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Tales of Ming Courtesans

5/26/2020

1 Comment

 
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About the Book: 
TALES OF MING COURTESANS 
BY ALICE POON

Publication Date: June 1, 2020
Earnshaw Books
Paperback; 354 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction


From the author of The Green Phoenix comes a riveting tale of female friendship, honor, and sacrifice for love, set in 17th Century China and featuring the intertwined stories of three of the era’s most renowned courtesans, escorts skilled in music, poetry and painting who could decide themselves whether or not to offer patrons bed favors.

Inspired by literary works and folklore, Tales of Ming Courtesans traces the destinies of the three girls from the seamy world of human trafficking and slavery to the cultured scene of the famously decadent pleasure district of the city of Nanjing, evoking episodes in Memoirs of a Geisha.

The girls all existed – Rushi was a famous poet, Yuanyuan became the concubine of a general who changed the course of Chinese history by supporting the Manchu invasion in 1644 and Xiangjun challenged the corruption of court officials to try to save her lover. Rushi’s daughter, Jingjing, gradually pieces together the stories of the three from a memoir left to her by her mother.

Betrayal, tenacity and hope all come together in a novel that brings to life an important era in China’s history, and particularly highlights the challenges faced by independent-minded women.

AMAZON |BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

Praise for Tales of Ming Courtesans

“In Tales of Ming Courtesans, Alice Poon masterfully brings to life three fascinating women who had a lasting impact on China’s culture and history. This beautiful telling of their turbulent lives and devoted friendship is a reverential testament to their memories.” – Kelli Estes, bestselling author of The Girl Who Wrote in Silk

“Tales of Ming Courtesans is a poignant and captivating exploration of the lives of three extraordinary women…. Ultimately an enduring tale of the power of sisterhood and the bonds between women.” – Jeannie Lin, USA Today bestselling author of The Lotus Palace

“Tales of Ming Courtesans is a brilliant, ‘own voices’ alternative to Memoirs of a Geisha….An exquisite reading experience. Highly, highly recommended.” – M. H. Boroson, author of The Girl With Ghost Eyes
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“Alice Poon’s excellent Tales of Ming Courtesans follows the intertwined lives of three seventeenth-century courtesans….. Poon’s real achievement is to create believable depth to her characters’ known histories….She has clearly written Tales from the heart.” – David Leffman, author of The Mercenary

Review:
​When Jingjing finds a memoir written by her mother, she discovers that the world her mother, Rushi and Aunts Yuanyuan and Xiangjun grew up in was cruel and traumatizing.  All three women were sold as children to thin horse breeders, or slave traders.  They were taught music, art, dance and poetry in order to entertain men who would pay for their company.  The women were now objects to be bought and traded as men saw fit.  Their lives take many twists and turns, but the sisterhood that they forged with matching kerchiefs helps them through.  


Tales of Ming Courtesans is a heartfelt and uplifting memoir style account of the role and treatment of women in 17th Century China. Liu Rushi, Chen Yuanyuan and Li Xiangjun were all real women who were concubines at this time.  I was moved by their stories of constant struggle yet determination.  Each woman was considered as property and were used by men in different ways, to settle debt, for pleasure or even to hold hostage in exchange for political favor. I was constantly amazed by their perseverance and constant struggle to raise their station.  I enjoyed learning about the accomplishments of these women, despite abuse and slavery Rushi excelled at painting and poetry, Yuanyuan played a role in Ming General Wu Sangui's decision to defect to the Qing, Xianjun excelled at the pipa gaining the attentions of Hou Fangyu beginning one of the greatest romances in Chinese History.  Tales of Ming Courtesans presents an almost overwhelming amount of information of the lives of these three women.  The memoir style of writing was a little rambling for me, often losing my interest for short periods of time before picking up again.  There were 
also large jumps in time.  Overall, an insightful and honest look at Ming Dynasty Courtesans. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

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About the Author
​

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Alice Poon steeped herself in Chinese poetry and history, Jin Yong’s martial arts novels and English Literature in her school days. This early immersion has inspired her creative writing.

Always fascinated with iconic but unsung women in Chinese history and legends, she cherishes a dream of bringing them to the page.

Her new historical novel Tales of Ming Courtesans will be released by Earnshaw Books on June 1, 2020.

