An Intriguing and Educational Story

Ceilcia is half-Chinese and passes as white while working for the wealthy yet dodgy Portland mayor and his family. However, when Ceilcia’s circumstances change, she must chart her own path. When she is unintentionally caught up in a gambling raid, she wakes up to discover that she has been drugged and shanghaied. Dressed as a man, she finds herself in an underground cell and in the process of being sold and shipped off to forced labor, leaving behind all those she loves.

GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE is an interesting and intriguing historical fiction novel set in Oregon amid the widespread anti-Chinese sentiment of the late nineteenth century. Ceilcia’s family, identity, fortitude, and determination remain paramount throughout every page of the story.

Author Kristina McMorris’s writing is compelling and educational, and she brings Celia's emotions and character to life. A favorite part of the book was learning about Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels and underground labyrinth. I also enjoyed learning about the Asian or Pacific Rim mixed-race heritage, also known as hapas. And while I found the Hells Canyon and Rock Spring massacre horrendous to read about, it was immensely informative.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance reading copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.


Publisher Sourcebooks Landmark
Published May 20, 2025
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

While I had some awareness of Chinese American history (the Exclusion Act, the railroad and the Gold Rush), I had never heard of the Hells Canyon Massacre or the Rock Springs Massacre until reading The Girls of Good Fortune. That alone speaks volumes about how much of this history is still buried and how much it belongs in classrooms and not only on footnotes.

One of the most interesting aspects of the story is how it explores the identity of biracial characters, especially those who are white-passing. Celia’s father silence about their culture, her mother’s whiteness, the need to suppress half of herself to survive… I found myself reflecting on how easily heritage can be lost in just one generation, especially when assimilation feels like the only safe path.

This isn’t a love story in the traditional sense and I really appreciated that. Celia’s connection to Stephen is important but the book stays focused on motherhood, identity and the hardship of protecting your child in a world that sees you as inferior. Celia’s kindness, empathy, strength, courage and resistance made the story all the more powerful.

If you end up reading this novel, please don’t skip the author’s note. It ties everything together and reminds us why this history is so urgently relevant today. An important, beautiful novel I won’t forget.

If I scan the inventory of historical Asian literature on my bookshelf, I can pull out Lisa See's "On Gold Mountain" as the first instance of when I read about the heart breaking story of 28 Chinese being massacred in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Now that tragic event has been deftly retold in Kristina McMorris' newest publication - "The Girls of Good Fortune".

As in her previous historical fiction novels, Ms. McMorris perfectly blends her personal experience (example: in this case, she is a long time resident of Oregon) with thorough research. One thing I always enjoy about her books is the opportunity to gain a better understanding and knowledge a period of history. McMorris expands what is a forgotten tragedy on a factual timeline of racism against Chinese immigrants in the 1880s to an intriguing story of mystery and survival.

The story begins with the protagonist (Celia) literally being "Shanghaied" meaning that she was abducted and forced aboard a ship. McMorris leads us to this harrowing experience by shining a light into the true-to-life underground tunnels of Portland's Chinatown. (I wish I knew about these tunnels when I visited Portland a couple of years ago!) We learn about the preceding events that lead to this terrifying kidnapping by first experiencing the sweet love story of Celia and the innocent son of a wealthy family. When her believed to be finance leaves for college in England, Celia encounters all types of obstacles and grief at home. She fights for her rights and principles and as a reader you are propelled forward as you hope for her victorious ending.

I enjoyed the book and continue to be a fan of Kristina McMorris. My only issue was the jumping back and forth from the 1888 to the 1885 timeline. I think the story would have held up with the same amount of intrigue and suspense if it had been told in a straight chronological format. Otherwise, the dual timelines were a bit confusing and distracting.

All in all, it is a wonderful story and I look forward to recommending it to friends and book clubs. Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide my honest opinion.

3.5 stars rounded up

As a person who loves historical fiction, this was, surprisingly, my first book by Kristina McMorris. I was interested in this novel because it was based on a time period and events that are not the typical subject of novels, and I am always happy to read about new to me topics.

