The Iron Lady

The House of Winslow #19

by Gilbert Morris

When three young Winslow daughters arrive in New York City in 1902, they each pursue a different dream--one of being a nurse and missionary, one of performing on stage, and the other of photographing the plight of the immigrants in the tenement slums

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Historical, Romance, Inspirational

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

About the author

also published under the name Gilbert L. Morris

Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris

Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*

Reviews

[Kirsty Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very first introduction to a series that wasted no time in claiming my heart, I loved everything about this book, from the three separate love stories, to the commentary on both the Boar War, and the Ellis Island experience, to the wonderful undercurrents of faith and family spread throughout. There is also the return of a familiar face in the form of Scottish Dr. Burns, who finally gets his romantic happily ever after. However, while I did love his and Ruth's story, and just barely tolerated Priscilla's (she does NOT deserve the unwavering loyalty and love of the guy she ends up with), it's Esther's that I enjoy the most. The wonderfully honest, beautiful, and sincere connection which develops from the get-go between her and Jan, and the natural progression of their romance is so well written, as well as emotionally engaging. I also greatly appreciated the spotlight placed on this period of time in regards to the immigrant flood which came to America, an event in history I find particularly interesting, in large part because of this book!

[Priscilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read Gilbert Morris, but now I remember why I wasn't too impressed. It's a perfectly adequate book, just nothing which grabs you or stays with you...I can't remember much from any of the other half-dozen Morrises I've read. Of the characters, I liked the Iron Lady herself, Esther Winslow, but felt both the other two cousins were just stock, stereotyped characters -- Ruth, the good missionary nurse, and Rachel, the sinner on stage. As a historical, the use of Pakistan jarred, considering that the story is set almost half a century before that country ever came into existence.

[Wendi (_readingismylovelanguage_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽/5
 
This book is a part of a series I picked up because they were in mom’s stash when she passed.  I want to say she had the first 5 or 6 and I have just kept it going.  Quick recap:  The first one of the series tells the story of Gilbert Morris the family’s patriarch who sailed  on the Mayflower and settled with others on this new land. The subsequent books tell the stories of the generations following – each one finding their own way.   Each book starts with a long family tree and I have mentioned before that I am sucker for a family tree. 😊
The Iron Lady is the story of three cousins of the Winslow clan from 1900-1903.  They each travel to New York pursuing very different dreams.  The characters they meet and they way they grow draws me in every single time.  Priscilla, Esther, and Ruth all so different, but their foundation is the same.  I highly recommend this series, but I wouldn’t skip a single one – Start at the beginning!  It’s an adventure.
 
Book Quote:  “The heart has to be changed or we’ll go around biting people on the ankles (referring to a dog that couldn’t be taught) – or destroying ourselves in some foolish way.”

[Arnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fascinating as it follows 2 young Winslow women (2 from Wyoming and 1 wealthy girl from NYC). The book follows 1 as she pursues her dream of ultimately becoming a nurse and then a missionary. 1 follows a girl just wanting out of Wyoming who follows her cousin into nurse training just so she can be in NYC because she loves the stage. Our wealthy NYC local loves taking pictures and wants to do some good with them. She is fighting trying to make her way in a man's profession. Of course we have the love stories - some are not winners..but will they ultimately find a winner?

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a few story lines, the main one being immigration in the early 20th century. It also touches on the development of motion pictures and cars. This is a Christian book, & includes the Gospel message, specifically to one who did something that she felt couldn't be forgiven. I'll read this again

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent author

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruth, Priscilla, and Esther Winslow come to New York to find themselves. Each girl finds a different path in the big city.

[Deb Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book in this series thus far!

Superb! Lots of parallel plots and excellent, insightful historical details. An excellent read! I can’t not recommend it highly enough!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

7 - Lots happening in the US at the turn of the century. Immigrants coming to Pby the thousands. The automobile being made. Motion pictures just starting to be made. Ruth was the steady one and got her Dr. Burns in th. e end. They will do medicine together in Africa and be happy as two peas in a pod.. Priscilla had big dreams of acting but got caught up in the dream of it and ended up with a no good man Eddie Rich. Glad she is back with Jason at the end of the book. Esther had the most exciting time of them all - all her newspaper escapades were fun. Glad her romance with Dr, Jan Kruger worked out in the end.

[Michaela Royer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this series. This book definitely wasn't my favorite. I enjoyed it but it felt a little confusing as it had three main characters instead one. The story is divided into sections and I feel like there's not enough time spent on each character. All in all though it was a good story a nice stepping stone into the next book which will focus more on Priscilla whose story didn't actually finish here. I love how characters like Mark, Dan, and Tom are all mentioned.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series by Gilbert Morris is one of my absolute favorites. Each book follows at least one member of a generation in the Winslow family tree and the member(s) gets saved and finds true love. There's also some commentary on the social conditions of the time frame. Truly interesting.

[Jencey/ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes place in New York at the turn of the century.

[Conni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 19