She is the author of The Green Phoenix and the bestselling and award-winning non-fiction title Land and the Ruling Class in Hong Kong. She now lives in Vancouver, Canada and devotes her time to writing historical Chinese fiction.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

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Tales of Ming Courtesans
1 Comment

Of Darkness and Light

5/21/2020

1 Comment

 
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About the Book: 
OF DARKNESS AND LIGHT
BY HEIDI ELJARBO
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Series: Soli Hansen Mysteries, #1
Genre: Historical Mystery



In this first book of a new historical mystery series, a young art historian faces a tough choice in German-occupied Norway.

“Artful prose and at a pace that makes for a can’t-put-down, first-class literary voyage.”–Melissa Dalton-Bradford, bestselling author of Global Mom

Oslo, 1944. Soli Hansen’s passion for art history is and always has been a way of life for her. While she spends her days working in an art shop, WWII is taking its toll on everyone. Apprehensive of the consequences, Soli avoids becoming entangled in the war resistance efforts. She closes her eyes in hopes the enemy will retreat and leave her beautiful country for good.

But when a woman is found dead in the alley alongside the art shop and a painting from the last auction goes missing, Soli is thrown into the thickest of the fray involving both Nazi art theft and the Norwegian resistance.

Once Soli finds her courage, there’s no turning back. Her personal life is turned upside-down with danger, lies, spying, and an incredible discovery.

In this dual timeline novel, Heidi Eljarbo paints a vivid picture of what people are willing to do in desperate times. With unforgettable characters and rich historical details, Of Darkness and Light will keep the reader mesmerized until the last satisfying page.

Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, Katherine Neville, and Kate Mosse.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Praise for Of Darkness and Light
“Interspersing love, hope, and courage, the participants are drawn together in mysterious paths.”–Pauline Isaksen, bestselling author of Dying for Justice

“Of Darkness and Light will reel you in and keep you hooked until the end.”–Mette Barfelt, bestselling author of The Solvik Series

Review: 
Soli Hansen's life changed when the German troops invaded Norway in 1940.  For four years Soli has seen the consequences of the occupation; however, she was still able to go to art school and find work at a small art shop in town.  One day on her way to work, Soli finds that the shop helper, Mrs. Gunderson has died right outside the shop in a terrible accident. Inspector Nikolai Lange brings Soli in for questioning and leads her to believe that Mrs. Gunderson's death was a murder related to the artwork in her shop.  Soli is intrigued and continues to help Inspector Lange.  Soli is brought into the Norwegian resistance as she discovers the Nazi's plan to confiscate all of the valuable artwork from Jewish homes.  When Soli and the underground discover a priceless Baroque piece, Soli is willing to risk everything to keep the artwork safe and out of Nazi hands.

Of Darkness and Light is an intriguing and inspiring murder mystery set in World War II Norway.  I don't think that I have ever read about the German Occupation of Norway, so I was very interested in reading about the effects on the country.  I did know of the Nazi's collection of artwork, but did not know that it extended into Norway or of the resistance dedicated to protect it. Through Soli, I was able to see the deep appreciation and beauty of the artwork that she fought for.  The point of view also briefly switched to the artist, Caravaggio in 1607.  Caravaggio's story was equally fascinating and I enjoyed learning about the chiaroscuro technique that he made prominent. I was constantly amazed by Soli's persistence, bravery and dedication to the cause.  The mystery was well created and complex with a murder, hidden artwork and unknown intentions.  Soli and the underground resistance members are definitely characters that I want to visit again.  

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ​


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About the Author
Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of Catching a Witch. She grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren–so far–in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.

Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter. Heidi’s favorites are family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.
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If you would like to know more, please visit Heidi’s website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

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Of Darkness and Light
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The Abolitionist's Daughter

5/11/2020

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THE ABOLITIONIST’S DAUGHTER 
BY DIANE C. MCPHAILPublication Date: April 30, 2019
A John Scognamiglio Book/Kensington
Genre: Historical Fiction


