This book takes you on a journey that will make you happy you decided to take the adventure. Hendrick is a great storyteller.

Six Weeks in Reno taught me something new. I had no idea that Reno was a divorce destination for women during the Great Depression, and I loved learning about this unique piece of history. The book does a great job of immersing readers in the time period and shedding light on the struggles and freedoms these women experienced while on their own in Reno.

That said, the story itself fell flat for me. While the premise was intriguing, the plot felt repetitive, with the characters frequently visiting dance halls every night. They did some other little things in between, but it didn't break the story up enough for me.. By the halfway point, I was ready for the book to wrap up.

If you're interested in historical tidbits about divorce laws and women’s independence in the 1930s, this might still be worth a read. But if you’re looking for a tightly paced, engaging narrative, this one might drag a bit.

In this fascinating historical fiction novel, readers follow Evelyn Hendrson to Reno, Nevada, where she takes up residence at the Flying N Ranch with other six-weekers, women from all sorts of backgrounds who have come to live in Reno long enough to get an uncontested divorce. Despite enjoying the freedom and unique Westerness of the city, Evelyn and the other women cannot escape the grim realities of the Depression or the consequences of leaving Reno without the divorces they need. As Evelyn finds herself again with the help of her new friends and a local cowboy, she soon realizes that, like the other women coming through the city, six weeks here will change her life. An incredible debut novel from Lucy Hedrick, readers will love the level of detail here in the characters and the settings that really bring this fascinating history of Reno to life. The characters and their relationships -- particularly Evelyn’s friendships with other women at the ranch -- are this novel’s highlights because the emotional intensity and bonds between these women are absolutely incredible. Well-written and deeply entertaining, readers will be immersed in the detailed world-building, complex characters, and historical backdrop in this fantastic debut historical fiction novel.

If Las Vegas was known as the place to get a quick marriage, Reno, during the Great Depression, was the place to get a quick divorce. All you had to do was “live” in Reno for six weeks to be considered a resident. Then, as a resident, you could ask the courts for a divorce. Women from all over the US would travel by train to Reno to get a divorce.

The women who arrived in Reno were quickly termed the “six-weekers”. They stayed on ranches set up just for these types of situations. The staff would feed them, take them to town for shopping and hair appointments, and then later to the hall for dances with the local cowboys. Some of the women were wealthy, and others were just scraping enough money together to get to Reno and then off to start a new life.

I had never heard of these Reno divorces before reading this book. During the 1930s, divorce was very scandalous. But women sought them for various reasons, much like today. Infidelity, abuse, a loveless marriage, and other disagreements sent the women to Reno, and sometimes, the men came along after them, trying to win them back. Other women found new love with one of the many cowboys and married again shortly after receiving their divorce. While others never returned home again, traveling to new cities to start over.

“It takes courage to come all the way out here. You have courage. You are a brave woman. If I’ve observed one thing since I’ve been here, it’s that we six-weekers are loaded with bravery. The world is full of wives who remain in loveless and sometimes abusive marriages. We’re the ones who have said, ‘Enough!’ And do you know what it really means? We’ve decided that we deserve better.”

In this story, we mostly followed Evelyn and the other “six-weekers” who lived together during their time in Reno. Of course, there are always going to be people who prey on vulnerable women, and Reno had plenty of them. Some cowboys were looking for a quick romance. Investors were looking to capitalize on Reno’s popularity and swindle innocent women out of their hard-earned money.

Evelyn came from a mostly sheltered childhood and life. She didn’t believe in drinking alcohol or other unseemly behaviors. She was very naive about the kind of life people lived outside of her circle, including bar fights, poverty, and gambling. During her train ride west, she was exposed to people and situations that she had never been around before, and then again during her time in Reno. Evelyn was seeking a divorce from a husband who refused to work and live off her family’s money but she had also recently found out he had been keeping a scandalous secret from her, which was the last straw, sending her to Reno.

