Overview

After decades of bestsellers, Wayward Girls might be Susan Wiggs’ opus. A gut-wrenching story of survival, friendship, and justice. Masterful.”–Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

“The magnificent Susan Wiggs takes a leap into the history of women..a page-turner, replete with mystery and suspense.”—Adriana Trigiani, New York Timesbestselling author of The Good Left Undone

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs, a wrenching but life-affirming novel based on a true story of survival, friendship, and redemption. Set in the turbulent Vietnam era in the All-American city of Buffalo, New York, six girls are condemned to forced labor in the laundry of a Catholic reform school.

In 1968 we meet six teens confined at the Good Shepherd—a dark and secretive institution controlled by Sisters of Charity nuns—locked away merely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.

Mairin— free-spirited daughter of Irish immigrants, committed to keep her safe from her stepfather.

Angela—denounced for her attraction to girls, sent to the nuns for reform, but instead found herself the victim of a predator.

Helen—the daughter of intellectuals detained in Communist China, she saw her “temporary” stay at the Good Shepherd stretch into years.

Odessa—caught up in a police dragnet over a racial incident, she found the physical and mental toughness to endure her sentence.

Denise—sentenced for brawling in a foster home, she dared to dream of a better life.

Janice—deeply insecure, she couldn’t decide where her loyalty lay—except when it came to her friend Kay, who would never outgrow her childlike dependency.

Sister Bernadette—rescued from a dreadful childhood, she owed her loyalty to the Sisters of Charity even as her conscience weighed on her.

Wayward Girls is a haunting but thrilling tale of hope, solidarity, and the enduring strength of young women who find the courage to break free and find redemption…and justice.

“Compelling…This powerful and unforgettable novel is a poignant and enlightening look into a sad chapter of recent history.”–Library Journal (starred review)

“Heart-wrenching…sweeping. This one lingers long after the last page.”–Publishers Weekly

“Wayward girls is all about the power of female bonds…this isn’t just a moment in time—it’s a cautionary tale.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of By Any Other Name

“Susan Wiggs is at the top of her game. Through the skillful weaving of an endearing cast, Wayward Girls displays the power of sisterhood to survive, conquer, and ultimately heal from the most harrowing of times. An evocative tale packed with resilience and secrets that kept me reading late into the night. I loved it.” —Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Girls of Good Fortune

Review

Oh y’all!! This book!! Fantastic!

In 1968 we meet six teens confined at the Good Shepherd—a dark and secretive institution controlled by Sisters of Charity nuns—locked away merely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.

I just don’t know where to start writing this review without it going off the rails. This book, these characters, their situations will take you on a ride that will keep you thinking about them for days to come.

All of these young ladies face their own trauma and life has beaten them down at a young age. Then they are sent to the Good Shepherd where they are abused in more ways than one.

Mairin is the main young lady and she is tough as nails and even this “school”takes its toll on her. She is sent to this horrible place because her step dad tried to make moves on her. Her mother was trying to keep her safe…y’all just read it!!

This story will make you mad, sad, and gasp with the tragic situations these young ladies endure. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Need an emotional tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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