Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel

Book Description

In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together, they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.

Download Description

Lisa See is the author of Flower Net (an Edgar Award nominee), The Interior, and Dragon Bones, as well as the critically acclaimed memoir On Gold Mountain. The Organization of Chinese American Women named her the 2001 National Woman of the Year. She lives in Los Angeles.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT!.......2007-10-22

If you like Memoirs of a Geisha and Amy Tan novels you will love this book. Beautifully written. I can't wait to read her others!

What could have been..........2007-10-22

"What could have been" is both a theme of this novel and a summary of my opinion of it. Despite other glowing reviews, I was disappointed by this book. Lisa See has apparently not heard the author's maxim "show; don't tell," as this book was all "tell". Granted, it's a fictional memoir told from the perspective of an 80-something woman looking back on her life, so "show" is perhaps more difficult. Yet Arthur Golden's much more enjoyable "Memoirs of a Geisha" had the same premise but didn't suffer from this problem, nor did Jeannette Walls' actual memoir "The Glass Castle". (I'd recommend either of those books before "Snow Flower.")

An additional weakness of "Snow Flower" is that the author's voice came through much too strongly. At times the book seemed more like an editorial or historical essay on the status of women in 18th century China than a novel. Other negative reviews have mentioned that they felt See beats readers over the head with the constant refrains of "women are less than men," and I'd have to agree. No doubt this was true of the time and place, but there are ways to incorporate this into a novel through characters' actions and experiences (again, see "Memoirs of a Geisha") rather than the near-editorializing present in "Snow Flower." I wanted to scream at Lily, the narrator--"Okay, okay--I get it already!!! Just tell the story!!!"

All of this said, however, I enjoyed the story of "Snow Flower" despite thinking it would have been a far superior book in a better author's hands. And I will admit I was moved to tears at the ending, as Lily's final sentiments are shared by nearly all of us at some point in our lives.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.......2007-10-21

Very good insight into 19th century women and their world in China. Some of the information on their footbinding customs and treatment of women is difficult to read, but it is riveting and keeps the reader's interest throughout the book.

I hated it.......2007-10-18

I wanted to like this book. It seemed like I would like this book, but I didn't like it at all. I put it down halfway through and didn't even finish it. I wasn't crazy about it early on, but then when something awful happened to one of the 2 main characters and I DIDN'T CARE, I knew I was finished with this book.
Although I did find fascinating the whole foot-binding tradition and how Chinese women lived then, I was very disappointed in the story.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.......2007-10-17

Fascinating story about the life of a young girl in 19th century China. Wonderful insights about Chinese customs, life and values. Great selection for our Book Club!

Average customer rating:

A fun legal thriller
Daddy's Girl
Sliding Through This One
Fun and substance!
Flying thru the pages at the edge of my seat.

Daddy's Girl
Lisa Scottoline
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Simple Genius

ASIN: 0060833149
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Book Description

Natalie Greco loves being a law professor, even though she can't keep her students from cruising sex.com during class and secretly feels like Faculty Comic Relief. She loves her family, too, but as a bookworm, doesn't quite fit into the cult of Greco football, headed by her father, the team captain. The one person she feels most connected to is her colleague, Angus Holt, a guy with a brilliant mind, a great sense of humor, a gorgeous facade, and a penchant for helping those less fortunate. When he talks Nat into teaching a class at a local prison, her comfortably imperfect world turns upside down.

A violent prison riot breaks out during the class, and in the chaos, Nat rushes to help a grievously injured prison guard. Before he dies, he asks her to deliver a cryptic message with his last words: "Tell my wife it's under the floor."

The dying declaration plunges Nat into a nightmare. Suddenly, the girl who has always followed the letter of the law finds herself suspected of a brutal murder and encounters threats to her life around every curve. Now not only are the cops after her, but ruthless killers are desperate to keep her from exposing their secret. In the meantime, she gets dangerously close to Angus, whose warmth, strength, and ponytail shake her dedication to her safe boyfriend.

With her love life in jeopardy, her career in the balance, and her life on the line, Nat must rely on her resources, her intelligence, and her courage. Forced into hiding to stay alive, she sets out to save herself by deciphering the puzzle behind the dead guard's last words . . . and learns the secret to the greatest puzzle of all—herself.

Filled with the ingenious twists, pulse-pounding narrative drive, and dynamic, flesh-and-blood characters that are the hallmarks of her bestsellers, Daddy's Girl is another wild, entertaining ride about love, family, and justice from the addictively readable Lisa Scottoline.

Customer Reviews:

A fun legal thriller.......2007-10-19

I have a soft spot for Lisa Scottoline. Many years ago I was working in a used book store when I ran across her first book, 'Everywhwere that Mary Went' and I loved it. We had two copies of that book and we must have re-sold them a dozen times after I started recommending them to people who asked for someone new to read. Pretty soon, Lisa Scottoline was one of our hottest items - we even special-ordered in some new copies! I like to think that I had a very, very small part in her success, even though the used book store is now defunct.