Evelyn’s life is forever changed by the many women (and one particular man) she met during her six weeks in Reno. She watched women overcome adversity and great disappointment, became friends with women she had already made a snap judgment about, and witnessed many women blossom right before her eyes as they became free from their particular situations.

I didn’t appreciate Evelyn’s character in the beginning as I found her to be too uppity and unforgiving, but as Evelyn began to learn more about herself, she changed into a caring friend who would put herself between a woman and an abuser to save her.

“From now on, I am determined to judge people for their goodness rather than their appearance, for their competence rather than their social position, and for their resilience rather than their family background. “

I enjoyed this journey to Reno and into the lives of these women who quickly became friends and depended on each other. There are some themes that readers may find difficult to read, including domestic abuse, suicide, and abortion. But, each of these situations was handled with care and accuracy for the time period the characters were in. If you like realistic historical fiction and being transported to a time and place in history full of dust storms, cowboys, and country dances, check out this book.

“But freedom is more than an absence of hurt. It is elbow room to try new things. Plenty of rope, as the cowboys would say, to play, and no doubt stumble, but with the license to get up and play again…I am now unfettered to set goals for myself beyond the restrictions of my family’s, or my husband’s rules. I am free to try new things, and perhaps fall down, but continue to stay my course on my terms.”

I really liked this story of women gathering in Reno , having to obtain a six week residency ( decreased from six months) in order to get an easy divorce. Set in the times where divorce was considered shameful, these women were brave enough to make a hard decision and change their lives. The story circles a few women with different stories, tells of the camaraderie between them and of some of the dangers. I thought it told a tale that I knew nothing about,… very interesting.

I quick but fun historical read about the early divorce culture of Nevada, specifically Reno. A look into the early life of a city the feed a silver rush, grew gangsters and encouraged the still legal career path of prostitution and corruption.

The story follows a group of ladies who become friends while fulfilling their requirement of Six Weeks in Reno. Fun how there were ranches to house these women who were traveling often under secret.

Loved the historic basis for the story. It's a little odd to think that less than 100 years ago, people had to go to a distant town for a period of time to obtain a divorce. While it seems like a somewhat cool vacation, very few people could afford to go to these lengths to obtain the divorce they wanted (or needed).

I thought the historical context of this book was interesting. The actual story was not my favorite. There seemed to be a lack of character development and there were some areas of the book that became very repetitive.

thank you to netgalley for the e-arc. DIVORCE RANCH? say less. i appreciated how the author articulated how unique it was back in the day to stand up for what you want, including divorcing the man who controlled your life more or less. one of my favorite parts was seeing the nightlife during the era and the lengths people would go to to have a good time.

What a great book this was, and it has stayed so vivid in my memory months after devouring it in under a week - I couldn't put it down. Not generally one for historic American fiction, this was superb. I don't want to spoil the adventure, but I can say that the characters were well developed, relatable and/or believable - whether you took a liking to them or not. I was absolutely fascinated to learn about the 'no fault' divorce grounds in America back in the 1960's, so I learnt something on this fascinating and entertaining journey too. The lengths women went to to get to Reno and sit out the required time at a desert 'divorce ranch' to void their marriage was nothing short of tenacious and commendable. The 1960's was such a different world to the one we live in today, and reading this was a celebration of women and the sisterhood. Highly recommend.

Loved this historical fiction story set in the 1930's. Divorce was hard to get back then, illegal in most places. Nevada did offer divorce, and places like the Flying N ranch existed for the express purpose of providing a place to stay for those waiting the weeks it took for the divorce to become legal. The stories that were told and the reasons for divorce!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy to honestly review.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of 1930s Nevada, Six Weeks in Reno by Lucy H. Hedrick is a poignant and empowering tale of reinvention, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to reclaim one's life. Evelyn Henderson, a woman who’s spent two decades in a stifling marriage, makes the radical decision to seek a divorce—an act that, in her time, was not only rare but socially daring. Traveling to Reno, where a six-week residency was the only barrier to legal freedom, Evelyn checks into the Flying N Ranch, a haven for women in similar situations. What follows is a heartfelt journey of self-discovery as she forges unexpected friendships and slowly rediscovers the woman she used to be.

