book cover of The Girls of Good Fortune
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The Girls of Good Fortune

(2025)
A novel by

 
 
Declared a must-read by The Washington Post, USA Today, New York Post, She Reads, BookBub, and Book Riot

The New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Ways We Hide shines a light on shocking events surrounding Portland's dark history in this gripping novel of love, lore, and betrayal. 

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.


Genre: Historical

Praise for this book

"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

"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

"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

"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


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