"Daddy's Girl" is a fun read as are most of Scottoline's books. This time she strays away from her old standby, Bennie Rosato & company. Even though she introduces a new character, young law professor Natalie Greco, the territory is still familiar - Philadelphia.

While not the deepest book in the world, it is fun, full of lots of action and it keeps you reading.

Daddy's Girl.......2007-10-13

WOW this was a terrific murder mystery. I could not stop listening to it.

Sliding Through This One.......2007-10-06

Lisa Scottoline has a long line of fast-moving thrillers filled with gutsy female protagonists and clever one-liners. This one has what turns out to a female law professor who becomes brave, and a number of somewhat half-clever lines, like the very first one: "Nat Greco felt like an A cup in a double-D bra." Dare I say that falls flat?

But for me the most serious problem was that the book didn't seem to move; it dragged along. Quickly yes. But nonetheless, it dragged. This may be because of no solid base. Was anything near believable? Again, maybe halfway. And I think one has to go right over the top into never-never land or stay rooted. This one hedges, and thus left me unsatisfied at the end. I have to say that not wanting to give away endings, I will only add that it bothers me that there was really no good guy anywhere here. That may be life sometimes but, hey, this wasn't reality to begin with! She's done much better!

Fun and substance!.......2007-09-20

I only discovered Scottoline this year, and I am really enjoying her works. My life is busy, stressful, and hectic, and these stories about brave (and nosy) female protagonists are fun, quick reads. This one was my favorite so far because of Nat Greco's fun, interesting family dynamics and her passion for teaching and justice.

The thing that I am liking most about Scottoline's work is that she writes an exciting novel that is easy to follow and to read -- so much so that I don't want to put it down -- but there is always something positive and substantive about the "lessons" that the character is learning. In DADDY'S GIRL, the distinction between what is "just" or justice and what is "legal" turns up over and over again, in the law school, in the police procedures and investigations, in the discussions of legal history and legally related literature, and in the discussions of the the Underground Railroad. This repeated theme give the novel a passion and a purpose that lets me forget that I am reading a murder mystery.

Overall: A fun, easy weekend or vacation read and a real page turner.

Flying thru the pages at the edge of my seat........2007-09-10

This is the first Scottoline novel I have read and it certainly won't be my last. This was an action packed, suspenseful, romantic novel that was very hard to put down. Natalie Greco is a law professor who accompanies a colleague to a prison for a class he gives as part of a program affiliated with the law school. While they are there, a riot breaks out and Nat finds herself fighting for her life. She receives a dying wish from a CO who is fatally wounded. The wish is a message to give to his wife. "Tell my wife It's under the floor". This sets off a wild and action packed tale with twists and turns that will have you at the edge of your seat. Mix that with a very protective family and boyfriend. Add a little bit of lust for the colleague and you have yourself a great thriller.

The Daughters of Juarez: A True Story of Serial Murder South of the Border

Average customer rating:

Daughters of Juarez
Compelling story, purple prose delivery
Daughters of Juarez
Compelling read, but with reservations
Thrilling Read

The Daughters of Juarez: A True Story of Serial Murder South of the Border
Teresa Rodriguez , Diana Montané , and Lisa Pulitzer
Manufacturer: Atria
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Criminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Las Hijas de Juarez (Daughters of Juarez): Un auténtico relato de asesinatos en serie al sur de la frontera
Ask a Mexican
Secrets in the Sand: The Young Women of Ciudad Juarez
On the Edge: The Femicide in Ciudad Juarez
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ASIN: 0743292030

Book Description

Despite the fact that Juarez is a Mexican border city just across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas, most Americans are unaware that for more than twelve years this city has been the center of an epidemic of horrific crimes against women and girls, consisting of kidnappings, rape, mutilation, and murder, with most of the victims conforming to a specific profile: young, slender, and poor, fueling the premise that the murders are not random.

Indeed, there has been much speculation that the killer or killers are American citizens. While some leading members of the American media have reported on the situation, prompting the U.S. government to send in top criminal profilers from the FBI, little real information about this international atrocity has emerged. According to Amnesty International, as of 2006 more than 400 bodies have been recovered, with hundreds still missing.

As for who is behind the murders themselves, the answer remains unknown, although many have argued that the killings have become a sort of blood sport, due to the lawlessness of the city itself. Among the theories being considered are illegal trafficking in human organs, ritualistic satanic sacrifices, copycat killers, and a conspiracy between members of the powerful Juárez drug cartel and some corrupt Mexican officials who have turned a blind eye to the felonies, all the while lining their pockets with money drenched in blood.

