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The Concubine's Gift
Bernice Babbitt, a sexually inhibited, thirty-nine-year-old woman, leads a peaceful life in the tiny resort town of Valentine, Nevada. Living only two miles from the famed bordello, The Honey Bunny Ranch, she can’t imagine what goes on behind its closed doors. Things begin to change when Bernice buys an old, black-lacquer makeup case in an antique shop. The case once belonged to Blissful Night, the most famous and powerful concubine in Hong Kong. According to legend, Blissful Night could give a man more pleasure in one night than he would have experienced in an entire lifetime. Inside the makeup case, Bernice discovers a forgotten jar of face powder, the secret to Blissful Night’s success. Thinking the face powder is an herbal concoction that will beautify her skin, Bernice begins to use it, only to find that the powder causes her to see visions of other people’s sex lives. Bernice is horrified to discover that the only way she can rid herself of the visions is to blurt out sexual advice. Soon the entire town is in an uproar. But it isn’t until Bernice learns more about Blissful Night’s past that she knows what she must do. The Concubine’s Gift is a delightfully sexy novel in which Bernice Babbitt is drawn into a seductive world she never knew existed. A provocative and entertaining Pandora’s Box of a tale! A portion of the proceeds of the profits of this novel are donated to foundations which fight against child sex-trafficking.
- GenresFiction
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
K. Ford K.
2 books41 followersI became a storyteller by accident. It all began in Mexico where I attended university and where I learned to accept the supernatural as a normal part of life. From the revered opinions of the local witch, to the preparation of meals for dead grandmothers, I learned to see the world through different eyes and I came to understand that things are not always what they seem.
Later, on my way to attend a university in France, I traveled to Morocco. I stopped at a marketplace in Marrakesh and while eating my lunch of dates and oranges, I watched a tattered beggar transform himself into a storyteller. He moved with the practiced gestures and fantastic expressions of his trade, surrounded by a growing circle of people who listened to him with eyes wide open, their own lives forgotten. In another culture, at another time he might have been a rich man, but here he was selling beautiful tales for coins in the dusty marketplace. I longed to be like him, this mendicant from Marrakesh.
Years later, I moved to Tokyo to teach and write articles for The Tokyo Weekender Magazine. Every day I traveled the crowded trains, sharing space and breath with millions of strangers.
There amid the crushing humanity, I watched the surreal combinations of east and west in language and life, the painful and beautiful growth that occurs when two cultures collide. I witnessed two public suicides, and felt firsthand not only the temporality of life but also the beauty of a single moment.
The time spent crushed between strangers, doors and windows of the train became a quiet meditative place where I learned to accept life and death. There on that Tokyo train, I began to write novels in my head, while that tattered beggar from Marrakesh, who had captivated me years before, whispered in my ear like a nagging dead man, “Tell me a story.”
Later, on my way to attend a university in France, I traveled to Morocco. I stopped at a marketplace in Marrakesh and while eating my lunch of dates and oranges, I watched a tattered beggar transform himself into a storyteller. He moved with the practiced gestures and fantastic expressions of his trade, surrounded by a growing circle of people who listened to him with eyes wide open, their own lives forgotten. In another culture, at another time he might have been a rich man, but here he was selling beautiful tales for coins in the dusty marketplace. I longed to be like him, this mendicant from Marrakesh.
Years later, I moved to Tokyo to teach and write articles for The Tokyo Weekender Magazine. Every day I traveled the crowded trains, sharing space and breath with millions of strangers.
There amid the crushing humanity, I watched the surreal combinations of east and west in language and life, the painful and beautiful growth that occurs when two cultures collide. I witnessed two public suicides, and felt firsthand not only the temporality of life but also the beauty of a single moment.
The time spent crushed between strangers, doors and windows of the train became a quiet meditative place where I learned to accept life and death. There on that Tokyo train, I began to write novels in my head, while that tattered beggar from Marrakesh, who had captivated me years before, whispered in my ear like a nagging dead man, “Tell me a story.”
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 13, 2012
A story about sexual discovery, empowerment and the happiness achieved through self-acceptance and love. A surprisingly beautiful story that blends in everyday aspects with well preconceived taboos giving an almost puritan yet extremely curious woman the ability to see other people’s sexual experiences and the elated feelings that accompany such moments.
The Concubine’s Gift follows Bernice as she struggles to accept her inner most emotions and desires that contrast greatly with her strong, religious upbringing. As daughter of the town’s minister and the only charm school teacher with a rebellious brother, Bernice has spent her entire life avoiding confrontation, swallowing her opinions and making sure that she pleases everyone else at the expense of her own happiness and satisfactions. The only signs of Bernice’s true thoughts and ideals are encased in a very private, much hidden collection of erotica memorabilia.
