The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore

 

About the Book

A powerful story based on true events surrounding Donaldina Cameron and other brave women who fought to help Chinese-American women escape discrimination and slavery in the late 19th century in California.

When Donaldina Cameron arrives at the Occidental Mission Home for Girls in 1895, she intends to teach sewing skills to young Chinese women immigrants, but, within days, she discovers that the job is much more complicated than perfect stitches and even hems. San Francisco has a dark side, one where a powerful underground organization--the criminal tong--brings Chinese young women to America to sell them as slaves. With the help of Chinese interpreters and the Chinatown police squad, Donaldina becomes a tireless social reformer to stop the abominable slave and prostitution trade.

Mei Lien believes she is sailing to the "Gold Mountain" in America to become the wife of a rich Chinese man.Instead she finds herself sold into prostitution--beaten, starved, and forced into an opium addiction. It is only after a narrow escape that she hears of the mission home and dares to think there might be hope for a new life.

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown throws new light on the age-old scourge of human trafficking. The heroes who fought this evil and the victims who triumphed over it more than a hundred years ago offer a bright example of courage and determination for anyone wishing for a better world.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51253514-the-paper-daughters-of-chinatown

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2G60SBQ

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I love fluffy romance stories, but every once in awhile, I crave a deeper book that's full of meaning, value, and leaves me touched. The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is real and raw, as it's based on true events. This book is all of that and more, and if historical fiction is a genre you enjoy, be sure to check this one out!

 

I had no idea how awful a lot of the conditions were in Chinatown in the early 1900s. I thought the only slaves in America were the ones brought here from Africa, but that's definitely not the case. Young girls, some even just children, were taken or families were lied to, in order to propel a drug and prostitution ring in the San Francisco area. This tale tells the story of a woman, Donaldina (aka Dolly) who works hard with a rescue mission in getting these girls out of this situation and giving them an education and place of refuge. The sad thing is, this type of horror, sex trafficking, still exists today and I know there are many foundations who are working tirelessly to rescue these girls.

 

Moore delivers a well-crafted book that is superbly written and allows to reader to dive into this time, over 100 years ago, to learn an important part of history, as well as come to know key historical figures in an intimate way. I love learning historical facts in this way and Moore is a master story teller, especially when it concerns the past. I was affected by this story and completely engrossed, both in trepidation and hope, and finished with a feeling of knowledge and power. I left wanting to do something and make a change for the present and the future, and feel if only for those reasons alone, Moore's offering is a big success.

 

Content: very mild romance; horrors of abuse, rape, prostitution, slavery (enough details to understand how bad it was, but nothing at all graphic); very mild religion

 

About the Author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1344869.Heather_B_Moore

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/37783537691/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherbmoore

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhbmoore/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heather-B-Moore/e/B007HLYZ6A/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

How to Not Fall for Your Best Friend by Meg Easton {Review}

 

 

How to Not Fall for Your Best Friend by Meg Easton

Kindle Edition, 194 pages

Published 29 September 2020 by Mountain Heights Publishing 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

  

 

Seven days. Thirteen dates with thirteen different people. One friendly competition between best friends (who are definitely not dating each other).

Peyton Abernathy wants to get married, and she’s ready to do something drastic about it. Like getting over her fear of making bad choices. She wants someone responsible, adventurous, resourceful, and inspiring. Someone who feels like peace and acceptance and home.

Someone exactly like her best friend, Max Peyton.

Except not Max.

Because that one time a year ago when she accidentally almost kissed him, he said he loves her like a sister. Like a sister. So yeah, she isn’t about to fall for her best friend. (Again.) Besides, Max told her that he doesn’t want to get married to anyone. Ever. Sure, it could’ve been the effects of his last relationship talking, but she is fairly sure he means it.

That’s okay, because she has a plan to find her perfect man. She and Max both need dates for a friend’s wedding, so she talks Max into a little competition—to see who can go on the highest number of dates, each with a different person, all within the span of one week. And by the end, each of them will ask their favorite to be their date at the wedding.

It’s a brilliant plan; she’s sure of it. Seven days and that perfect wedding date will hopefully turn into happily ever afters for both of them.

