Intense, disturbing yet riveting historical tale of women deemed promiscuous or 'loose' in the 1940s. This story is based on the Chamberlain-Kahn Act or the American Plan. That alone makes this story frightening. This cautionary tale is more like a 1930-1940s Handmaid's Tale when the government decides to 'treat' those it thinks are spreading sexual infections to servicemen.

Told in three different POVs, readers meet Dorothy Baker, who is passionate about reform but hides her own secret. Teen Stella Temple, who is sexually abused by her father, and sent to the colony by her parents to get 'better.' Ruth Foster, who lives independently and is picked up by the sheriff and taken to the colony.

Baker's story is one of a woman who has her own tragic past and finds some redemption in her part of the colony. Her zeal to try to find good in what she does is overshadowed by the thought that some don't agree and that she might lose the only quest she believes in.

Stella's story is beyond tragic, but is realistic because no one spoke out loud about sexual abuse at that time. If anything, it was the young girl's and sometimes the young boy's fault. Some people were thought of as fallen and worse. Stella tries to be the 'good' girl. Anything to not be sent back home.

Ruth's story is one of those who are threatened by women who refused to fit the role society had for them. Add to that those young women who were attractive and confident. I really felt for Ruth as she struggles to find sense in why she's being held. She's strong even when others in the farm colony beat her down.

This story had me glued. What's horrifying is the justifications the government at the time used to round up and send these women to the colony. The treatments were before penicillin and were mercury and materials likened to today's chemotherapies. The side effects are shown in graphic details. What's beyond horrific is that most of those subjected to these inhumane treatments didn't have venereal diseases.

At the end, there is a mention of how the government's stand on eugenics was used to separate the so-called less than from the others in the population.

Haunting historical where women are rounded up and deemed a threat to those men who fight the war, but in reality is a chilling case of the overextension of power and control. This is one story that will stay with me for some time.

Women of a Promiscuous Nature by Donna Everhart is a profoundly moving and eye-opening novel that shines a light on a dark chapter of history—one that highlights the strength and resilience of women fighting against injustice. Ruth Foster’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring as she is swept into a brutal reform system that seeks to shame and control women based on their circumstances, not their actions. Everhart masterfully balances raw emotion with quiet courage, capturing the fear, hope, and fierce determination of women like Ruth and Stella. Their stories of defiance against a system designed to break them are powerful reminders of the human spirit’s capacity to resist oppression, even in the bleakest of circumstances. The well-drawn characters and authentic dialogue make you feel every heartbreak and every small act of rebellion. While some parts are difficult to read, the novel’s heart remains resilient—showing that even when society tries to silence and shame, the fight for dignity and freedom endures. It’s a story that stays with you long after the final page, urging reflection on justice, compassion, and the enduring strength of women who refuse to be broken. Women of a Promiscuous Nature is essential reading—an inspiring testament to the power of resistance and hope in the face of overwhelming cruelty. Highly recommended for anyone who believes in the quiet heroism of those who fight to reclaim their lives.

I have a feeling this book is going to be stuck in my head for a long time to come! It covers three different POVs of three different women/girls going through a time of mass incarceration of women who are deemed “promiscuous” or “immoral.” This label could apply to anyone from sex workers to simply a woman being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Based on history, the most horrifying aspect of this book is its truth. Not the fact that it’s based on something that could happen, but that it’s based on something that has already, and is seldom talked about. Put simply, this book is the gasoline on the proverbial fire of feminine rage (pun unintended).

Overall, I’d give this about 4.5 stars. It did an incredible job of covering a few different aspects of the history of things. I do wish there was a little more depth and discussion around race, as it seems it was only white women in this colony? Also, it would’ve been interesting to get some insight into Frances Platt’s perspective, even just a chapter or two. That said, that element worked well enough as it is — I’m just curious about it, as her story would’ve been interesting as well!

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this arc. I’m excited for its release.

I have been struggling to connect with a book for months now and once I picked up this book, I could not put it down. I am so excited for the official release of this book and so honored I had an opportunity to read it.

An unforgettable and timely novel, Women of a Promiscuous Nature uncovers a shocking and often overlooked chapter of American history. I was unaware of the American Plan and its devastating impact on women in the 1940s. Readers will find themselves wholeheartedly rooting for the women at the heart of this story. Donna Everhart delivers a powerful, unflinching narrative of resistance, resilience, and the fight to reclaim control over one’s body and future.

Women of a Promiscuous Nature by Donna Everhart is a beautifully written story that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. It’s intense, emotional, and honestly horrifying! The U.S. actually had a program where women could be locked up for looking promiscuous. I had no idea. Ruth is strong, smart, and totally blindsided when she gets snatched off the street and thrown into a rehabilitation colony just for existing as an independent woman in the 1940’s. The injustice she faces made me furious. What I loved most is that this book doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s bold and unflinching, but also deeply human. If you’re into historical fiction that shines a light on forgotten women and fires you up with every page, this book is a must read!

This was definitely a book that made you think about choices that were made in the past. The story was very sad, and the fact that places like this actually existed made it even more sad.