The story contrasts the sense of decorum versus sexual liberation. I was surprised at how easily I was sucked into it. I enjoyed following Bernice and the other various characters as they made their journey to blissful love making; yes, not just sex –love making. That is ultimately the main theme of this book, love so instinctual that it’s reached its maximum through unrestricted carnal expression.
The story also juxtaposes the current believes and the new openness when it comes to, well, almost everything, versus the ideas and moral values engraved in our subconscious by our family, our community and our culture. This is most evident by the town’s division in opinions when it comes to the bordello.
The bottom line is that I really enjoyed this book, and even though it’s just a fiction story, it makes you reconsider your notions and your stance on sexuality.
Some quotes:
This one:
In contrast with:
There is:
In contrast with:
And this one simply because it’s pretty awesome:
This review also appears at Journe with Words
The Concubine’s Gift follows Bernice as she struggles to accept her inner most emotions and desires that contrast greatly with her strong, religious upbringing. As daughter of the town’s minister and the only charm school teacher with a rebellious brother, Bernice has spent her entire life avoiding confrontation, swallowing her opinions and making sure that she pleases everyone else at the expense of her own happiness and satisfactions. The only signs of Bernice’s true thoughts and ideals are encased in a very private, much hidden collection of erotica memorabilia.
The story contrasts the sense of decorum versus sexual liberation. I was surprised at how easily I was sucked into it. I enjoyed following Bernice and the other various characters as they made their journey to blissful love making; yes, not just sex –love making. That is ultimately the main theme of this book, love so instinctual that it’s reached its maximum through unrestricted carnal expression.
The story also juxtaposes the current believes and the new openness when it comes to, well, almost everything, versus the ideas and moral values engraved in our subconscious by our family, our community and our culture. This is most evident by the town’s division in opinions when it comes to the bordello.
The bottom line is that I really enjoyed this book, and even though it’s just a fiction story, it makes you reconsider your notions and your stance on sexuality.
Some quotes:
This one:
“Bernice was fascinated by Trinket because she wore her sexuality as openly as a fragrant perfume. She was also amazed by the fact that Trinket found life so easy and satisfying.” (Kindle Locations 131-133)
In contrast with:
“She [Bernice] didn’t like anything that had an adult theme, with only one exception, her collection of erotic female memorabilia. They were all antiques, fragments of other women’s sexuality that was somehow easier to deal with than her own.” (Kindle Locations 143-145)
There is:
“It’s just as well,” she thought. “If I told them what I really think, they’d shit roses.” (Kindle Locations 159-160)
In contrast with:
“But Bernice also did not believe that hiding her true opinions and sexual feelings was dishonest. She thought it was similar to hiding a defect and Bernice felt that her defect was that she had too much sexual interest, too much excitability and far too much empathy for prostitutes. She never once considered that properly channeled, her sexuality might be normal or that her opinion might be right.” (Kindle Locations 245-248)
And this one simply because it’s pretty awesome:
“The erotic arts have the same goal as religion; to prevent men from acting like beasts.” (Kindle Locations 1430-1431)
This review also appears at Journe with Words
July 10, 2012
The small town of Valentine, Nevada was once famous for it's bordellos, the most popular being the Honey Bunny Ranch. Now that it's nothing more than ruins, the townsfolk are divided over what to do about it. Rebuild or make way for something that won't involve sex and prostitutes. The people of Valentine seem to fit in either one of two categories: the sexually open-minded and the rather prudish. Bernice Babbitt is one of the latter. At thirty-nine years old, she's sexually inhibited and blushes at the mere mention of anything remotely personal. She was raised to view sex and lust as shameful. It is with little surprise that her curiosity never vanished, she just merely suppressed it. Her secret indulgence is her collection of erotic memorabilia. When her friend and antique dealer Mrs Lin shows her a black lacquer make-up case once rumored to have belonged to Hong Kong's most famous concubine, Blissful Night, Bernice can't help herself, she has to have it. When she discovers a jar of face powder hidden within, she sees no harm in trying a little. After all, it's just make-up, right? Shortly after using the powder, not only does it seem to instantly beautify her skin, but she's suddenly assaulted by a very intimate, sexual encounter of two of her motel guests. Nothing seems to stop the visions until she blurts out to the pair what they need to do in order to have a more satisfying sex life. One the one hand, Bernice continues to use the powder to keep looking beautiful and radiant, but she doesn't seem to put two and two together that the unwelcome visions could be linked to it. While she continues to give out advice, her recipients are more than happy to comply with her suggestions. All is well until the meddling Church women catch wind of what she's been doing, much to their disapproval. It isn't until Bernice has a vision of someone close to her, and she hears the full story of Blissful Night's past that finally forces her to acknowledge she may have a problem.