The plan is so good it is practically foolproof.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

This story is perfection in every single way.

Hilarious humor? Check. Absolutely sidesplitting.

Great characters? Check. And I looooved seeing characters from previous books in this series.

Speed dating? Check. With some of the funniest dating stories ever.

Swoony romance? Double check, check! 

 

I loved everything about this book and it's just pure entertainment--straight to the heart. I loved the vivacity of Peyton and the amazing bond that she shares with her three best friends, but especially that rock solid best friendship that she shares with Max. Finally ready to settle down, she devises the ultimate dating competition and the results are self surprising.

 

I seriously laughed and swooned so many times that I lost count. This is one of my favorite series and this one is probably my favorite of them all. It's so comforting to come home to this group of friends and to delve into each one of the girl's lives in depth with each installment, and I can't wait for Timini's story.

 

Content: mild, swoony romance; lots of humor; mild moments of peril/danger 

Her Rock Star's Dark Secret by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

 

Her Rock Star's Dark Secret (A Maple Creek Brides Sweet Romance) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition

Publication: September 28th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given 

  

Lauren Parker is a salon owner and a single mom. She works hard to get by, but her business is still on the brink of collapse. When her best friend sets her up on a blind date with her celebrity brother, Lauren is not amused. She’s not interested in dating and definitely not interested in her old enemy from high school.

Chase Remington, lead singer of a mega-famous band returns to his hometown of Maple Creek, Virginia for his ten-year high school reunion. He was a known bad boy back in his school days and has since reformed. Only he’s still holding onto a dark secret from his past in Maple Creek and he can’t let go of it. Not even to heal.

Chase volunteers to join Lauren’s committee to plan a memorial service for a former classmate, and they discover that maybe they have more in common than they first assumed. As Chase grows closer to Lauren, his secret gets dangerously close to becoming exposed.

If you enjoy sweet romance set in a small town with swoony moments, then you’ll love this book!

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I'm completely charmed by the small town of Maple Creek. In fact, it's reminiscent of the place I grew up, in some ways, and that led to a very sweet and nostalgic feeling while reading it.

 

Lauren and Chase didn't get along at all in high school and are now reunited for their 10 year high school reunion, which will also be used to commemorate a classmate who died shortly before their graduation. Dealing with delicate topics, such as bullying and suicide, can be different to pull of, but I felt that Hale did a great job of incorporating them into the story by placing importance on the awareness of such things, but not allowing them to cast a dark and depressive shadow over the book.

 

Although this story felt a bit like insta-love, these characters share a past and a background, which made it very believable for me. As Lauren and Chase worked together on a project, the layers of hatred pulled away and I was hooked. I couldn't get enough of the burgeoning romance! Just as with any great story, they each had issues stemming from their pasts to work through and I loved watching them progress through their journeys of restitution while allowing love in. A celebrity and normal person trope is one I adore and I loved how the author mashed them together. 

 

This is one of my newest favorites by this author and I can't wait to travel back to Maple Creek and see what's next.

 

Content: mild romance; talk of suicide and bullying 

A Heart of Gold by Stacy Henrie {Review}

 

A Heart of Gold by Stacy Henrie

ebook, 250 pages

Published September 15th 2020 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway 

  

They'll have to conquer more than the Klondike Trail to reach her father in time—they’ll have to overcome their past too.

After months of silence from her father in the Klondike, Tava Rutherford finally receives word from him. Only the outdated letter reveals that her father is ill and may be dying. Desperate to discover his fate, Tava resolves to make the journey to the wilds of northwestern Canada. But Jess Lawmen, her ranch foreman and the man who broke her heart, insists she doesn't go alone. Jess intends to keep his promise to look out for her—even if that means traveling thousands of miles with Tava, the woman he claims to feel just friendship for but has never stopped loving.

With their own ragtag group of travelers in tow, Tava and Jess confront one challenge after another as they join the hundreds of stampeders scrambling to reach the goldfields. But as the two of them come face to face with their past hurts and mistakes in their race to reach Tava’s father, they will have to decide whether to cling to safety or risk their hearts for something even greater.  

