Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Book Review: The Girls of Good Fortune

By Melissa Amster

She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story. 

Oregon, 1888. Amid the subterranean labyrinth of Portland's 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 could 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. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

It had been a while since Kristina McMorris had a new book out, so I was excited to learn about The Girls of Good Fortune and added it to my TBR as soon as I could. 

The Girls of Good Fortune is an adventurous novel, filled with danger and intrigue. I was so worried for Celia and just wanted her to catch a break. Everything that could possibly go wrong for her, actually did. I got so angry at people on Celia's behalf and was also stressed out for her with everything she had been through. Celia's narrative was great and kept me riveted throughout the story! I apologize for the brevity of this review, but I just really enjoyed this book and I also don't want to spoil anything. I was constantly surprised by all the twists and turns in Celia's journey.

If you're looking for a captivating read, definitely pick this one up!

Movie casting suggestions:


Thanks to Sourcebooks for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Kristina McMorris:

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TW: Difficult birth. Imprisonment/abduction. Violence (including murder of people who are Chinese).

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