Bernice's struggle to go against the way she was raised and embrace sexuality (even if it's through strangers rather than personal experience) was both humorous and made me feel sorry for her. Her little circle of close friends were also a surprise. There's Mrs Lin a fantastic storyteller, and Trina Trinkett who loves men and sleeping with them, and she isn't shy about it either. The times when Trinkett talks to Bernice about her conquests made me laugh, mainly because of Bernice's reactions. The visions themselves aren't crude or highly erotic, but sensual and decadent (my favorite was definitely the vision of Ruby, the artist). The purpose of the visions seemed not just to help those involved become better lovers, but rather help set them on a path that would free their souls and make them happy. It wasn't just all about sexual fulfillment and fantasies (see the case of Rusty, Mrs Wright and Polly). The flashbacks of Blissful Night's life from a young, innocent little girl to concubine were rich in detail and emotion. If you've read Memoirs of a Geisha, there were a few similarities to Peony rise to fame, love and heartbreak. I loved catching those glimpses until we find out what her fate was at the very end, and the message or intended lesson was clear.
This was a very entertaining read. The storytelling and the characters were bold and delightful. I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair review.
August 6, 2012
When the author of The Concubine’s Gift contacted me asking for a review, I admit I was skeptical. I’m not much of a romance reader. In fact, most romance novels are a huge turn-off for me, because I either despise the arrogant jerk that the heroine inevitably falls in love with, or I find the whole book unbelievably cheesy and trite. However, I hesitantly agreed to read this book when the author sent me a copy, and I’m glad I made an exception from my romance rule for The Concubine’s Gift.
First and foremost, I have to warn readers that this is not your typical romance. In fact, if possible, this is a romance novel but not a love story. I think that’s why I liked it. A lot of romance novels just don’t convince me. I don’t believe the romance. I don’t buy it. There’s too many clichés, too many overused devices (love at first sight? Oh, please. Love triangle? Sigh. A handsome stranger coming to the rescue? Eyeroll). The Concubine’s Gift avoids all these pitfalls and more. If you’re looking for a novel about a beautiful brainless bombshell being swept off her feet by a swarthy swaggering swindler-of-virtue, look elsewhere. Trust me, you’ll find many, many books that are exactly what you’re looking for. They are a dime a dozen. The Concubine’s Gift is something else, something new and refreshing. It’s a sexy novel about, well, sex, as well as self-discovery.
As we watch Bernice come into her own and accept herself, we can cheer for her because she’s just like you and me. She’s not meeting the hottest guy on earth and falling in love with him the moment she lays eyes on him. She’s working and talking to her friends, trying to seduce her reluctant husband and shopping for antiques. It’s one of these antiques that provides the catalyst for the story when Bernice finds a concubine’s magical face powder, which allows her to see the secret to a happy sex life—for those around her.
Some of the sex scenes are glossed over, while others go into minute detail. I never felt frustrated by lack of detail in the former, or overwhelmed with raunchiness in the latter. The author walks the line between sexy and dirty well, never venturing too far into the obscene. Just when you think she might (lesbian threesome? What is this, a frat-guy fantasy?), instead she breezes right through with minimal detail, focusing on the lasting changes resulting from it, and goes on to a more detailed account of another scenario. The sex scenes were creative and varied, some a bit titillating and some matter-of-fact. I found the varying degree of explicitness made for a more interesting, tasteful read and kept it from sinking to the thrusty and porn-like play-by-play of some romances.
The Concubine’s Gift is sexy, straightforward, and sometimes just a bit silly. I don’t know if I would have made it through Bernice’s story if she had been a typical helpless heroine, or even an butt-stomping, wise-cracking badass. No, Bernice is just your ordinary working woman, trying to be proper, worrying about her disapproving mother, estranged brother, ungrateful children, inattentive husband, and sexually free neighbor. And that’s what makes her such an accessible character who we can relate to so well. After all, who hasn’t wondered at some point, when our kids are screaming in the front yard, or we stop ourselves from telling someone what we really think of their kids screaming in the front yard, WHAT WOULD THE NEIGHBORS THINK?!
I enjoyed reading about those neighbors, the town, its founding and history, and the political struggles surrounding the brothel. The townspeople were also entertaining, although most of them are not developed well enough to get a real sense of their personalities. Most of the book has a light tone, which makes it a quick, light read. A few errors in punctuation (frequent missing commas) were scattered throughout, but nothing glaring.