Despite numerous arrests over the last ten years, the murders continue to occur, with the killers growing bolder, dumping bodies in the city itself rather than on the outskirts of town, as was initially the case, indicating a possible growing and most alarming alliance of silence and cover-up by Mexican politicians.

The Daughters of Juárez promises to be the first eye-opening, authoritative nonfiction work of its kind to examine the brutal killings and draw attention to these atrocities on the border. The end result will shock readers and become required reading on the subject for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

Daughters of Juarez.......2007-10-03

Daughters of Juarez is a disturbing story, but it is a true account of the unsolved mysteries of these young women's lost lives. It is an insight into the poverty and injustice that occurs daily in this border town and surrounding areas.

Compelling story, purple prose delivery.......2007-09-09

I would have to agree with the previous reviewer who said that the story was compelling and important, but the overlong purple prose descriptions of what the families went through and the overly dramatic descriptions of the situations, with speculations on what everyone was thinking mar an important and compelling book.

Some straight crime reporting, an analysis of the facts and maybe some more social analysis (for instance, how do the drug culture, the male dominated hispanic culture, the pervasive corruption of the border towns, etc. contribute to this holocaust against women) would have helped a lot.

Still, there is not much written about this problem, which if it were happening here or in any first world country, would be page one news everyday, so the book is valuable.

So, good subject and investigative reporting marred by overly dramatic writing.

I would recommend it, you can skip over the long emotional descriptions of background, thoughts and other contrived elements.

Daughters of Juarez.......2007-08-26

I live in El Paso and have followed much of this in the newspaper including the two Bus drivers, The FBI coming to help, etc. Now I know it was all lies.

Mexico has been called the most corrupt nation on earth and I've heard the stories and now I see it in action. I have too many chilling stories direct from American victims of the Juarez Police to share here.

This corruption has spread to El Paso with corruption in the Border Patrol, the government, the police and I'm not just saying this, I've talked to people and have examples both from the Newspaper and people in the know. The FBI has been conducting an investigation into the El Paso government for several months and people are going to jail. Halleluiah!

Personally I've been afraid to go across the Border for years based on these stories and now I'll be spreading the word. Do not go into Mexico!

This book hits hard with details that would make a strong man cry. The horrible end to young lives, the Police laughing at parents asking for help and the intimidating of helpless mothers who might "know too much", the framing of innocents, The corruption of "investigations" run by incompetents.

This book is an indictment, a denunciation of a government and society gone terribly wrong. Bribes are necessary just to get your TV cable hooked up and this pattern of behavior climbs to the very top.

I hope this book helps but in a society that accepts incompetence and corruption as a given I have my doubts. If Mexico is to change it must come from the bottom and it is so instilled in the poverty stricken common people to not make waves how can we expect them to effectively rise up. But enough publicity might send the rats scurrying, we need more books and TV exposes like this.

Compelling read, but with reservations.......2007-08-09

The Daughters of Juarez, by Teresa Rodriguez (with Diana Montané and Lisa Pulitzer), chronicles a series of horrific murders of young women (and teens) in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, over the last fourteen years, the law enforcement/governmental response to them, and the myriad theories as to the perpetrator(s). Over this period, a good part of 400 poor women were raped, tortured and killed, then dumped in desert areas and vacant lots around the city. The book details a rich tapestry of police and governmental brutality, corruption, blatant sexual discrimination, disregard for public safety, and just plain incompetence.

Although many suspects have been charged and held, it is doubtful that any of the murders can ever be considered legitimately solved because of this pervasive and persistent institutional dysfunction. In fact, one can say that this is a glaring example of how not to run a criminal justice system. It's heartbreaking to consider that the families of these slain women will never see justice done. Additionally, it must have been so frustrating for those in law enforcement and government who made efforts to run effective investigations, only to be stymied at every turn by the very system they should have been able to trust, forced out of their jobs because they wouldn't falsify results or analyses, or even physically threatened.

Daughters is definitely a compelling, true tale and Rodriguez does a service to those affected by these horrors by airing them for everyone to examine. The book, however, suffers from a lack of organization: Rodriguez bounces around dates, people and events so much so that it's hard to keep them all straight. Also, she makes a point of maudlin over-description of the women and their families so as to make them more sympathetic. This in my mind is unnecessary; most people will find the thought of someone (not to mention hundreds) being subjected to the extreme violence that these women experienced and the grief (on multiple levels) that their loved ones were forced to endure to be inconceivably horrible - no matter who the reader is. I also think Rodriguez could have used some citations to support what must have been years of research and investigation. In the end, I would recommend this book as a real eye-opener, but with these reservations.

