The Tumbling Turner Sisters

By: Juliette Fay

Narrated by: Katie Schorr, Eileen Stevens

Set against the turbulent backdrop of American vaudeville, four sisters embark on an unexpected adventure - and a last-ditch effort to save their family.

In 1919 the Turner sisters and their parents are barely scraping by. Their father is a low-paid boot stitcher in Johnson City, New York, and the family is always one paycheck away from eviction. When their father's hand is crushed and he can no longer work, their irrepressible mother decides that the vaudeville stage is their best - and only - chance for survival.

Traveling by train from town to town, teenagers Gert, Winnie, and Kit and recent widow Nell soon find a new kind of freedom in the company of performers who are as diverse as their acts. There is a seamier side to the business, however, and the young women face dangers and turns of fate they never could have anticipated.

Heartwarming and surprising, The Tumbling Turner Sisters is ultimately a story of awakening - to unexpected possibilities, to love and heartbreak, and to the dawn of a new American era.

©2016 Juliette Fay (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Yes, it's a 5 star review and well earned!

I am suffering from a rigid terror of writing a review that does not do this book justice! I absolutely loved every moment of this Audible production and wish I had more chapters or a sequel to it!


The voice acting was superb, which always makes or breaks an audiobook. I loved the two narrators and the shifting view points that they brought. I am more of a fan of Gert’s perspective (call me a cynic lover) and later in the book ended up really loving Winnie. Winnie’s character arc was the most satisfying. Gert broke my heart a little near the end of the book.

I have to preface this review with the knowledge that I am a fan of Juliette Fay. I have listened to all of her Audible books and have enjoyed most of them. Now that she is delving into historical fiction – I have to say KEEP IT UP! She writes a rich world, brings in a lot of background information, and transplants you into the thick of things.

Prior to this book, I had no clue what vaudeville was! And in case you don’t know either… here’s a snippet from Wikipedia:

vaude·ville: a type of entertainment popular chiefly in the US in the early 20th century, featuring a mixture of specialty acts such as burlesque comedy and song and dance.”his comedic roots are in vaudeville”

After listening to this book, I scoured the Internet for more information on Vaudeville. The way this story centers around it and brings out different sides of it was an amazing ride. I had no clue that performers used to “black face” (‘black up’) and sing horrifying songs putting down African Americans. When one of the side characters who is a black man refuses to (‘black up’) the manager of the theatre gets annoyed with him. It was a powerful moment in the book.


The story is so rich that it includes other moments of history that I know of thanks to my MFM fandom — the Great Molasses Flood of Boston — which, if you’re interested, is horrifying (Wikipedia link here.) It also touched on the Spanish Flu and the end of WW2.

The four sisters are absolutely enjoyable and well written. I honestly would have loved to know more about Nell and Kit’s perspective. Their mother, though vapid and self-serving throughout the book, isn’t even a villain though she could have easily been written as one. Each of her girls has a general understanding of her and gives her passes for it. I like to think that’s how it is with most families.


I would so highly recommend this audiobook for anyone that loves a great story that takes you on a fantastical ride. There’s nothing more satisfying than listening to a great book while you’re folding laundry or doing chores (or, commuting, working or whatever… quality distraction you need!).

wonderful story line

I fell in love with all the characters. Very entertaining. I highly recommend this story.

Didn’t want it to end.

Juliette Fay’s skills are on full show here. Great character development and true to life historical fiction. Set in the turbulent days of the early 20’s and the end of WW1. When a family of 4 sisters spurred on by their tenacious mother/manager set off to earn money for the family in Vaudeville, with no prior experience, but a lot of grit and determination.

The small towns and various people who come into their lives some for the good and some not so good - and the challenges of living on the road during tough times - all make for great storytelling.

The kind of book that runs in your head like a show, and you don’t want it to end.

Both narrators did a great job, really drew ne in and very entertaining!

Absolutely beautiful written

This is my second book by Juliette Fay. I highly recommend. This book has beauty horror sadness joy and ends so lovely. I am so impressed with her ability to weave history in with such lovable characters!
The narration was absolutely perfect… Both women I could not have enjoyed their voices more!!
I can see why this book has so many five stars… They were earned!! ♥️

Interesting story

I know little of the Vaudeville time so that was interesting. The performer’s voice was slightly annoying.

Young Adult

This plainly told historical fiction is fine for light entertainment. Even the edgy stuff came off as cute. At the risk of sounding ageist and sexist, I think preteen and young teenage females would enjoy it most.

Insight into vaudeville

This was a fun listen, with likable characters, even if it’s pretty easy to see what we the story is going.

can't put it down.

it's been a while since I have chosen a book from the included menu of audible that I haven't been able to put down. usually it's just some sort of poorly written book that I try to listen to it because it's included in my membership. but this book I have not stopped listening to since I've downloaded it from driving across the state, to doing work, to doing chores, to going on my walks it's a really good book it's kind of fluffy but there's good storyline behind it and it really brings you into the background of a performers life.

Fantastic listen. Didn't want it to end.

What did you love best about The Tumbling Turner Sisters?

historically accurate, incredibly interesting and so very charming. Loved how the characters came to life!

Loved this book

Wasn’t sure what to expect. Very moving story about strong and compassionate women! Both readers are amazing. Hoping for a sequel.