My Review: 4 Stars

 

This story reminded me a bit of that old animal adventure movie, The Incredible Journey. Tava and Jess embark on a journey to the Klondike to find out if her father (and his employer) is still alive and the ragtag crew they find themselves traveling with rounded out the story.

Everyone has issues to work through, but Jess's seem heavier than usual and this rough and tough trek seemed more mental and emotional for him than it was physical. In fact, it seemed that way for most of the group and I was really hoping for a grand (and difficult) expedition. Even though their trip wasn't as perilous as I was hoping for, Jess and Tava were both likable characters and their growth was satisfying.

Sweet and gentle, for the most part, along with redemption, are recurring threads running throughout this book and it was an enjoyable trip through the pages to take. 

Content: mild romance; mild religion; talk of drinking; mild danger

Stacy's link: BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacy-henrie

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stacy-Henrie/e/B008ESZ46U

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5778153.Stacy_Henrie

A Heart of Gold Tour schedule

9/21 - Heidi Reads / Mom With a Reading Problem

9/22 - Wishful Endings / LDS and Lovin It

9/23 - Literary Time Out / Julie Coulter Bellon / My Book a Day / Singing Librarian Books

9/24 - Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Bookworm Lisa / Empower Moms

9/25 - The Bibliophile Files / Kellie Dickes / Books are Sanity 

Sticking to Emma Daniels (Romantic Comedy Catastrophe #1) by Elle Weston {Review}

 Sticking to Emma Daniels (Romantic Comedy Catastrophe #1) by Elle Weston

Kindle Edition, 215 pages

Published July 31st 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

 

How bad can one vacation get?

Emma Daniels is a workaholic buyer for a top art gallery in LA. Her current goal, fly to Vancouver to purchase a well sought after painting by Haesung Hill for her demanding boss’s Women in Art exhibit. Emma thinks its a lucky trip because she can surprise her long-distance boyfriend with a visit.

Henry Hill is an acclaimed artist who might not work as hard as he should. Just ask his Mom, Haesung Hill, who Henry is currently avoiding. But Henry’s bills are about to be due which means – time to actually sell a painting. Luckily, he has a client lined up in Vancouver.

When their luggage gets switched at the airport, Emma’s well-organized day becomes a mad dash to meet HH (ie. Henry), swap back, and hurry to her auction.

Only, things go haywire from jump street when she catches her boyfriend cheating at the restaurant she meets Henry. One viral slap, a high flying flip over a rental car, and a concussion later, sends Henry and Emma to the hospital and saddled with a doctor's order: you must keep him awake for 6 hours.

Now reluctantly attached at the hip and internet famous, Emma and Henry have to work together to get to Henry’s meeting on one side of Vancouver and to Emma’s auction on the other without tearing each other’s heads off. Of course, they definitely won’t fall in love.

Sticking to Emma Daniels is a fun mistaken-Identity romance through Vancouver, Canada. I hope it makes you smile, escape from the day, and even laugh. It is perfect for readers who enjoy sweet romcom books without explicit content.

Sticking to Emma Daniels is book one in the lol Romantic Comedy Catastrophe series. You will love this book series if you love Hallmark movies, Korean dramas, adorable heroes, spunky heroines, and, of course, oodles and oodles of serendipity!

 

    

 

My Review: 3.5 Stars

 

I appreciated the author's note at the end of this book--that this book was meant to be light-hearted with all that's going on in the world right now. It was fast-paced, crazy, and packed full of a series of events that left my head spinning, wondering what on earth could possibly happen next. 

 

Emma and Henry had a meet cute that was adorable and exciting, and the fun didn't stop there. To think that most of this book took place in less than 24 hours is unbelievable, but the madness just kept coming. Henry is a good match for Emma's sassiness and they were both likable characters. For as successful as they each are in their own rights, they were pretty scattered at times, but that only made them more relatable.

 

I guess for me, there was a little too much going on and it left me feeling exhausted. It was amazing to think of not only everything they packed in, but also of the unplanned things that occurred. Honestly, if I had a day like that, I'd be sleeping for the next week, but it truly was a fun escape.

