1932, she is sure there's been some mistake. She can't imagine why she and her little sister, Patsy, were torn from their mother only to be subjected to the cruel whims of the house matron, Mrs. Morris. When their mother fails to rescue them week after week—and Mrs. Morris drops hints that their mother may be a "fallen woman"—Nora begins to doubt they will ever see her again.

Nine years prior, at seventeen, Gertie Gufftason runs off with Lorenzo, the barker for the traveling carnival passing through her small coal-mining town in Southern Iowa. Thinking she is embarking on a fantastic adventure, Gertie is bitterly disappointed by the life that follows and is thrown into despair when the State removes their two daughters.

Gertie eventually tracks down her girls at the Park Ridge, but, expecting a warm welcome, she is shocked by Nora's cool reception. Nora reluctantly returns home with Gertie and Patsy, determined to live a more perfect life than her mother. It is only when she discovers a secret Gertie has kept hidden all these years that Nora begins to fully understand—and forgive—her mother's tragic choices . . .


"THE FALLEN WOMAN'S DAUGHTER is a compelling, poignant story of mothers, sisters, and daughters spanning three generations from the roaring twenties to the swinging sixties. Michelle Cox writes flawed, fascinating women with understanding, compassion, and grace—I rooted for them with every turn of the page!"— Kate Quinn, NYT bestselling author

Praise for Michelle Cox's Henrietta and Inspector Howard series:

"An unpredictable literary thrill ride."—Popsugar
"Every reader will struggle to put it down."—Redbook
"Absolutely unputdownable."—Bookstr
"The crème de la crème of historical fiction."—Brit+Co

Edition details

• Publisher: Woolton Press
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798988009702
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 417