It is said that when you are born the year of the dragon you will be strong and successful. If this is the case, the main character in the book - Celia, certainly is challenged in how to be strong. The book starts off with a bang when she finds herself dressed as a man, alone and in the dark underground wondering what happened and how she get there.

The year is 1888, Portland. Celia works for the mayor as a house maid. Unfortunately she falls for their son, Stephan and a deep young love forms. There are many reasons against their relationship from the start. Celia being half Chinese passing as white, their class distinction, the family’s potential embarrassment and their young age.

The book switches to 1885, her mother has passed away and her father, who helped build the Continental Rail Road, is being treated poorly because the Chinese are now deemed threats to white men’s jobs. The Chinese Exclusion Act takes effect and racism is rampant. Unjustified killings are happening all over with no consequences for the guilty.

Celia experiences a series of betrayals, from being turned over to a brothel as a servant to finding herself the mother to baby Pearl. One thing leads to another (many twists and turns occur) where she eventually finds herself shanghaied and desperate to reconnect with her daughter. You meet many characters on her adventurous journey in her search for family and justice.

The book ends in 1995 where you learn what has transpired the past 100 years. It makes you ponder, what (if anything) has changed from our past, dark history and have we learned from our mistakes? Is history being buried and starting to repeat itself?

The author’s epilogue, themed recipes and notes are greatly appreciated.

I found the premise of the book to be interesting, a woman who is half Chinese dealing with prejudices of being Chinese while living in Portland in the late 1800s. The first half of the book was fine but then it became to melodramatic and all the trials and tribulation the main character faced became ridiculous. I also found the ending to be unbelievable.

Oh. My. When I started reading The Girls of Good Fortune I thought I knew what I was getting into. Boy was I wrong! I found myself sucked into a time that left me speechless. I found myself in Portland, Oregon in the 1880's, a life I knew nothing about. It is a time and place whose history I knew very little about. The Girls of Good Fortune has shown how remiss I have been. I closed the book, thinking of all of the horrors that occurred and the need to know more, learn more.

The story centers around Celia, a girl that must hide she is half chinese. It was a time when American citizens were trying to remove the Chinese, using them as scapegoats to living conditions. She needed to pass as her mother's daughter, as a white woman. Her deception led to her job as a maid for the Portland, Oregon mayor.

A forbidden romance with their son will change her life and not for the better. His parents would not accept her. His parents would not accept her as is wife. They would definitely not accept her child into their family. They will keep her and their son divided by land, ocean, lies and deceit.

The reader soon learns the struggles of those without money. Portland is not a pleasant place. For people like Celia it is a very dangerous place and time. Walking in her shoes was an experience I would not have had her strength and determination. Learning of how the Chinese, that were at one time desired for their work ethics, were treated when jobs disappeared broke my heart. Those that survived during this time deserve our respect. Those that did not have earned our tears.

Experience how power can manipulate. Celia's connection to the Mayor must be kept silent. A quarter Chinese granddaughter can not come out. I was silenced by the lengths someone would go to. I could not believe the horrors she experienced, what others experienced. Her determination was inspirational. She didn't know what she would be walking into when she arrived back in Portland. She feared the worse. I hoped for the best.

Captivating story about family, love, & resiliency. Started as a slow burn, but I was hooked halfway through. Definitely an emotional read, but also an important one. Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced copy.

McMorris pulls back the curtain on 19th century America beyond the simplified story of Chinese railroad workers that most history books offer. The horrific Wyoming and Oregon massacres—brutal expressions of racial hatred—emerge from historical shadows, forcing a confrontation with America's complex past that left me both enlightened and disturbed.

At the heart of this story stands Celia, a protagonist whose very existence challenges the rigid boundaries of her time. Her daily navigation of dual identities—passing as white while carrying her half-Chinese heritage like a secret weapon—creates immediate emotional investment in her fate. What truly captivated me was watching her defy the suffocating expectations of class and propriety, speaking truth to power despite knowing the dangers. Celia's journey left me simultaneously inspired and heartbroken, her resilience a counterpoint to the era's cruelty.

The friendships Celia forms along her harrowing path provided unexpected warmth amid darkness. These connections, forged across social divides, offer glimpses of humanity's better nature. But nothing compares to the fierce maternal love driving her actions—a devotion so raw and powerful it transcends time and circumstance.

Perhaps most unsettling is how familiar the novel's portrayal of hatred feels. The same ignorance that fueled historical atrocities echoes in our present, creating uncomfortable parallels that heighten the story's emotional impact.

McMorris crafts a tapestry of historical detail that never overshadows the human story. She balances forbidden romance, historical tragedy, unlikely friendship, and maternal sacrifice with remarkable dexterity, delivering a novel that educates the mind while occupying the heart long after the final page.

Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley, for my free E-ARC for review.