 

Content: mild+ language; very mild violence/danger; mild+ romance (implied intimacy, kissing, innuendo)

Stolen Kisses From a Rock Star by Judy Corry {Review}

 Stolen Kisses From a Rock Star by Judy Corry

Paperback, 154 pages

Published September 13th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

When I met my favorite rock star backstage at his concert, I never expected to leave with a kiss.

I also didn't expect the man behind the mask to remind me of my neighbor, Landon Holloway--the guy I haven't seen since I rebound made-out with him two months ago.

Is the similarity between the two men just a coincidence? Or is there something more to the boy next door than meets the eye?

This novella was previously published in the Sweet Kisses Limited Edition Sweet Romance Box Set.

 

      

 

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I love a story with depth just as much as I love a fluffy book chock-full of sweet romance. It's all about balance, people! This story delivers a super sweet romance between Maya, her childhood best friend/next door neighbor Landon, and an ultra famous masked singer/celebrity crush, Incognito. 

 

It was fun to escape into this story and watch Maya battle with herself on who to choose. The friendship between Maya and Landon was amazing, even though they had a rebound make out session a few months prior. Landon is one sweet and caring man and if she doesn't want him, I'll take him, hah! My favorite thing was his encouragement. But...who hasn't had a celebrity crush? It was so much fun to put myself in Maya's shoes for a few hours and live vicariously through her experiences and excitement.

 

This whole thing, from start to finish, was pure delight!

 

Content: mild romance

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown {Review}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

Hardcover, 404 pages

Published June 4th 2013 by Viking 

Source: Audiobook

 

    

 

For readers of Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit and Unbroken, the dramatic story of the American rowing team that stunned the world at Hitler's 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Daniel James Brown's robust book tells the story of the University of Washington's 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal, a team that transformed the sport and grabbed the attention of millions of Americans. The sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the boys defeated elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Olympic games in Berlin, 1936.

The emotional heart of the story lies with one rower, Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not for glory, but to regain his shattered self-regard and to find a place he can call home. The crew is assembled by an enigmatic coach and mentored by a visionary, eccentric British boat builder, but it is their trust in each other that makes them a victorious team. They remind the country of what can be done when everyone quite literally pulls together—a perfect melding of commitment, determination, and optimism.

Drawing on the boys' own diaries and journals, their photos and memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, The Boys in the Boat is an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times—the improbable, intimate story of nine working-class boys from the American west who, in the depths of the Great Depression, showed the world what true grit really meant. It will appeal to readers of Erik Larson, Timothy Egan, James Bradley, and David Halberstam's The Amateurs.

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Non-fiction histories aren't my favorites, but this book was written in a way that felt like a historical fiction. I was drawn right in and was completely fascinated and engaged with these boys and their quest for victory. I loved learning their backgrounds--where they came from, what shaped them, and their experiences in their impossible journey.

 

I'm not a crier, but my heartstrings were sharply tugged and I found myself tearing up with pride for their well-deserved accomplishments, as well as for their joys, hardships, and unity. This story is definitely inspiring and I was touched.

Content: mild language

Amethyst (Heart of a Miner #4) by Krystal M. Anderson {Review}

 

Amethyst (Heart of a Miner Book 4) by Krystal M. Anderson

Kindle Edition, 116 pages

Published July 24th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Maybe she hadn’t failed at love. Maybe he just hadn’t been the right man…
Life had never been melancholier for Eliza Loring since the man she loved had up and married someone else. But when she meets a handsome stranger whose genuine compliments and soul-searing gazes seem to reach way deep inside her, she wonders if maybe there’s another man out there for her after all.

Miner Gill Mabry has seen and done many things in his nearly 40 years, much of which he’s not proud of. He’d put his days at war far behind him, though the memories seem determined to haunt him while he sleeps. It was love at first sight when he met Eliza, but when battle with the Bannock Indians seems imminent, he must decide if he can summon the strength to take up his rifle once more – this time for the woman he loves.

A sweet western historical romance that will transport you to another time and place where outlaws, Indians, and other unknown threats roamed the wild, rowdy west. 

