Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Secret of a Thousand Beauties
Top Five Reasons This Novel Caught My Eye:
1. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres.
2. The cover is intriguing and beautiful.
3. I love novels about strong women.
4. The setting is 1930's China - I'm super intrigued.
5. I have a feeling there is a forbidden romance in this one.
Set against the vibrant and intrigue-laden backdrop of 1930s China, Mingmei Yip's enthralling novel explores one woman's defiant pursuit of independence.
Spring Swallow was promised in marriage while still in her mother's belly. When the groom dies before a wedding can take place, seventeen-year-old Spring Swallow is ordered to become a ghost bride to appease his spirit. Under her in-laws' protection, she will be little more than a servant, unable to know real love or bear children. Refusing to accept her fate as a "bad-luck woman," Spring Swallow flees on her wedding day.
In the city of Soochow, Spring Swallow joins a community of renowned embroiderers. The women work for Aunty Peony, whose exquisite stitching once earned her the Emperor's love. But when Aunty Peony agrees to replicate a famous painting--a lucrative assignment that will take a year to complete--betrayal and jealousy emerges within the group. Spring Swallow becomes entangled in each woman's story of heartbreak, even while she embarks on a dangerous affair with a young revolutionary. On a journey that leads from the remote hillsides around Soochow to cosmopolitan Peking, Spring Swallow draws on the secret techniques learned from Aunty Peony and her own indomitable strength, determined to forge a life that is truly her own.
Spring Swallow was promised in marriage while still in her mother's belly. When the groom dies before a wedding can take place, seventeen-year-old Spring Swallow is ordered to become a ghost bride to appease his spirit. Under her in-laws' protection, she will be little more than a servant, unable to know real love or bear children. Refusing to accept her fate as a "bad-luck woman," Spring Swallow flees on her wedding day.
In the city of Soochow, Spring Swallow joins a community of renowned embroiderers. The women work for Aunty Peony, whose exquisite stitching once earned her the Emperor's love. But when Aunty Peony agrees to replicate a famous painting--a lucrative assignment that will take a year to complete--betrayal and jealousy emerges within the group. Spring Swallow becomes entangled in each woman's story of heartbreak, even while she embarks on a dangerous affair with a young revolutionary. On a journey that leads from the remote hillsides around Soochow to cosmopolitan Peking, Spring Swallow draws on the secret techniques learned from Aunty Peony and her own indomitable strength, determined to forge a life that is truly her own.
We have one copy of Secret of a Thousand Beauties to give to one of our lucky readers. This giveaway is open to residents of the US. You must be 18+ years of age to win. The prize will be sent by the publicist; Reading Lark is not responsible for prize delivery.
The giveaway runs from December 3-10. Winner will be notified via email on December 11.
The story reminds me of the books of Pearl Buck. I think my wife and I would both enjoy this book. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThis era intrigues me. This is a period that my parents will never talk about. It makes me want to know more of what happens during this period in their life.
ReplyDeleteSomething different, for me, thanks.
ReplyDelete