Thrilling Read.......2007-08-05

I stumbled onto The Daughter's of Juarez after having a discussion on the term femicide (the act of killing a woman is a more generic term but this term is often applied to specific mass killings of women). In Juarez, Mexico women from all social classes and with distinctly different family ties have been going missing. Now and then bodies (and the occasional mass grave) of women that have been sexually abused and mutilated show up. The Daughter's of Juarez explores the lives of these missing women, the media blips that have occurred as a result, the political turmoil caused over these cases, as well as the possible answers to what has happened to so many women. After reading about this I was horrified by what had happened and because I had never heard of anything about this prior to the reading. A thrilling and exploratory read of the lives of women in Juarez, Mexico as well as a look at the relations between the U.S. and its border neighbor.

Average customer rating:

A Great Author
A Little Too Saccharine
A Real Page Turner!
Just read the end
Hated this haunting book!!!!

Sugar Daddy
Lisa Kleypas
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312351623
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Book Description

Lisa Kleypas has enthralled millions of readers with her powerfully seductive novels. Now she delivers a story featuring her most unforgettable characters yet....

SHE’S FROM THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS
Liberty Jones has dreams and determination that will take her far away from Welcome, Texas---if she can keep her wild heart from ruling her mind. Hardy Cates sees Liberty as completely off-limits. His own ambitions are bigger than Welcome, and Liberty Jones is a complication he doesn’t need. But something magical and potent draws them to each other, in a dangerous attraction that is stronger than both of them.

HE’S THE ONE MAN SHE CAN’T HAVE
When Hardy leaves town to pursue his plans, Liberty finds herself alone with a young sister to raise. Soon Liberty finds herself under the spell of a billionaire tycoon---a Sugar Daddy, one might say. But the relationship goes deeper than people think, and Liberty begins to discover secrets about her own family’s past.

WILL THEY FIND THEIR HEARTS’ DESIRES OR WILL HEARTBREAK TEAR THEM APART?
Two men. One woman. A choice that can make her or break her. A woman you’ll root for every step of the way. A love story you’ll never forget.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Author.......2007-09-28

****LOTS OF SPOILERS***
Readers here are obviously unhappy with this book, many blaming it on Kleypas' change to contemporary romance. I don't think the real root of their disappointment is that this is a contemporary work. I think the real problem is that most readers picked up this book expecting her usual romance, and instead got a different type of book.

I am a reader that knew in advance that this book wasn't going to be a romance. I began reading, knowing that this was going to be Liberty's life story. Therefore, I don't feel as disappointed as some of the other readers. I was able to really enjoy her story. These characters came alive for me more than any others in her previous works. The book was incredibly well written, but I felt disappointed with how the actual story was developed.

The scenes between Hardy & Liberty are few and far between. But those couple scenes are so incredibly powerful & moving...only Kleypas could write scenes like this. These aren't "sex scenes", these are love scenes. I prefer R-rated romance, but these love scenes are so powerful they gave me goosebumps. I read (and forget) a LOT of romance but I know the emotional intensity of these scenes will stay with me forever.

Unfortunately, the very brilliance and emotional intensity of these scenes leaves the reader feeling frustrated that so little of the book involves the two of them together. In addition, the intensity of their love far outshines the scenes between Gage & Liberty. This is why so many readers feel Liberty ended up with the wrong man.

I think this leads to another aspect that frustrates readers. Hardy is an amazingly ethical teen boy/man. He knows he'll be leaving town to make something of himself. He loves Liberty so much that he refuses to get involved in a relationship with her because he doesn't want to break her heart when he leaves. After he leaves, Liberty's life story is so well done, you don't mind waiting for them to get their Happy Ever After. When that doesn't happen, and Hardy the grown man is depicted as unethical, it is really inconsistent with how his character had been previously portrayed. Maybe it would have worked better if Gage & Liberty's love story was longer and more detailed. However, we don't get enough time with them to get attached to them as a couple. Therefore, for most of us, the book ended in a really disappointing manner.

A Little Too Saccharine .......2007-09-18

I'm typically a fan of Kleypas' work, but this book fell short for me. The pacing is uneven throughout the novel. An inordinate amount of the novel is devoted to Liberty's childhood and the final chapters of the book are rushed. The characterizations also seem a bit unreal.

Kleypas also does sizable amounts of information dumping. Whole paragraphs are devoted to: "Texan Men" or "Houston Suburbs." It's clear that she loves her homestate, but it's trite and unnecessary.

It's still a good bit of escapism, but you might want to visit your library or wait for the paperback edition.

A Real Page Turner!.......2007-08-31

I saw this book featured in a magazine article about hot new books. On my next trip to the library it was on the new book shelf and remembering the magazine article I checked it out. The book was fantastic! I couldn't wait to see what life had in store for Liberty Jones! Please, Lisa, write more contemporaries!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just read the end .......2007-08-26

This book is all back story and really doesn't start until about 50-75 pages from the end. Save you time, read the end and be done with it.

