The Fallen Woman's Daughter

By: Michelle Cox

Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle

From the author of the beloved, best-selling HENRIETTA AND INSPECTOR HOWARD series, winner of over 80 international awards.

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....

©2024 Michelle Cox (P)2024 Michelle Cox

Critic 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)

"An addictive read!"—Kirkus Reviews

Mother daughter relationships

Did not like the whiny voices. Story was somewhat interesting as I wanted to listen to all of it. Not my favorite story line.

A complicated story intertwining many characters over 3 generations but so well connected by the author’s beautiful writing.

Excellent book for anyone (which is everyone)who has been in a family and made mistakes.

Narrator didn’t appeal to me

Loved the story but not the reader. Her voice was almost monotonously irritating until I finally got used to it.

Horrible if your getting on audible book. Buy the book.

The narrator and her voices were awful. Sounded like a grouchy old lady and wicked witch voices. Stopped listening and bought book. Do t waste money on audible book.

Mixed

IMO, the story was compelling but predictable. It was an easy read and the character development was strong. I had a difficult time with the narration and at times found it annoying