I always appreciate reading a book that introduces me to a part of history I hadn’t yet learned about. This book did just that, and I was humbled to learn about the treatment of Chinese people in the US during this time period. It was an eye-opening and infuriating view into a portion of our history that, in my experience, isn’t taught or talked about enough. That being said, I was a little disappointed in the writing as a whole, and not as endeared to the protagonist as I would have liked or expected considering her circumstances. The content of this book without a doubt feels important and worth learning, but I didn’t feel as passionately about the book itself as I had hoped.

Celia Hart lives in Portland, Oregon. With a Chinese father, she has chosen to use her American mother's maiden name to avoid racism. It's 1888, and Celia awakens in the dark, hidden Shanghai Tunnels she had only heard rumors about. She has been "shanghaied" and is about to be placed on a ship to parts unknown. The story then shifts back to 1885. Celia is working as a maid for the mayor. Her mother has passed away, and her father is working as a miner amid rising anti-Chinese sentiment. Her journey takes unfortunate turns, bringing her into the most dangerous parts of Chinatown, leading to her eventual abduction and struggle to be freed.

Author Kristina McMorris is known for highly emotional historical fiction and does not disappoint in The Girls of Good Fortune. It is a deeply moving story of a young woman grappling with her sense of identity. Two horrific massacres of Chinese miners ignite a new desire for Celia to connect with her heritage. Trying to survive on her own, Celia encounters people who are both cruel and kind, and it is often hard to determine who she can trust. It's a heavy story worth reading and learning more about the historical events that inspired it.

Thank you NetGalley,for the opportunity to read the arc ebook,The Girls of Good Fortune by,Kristina McMorris and Sourcebooks Landmark Publishers.
I found this 416 page book,a historical novel,a fast read even though lengthy. It takes place in Portland, in 1888 where a large number of residents were Chinese and not looked upon kindly but used for cheap labor.I thought that was mainly in San Francisco and knew nothing about Oregon.The main character Cecile being half Chinese on her father’s side and half American White on her mother’s side,lives an early life of many adventures while hiding her father’s identity. I enjoyed the factual parts of the book but found the love interest,adventure at sea,on a train boxcar and living in a bordello just filler that’s been written before and also seen in movies.
It’s written ok but on a sophomoric level.
On sale,May 20,2025

I appreciate NetGalley for the oppotrunity to read and review The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris. I really enjoyed this book. The story pulled me in with its vibrant characters and fast-paced plot. I especially loved following Celia’s journey— I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to her next. McMorris does a great job blending drama, grit, and heart. The book explores friendship, ambition, and the unexpected turns life can take, all while keeping you turning the pages. A fun and satisfying read that I’d definitely recommend!

I love it when I read a book and it informs me as well as entertains! I was captivated from the beginning. Celia was an amazing heroine with lots of spunk. There are found family elements as well as female friendships. The story was intriguing the whole way though. I couldn't put it down! I learned a lot about the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants during railroad expansion. This book covers several heavy topics very well. I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

As our historical fiction begins, it is 1888, and Celia is drugged and unaware of how she ended up in the Shanghai Tunnels. In 1885, we learn that Celia, daughter of a Chinese father and a white woman, is working as a maid in Portland, Oregon. In love with her employer's son, Celia is thrown out of the family home when the family discover that she is pregnant and they refuse to send word to their son, Stephen, away at medical school. With a baby on the way and reeling from the devastating loss of her father, a Chinese miner killed in a massacre, Celia finds herself working as a housekeeper in a brothel. Celia vows to find justice for her father and begins to make a home for her daughter, Pearl. But there is still the question as to how Celia finds herself so far from her home.

As I often find myself when it comes to Kristina McMorris, I read this novel in one sitting. The author's notes, interview, and acknowledgments show the passion and hard work of the author. I felt that Celia was a compelling character, even if she was a bit naive for the majority of the book. Learning about the Hells Canyon Massacre and the Shanghai Tunnels, two aspects of history that I wasn't familiar with, kept me engaged in the story. It also had me doing some sleuthing on the internet after my read was over.

It's a difficult history to read, but I became wrapped up in Celia's fierce determination to survive her ordeals. Luckily, a sweet ending along with a series of recipes helps the novel end on a note of hope. Something which we all need in this day and age.


If you enjoy books by Kristin Harmel, Pam Jenoff, and Ariel Lawhon, I do believe that you will fall for this title as well.



#TheGirlsOfGoodFortune #NetGalley.
Expected Publication 20/05/25
Goodreads Review 20/05/25

An intense story of love, racism, and politics that would fit in the modern world as the late 19th Century. I want more!