Hated this haunting book!!!!.......2007-08-21

This is one of those books that as soon as you read it you want it OUT of the house!! (I donated mine to the library the very next day.) Days later I am still thinking about this dratted book and I just want to find the heroine and shake her! What was she thinking?? She chose the wrong guy!!! Right up until the last page I kept hoping something would happen - that the WRONG guy would die, or she would break up with him.

Yes, I know the OTHER guy committed a sort of industrial espionage, using an accidental, offhand comment the heroine made, but that sort of thing is a once-in-a-lifetime event. (Haven't YOU ever made a mistake that you later regretted, but yet you know that if you were sent back in time and given a chance to do it over you would make the same mistake? Something that only time and experience can teach you was wrong?) Compare that to the continuous, every day, totally-out-of-hand possessiveness of the WRONG guy. Who do you trust more? Who trusts you more? The WRONG guy comes right out and says, "Trust, but verify." That sort of behavior doesn't go away once you tie the knot - it just gets worse. That kind of man can all too easily turn into the guy that doesn't let his wife out of the house without an inquisition afterward, makes her account for every mile on the car's trip-meter, every phone call, every letter, every glance at any male over the age of 16. He's practically stalking her before they even get married!

I wish I could either rewrite the ending, or wipe this book from my memory. And I DON'T think it should count as romance. Sure she gets the guy in the end, but it's the WRONG GUY!!! AARRRRGGGHHH!!!!

P.S. I still love this author. The Wallflower quartet is fabulous!

Average customer rating:

Disappointed
Best Book Ever!!
Perfect for a godchild!
great gift
a question, really

God Gave Us You
Lisa Tawn Bergren
Manufacturer: WaterBrook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1578563232
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Book Description

When a charming polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her Mama a very important question--one that little "human cubs" often wonder about, too: "Where did I come from?"

As Mama bear tucks her youngest cub under the quilts, she gently, tenderly, and reassuringly communicates the message loving parents everywhere (bears and non-bears alike) want their little ones to hear: "We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because--"God gave us you."

Perfect for bedtime, naptime, storytime or anytime, God Gave Us You provides a valuable opportunity to build children's self-esteem every day and assure each one that he or she truly is a welcomed, precious, and treasured gift from the Lord.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2007-10-18

The story does not just talk about the child being a gift from God, it goes in to detail about the mom being pregnant. Our daughter was adopted and not appropriate for our situation.

Best Book Ever!!.......2007-09-22

This is the BEST BEST BEST book in my opinion. Each page describes how the mama bear and daddy bear wanted a family, and they waited, and her belly grew bigger and they prayed each night for a healty baby, etc.. It's just such a great book. Each page ends with the phrase, "God Gave Us You!" When I read this book to my baby I point up her tummy to her nose each time I saw the 'God Gave us You' part and she always smiles.

Perfect for a godchild!.......2007-08-13

I'm always looking for great books for my godson. This book is just so sweet!

great gift.......2007-07-08

I got this as christening gifts for my nieces and nephews. It is a very nice book and makes a great gift.

a question, really.......2007-06-23

I've read the reviews and I'm wondering--is this book appropriate for an adoptive family? My kids were adopted from China, and I know God gave them to us. Is this book specific to birth parents and the birth experience? Thanks for sharing.

Dragon Bones: A Red Princess Mystery (Red Princess Mysteries)

Average customer rating:

Dragon Bones by Lisa See
Another great contemporary mystery by Lisa See
mystery at the three gorges
Not the same calibre as Snow Flower
Another good book by Ms See

Dragon Bones: A Red Princess Mystery (Red Princess Mysteries)
Lisa See
Manufacturer: Random House Trade Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345440315
Release Date: 2004-03-02

Book Description

In a magnificent land where myth mixes treacherously with truth, one woman is in charge of telling them apart. Liu Hulan is the Inspector in China’s Ministry of Public Security whose tough style rousts wrongdoers and rubs her superiors the wrong way. Now her latest case finds her trapped between her country’s distant past and her own recent history.

The case starts at a rally for a controversial cult that ends suddenly in bloodshed, and leads to the apparent murder of an American archaeologist, which officials want to keep quiet. And haunting Hulan’s investigation is the possible theft of ancient dragon bones that might alter the history of civilization itself.

Getting to the bottom of ever-spiraling events, Hulan unearths more scandals, confronts more murderers, and revives tragic memories that shake her tormented marriage to its core. In the end, she solves a mystery as big, unruly, and complex as China itself.

Customer Reviews:

Dragon Bones by Lisa See.......2007-07-27

What a writer ! Lisa See educates without being pedantic. In Dragon Bones, she has created a complex mystery while including enormous amounts of information on Chinese culture and environmental effects of the Three Gorges Dam. I learned much and was entertained as well.