Although I enjoyed the novel, I did find the whole great-sex-will-fix-your-life theme a bit tiresome. I’m not one to discount the importance of sex in a happy marriage, or to say that it’s something we shouldn’t look for in a partner. However, I doubt that having a good sex life is going to make all your problems disappear. It was implied throughout the book, and really pounded home when Bernice sees her teenage daughter taking one of two paths—having adventurous sex with a boy who will break her heart and then leading a happy, fulfilling life afterwards, or missing out on great sex with her high-school sweetheart and going on to lead a stifled life as an uptight, fearful mouse. Although I’m not much for romance novels themselves (I need more going on than two people falling in love), I do believe that romance, like sex, is important in healthy relationships. I think love is important, and that’s one thing missing from this book. Love didn’t seem to factor into most of the stories. They seemed to all suggest that fulfilling your sexual potential will fulfill your life, and love is either unnecessary in the equation or will inevitably follow. And yes, that is the part I didn’t buy. I can swallow the rest, magic makeup included.
Overall, a well-edited and engaging read that I would recommend to romance readers and other adults looking for some fanciful entertainment.
First and foremost, I have to warn readers that this is not your typical romance. In fact, if possible, this is a romance novel but not a love story. I think that’s why I liked it. A lot of romance novels just don’t convince me. I don’t believe the romance. I don’t buy it. There’s too many clichés, too many overused devices (love at first sight? Oh, please. Love triangle? Sigh. A handsome stranger coming to the rescue? Eyeroll). The Concubine’s Gift avoids all these pitfalls and more. If you’re looking for a novel about a beautiful brainless bombshell being swept off her feet by a swarthy swaggering swindler-of-virtue, look elsewhere. Trust me, you’ll find many, many books that are exactly what you’re looking for. They are a dime a dozen. The Concubine’s Gift is something else, something new and refreshing. It’s a sexy novel about, well, sex, as well as self-discovery.
As we watch Bernice come into her own and accept herself, we can cheer for her because she’s just like you and me. She’s not meeting the hottest guy on earth and falling in love with him the moment she lays eyes on him. She’s working and talking to her friends, trying to seduce her reluctant husband and shopping for antiques. It’s one of these antiques that provides the catalyst for the story when Bernice finds a concubine’s magical face powder, which allows her to see the secret to a happy sex life—for those around her.
Some of the sex scenes are glossed over, while others go into minute detail. I never felt frustrated by lack of detail in the former, or overwhelmed with raunchiness in the latter. The author walks the line between sexy and dirty well, never venturing too far into the obscene. Just when you think she might (lesbian threesome? What is this, a frat-guy fantasy?), instead she breezes right through with minimal detail, focusing on the lasting changes resulting from it, and goes on to a more detailed account of another scenario. The sex scenes were creative and varied, some a bit titillating and some matter-of-fact. I found the varying degree of explicitness made for a more interesting, tasteful read and kept it from sinking to the thrusty and porn-like play-by-play of some romances.
The Concubine’s Gift is sexy, straightforward, and sometimes just a bit silly. I don’t know if I would have made it through Bernice’s story if she had been a typical helpless heroine, or even an butt-stomping, wise-cracking badass. No, Bernice is just your ordinary working woman, trying to be proper, worrying about her disapproving mother, estranged brother, ungrateful children, inattentive husband, and sexually free neighbor. And that’s what makes her such an accessible character who we can relate to so well. After all, who hasn’t wondered at some point, when our kids are screaming in the front yard, or we stop ourselves from telling someone what we really think of their kids screaming in the front yard, WHAT WOULD THE NEIGHBORS THINK?!
I enjoyed reading about those neighbors, the town, its founding and history, and the political struggles surrounding the brothel. The townspeople were also entertaining, although most of them are not developed well enough to get a real sense of their personalities. Most of the book has a light tone, which makes it a quick, light read. A few errors in punctuation (frequent missing commas) were scattered throughout, but nothing glaring.
Although I enjoyed the novel, I did find the whole great-sex-will-fix-your-life theme a bit tiresome. I’m not one to discount the importance of sex in a happy marriage, or to say that it’s something we shouldn’t look for in a partner. However, I doubt that having a good sex life is going to make all your problems disappear. It was implied throughout the book, and really pounded home when Bernice sees her teenage daughter taking one of two paths—having adventurous sex with a boy who will break her heart and then leading a happy, fulfilling life afterwards, or missing out on great sex with her high-school sweetheart and going on to lead a stifled life as an uptight, fearful mouse. Although I’m not much for romance novels themselves (I need more going on than two people falling in love), I do believe that romance, like sex, is important in healthy relationships. I think love is important, and that’s one thing missing from this book. Love didn’t seem to factor into most of the stories. They seemed to all suggest that fulfilling your sexual potential will fulfill your life, and love is either unnecessary in the equation or will inevitably follow. And yes, that is the part I didn’t buy. I can swallow the rest, magic makeup included.