The Girls of Good Fortune is quite the adventure story, which begins in 1888 with the main character, Celia, waking up in the tunnels beneath Portland dressed as a man, and then aboard a ship, having been 'shanghaied' and sold for labor. How she found herself in this predicament and how she escapes is told in two timelines with characters that bring life to her story and keep the reader turning pages.

Some of the adventures seemed quite far-fetched, maybe a little unrealistic especially for the time period, and this interfered significantly with my ability to lose myself in the story. When I read the author's notes at the end of the book, I recognized how the disconnect happened, as the book originally took place about 30 years later, but because of developments in the shipping industry the author needed to move it to an earlier time. I also felt like the historical events that inspired the novel were loosely worked into the story, almost as an afterthought.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the digital ARC of The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris. The opinions in this review are my own.

The Girls of Good Fortune is a story of intrigue, heroism and tragedy. By Kristina McMorris it is an incredible novel. I can count on this author to write carefully research historical fiction so that I am appalled, inspired, and moved profoundly by how these characters find the strength within and the ability to make a difference in the world. I can also count on her to enlighten me to some previously unknown to me history. It is all done with beautiful prose and unforgettable characters.

🀄Kristina McMorris has done it again! Writing about painful, hidden chapters of history is no easy feat, but she brings them to light with grace and power. The Girls of Good Fortune releasing on May 20th, 2025, follows Cecilia, a maid in the mayor’s house whose life takes a sharp turn, forcing her to navigate a brutal world where a woman’s role is limited and her options few.

Told in shifting timelines and set in 1888, when anti-Chinese sentiment in the U.S. was at a peak, Cecilia stumbles upon a horrific incident. Though she tries hard, injustice prevails, and this moment becomes the crux of the story. Trouble follows her, but she persists, clinging to hope that her daughter might have a better future.🀄

⛩️Where do I begin with how this book made me feel? As a South Asian reader, I’m no stranger to prejudice, but the depth of discrimination depicted here is both heartbreaking and infuriating, especially in light of current times. The author does a phenomenal job portraying the layered injustice Cecilia faces not just as a woman, but as someone denied privilege due to her heritage. The author’s note at the end gives important context and reinforces why stories like these must be told.

Cecilia’s journey is one of survival, resilience, and ultimately, self-acceptance. When she finally embraces her identity, I wanted to whoop with joy. While the story is painful at times, it never loses its sense of hope, and the unlikely friendships woven throughout make it even more meaningful.⛩️

Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for both the digital and physical copies of this incredible book.

The Girls of Good Fortune tells the story of Celia, a half-Chinese woman navigating a deeply hostile, anti-immigrant America in the 1880's. Her journey touches on themes like identity, motherhood, and resilience. What really stood out to me was how the author wove real historical events into the narrative—especially ones that are often overlooked, like the Hells Canyon Massacre and unjust murder trials targeting Chinese Americans.

The writing style had shades of Carolyn Keene and Julia Quinn, which added a familiar, engaging tone I enjoyed. That said, the pacing didn’t quite work for me. The story felt slow and a bit aimless for much of the book, only to wrap up quite suddenly. I also kept wondering what the "point" of the story was—something that only became clear in the author’s note at the very end. I think a bit more time spent with the characters in 1995 would have helped ground the narrative more clearly.

There’s also a brief instance of homophobia that felt out of place. While it may reflect the attitudes of the time, it seemed disconnected from the rest of the plot and wasn’t explored further.

Despite those issues, this book succeeds in shedding light on an often-ignored chapter of American history. I could see it being a valuable addition to school reading lists for that reason alone—especially in a time when racism remains such a relevant issue.

~ Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! ~

In 1888 Portland, Celia is half-Chinese and passing for white in a world that has no place for “her kind.” When the truth is exposed, she finds herself lied to, threatened, “shanghaied,” and falsely imprisoned. The Girls of Good Fortune is the story of Celia’s battle to make her way back to the family she created for herself.