In her sweeping debut, Diane C. McPhail offers a powerful, profoundly emotional novel that explores a little-known aspect of Civil War history—Southern Abolitionists—and the timeless struggle to do right even amidst bitter conflict.
On a Mississippi morning in 1859, Emily Matthews begs her father to save a slave, Nathan, about to be auctioned away from his family. Judge Matthews is an abolitionist who runs an illegal school for his slaves, hoping to eventually set them free. One, a woman named Ginny, has become Emily’s companion and often her conscience—and understands all too well the hazards an educated slave must face. Yet even Ginny could not predict the tangled, tragic string of events set in motion as Nathan’s family arrives at the Matthews farm.
A young doctor, Charles Slate, tends to injured Nathan and begins to court Emily, finally persuading her to become his wife. But their union is disrupted by a fatal clash and a lie that will tear two families apart. As Civil War erupts, Emily, Ginny, and Emily’s stoic mother-in-law, Adeline, each face devastating losses. Emily—sheltered all her life—is especially unprepared for the hardships to come. Struggling to survive in this raw, shifting new world, Emily will discover untapped inner strength, an unlikely love, and the courage to confront deep, painful truths.
In the tradition of Cold Mountain, The Abolitionist’s Daughter eschews stereotypes of the Civil War South, instead weaving an intricate and unforgettable story of survival, loyalty, hope, and redemption.


AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND
Review:
​Emily Matthews grew up in Mississippi in the 1850's.  Her father, the town Judge is an abolitionist.  Judge Matthews owns slaves and teaches the children alongside his own.  One of the slaves, Ginny has grown up raising Emily after her mother's death. Recently, at Emily's insistence Judge Matthews bought a family that was going to be broken up at auction. Nathan arrived with a broken arm, prompting Judge Matthews to call the town doctor, Charles Slate.  After the visit, Charles takes a liking to Emily and asks for her hand in marriage.  As their relationship progresses, so do tensions in the Slate and Matthews families as well as between the North and South.  Emily, Ginny and Emily's mother-in-law, Adeline forge out new relationships during the war as the forge out a new way to survive.


The Abolitionist's Daughter dives into the complex relationships between slaves, slave owners and families during the Civil War.  Most of the story focuses on Emily's choices and changing views and not much on abolition.  I felt like the most important character was Ginny, the unyielding logic and knowledge of the fragility of her situation that she constantly imparts upon Emily is a beacon of light in Emily's times of darkness and uncertainty.  Although Emily was not part of any abolitionists movement, her willingness to learn about her slave's experiences and fears combined with her small actions of defiance ultimately made a difference in their lives. Most of the plot was focuses on familial drama and the role of choice within our lives.  Within this, highlighting the strength of the women left behind finding their ability to make decisions on their own and create change.  Emily's story was heartfelt and well written with wonderful characters showing a different side of the South during the Civil War. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

​Praise for The Abolitionist’s Daughter“
Diane McPhail excavates a nearly forgotten corner of American history and brings it to full, beating life. This is a fascinating and heartfelt look at the kinds of stories that don’t always make it into the history books.” -Louis Bayard, author of Courting Mr. Lincoln

“A contender, a deeply felt, thoroughly researched story . . . as good as it deserves to be.” -Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author

“Complex, vivid, and emotionally engaging. This is a story of harsh realities written with a tenderness that shines through and honors the account of one woman’s struggle to overcome her society’s rules and her circumstances in the face of inconceivable devastation. I couldn’t put it down.” -Carol E. Anderson, author of You Can’t Buy Love Like That

“What an impressive book this is! Diane McPhail works a spell on the reader, transporting us to Mississippi in the 19th century, introducing us to a family torn apart by the time and place in which they live. She tells a dark tale, yet it’s laced with lyricism and compassion. This is a powerful, imaginative, captivating book-I’d say, even urgent, considering the time we find ourselves in now.” -Judy Goldman, author of Together
​
“A tender, sparkling debut that bears gentle witness to the abominations of slavery and oppression while heralding the grace, power and necessity of righting wrongs and choosing love. McPhail is full of talent and heart.” -Ethel Rohan, author of The Weight of Him”


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About the Author

Diane C. McPhail is an artist, writer, and minister. In addition to holding an M.F.A., an M.A., and D.Min., she has studied at the University of Iowa distance learning and the Yale Writers’ Workshop, among others. Diane is a member of North Carolina Writers’ Network and the Historical Novel Society. She lives in Highlands, North Carolina, with her husband, and her dog, Pepper.
​
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM

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Abolitionist's Daughter
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Our Friend Hedgehog

5/6/2020

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG by Lauren Castillo Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book:
Title: OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG: The Story of Us
Author: Lauren Castillo
Pub. Date: May 5, 2020
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 122
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, ibooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

From a Caldecott Honor-winning artist comes a cozy classic-in-the-making about finding your friends and sticking together through thick and thin.