Another great contemporary mystery by Lisa See.......2007-07-20

Dragon Bones is Lisa See's third contemporary Chinese mystery featuring Inspector Liu Hulan. I read the first one, Flower Net, and somehow the second passed me by. Like Flower Net, Dragon Bones is both a great detective story and a window into modern Chinese culture. Lisa See manages to show us a lot about a rapidly modernizing China without bogging down the story. Liu Hulan is the kind of character I'd like to have a meal with: smart, interesting, with pain in her past but not consumed by it. Lisa See has a gift at making the character seem completely Chinese to the Western reader yet sympathetic at the same time.

Having recently read, and loved, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel, , I understand more about Lisa See's strengths as a writer. Depiction of foreign culture: fantastic. Male characters: not so much. This wasn't as apparent in Snow Flower because the men lived in a different world from the women characters that were the focus of the story. In Dragon Bones, Hulan is married to an American man, David Stark. David's character never comes to life like Hulan's. Although he and I (and the writer) have more in common than Liu Hulan and I do, never the less, Hulan is fully three-dimensional and believable where David falls flat.

If you like mysteries that are different without being gimmicky, you will enjoy this book. There's no need to read them in order although I'm sure there are some benefits from doing so. There are some graphic crime scenes, as a warning to the squeamish.

mystery at the three gorges.......2007-07-16

Ms. See does it again! This is a story in which you can find out about the effects of long-time water immersion on a human body, the largest mushrooms in the world, the result of the three gorges dam project, and the corruption of public officials. A page-turner for sure!!

Not the same calibre as Snow Flower.......2007-04-10

This isn't a bad book but it isn't in the same league with Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

Another good book by Ms See.......2006-10-26

What I like best about Lisa See is usually not the novel in itself, but the detailed, and genuine aspects of China and its culture. I really enjoy learning chinese words and the traditions of this unique country.
The story is a mistery/thriller that revolves around the construction of the biggest Dam in the world, the impact that this will have on China's culture and the discovery of a very important artefact that could also change China's history, forever. In between there are gruesome murders and religious cults, and the rekindling of love between american lawyer Stark and his chinese wife Liu Hulan. Together they'll try to solve the murders and the mistery and, hopefully, save their love.

Average customer rating:

Good for a Collaboration
yummy men goodie
Don't Miss Where's My Hero?!!
Absolutely Wonderful!!!
the second story did it for me....

Where's My Hero?

Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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A Dark Champion (Brotherhood of the Sword, Book 1)
Claiming the Highlander (The MacAllisters)
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Master of Desire

ASIN: 0060505249
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Book Description

Two multiple–week New York Times bestsellers, Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas, join forces with one exciting newcomer, Kinley MacGregor, to create this sexy anthology with an exciting new theme.

In an innovative new twist for anthologies, each author is reintroducing a secondary character from a previous book to star in their own story. Revisit your favourite lost heroes, and see old friends from some of these authors' best books.

Download Description

Ever fallen for the wrong guy? Not the hero of the novel, but the other man? So have bestselling romance authors Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and Kinley MacGregor. In this delicious new collection the most desirable men from your favorite novels return to steal the spotlight -- and satisfy your longing. Dear Avon Books, Where are my heroes? Whenever I'm reading a book by one of my favorite authors I find I'm falling for the wrong guy -- not the hero, but the other man -- and what I really want is for him to have his own story.

Customer Reviews:

Good for a Collaboration.......2007-08-09

I bought it primarily for Kinley MacGregor, who I absolutely adore and was subsequently introduced to Lisa Kleypas. I have read several books from Lisa Kleypas since then and I really enjoy her writing as well. The third author, Julia Quinn was alright, but it certainly did not inspire me to read anymore of her books.

yummy men goodie.......2006-11-06

very good characters and stories and exspecialy Sherillyn Kenyons story about stryder

Don't Miss Where's My Hero?!!.......2006-04-13

The three wonderful stories in WHERE'S MY HERO? are not to be missed! Each story is great and quick and easy to read. Very enjoyable!

Absolutely Wonderful!!!.......2006-02-14

All three stories were amazingly fantastic, which is not very common for anthology books. However, my all-time favorite out of the three stories was by Kinley MacGregor with "Midsummers Knight" with the hero Simon. Just this short story itself is worth purchasing the book. I can't believe how it just made me cry so unexpectedly, it's truly a work of art that Kinley MacGregor delievers, and I really...really recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

the second story did it for me...........2006-02-05

i thought this book was good but the second story did it for me it was by Kinley Macgregor it was soooo good it made you wanna cry and i never cry over a romance novel. it was just the way how simon is that made me fall in love with him myself its a must have it will be worth it. Its the most beautiful romantic story telling you ever read, i wouldn't give it 5 stars i would give it a perfect 10.... read her books and try to get her collection of the Brotherhood of the Sword and the MacAllisters

Also Recommended Anything:
by Kinley Macgregor, nora roberts, lori foster and sandra brown...

