The Girls of Good Fortune
A Novel
by Kristina McMorris
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Pub Date May 20 2025 | Archive Date May 31 2025
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Description
From the New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Ways We Hide
She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story.
Portland, 1888. Amid the subterranean labyrinth of the notorious Shanghai Tunnels, a woman awakens in an underground cell, drugged and disguised. Celia soon realizes she's a "shanghaied" victim on the verge of being shipped off as forced labor, leaving behind those she loves most. Although well accustomed to adapting for survival—being half-Chinese, passing as white during an era fraught with anti-Chinese sentiment—she fears that far more than her own fate hangs in the balance.
As she pieces together the twisting path that led to her abduction, from serving as a maid for the family of a dubious mayor to becoming entwined in the case of a goldminers' massacre, revelations emerge of a child left in peril. Desperate, Celia must find a way to escape and return to a place where unearthed secrets can prove deadlier than the dark recesses of Chinatown.
A captivating tale of resilience and hope, The Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity, the importance of stories that echo through generations, and the power of strength found beneath the surface.
Advance Praise
"Novels like this are why I read historical fiction. The Girls of Good Fortune reveals a little-known corner of history through a thoughtfully crafted, intimate, and deeply felt tale. Laying bare the impact of an anti-Asian massacre on a young woman’s life, Kristina McMorris once again kept me up all hours reading to learn how her heroine would find justice…and love." ―Janie Chang, Globe & Mail bestselling author of The Phoenix Crown
"In this page-turning, propulsive read, McMorris shines a light on a forgotten corner of America, where immigrants faced withering odds, as well as on one woman’s fight to rise above the fray. A gripping tale of family, identity, and redemption that I simply couldn’t put down. One of McMorris’s best yet." ―Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
"Kristina McMorris is a master in the art of storytelling, weaving a heart-pounding adventure of freedom and survival. With Chinese culture, the questions of fate, and a child’s life at stake, the power of women helping each other and the bond of love come alive in this extraordinary novel. From hidden identities to the search for belonging, this fast-paced novel takes readers through the saloons, brothels, and Shanghai tunnels of Portland’s forgotten past. With vivid characters and a history long buried now unearthed, The Girls of Good Fortune brings legend to life. A must read you don’t want to miss." ―Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea
"The Girls of Good Fortune shines with a captivating blend of intrigue and heart, celebrating the resilience of a woman determined to reclaim her life. Set against the vibrant yet dangerous backdrop of 1880s Portland, Celia’s journey is a powerful testament to hope. Richly layered, this novel reminds us that even in the darkest places, light and love find a way to endure." ―Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee and The Leftover Woman
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781728284873 |
| PRICE | $17.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 416 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Christine M, Educator
“She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story.”
This line really showcases the novel and sets the pace for the little underground world of the Shanghai Tunnels. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot as it is super involved, intriguing and interesting.
1988, We find Celia who is the victim of being “shanghaied” and her journey begins in an underground cell. What will she do to save herself? Can she save herself?
I was soon immersed in her story to survive. Thank you McMorris for always giving us unique stories in Historical Fiction. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
Lyn B, Reviewer
A most entertaining and informative novel. I hadn’t read much about the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants in America before. There were a lot of themes going on, including racial identity and discrimination, prostitution, corruption, friendship and class divisions. I liked the way the story all came together in the end, as well as some of the distinctive characters like Marie and Owen. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
Cindi J, Reviewer
The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris weaves a story of the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants in America. A lot of themes were going on, including racial identity and discrimination, prostitution, corruption, and class divisions.
The story all comes together as the author develops the characters.
The underground world of the Shanghai Tunnels was intriguing to me and a very scary reality.
The plot is super involved.
As the story begins, we meet Celia, who becomes a victim of being “shanghaied” and her journey in an underground cell.
Learning about Chinese prejudice and murder in the 1880s West was heartbreaking.
This is historical fiction at its best and I was intrigued and heartbroken.
Thank you to the author for this story and to NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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