I always appreciate an author who chooses an unusual setting – especially if she can also write a good romance. All too often it’s one or the other. (And kudos to Harlequin for continuing to publish these kinds of books.)
My Fair Concubine by Jeannie Lin
(2012, China) 1/8/13
Grade: 4.5
Fei Long has a problem – he is expected to deliver his sister Pearl as a bride for a distant leader, but she has run away to marry her lover. But when he meets spirited tea girl Yan Lin, he sees an opportunity. He can teach Yan Lin to act like a lady and send her in Pearl’s place. But as they spend time together, Fei Long begins to see Yan Lin in a new light – and dream of making a life with her himself.
Set in 9th century China, this was a unique and fascinating book that took a completely alien setting (at least compared to most romances) and made it feel universal. The slowly developing relationship between Fei Long and Yan Lin was well written and compelling – I couldn’t figure out how they were going to make things work, and I was eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen. The book was somewhat slow to develop, but the story was well worth the wait. Excellent!
I’m curious to find out if Lin writes a book about the character who ends up in the arranged marriage – sounds like an interesting story!
Karen Wheless
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