Book cover for Flyweight by Courtney Ellis
2026 Released
352 Pages
5-7 Hours
Ebook Unavailable
Audiobook Unavailable
Blackstone PublishingISBN 9798228996090

In the wake of the Great War, two female boxers defy society's standards to fight for their place in the ring

East London, 1921: Lucy Cotter is unemployed, unskilled, and down to her last shilling. Before the Great War she never had to work, relying on her husband, Robin, to support her and their young daughter with his successful boxing career. Now, though, Robin is unemployed and nursing battle wounds, so it's up to Lucy to keep the leaking roof over their heads. Tired of rejection and nostalgic for better days, Lucy enters Robin's former boxing club on a whim--and discovers that a place which once barred women is now run by one.

Siobhan McCarthy is the niece of Robin's late coach and a pugilist herself. She's delighted Lucy stumbled in; it's hard to find another woman who knows the sport. Siobhan offers her work as a cleaner--with a few bob more if Lucy trains alongside her. Tempting as the offer sounds, Lucy is skeptical, sharing the opinion of society that boxing is a sport unbecoming of a woman.

Days later, an unexpected expense leaves Lucy and her family facing eviction. Desperate, she returns to the club and reluctantly dons the gloves. As Lucy's love for her husband's sport is rekindled, she discovers a new joy in her own prowess, but when Siobhan asks her to spar in a public match, Lucy hesitates. Backlash will be certain and swift, risking her family's future. How much is she willing to sacrifice to earn her place in the ring?

Inspired by true events, Flyweight is a story of the strength and resilience of two women and the lengths they're willing to go for their families--and equality.

Courtney Ellis

Courtney Ellis is an author, speaker, and pastor. Her books include Looking Up, Weathering Change, Uncluttered, Present, and Almost Holy Mama. Ellis serves as a Presbyterian pastor in southern California and is the host of The Thing with Feathers podcast. Born in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, she graduated from Wheaton College, Loyola University Chicago, and Princeton Theological Seminary. She and her husband are the parents of three children.

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