Average customer rating:

Hurts So Good: Ellora's Cave
Where can I find my own Romeo?!
Fun and Sassy
Pleasures of boredom
three well written erotic romantic novellas

Hurts So Good: Ellora's Cave
Gail Faulkner , Lisa Renee Jones , and Sahara Kelly
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Colters' Woman

ASIN: 1416536132

Book Description

Three deliciously sexy stories of sensual healers and their naughty patients....

Gail Faulkner
Romeo

After years of illness, Lauren is desperate for a reprieve from her stiflingly protective family -- so she joins her best friend Carla for a weekend at her family's ranch. Although Carla warns the cool, collected Lauren about her womanizing cousin Romeo, when Lauren and Romeo first lock eyes, they feel undeniable passion for one another. Romeo knows he can have any women he desires, but now he longs only to care for this sexy little minx -- and has one short weekend to convince her to stay.

Lisa Renee Jones
Hurt So Good

Shy and cautious physical therapist Kelly Marshall is all work and no play. Determined to go to medical school and avoid becoming like her recklessly irresponsible mother, she has always repressed her wildest and most sinful desires. That is, until she meets sexy architect Mark Majors and discovers a deeply sensual side she never knew she had. And when weeks later he appears in her exam room -- needing her healing touch -- she can't help but surrender, once again, to the passion blazing between them.

Sahara Kelly
Sizzle

For fiery redhead Susanna Chalmers, Dylan Sinclair was the handsome muscle-bound guy in high school she could never have. But eleven years later, now a relationship therapist, Susanna sees Dylan in one of her lectures -- and he reminds her of a steamy night after senior prom when he knew he wanted to have his way with her. As a doctor, Susanna knows he isn't relationship material. But as a woman, her extremely aroused body is telling her otherwise.

Step inside Ellora's Cave, where passions run wild and the sexiest fantasies come true....
www.EllorasCave.com

Customer Reviews:

Hurts So Good: Ellora's Cave.......2007-09-03

Romeo by Gail Falkner
On the way to her friend's family's ranch, Lauren discovers that one of the reasons Carla invited her along was to watch her turn down her cousin Romeo. But Carla wasn't counting on Romeo's determination to have Lauren, or Lauren's willingness to be had.

Romeo is a very hot and romantic story. Romeo is all alpha male. I loved his protectiveness and persistence, it's very sexy. Lauren is innocent and sweet and she fits Romeo like a glove.

Hurts So Good by Lisa Renee Jones

It's all work and no play for Kelly Marshall. When she finally lets her hair down, she meets Marc Majors. Marc makes her forget her career and her inhibitions when they share a night of steamy passion. When it's over, Kelly intends to go back to work and forget all about the special night they shared, but Marc won't give up that easily.

In Hurts So Good, Marc is very sexy and Kelly is strong and yet vulnerable. From their first kiss to their last embrace, I found Hurts So Good to be a very romantic and sexy story.

Sizzle by Sahara Kelly

Eleven years ago Dylan Sinclair and Susanna Chalmers shared and intimate moment without ever touching each other. Susana ran off afterwards and Dylan has wanted her ever since. Now Dylan is back, and he intends to show Susana how good they can be together.

Dylan and Susanna are very different and yet they work. Although I really liked seeing Dylan fall hard for Susanna I wasn't sure he would because he is such a playboy. Sizzle has a lot of hot sex and sweet ending too.

All three stories in Hurts So Good are fantasies, and those small improbable details made them sizzle for me! Hurts So Good is a very hot and fun to read anthology.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Where can I find my own Romeo?!.......2007-05-13

Gail Faulkner's contribution is the outstanding one here--Romeo is super sexy and I wish more men were portrayed like this...honest, outspoken, not afraid to show his feelings...wow, I loved this story.

Lisa Renee Jones' story....sorry, this one did not do anything for me--her heroine was a whiny, childish mess.

Sahara Kelly gives us her usual hot, hilarious writing--I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my chair.

Fun and Sassy.......2007-05-12

It was a great book, with the women fun and sassy and then men strong and sexy!

Pleasures of boredom.......2007-05-07

This titillating little book will have grannies the world over exploring and rediscovering "the dirty little girl" in them

Go for it ladies.

I highly recommend this book especially for people over 75.

three well written erotic romantic novellas .......2007-05-07

"Romeo" by Gail Faulkner. Because of her years of being ill, her family overly protects Lauren. Her best friend Carla takes her to her family ranch; Carla tells her that she and her female cousins are betting that Lauren as the "ice queen" will be the first woman to ever turn down her other cousin Romeo. When Lauren and Romeo meet, sparks ignite between the big bad wolf and the little tabby cat with claws.

"Hurt So Good" by Lisa Renee Jones. Physical therapist Kelly Marshall knows that her all work and no play attitude comes as a reaction formation aversion to her mother's irresponsible lifestyle. Thus Kelly represses her deepest sexual fantasies living them through her best friend's descriptions. That is until she meets architect Mark Majors, who becomes the star of her nocturnal wet dreams. When he comes to her hurting, they share a special physical healing not taught in school. However she has doubts that they share anything beyond lust although she admits that is quite sensational.