Overall, a well-edited and engaging read that I would recommend to romance readers and other adults looking for some fanciful entertainment.
June 2, 2012
For full review/guest post from K. Ford K. and Giveaway go here,
http://allthefunstartsafterdark.blogs...
Some believed Valentine, Nevada was built around 'The Crib' which was a Dance Hall with rooms upstairs for men to take a dancer up to for pleasure back in the early 1900's. With Prostitution legal in some areas in Nevada some thought this was no big deal but others were out to shut down the Brothels.
Bernice Babbitt was raised with very religious parents and was taught sex was not something a lady talks or reads about. Her Mother taught her that it was shameful. So of course with it being something to shun Bernice finds an interest in the prostitutes old belongings and starts to secretly purchase Erotica Female memorabilia from a local antique store. One day the Antique dealer, Mrs. Lin, said she had something special that would go wonderful with her collection, A makeup case that belong to a famous Concubine named Blissful Night's. Bernice was so excited to add such a beautiful piece to her collection even though the bottom drawer is stuck. Once she makes it home she finds a way to get the drawer open and what she finds inside delights her.
What she doesn't expect is to start having visions of other peoples sex lives, she is so embarrassed and ashamed. What makes it worse is she continues to have visions of the same people until she tells them what they needed to do to improve their relationship and sex life. Once she sees that it is really starting to help people and it was making them happier she feels less mortified until she has a vision of someone close to her. Bernice is desperate to figure out why she has these visions and how to get rid of them.
"As I always tell my customers, people must be very careful about the pieces they buy. The energy in an antique can change the fate of an entire household."
I found this to be a great book, it is very well written and you can visualize the small town of Valentine and feel the emotions that Bernice goes through. It's not a dirty Erotica book that will leave you blushing just from reading it, it is tastefully done and would be a wonderful introduction to the erotica world for someone new to the genre. I'm grateful to have been given the chance to review this book and hope you read it too! The ending will be bring a tear to your eye and make you smile at Bernice's conniving plan.
http://allthefunstartsafterdark.blogs...
Some believed Valentine, Nevada was built around 'The Crib' which was a Dance Hall with rooms upstairs for men to take a dancer up to for pleasure back in the early 1900's. With Prostitution legal in some areas in Nevada some thought this was no big deal but others were out to shut down the Brothels.
Bernice Babbitt was raised with very religious parents and was taught sex was not something a lady talks or reads about. Her Mother taught her that it was shameful. So of course with it being something to shun Bernice finds an interest in the prostitutes old belongings and starts to secretly purchase Erotica Female memorabilia from a local antique store. One day the Antique dealer, Mrs. Lin, said she had something special that would go wonderful with her collection, A makeup case that belong to a famous Concubine named Blissful Night's. Bernice was so excited to add such a beautiful piece to her collection even though the bottom drawer is stuck. Once she makes it home she finds a way to get the drawer open and what she finds inside delights her.
What she doesn't expect is to start having visions of other peoples sex lives, she is so embarrassed and ashamed. What makes it worse is she continues to have visions of the same people until she tells them what they needed to do to improve their relationship and sex life. Once she sees that it is really starting to help people and it was making them happier she feels less mortified until she has a vision of someone close to her. Bernice is desperate to figure out why she has these visions and how to get rid of them.
"As I always tell my customers, people must be very careful about the pieces they buy. The energy in an antique can change the fate of an entire household."
I found this to be a great book, it is very well written and you can visualize the small town of Valentine and feel the emotions that Bernice goes through. It's not a dirty Erotica book that will leave you blushing just from reading it, it is tastefully done and would be a wonderful introduction to the erotica world for someone new to the genre. I'm grateful to have been given the chance to review this book and hope you read it too! The ending will be bring a tear to your eye and make you smile at Bernice's conniving plan.
August 5, 2012
The Concubine’s Gift by K. Ford K. explores what happens when a sexually inhibited wife, Bernice Babbitt, unveils the secret powers of a infamous concubine. When the author contacted me regarding doing a review my interest was peaked by the synopsis; but the Concubine’s Gift turned out to be totally opposite of what I expected.