Amethyst is book four in the Heart of a Miner series and can be read as a standalone though would be best appreciated if read in order.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

This mining community in the wild west of Idaho is very interesting to me and I loved learning more about its residents. I especially enjoy watching as all of the different characters lives connect and thread together throughout the series.

 

Gill has a slightly colorful past and falls head-over-heels with Eliza, who also has some skeletons in her closet and feels like a failure because of them. These imperfect characters have a lot to navigate, with their past issues and a blossoming romance, but their journey is adventuresome and tender. I adored getting to know them each better and appreciated their personalities and qualities.

 

This historical western delivers the dangerous elements of the west during the 1870s, as well as the charming details. It would be challenging to live during this time and it was fascinating to discover the pros and cons of this time in history. Anderson does a good job of transporting a reader to a time gone past era and supplying a gripping, yet sweet, tale.

 Content: mild romance; mild elements of violence/danger

Roommaid by Sariah Wilson {Review}

 

Roommaid by Sariah Wilson

Kindle Edition, 301 pages

Expected publication: October 1st 2020 by Montlake 

Source: I received a copy through Kindle First Reads

 

    

 

Madison Huntington is determined to live her dreams. That means getting out from under her family’s wealth and influence by saying no to the family business, her allowance, and her home. But on a teacher’s salary, the real world comes as a rude awakening—especially when she wakes up every morning on a colleague’s couch. To get a place of her own (without cockroaches, mold, or crime scene tape), Madison accepts a position as a roommaid. In exchange for free room and board, all she needs to do is keep her busy roommate’s penthouse clean and his dog company. So what if she’s never washed a dish in her life. She can figure this out, right?

Madison is pretty confident she can fake it well enough that Tyler Roth will never know the difference. The finance whiz is rich and privileged and navigates the same social circles as her parents—but to him she’s just a teacher in need of an apartment. He’s everything Madison has run from, but his kindhearted nature, stomach-fluttering smile, and unexpected insecurities only make her want to get closer. And Tyler is warming to the move.

Rewarding job. Perfect guy. Great future. With everything so right, what could go wrong? Madison is about to find out.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

This is exactly the type of story that I just want to pack up my bags and move into. With its hilarious moments, fantastic characters, and super swoony romance, this sweet escape hit the spot of a fun romantic comedy.   

 

Madison is desperate for a place to live after being cut off from her wealthy family. Solution? Move in with Tyler and become his roommaid (roommate and maid), helping out with his adorable dog and apartment while he travels. Madison and Tyler have an easy and comfortable friendship, but the misconceptions, mishaps, and misinformation lead to some seriously hilarious moments that brought a smile to my face and a flutter to my heart. The supporting cast of characters was just as amazing as the main characters were and I'd love them to get their own stories (hint, hint).

Sariah Wilson is brilliant at bringing a story together in a way that engages the reader and sends delicious tingles down the spine. I devoured this one faster than a dog eats a shoe. I couldn't get enough of the flirtatious banter, Madison's tenacity, and the way each character unfolded, exposing their innermost souls. 

 

With an explosion of poms, The Bachelor, Pigeon, dish soap, bleach, and more, Roommaid was a definite winner!

 

Content:  mild+ romance

Miracle Creek Christmas by Krista Jensen {Review}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miracle Creek Christmas by Krista Jensen

Paperback, 368 pages

Published September 8th 2020 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given

 

     

 

When Riley Madigan moves to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will help her mend her recently broken heart. A little peace and quiet would be a gift this Christmas season. The last thing on her mind is love.

Former firefighter Mark Rivers has spent the last year recovering from burns sustained during a rescue operation. He’s been trying to piece his life back together but still struggles both emotionally and psychologically. When he meets Riley, he finally sees something that might bring some light back into his life.

When Mark asks Riley to work on a special nativity project, he finds himself falling for her quirky, unaffected ways. Riley doesn’t seem bothered by his scars, but is her affection for him real, or is this just another act of charity? One thing’s for certain, in a small town that views Mark as a fragile hero, it’s hard to pursue a relationship without everyone in his business. And although Riley has sincere feelings for Mark, is she ready to risk her heart?

Broken hearts and lives are mended as the town of Miracle Creek comes together to celebrate a Christmas to remember.