"Our Friend Hedgehog feels like a modern-day Winnie the Pooh . It's so warm and full of joy and love. It's got classic written all over it." --Victoria Jamieson, Newbery Honor-winning author of Roller Girl

Sometimes you make a friend,
and it feels like you have known that friend your entire life. . . .

Hedgehog lives on a teeny-tiny island with only her stuffed dog, Mutty, for company. When a great storm carries Mutty away, she embarks on a quest to find her friend. Following the trail of clues Mutty left behind, brave Hedgehog meets a wiggly Mole, a wordy Owl, a curmudgeonly Beaver, a scatterbrained Hen and Chicks, and a girl who's new to the neighborhood, Annika May. With bravery and teamwork, there's nothing that can stop these seven from finding Mutty, but along the way they discover something even more important: each other.

The first book in a new series from Caldecott Honor winner Lauren Castillo, Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us has the feel of a timeless classic, introducing an unforgettable cast of characters who will star in many more adventures to come.



Review:

Hedgehog and her best friend Mutty live together on a tiny island.  They do everything together until a storm blows Mutty away.  Hedgehog leaves her island to find her friend.  On the way Hedgehog comes across Mole, Beaver, Owl, Hen and Chicks and a girl who has just moved in, Annika May.  With each new friend Hedgehog meets, she gets closer to finding Mutty as well as something else that was missing in her life. 

Our Friend Hedgehog is a delightful and whimsical story of bravery, new friendships and hope.  Each character has something different to offer, but no of them were perfect.  They learned that they could use each other's strengths to help one another even through difficult situations.  Annika May is a wonderful way to tie the group of friends together and have someone for kids to relate to, especially if they have just gone through a change.  The illustrations are done in a watercolor style that is reminiscent of classic children's books.  The colors, display of actions, different settings and lively characters that pull you into the story. Perfect for newly independent readers as well as a read-aloud for younger children.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

About Lauren:

Lauren studied illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art and received her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She is the author and illustrator of the 2015 Caldecott Honor winning book, Nana in the City, as well as The Troublemaker and Melvin and the Boy. Lauren has also illustrated several critically acclaimed picture books, including Kirkus Prize finalist Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera, Twenty Yawns by Jane Smiley, and Yard Sale by Eve Bunting. She currently draws and dreams in Harrisburg, PA.

Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram |Goodreads


Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG, US Only.

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Tour Schedule:
Week One:
5/1/2020
BookHounds YA
Excerpt

Week Two:
5/4/2020
La libreria di Beppe
Spotlight
5/5/2020
Reading Connects Us
Review
5/6/2020
100 Pages A Day
Review
5/7/2020
Little Red Reads
Review
5/8/2020
Daily Waffle
Excerpt

Week Three:
5/11/2020
Hurn Publications
Review
5/12/2020
Locks, Hooks and Books
Review
5/13/2020
Beagles & Books
Review
5/14/2020
Log Cabin Library
Excerpt
5/15/2020
YA Book Nerd
Review

Week Four:
5/18/2020
Adventures in Literature
Review
5/19/2020
❧Defining Ways❧
Review
5/20/2020
Two Chicks on Books
Interview
5/21/2020
Lifestyle of Me
Review
5/22/2020
Cindy's Love of Books
Review

Week Five:
5/25/2020
A Dream Within A Dream
Excerpt
5/26/2020
Do You Dog-ear?
Review
5/27/2020
Such A Novel Idea
Review
5/28/2020
Sometimes Leelynn Reads
Review
5/29/2020
Twirling Book Princess
Excerpt

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    Hi there! I'm Stephanie and I obviously love reading.  As, the title suggests, I read at least one hundred pages a day.  I enjoy most book genres; however, my favorites are historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, thriller, horror and YA.  I also read a lot of non-fiction science and gardening books for my occupation.  I enjoy reviewing books and as always, any book that I receive for free is read in return for my honest review.  

    ​https://share.simonandschuster.com/stephanierhildreth

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