I loved this book. I have read a couple of Kristina McMorris books in the past, but this is now my favorite. It tells the story of Celia, a mixed Chinese maid at the Governors mansion. She finds herself pregnant and is dismissed and sent to a brothel to work. Through a series of people she meets, events and lies, she is shanghaied and sent on a ship to parts unknown. Her resilience and determination help her navigate her future and the final chapter of her life. I look forward to hear more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

This was so good !! If only there weren't pacing issues at the beginning. I went from hooked to drifting to hooked again. You could tell this was a work done with love for history. The research was so well done. Celia was absolutely compelling as a main character. The hardships she faced she faced due to being half-Chinese, as well as the class barrier between her and her love, became so fantastically convoluted. I learnt so much about the Portland Shanghai Tunnels through this and I'm excited to see more from Kristina McMorris.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a tough female main character you will appreciate this book. It is dark in places and often quite hopeless in tone but our tough main character Celia keeps going. I learned a lot about the history of Portland, Oregon and next time I visit I will be looking for those tunnels.

This is very well written and researched and is an excellent story. The dual timelines created a great sense of suspense that keep this reader reading far into the night. There are some plot points that are a bit too convenient but I think they’ll work very well in the movie I can see in my head. I can be a bit cynical when things happen too coincidentally.

I really appreciated the author's note. Don't skip it! This is so relevant to today and we all need to educate ourselves on Chinese American history and its lasting impacts.

This book reminded me a lot of Jing-Jing Lee’s How We Disappeared. I also recently read The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee. If you’re looking for a sweeter, softer consideration of the Chinese American experience that might be of interest.

Thanks for the advance copy NetGalley, Kristina McMorris and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark. Much appreciated.

Wow! This story kept my interest from the first page to the last page. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this book fit in perfectly. the writing was good and the tale was exceptional. I have read other books by Kristina McMorris and I will continue to look for her work in the future.

Well-researched, atmospheric historical fiction inspired by little-known true events. A young woman fights for justice after the murder of her father and others, while living under the shadow of discrimination against the Chinese people in Oregon in the late 1800s.

I was offered an ARC and leaped at the opportunity to read this book ASAP! Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmark!

#TheGirlsOfGoodFortune #NetGalley

3 Identity Stars

Celia is half-Chinese in Portland in 1888, a difficult time for Chinese, as there are strong feelings against them at this time. She is light-skinned, so not everyone knows her heritage.

Celia works for a prominent family and loves the son. He’s headed off to London, though, for college. Due to a personal “situation,” Celia is sent away to clean at a brothel.

Those chapters contrast with someone trapped in the tunnels below Portland. We inch closer to knowing how she ended up there and, ultimately, her fate.

The book's first half was slow-building as we got to know the characters. The second half felt a bit like an adventure story with shipwrecks, escapes, jail time, and train hopping.

There are some wrenching stories of atrocities committed against Chinese miners that were mostly unpunished.

I read historical fiction to learn more about the past, and this one fit that bill.

The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris

The things I like about this story is my introduction to history of which I knew only a little bit. During the time of this story, Chinese people in Oregon and other areas were being attacked, driven from from certain cities, and killed, with no consequences to those who murdered innocent people. To live during this time was fraught with danger for those who had a ounce of Chinese blood in them.

Celia's heritage is mixed and although she cherishes the part of her that is Chinese, the fact that she can pass as Caucasian makes the life of a poor servant woman much easier and safer than if it was known that she had any Chinese blood in her. She has a good job with a wealthy family and she is able to send a small amount of money to her Chinese father who is working as a miner.

When Celia becomes pregnant, the baby father's wealthy family sends her away to a bordello and any hopes of Celia getting married and having a home of her own seem to be crushed. In fact, she is expected to give up the baby that is born, if it can pass for white, to a well off family, but Celia does not want to be parted from her child. The first half of the story is slow but it was my favorite part of the book, as I learned about this violent time when things were happening to people who were trying to live and work after fleeing hardships elsewhere.

But in the second half of the story things become too action/adventure-ish for me. Celia already had an activist's fire in her heart but once the baby is born she is willing to confront powerful men to tell them what they must to do correct the wrongs done to the Chinese people and to demand that the murderers be caught and punished. This is no time in history for a poor young unmarried mother who is living in a bordello to be making demands of the men in power in her area, men who are part of the violence that is going on at this time.

Celia tries to take matters into her own hands, not seeming to consider that her baby needs a living mother to help her survive. The second half of the book almost feels like a madcap adventure romp with the people that Celia meets as they deal with impossible to escape perils, one after another, with barely room to breath before the next problem needs to tackled. That Celia gets away with so much just seems too farfetched and sometimes silly in the way she does it and all the while she has a baby she has left to who knows what fate in a bordello.

I'll be reading this author again, I've enjoyed two other books of hers before this one. I do hope that things are not quite this over the top feeling in the future. It's as if Celia had to tackle several lifetimes of trouble in such a short time when I would think she might have died a few times over if this were real life.

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC.

I became intrigued after rapidly whipping through the first few pages and wanted to know more about Celia, a half Chinese woman around the turn of the 20th century. Alas, the first half of the book ended up going rather slowly for me, and I didn't feel Celia had enough depth as a character to keep me interested. However, the second half of the book took off like lightening, and although the predicaments Celia found herself in were a bit over-the-top, I enjoyed those adventures. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for a review.