 

My Review: 5 Stars 

 

There's nothing sweeter than a Hallmark-y Christmas romance that embraces the lives of two scarred characters. While Mark's scars are both physical and emotional, Riley's are inner and they each have issues to overcome and work through. Their journey in helping each other finalize their individual healing is heartwarming.

 

Jensen does a great job of drawing the reader into this small town. It was easy to visualize the setting and the quirky residents, and I especially enjoyed the simplicity of life in Miracle Creek. Most of the characters are loyal, watching out for each other, which can make them seem nosy at times, but the camaraderie felt make me want to have something like this in my own life. For me, this place is reminiscent of times gone by, and while there are complex issues to deal with, Miracle Creek felt removed from modern concerns.

 

Mark and Riley are solid and likable characters and I adored how gradual even their friendship was. There are many journeys to be taken within these pages and I hope to see more of Miracle Creek in the future.

 

Content: mild romance; mild moments of danger (burns) 

Loving a Lady by Nichole Van {Review}

 

 

Loving a Lady (Brotherhood of the Black Tartan #3) by Nichole Van

Kindle Edition

Published September 9th 2020 by Fiorenza Publishing 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

    

 

Ewan Campbell fought to free himself from his past. Quite literally. A former prizefighter, he now earns his living as an artist. But Ewan still fights more figurative opponents—dark memories that threaten to overwhelm him. Worse, when he is hired to assist a famous painter, Ewan finds himself falling for the man’s highborn niece, Lady Kildrum. Such feelings are pointless. Countesses do not fall in love with impoverished Highlanders, no matter what fairy tales say.

Violet Kerr, Lady Kildrum, struggles to make decisions. She is a countess in her own right, for heaven’s sake. Decision-making skills should flow through her blood. After all, her life’s path is clear—marry a nobleman, provide for her sisters, and see to the welfare of her tenants.

Though Violet has made one decision—

She must curb her attraction to Ewan Campbell, her uncle’s new art assistant. The lowly Highlander, no matter how alluring, is not a proper suitor for a countess. She definitely should not fantasize about the man.

Or, if she does, she should not allow such fantasies to lead to very real kissing. Because kissing could bring on the most difficult decision of all—

What happens if Violet chooses to fall in love with the one man she can never have?

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

As much as I love the Regency times, I'm kind of glad I didn't live back then, because the pressure to marry for money, or pretty much another reason but love, is real and not exactly my cup of tea.

 

This series of strong, rugged, down-to-earth Scottish men has my heart and I loved Ewan's tale. The book opens with a solid, and dangerous, first meet that stole my breath and this unlikely match captivated me as the story progressed. 

 

I loved that Violet isn't a typical on-the-verge-of-fainting type of woman, not only in her looks, but in her title and powerful presence. On the same hand, Ewan isn't the typical heathen Highlander. The brewing mutual attraction, shrouded in a cloak of mystery surrounding Ewan's brotherhood, was the perfect recipe for a delightfully charming Regency romance, with a hefty dash of Scottishness on top. 

 

I seriously loved it all. I love how the layers of this mystery are slowly peeled away with each installment in the series and I can't wait to learn the whole of it. Van does a great job of creating vivid imagery with her words and dimensional characters that come to life in my imagination. The romance is the perfect amount of intrigue and swoon, which added a great flavor to this book.

 

Content: mild romance; mild moments of danger/violence

The Lost Wonderland Diaries by J. Scott Savage {Book Spotlight}

The Lost Wonderland Diaries by J. Scott Savage

Hardcover, 352 pages

Publication: September 8th 2020 by Shadow Mountain 

 

 

Synopsis:  

Something monstrous wants to exit Wonderland and enter the real world. 