The story is set in the fictitious town of Valentine, Nevada, a city known for its famous bordello called “The Cribs.” The Cribs was closed down in 1918 after the owner ruffled the feathers of her prestigious clientele, and many of the prostitutes moved on. One in particular, Esther Lilly, stayed and married one of the town people. It is at her grave many decades later that Bernice and three others meet and embark on a strange journey. One of the people is Ms. Lin, who owns an antique shop and sales Bernice a make-up chest once owned by Blissful Night, a young girl who becomes a concubine to provide financially for her poor family. With each meeting regarding her latest vision, Ms. Lin unveils more about the alluring concubine.
K. Ford K. does a tasteful job in telling erotic tales through Bernice. After discovering a powder in the make-up case that allows her to see into the future, and sometimes the past, Bernice learns more about the sexual desires of the people of tiny Valentine than she wants or needs to know. As Bernice deals with the visions, Ms. Lin uncovers more information about Blissful Night. Along with their two other friends they discover the secret of the make-up powder, but in the end Bernice realizes the truth about herself.
The Concubine’s Gift is a great read that can be enjoyed by most readers, even if you are not a fan of erotica. The stories are told gracefully and allow the reader to use their imagination instead of having the sex scenes splattered across the pages. K. Ford K. is a writer whose work I would read again.
My final rating is 4.0
Peace and Blessings,
Tracy
www.TracyLDarity.com
The story is set in the fictitious town of Valentine, Nevada, a city known for its famous bordello called “The Cribs.” The Cribs was closed down in 1918 after the owner ruffled the feathers of her prestigious clientele, and many of the prostitutes moved on. One in particular, Esther Lilly, stayed and married one of the town people. It is at her grave many decades later that Bernice and three others meet and embark on a strange journey. One of the people is Ms. Lin, who owns an antique shop and sales Bernice a make-up chest once owned by Blissful Night, a young girl who becomes a concubine to provide financially for her poor family. With each meeting regarding her latest vision, Ms. Lin unveils more about the alluring concubine.
K. Ford K. does a tasteful job in telling erotic tales through Bernice. After discovering a powder in the make-up case that allows her to see into the future, and sometimes the past, Bernice learns more about the sexual desires of the people of tiny Valentine than she wants or needs to know. As Bernice deals with the visions, Ms. Lin uncovers more information about Blissful Night. Along with their two other friends they discover the secret of the make-up powder, but in the end Bernice realizes the truth about herself.
The Concubine’s Gift is a great read that can be enjoyed by most readers, even if you are not a fan of erotica. The stories are told gracefully and allow the reader to use their imagination instead of having the sex scenes splattered across the pages. K. Ford K. is a writer whose work I would read again.
My final rating is 4.0
Peace and Blessings,
Tracy
www.TracyLDarity.com
July 16, 2012
I'm grateful I was able to win this book in one of the giveaways, the title automatically drew me to the story. Before and after winning the book I didn't check to see what kind of book it was. It wasn't until I opened it from it's package when I realized what I was getting into. With no expectations, I was surprised when I began reading the book and it's central theme was well sex. I suppose that's what you get when you read a book with the word concubine in it. But it was actually the concubine, Blissful Night's story that I was more interested in than the graphic visions of other people having sex that Bernice was forced to watch because of the face powder she kept obsessively using. Though I must admit how interesting it was to read about people's true desires regarding the subject and how easily they gave into it when someone like Bernice gave the right advice. I was a bit surprised at the end how she decided to do a talk show host, I was kind of expecting Blissful Night's secret to stay a secret. But on the other hand, perhaps hearing about Bernice's bizarre experience with the powder and how her advice led to the happiness of many people will encourage others to seek their own happiness rather than be tied down by fears, regret, etc. In this case, the ending was fitting. I also enjoyed the concoction that was the little town of Valentine and how it's foundation was built on prostitutes and yet half the townspeople think of that little piece of history as shameful. The rift between the traditional and the open minded is clearly drawn in this book, yet a calm common ground is a achieved through the powers of the secret face powder. It makes you wonder, what exactly is it made of? Overall the book was a good and enjoyable read. I finished the entire thing in one sitting just the other day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2012
Today's review is on The Concubine's Gift by K. Ford
The cover of this delightful book gives no clue what so ever of the magic it holds inside. The Concubine's gift is a wonderful twist on love, eroticism, and the paranormal. Well written characters keep you laughing, smiling, and sometimes leave you in a state of shock at how "real" they truly are.