Hedrick masterfully captures the era’s unique tension—between tradition and independence, between societal expectations and personal truth. The vivid setting of the divorce ranches, a little-known slice of American history, is brought to life with rich detail and a subtle feminist undercurrent that never overwhelms the story, but rather strengthens it. Evelyn’s evolution is both believable and quietly powerful. As she shares laughter, tears, and stories with her fellow residents, readers are invited into a warm, complex web of human connection. Each character, no matter how briefly featured, feels real and necessary to Evelyn's growth.

Six Weeks in Reno isn’t just about divorce—it’s about second chances, chosen family, and the courage it takes to step into the unknown. With graceful prose and genuine heart, Hedrick delivers a novel that feels both historically grounded and emotionally timeless. Perfect for fans of historical fiction that centers on women’s inner lives and quiet rebellions, this debut marks Lucy H. Hedrick as a voice to watch.

With family near Reno, I found 'Six Weeks in Reno' particularly interesting as it brought to life the world of 1930s Reno and the 'divorce ranches' like the Flying N Ranch. The book effectively portrays the experiences of women like Evelyn Henderson, who came seeking freedom and a new beginning, and I could easily imagine similar stories unfolding in the landscape around nearby Virginia City. This engaging novel offers an educational look at a fascinating moment in history through the lens of personal transformation.

I'm surprised there haven't been more divorce ranch novels as they seem rife with juicy plot possibilities. Divorces were difficult for either sex to obtain. Nevada, a state known for being loose with their laws - legal gambling, prostitution and what not - gave women the right to declare residency for six weeks as proof they intended to live apart from their spouses. Divorce ranches were half resorts, half boarding houses. The women were given safe, clean, comfortable lodging and meals. Often the ranches had swimming pools and offered excursions into Reno for shopping and gambling.

Lucy Hedrick's novel Six Weeks in Reno offers a glimpse into life at a divorce ranch. Evelyn Henderson remarks of herself "According to gossip columnist Walter Winchell, she is traveling west to get “Reno-vated.” Evelyn models to earn money because her husband has been unemployed for 20 years. She joins a group of ladies at a divorce ranch to await her day in court. But one of the ladies may have nefarious intentions. The story is a bit static, with no real conflict. Hedrik doesn't really give the ladies much backstory, which is important to show divorce has myriad causes. Evelyn's story is compelling, but the novel falls flat because what little conflict there is shows up late in the story with no real tension in the build up. Despite this Six Weeks in Reno is a unique look into a niche aspect of women's history.

Recently I've been in a need for historical fiction focused on women and the "girl power" feelings and this book delievered! Lucy H. Hedrick present a beautiful, yet hurtful story of women in the 1930s.

Before I reached for this book I had no idea that Reno, Nevada was a divorce capital back in the days. This was an incredible information to me and I am in shook and in awe for all the women that decided to get their freedom and stay in that city at first for 6 months, and then after the law changed for 6 weeks. That took a lot of courage and some didn't last that long, I do hope that all of them did find the freedom they needed at last.

The motif of finding yourself is something that makes this novel important to me. Our main character - Evelyn - is finally tired of her life and decides to change it, when she goes to Reno we follow her for 6 weeks and 2 long train journies. We laugh with her, cry with her, and finally take a breath at the end.

I recommend this one for everyone! Fast read, beautiful story and an amazing history lesson.

Evelyn is heading to Reno for a divorce - its the 1930s and the easiest way in America to obtain a no-fault divorce was to be resident in Reno for 6 weeks. She has been trapped in a loveless marriage and now her children are grown, she wants to escape.

She meets up with other women, many escaping from worse marriages than hers with abuse and philandering, and makes friends as they spend their time on the 'divorce ranches' (who are making money to survive the back end of the Depression) and going into Reno for fun.