Lewis Carroll, author of the classic book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, secretly recorded the true story of his actual travels to Wonderland in four journals which have been lost to the world . . . until now. Celia and Tyrus discover the legendary Lost Diaries of Wonderland and fall into a portal that pulls them into the same fantasy world as the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. However, Wonderland has vastly changed. Some of the characters that Tyrus remembers from the book have been transformed into angry monsters. Helped by the Cheshire Cat and a new character, Sylvan, a young rabbit, Celia and Tyrus desperately work to solve puzzles and riddles, looking for a way out of Wonderland. But the danger increases when the Queen of Hearts begins hunting them, believing the two young visitors hold the key to opening multiple portals to multiple worlds, and she will stop at nothing to capture them. Will the crazed creatures of Wonderland escape into the real world? Can Celia and Tyrus stop them and save both worlds? Or will they be trapped in Wonderland forever? 

 Advanced Praise:

 

“Savage pays homage to Carroll's world with imagination as well as a notable love for math and literature while adding his own ingenious twists to the original. Both Celia and Tyrus struggle with bullying back home, and Celia's dyslexia is a constant source of frustration when other kids underestimate her intelligence, and the book ultimately offers a message of empowerment and self-love. A fun and clever return to Wonderland.”

-Kirkus

 

“It's very clear that Scott not only loves the [Wonderland] books, but he GETS them. He gets Lewis Carroll/Charles

Dodgson. His love of wordplay, which is so often missing from sequels and interpretations! The math! The names!

The puns! What a delight! This is both an action-adventure and a wonderful exploration of Wonderland, and written

with such sensitivity, too, toward the new main characters and the original characters!”

-Jessica Day George, NYT bestselling author

 

“A whimsical adventure packed with clever puzzles and plenty of heart. Whether you're already a fan of Wonderland,

or new to Lewis Carroll's world, you'll be so glad you fell down this rabbit hole!”

-Shannon Messenger, NYT bestselling author

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore {Review}

 

 

 

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore

ebook, 384 pages

Expected publication: September 1st 2020 by Shadow Mountain Publishing 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

     

 

Based on true events, The Paper Daughters of Chinatown in a powerful story about a largely unknown chapter in history and the women who emerged as heroes.

In the late nineteenth century, San Francisco is a booming city with a dark side, one in which a powerful underground organization—the criminal tong—buys and sells young Chinese women into prostitution and slavery. These “paper daughters,” so called because fake documents gain them entry to America but leave them without legal identity, generally have no recourse. But the Occidental Mission Home for Girls is one bright spot of hope and help.

Told in alternating chapters, this rich narrative follows the stories of young Donaldina Cameron who works in the mission home, and Mei Lien, a “paper daughter” who thinks she is coming to America for an arranged marriage but instead is sold into a life of shame and despair.

Donaldina, a real-life pioneering advocate for social justice, bravely stands up to corrupt officials and violent gangs, helping to win freedom for thousands of Chinese women. Mei Lien endures heartbreak and betrayal in her search for hope, belonging, and love. Their stories merge in this gripping account of the courage and determination that helped shape a new course of women’s history in America.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I love fluffy romance stories, but every once in awhile, I crave a deeper book that's full of meaning, value, and leaves me touched. The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is real and raw, as it's based on true events. This book is all of that and more, and if historical fiction is a genre you enjoy, be sure to check this one out!

 

I had no idea how awful a lot of the conditions were in Chinatown in the early 1900s. I thought the only slaves in America were the ones brought here from Africa, but that's definitely not the case. Young girls, some even just children, were taken or families were lied to, in order to propel a drug and prostitution ring in the San Francisco area. This tale tells the story of a woman, Donaldina (aka Dolly) who works hard with a rescue mission in getting these girls out of this situation and giving them an education and place of refuge. The sad thing is, this type of horror, sex trafficking, still exists today and I know there are many foundations who are working tirelessly to rescue these girls.

 

Moore delivers a well-crafted book that is superbly written and allows to reader to dive into this time, over 100 years ago, to learn an important part of history, as well as come to know key historical figures in an intimate way. I love learning historical facts in this way and Moore is a master story teller, especially when it concerns the past. I was affected by this story and completely engrossed, both in trepidation and hope, and finished with a feeling of knowledge and power. I left wanting to do something and make a change for the present and the future, and feel if only for those reasons alone, Moore's offering is a big success.

 

Content: very mild romance; horrors of abuse, rape, prostitution, slavery (enough details to understand how bad it was, but nothing at all graphic); very mild religion