Bernice Babbitt is the stereotypical minister's daughter. Pure as the driven snow until she was married, concerned with how everyone will think of her, and has an uneventful sex life with her husband. Her only escape is the collection of oddities she has hidden in her home, many of which are of a sexual nature. So when she comes across an old make-up case that once belonged to Blissful Night; a famous concubine, she just has to have it.
Inside one of the draws she finds a small vile filled with face powder, but this is not just any face powder. Once Bernice begins to use it she starts to have visions. Visions that she would rather live without. Visions of other people's sex life. And the only way to make them stop is to tell the people involved. But when she has a vision of herself and the new minister, things get out of control.
Fun and quirky, The Concubine's Gift is sure to put a smile on your face. Just be sure that you have a free day to read because you won't want to put this book down.
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
The cover of this delightful book gives no clue what so ever of the magic it holds inside. The Concubine's gift is a wonderful twist on love, eroticism, and the paranormal. Well written characters keep you laughing, smiling, and sometimes leave you in a state of shock at how "real" they truly are.
Bernice Babbitt is the stereotypical minister's daughter. Pure as the driven snow until she was married, concerned with how everyone will think of her, and has an uneventful sex life with her husband. Her only escape is the collection of oddities she has hidden in her home, many of which are of a sexual nature. So when she comes across an old make-up case that once belonged to Blissful Night; a famous concubine, she just has to have it.
Inside one of the draws she finds a small vile filled with face powder, but this is not just any face powder. Once Bernice begins to use it she starts to have visions. Visions that she would rather live without. Visions of other people's sex life. And the only way to make them stop is to tell the people involved. But when she has a vision of herself and the new minister, things get out of control.
Fun and quirky, The Concubine's Gift is sure to put a smile on your face. Just be sure that you have a free day to read because you won't want to put this book down.
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
January 18, 2016
The little town of Valentine, Nevada is known for its bordellos, although some of the more conservative townsfolk would like to rectify this. Bernice Babbitt, a middle-aged mother, owns a motel here with her husband. The daughter of the town minister, she grew up in a strict environment, an obedient, straight-laced daughter who wanted nothing more than to please others. But Bernice has a secret: she is an avid collector of erotica. Her latest addition is an antique make-up case once owned by Blissful Night, a famous Chinese concubine who earned the title of “sexual psychic” by knowing exactly what her partners wanted in bed. After acquiring the make-up case, Bernice begins to experience visions of sexually frustrated couples and exactly what they can do to solve their troubles. The only way to make these visions go away is for her to reveal what she has seen to these unsuspecting persons—most of whom happily rush to act on her suggestions. But not everyone is happy with Bernice, the new “sexual psychic” of Valentine, Nevada—including her prudish mother and the entire church congregation. Why is Bernice having these visions? How can she make them stop? A delightful short novel of sex, magic, and scandal in a small town.
May 30, 2012
*** Note: I was given this novel by the author for review***
This was an extremely good book, it was a nice change of pace from the romance books that I have been reading.
The author has the ability to describe such a colorful town, both in the conservative townspeople as well as the liberal members. The author could have chosen to go over the relationship of Bernice or tried to make a romance out of the book, but instead she focused her purpose on one protagonist’s self-discovery.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have so many quotes that touched me, but this review could only be so long. It has been a while since I have read a book that had such a well-built and uniformed theme. I found connections and concepts from A Game of Thrones to foot binding. I can say that every woman should read this book and reflect on their life. Is there anything that you need to change and be honest to yourself and others? As Shakespeare says: “to thine own self be true.”
This was an extremely good book, it was a nice change of pace from the romance books that I have been reading.
The author has the ability to describe such a colorful town, both in the conservative townspeople as well as the liberal members. The author could have chosen to go over the relationship of Bernice or tried to make a romance out of the book, but instead she focused her purpose on one protagonist’s self-discovery.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have so many quotes that touched me, but this review could only be so long. It has been a while since I have read a book that had such a well-built and uniformed theme. I found connections and concepts from A Game of Thrones to foot binding. I can say that every woman should read this book and reflect on their life. Is there anything that you need to change and be honest to yourself and others? As Shakespeare says: “to thine own self be true.”
April 19, 2012
The Concubine's Gift is a whimsical tale of a love and sex, and the importance of having both for a happy, fulfilling life. Bernice Babbitt is a shy, sexually repressed inkeeper in the small town of Valentine, NV, where she lives with her husband and two teenage children. Her life is changed when she purchases an old makeup case, which contains nothing but a small jar of face powder, which had reportedly been owned by a famous concubine. However, the powder is not merely make-up. In fact, it give Bernice the ability to see the sexual fantasies, past and future of the people around her. With the help of her four friends, Bernice finds her way through this experience, helping people and herself as well along the way.