McMorris does a masterful job of weaving Celia’s story into and around the tumultuous and oft-forgotten historical events surrounding the anti-Chinese sentiments of that time. Celia’s story is one of strength, courage, and resilience, and is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oregon 1888. A woman pieces together the events in her life that led her drugged and imprisoned in underground tunnels.

This was everything that I want in a historical fiction. I learned a little about a time I knew nothing about, while reading an entertaining story as well. It was a wild tale that I would have expected difficult to put into less than 400 pages, but it worked! I loved everything about this one and hope you will too.

“She recognized more than ever the stories people tell, to themselves above all, were often what kept them going. When looking back on life, really, who was anyone without them?”

The Girls of Good Fortune comes out 5/20.

This beautiful historical fiction novel which takes place in the late 1800's tells the story. of one woman's brave journey to get herself out of a horrible situation. Taking place in a period where those from a different race were ostracized and unwelcome our heroine rises above those obstacles to pave a life for herself.
Our main character Celia finds herself pregnant and unwed. She goes away to work in a brothel as a housekeeper and meets some unlikely friends and forms some close bonds. She dreams of the day she can be reuntied with her child's father and they can be together as a family.
One unfortunate day Celia finds herself shanghaied and on a ship being sent far away. Instead of just sitting around and feeling sorry for herself she goes to grear lenghs to get herself out of that situation so she can get home to her loved onea. When she gets home she is reunited with the best surprise ever.
I literally couldn't put this novel down. The historical aspect had me in awe and the adventures our character had had me begging for me.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

Interesting historical fiction based in 1888 Portland as a young Chinese -American woman of mixed parentage is forced from her job as a wealthy family's maid, leaving her at the mercy of the prejudice and discrimination against the Chinese race prevalent at that time. Celia has fallen in love with the son of the wealthy family, Stephen, who has left for college to become a doctor - unknowingly leaving behind a pregnant Celia. Celia never gives up her love for Stephen and her belief that he still loves her and will come back. Becoming a maid in a brothel and giving birth to a baby girl, Celia relies on the friendships she has made of both the owner of the brothel and one of the "girls". In her quest to reunite with Stephen and at the same time bring justice to men who have attacked, tortured and killed Chinese, Celia finds herself in a dangerous adventure to save herself and her child from becoming victims of a plot to keep them away from Stephen and his family. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks - Landmark for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheGirlsofGoodFortune

4.5 stars

I was so pleasantly surprised by this historical fiction story, when I haven't felt a pull to that genre lately.

I especially loved the format. The beginning kicks off in a disorienting way, the main character wakes up in an unknown location, unsure of what's going on, except that they are in danger. As the reader we don't know who they are or what's happened to them and the story gradually fills in by jumping back in time a few years.

I appreciated learning about this time period, which I haven't read much about previously. Taking place in Oregon, 1888 shortly after the gold rush and when racism against the Chinese population ran rampant.

This story is full of adventure, love, heartbreak, and friendship. I loved that the MC, Celia follows her heart and remains genuine throughout.

I was completely captivated by this story, highly recommend!

Some of the decisions that Celia made I did not agree with but I could see how the time period affected the decisions. I thought it was a gripping story about a time period in American history I was not very familiar with. At some points I thought the author was trying to include too many different subplots. Overall I enjoyed this book.

** This review was posted on my blog and socials on May 15, 2025.

This historical fiction story is an enlightening and entertaining story for readers. Set in 1880's Oregon the story centres around Celia Hart, a biracial young woman - half white, half Chinese - who passes as white in a society where racism and mistreatment of minorities, particularly of Asian descent, is rampant and often deadly.

Told in two timelines, the first shows Celia in a frightening situation, leaving readers to wonder how she got there. The second timeline takes readers to the beginning of Celia's story when she was a servant in the home of the mayor, until she became pregnant and is sent to work as a cleaner in a brothel. There Celia finds her own 'found family' and raises her child until her past influences the present and sends Celia on a quest to stand up for the rights of Chinese workers.