Its a really lovely read, Evelyn is a decent woman wanting to do right by her husband and family, knowing she will be ostracised by everyone in her small town back home. I wasn't aware of the Reno divorce system before, so I learned something new as well as enjoying a cracking read. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Evelyn Henderson is married to Dean and she has two college aged children. Her deceased parents were religious and they pushed her into marrying him, it wasn’t what she wanted and she boards a train for Reno, Nevada. The laws around divorce have changed, she has to stay at the Flying N Ranch for six weeks and become one of the “six weekers”, and they stay long enough to secure an uncontested divorce.

The ranch is run by Ramona and Arthur, and she becomes friendly with her housemates Beatrice, Madeline and Thistlena and they go into town for beauty appointments and shopping, and attend the dance-halls at night and which are frequented by cowboys and Evelyn has her head turned by the handsome Sundown.

Evelyn discovers the reasons why her friends want to get a divorce and for some the decision is easier than others and not all is what it seems and Reno is full casinos and prostitution, swindlers and crooks and can be a dangerous place for naive ladies and young girls.

I received a copy of Six Weeks in Reno by Lucy H. Hedrick from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. A story set in 1931 and during the Great Depression in America and about how those six weeks changed Evelyn's life, despite forming bonds with her housemates, I found her character rather shallow.

A three star read for me, the idea of women having to resort to such drastic measures to get a divorce was interesting and the cover is stunning and I had high hopes, however I felt the narrative lacked intellectual depth and I recommend borrowing a copy of the novel from the library.

I do not typically read this genre, but I do have to say that it is historically accurate in terms of the divorce requirements during the early 1900’s in Reno.

Evelyn is on a mission to 1930's Reno to get an uncontested divorce, but will she have the nerve to stay the full 6 weeks and come out a free lady?

I chose this book because I live in Reno, Nevada and was very excited to learn more of it's history. Every time Evelyn walked along the Truckee river or mentioned some of the places and streets that are still around today I internally cheered. Unfortunately, I want more than just historical facts and location lore in my books.

There is technically a plot to Evelyn's journey, but it doesn't really come together until the last 25% of the novel and the ending of her short-lived story was not even that satisfying. The majority of the book is seeing the Old West in the very judgey eyes of our MC. Every time something terrible happens to some one else or something even remotely inconvenient happens to her, Evelyn's internal monologue cries out saying "is this a sign that I should retreat back home?". No spoilers of course, but a funny inconsequential example of this is when she can't leave her hotel for a day because of a wind storm and her doubts come flying at you in the text! Evelyn is the stereotypical East coast high society snob, a gossiper who can't read social cues, too dim to piece together obvious "secrets", and the biggest little square in all of the 6 weekers and Renoites.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eCopy to review

I recently finished reading "Six Weeks in Reno" by Lucy H. Hedrick, and I must say, it was a captivating journey through the emotional landscape of 1930s Nevada.

The story follows Evelyn Henderson, a woman who, after twenty years in a loveless marriage, decides to escape her stifling suburban life. She boards a train to Reno, Nevada, a town booming with "six-weekers"—women who stay just long enough to secure an uncontested divorce. Evelyn settles into the Flying N Ranch, where she bonds with her housemates, most of whom are also seeking freedom from societal conventions.

The novel beautifully captures the essence of the era, with Evelyn experiencing the heady taste of freedom through ranch life and dance-hall cowboys by night. However, beneath the glamour lies the grim reality of Depression-era America and the devastating consequences of escape. Evelyn's journey is both heart breaking and hopeful as she is drawn out of her shell by a Hollywood-handsome wrangler and challenged by her new friends to reengage with the world.

"Six Weeks in Reno" is a powerful exploration of heartbreak, hope, and the allure of the unknown. It offers a poignant look at the struggles and triumphs of women seeking to live life on their own terms. If you're interested in historical fiction with strong emotional depth, this novel is definitely worth a read!