"Sizzle" by Sahara Kelly. In high school Susanna Chalmers lusted over hunk Dylan Sinclair, but except for prom night she only could salivate. Over a decade since her greatest evening, relationship therapist Susanna is stunned when Dylan sits in on her lecture. Although she knows nothing long term will come of this as Dylan never stays with any woman very long, Susanna decides to pay the price of her heart broken for the immediate relief of her aroused libido.

These three well written erotic romantic novellas are a reprint of an e-book starring male hotties with reputations for loving and leaving until they sexually meet the sirens who heat their blood (south of the border).

Harriet Klausner

Average customer rating:

A Nice Easy Read!!!
a terrific read

The McCaffertys: Thorne (McCaffertys)
Lisa Jackson
Manufacturer: HQN Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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If She Only Knew

ASIN: 0373770707

Customer Reviews:

A Nice Easy Read!!!.......2005-11-17

Thorn McCafferty is back home but not because he wants to be but instead because his half sister Randi is fighting for her life after being in a one car accident. The brothers (Slade, Matt and Thorn) had no idea that their baby half sister was in Montana to begin with and that she was pregnant to boot. There are more questions then answers and with both Randi and her baby fighting for their lives Thorn doesn't need any more problems. Well, what Thorn needs, and what Thorn gets...are two different things.

Dr. Nicole Stevenson is the admitting doctor when Randi comes into the E.R. She realizes right away who Randi is and what's about to walk through her doors, her past in the form of very handsome, very rich Thorn McCafferty. Nikki was once naïve enough to give her heart to this man. She won't do it again. No matter how nicely he apologizes for the past, and not matter how sweetly he kisses now. He's bad new and Nikki has had enough heartache to last her a lifetime. But, sometimes life doesn't go according to plan and feelings don't just go away. No matter how many years pass. Will Thorn and Nikki give their love another chance or will they let it slip through their fingers once again?

This was a very sweet story about a second chance at love. Ms. Jackson has created a very dominating arrogant hero but he's turned around by the love of a good woman. This was a fun quick read but the romance doesn't suffer for it.

Official Reviewer for Romance Designs

a terrific read.......2001-01-06

Jackson starts this miniseries with a tremendously powerful hook. The plot flows beautifully, piquing the reader's interest and delivering a first rate tale of love. Randi's accident ties all three books together in an originally unique method that both resolves the love story, yet leaves the larger purpose unanswered in THE MCCAFFERTYS: THORNE. I eagerly look forward to the next installment of the series! Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Perfect for your own "little stinky face!"
Wonderful bedtime story!!!!!
So darling
our favorite stinky face book
Great Message

I Love You Stinky Face
Lisa Mccourt
Manufacturer: Cartwheel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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I Miss You Stinky Face
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ASIN: 0439634695

Book Description

"But Mama, but Mama, what if I were a super smelly skunk, and I smelled so bad that my name was Stinky Face?"Mothers love their children and this unconditional love is truly tested in I LOVE YOU, STINKY FACE. Lisa McCourt and Cyd Moore beautifully weave a reassuring tale of the love and affection of a parent. The imaginative son turns himself into a meat-eating dinosaur, a swamp creature and much, much more before being satisfied with the fact that no matter how stinky he is or how slimy of a creature he could possibly be, he is loved and nothing will change that.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for your own "little stinky face!".......2007-09-14

This book is adorable! It is a perfect story for a mom to read to her son. The illustrations are very detailed and the message is that a mother would love her child no matter what. I would highly recommend it.

Wonderful bedtime story!!!!!.......2007-08-28

This is a great bedtime story. Talks about all the things that could happpen to the child (e.g. turn into a skunk, into a swamp monster, etc) and how the mom will ALWAYS love him. Wonderful illustrations! Also highly recommend her other book "I miss you Stinky Face".

So darling.......2007-08-17

I bought this book at a yard sale, not having heard of it before. After I read it I instantly fell in love with it. I have read many children's books. I have many favorites, such as Goodnight Gorilla, The Foot Book, Jamberry, and Goodnight Moon, but I think I may have a new favorite. It is so very cute. One of the best.

our favorite stinky face book.......2007-07-08

This board book is smaller and easier for my granddaught to handle.. but just a warning it is a condensed version of the hardback book. OUR #1 favorite stinky face book even though it is condenced.. it travels in the car well for little fingers!

Great Message.......2007-04-10

This is one of my favorite children's books. Children love the rhythm of the words and wonderful illustrations. The message of the book is that a Mother's love for her child is unwavering. Even when her child turns into a horrible monster, Mom just adapts to her childs needs and love goes on. I highly recommend this book.

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