This book has a decidedly different feel in the first half compared to the second half and it was jarring, to be honest. The first half felt like a historical fiction novel with great insight and atmosphere (reminiscent of Janie Chang and Kate Quinn's The Phoenix Crown). The second half relies on Celia's naive and impulsive decisions (which were at times frustrating) that send her on a dangerous quest filled with kidnapping, ships, train jumping and more that required me to suspend disbelief.

This is a well-researched story that goes a bit off the traditional historical fiction rails. The first half is atmospheric as it teaches readers about racism, long-forgotten massacres against Chinese Americans and the limited choices of women, while the second half is more of an entertaining madcap adventure. Personally, I preferred the first half and found the second half was too over-the-top, but the ending will appeal to readers who like their stories tied up nice and neatly.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Powerful story of courage and survival of Chinese immigrants and their offspring in the late 1880’s . Celia is of mixed heritage, Anglo and Chinese., and concealed her true identity to not face the injustices and prejudice of the time.

I was engrossed not only in the storyline but also the writing.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for an advanced copy.

Set during the late 1800's, we get a small glimpse of how hard life was for the Chinese who have come to America to help build the railroads and settle the west. While based much in fact, we follow the fictional life of Celia, a young woman of mixed blood, who is Shanghaied and in desperate need of returning to make sure her daughter is safe from nefarious men. While Celia is fiction, many of her trials are not. Read more of her story to learn of the perils facing the Chinese during the rough time period.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to learn about history!

Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebook and Kristina McMorris for providing me with her copy of her latest masterpiece. I have read this authors previous books and I know that they are dedicated and researched. The main character is trapped and has flashbacks. This book is a combination of thriller and historical fiction which made it a fast and intriguing read. This book was a dual timeline book if you enjoy that its a good read.

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Kristina McMorris for the opportunity to rad and review an advanced copy of Girls of Good Fortune.
This is a heart wrenching story taking place in Portland, 1888. I had no knowledge of the Shanghai Tunnels along with the notorious bad behavior towards the Chinese. I learned a lot and found the information fascinating.
The characters are well developed and I rooted for Celia all the way. She showed strength, perseverance and patience through a most difficult time.
The plot kept me on the edge of my seat always wondering how the various situations would be solved. I felt that the pacing could be more consistent. There was too much time on the ship and I wanted more about the characters-gold miners, Pearl and Stephen.
A ton of research was done for this novel and I respect the author for her thorough accuracy.
Love the recipes at the end! I really enjoyed this story and will definitely read this author’s backlist.

A sweeping historical fiction book sure to keep you turning the pages. The book spans the years 1885 to 1888, centered around Celia, a young woman of mixed Chinese and American heritage forced to conceal her identity in a time of harsh prejudice and limited opportunity.

Filled with rich with tension, resilience, and the quiet power of female friendship the book also includes a delightful surprise at the end with a unique bonus: a chapter of recipes tied to the story’s setting and culture.

A captivating tale of love, identity, and survival, The Girls of Good Fortune is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, offering a vivid portrait of a young woman who refuses to be forgotten.

Soilers Ahead:

Celia’s journey begins with heartbreak when she is separated from her love, Stephen—her employer’s son—only to find herself cast out and forced into servitude at a brothel after becoming pregnant. Stephen goes away to school, and I personally thought he would never return.

Characters like Lettie, a spirited friend in the brothel, and Marie, its complex Chinese madam, offer support and unexpected bonds. As Celia endures a series of trials—from false imprisonment to forced relocation across the sea—her strength and determination to reunite with her daughter Pearl never falter. Own, another character Celia meets in her journey, is suffering a different yet all too knowing battle of having to hide who he is while helping Celia back to Pearl.

Told partially through dual timelines, the book blends moments of suspense with emotional depth, culminating in a satisfying, hopeful reunion that reveals the truth behind long-held secrets and betrayals.