March 5, 2012
I was really surprised by how much I loved The Concubine's Gift. When I agreed to read and review it I thought the book was going to be an erotic novel of which I don't mind reading from time to time but this was just a sweet romantic story with a little bit of spice.
Even though she is really inhibited Bernice blossoms into becoming more comfortable with her sexuality while helping others. She has a good core of friends that help her manage the visions and what comes with them. I also like the way the problem of the magical powder is resolved. Also there is a side story line that is tied up quite nicely in the end. I highly recommend this one for all contemporary romance lovers.
Even though she is really inhibited Bernice blossoms into becoming more comfortable with her sexuality while helping others. She has a good core of friends that help her manage the visions and what comes with them. I also like the way the problem of the magical powder is resolved. Also there is a side story line that is tied up quite nicely in the end. I highly recommend this one for all contemporary romance lovers.
June 18, 2012
I won this book in a giveaway. When I first received it I wasn't sure what I would think but after reading it I loved it. Loved the ending especially. I also liked how one lady brought them all together. It was just a lovely story. I wish there was a second book. :)
Berenice loves antiques that are connected with anything erotic. When Mrs. Lin sells her a make up case with a stuck drawer that used to belong to a famous concubine, her curiousity gets the better of her and she gets the drawer opened. What she finds inside turns her life upside down and the whole towns is in a uproar.
Berenice loves antiques that are connected with anything erotic. When Mrs. Lin sells her a make up case with a stuck drawer that used to belong to a famous concubine, her curiousity gets the better of her and she gets the drawer opened. What she finds inside turns her life upside down and the whole towns is in a uproar.
June 21, 2012
When I was contacted by the author about reading this book, I'll admit the synopsis piqued my interest. Unfortunately, I was so busy it took me a month before I was able to finally start reading it. Once started, I flew right threw it in about a day and a half.
This is one of those fun, fast reads that you bring to the beach. It's both funny and provocative, not quite a romance but most definitely an adult read. It's a story about finding and being true to yourself, the role that family plays in our lives and the power of true friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This is one of those fun, fast reads that you bring to the beach. It's both funny and provocative, not quite a romance but most definitely an adult read. It's a story about finding and being true to yourself, the role that family plays in our lives and the power of true friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 31, 2012
I won this book as a giveaway - thank you! I liked The Concubine's Gift and the unique premise. Poor Bernice is thrust into a world she doesn't really want to be in, but evolves as a character. I found the writing inconsistent; sometimes the story flowed and sometimes the dialogue was choppy. I enjoyed Mrs. Lin's telling of Blissful Night's story but didn't connect with the stories of the other characters. This would make a light, summer beach read!
May 13, 2012
A light, funny, and most definately naughty (although not smutty) read. When stuffy Bernice jimmies open a stuck drawer on an antique box, the cosmetic powder she finds inside sets off a chain of events that are funny, sweet, and most definately erotic. The first two chapters are intriguing, if a bit slow, but once Bernice starts having her visions, the book just flows. The ending is happy. A boorish person gets a deserved comeuppance. And all ends well. Perfect summer beach reading.
May 29, 2012
The Concubine's Gift is a fun, short, erotic novella about a woman who has visions of other people's sex lives and offers advice. Read my full book review at http://www.dreamworldbooks.com/2012/0...
July 6, 2012
Loved this book! Main character Bernice Babbitt was wonderful and lovable! I wanted to hear more of their personal stories, especially Ruby's! Would like to have heard more about Peony/Blissful Night's story as well.
June 14, 2012
I thought this was a great read. it is a unique story that hasn't been told a million times. you really feel a connection to the characters as the story progresses, especially Bernice. I would recommend this book to anyone, even those who don't usually read erotica. Enjoy!
May 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this book...it was as though I was reading a Lifetime movie!
August 1, 2012
Review coming soon at literaryrr.blogspot.com
April 17, 2012
What a delightful and tastefully done sexy book.
Truly enjoyed it.
Truly enjoyed it.
February 13, 2013
I won this Kindle version of K. Ford K.'s book The Concubine's Gift by replying in time to a Cannonball Read email. I had no expectations or any sort of idea concerning what this book would be about.
I can tell you that a book that begins with the sound of the clicking heels of long dead child prostitutes hasn't exactly ended in the place I thought it would. Not even close. I'm 100% certain I never expected a "sexual psychic" and a town called Valentine to be the subject of this book.
I expected better writing, but that was not to be. K. Ford K. has attempted some sort of erotic story wherein a stifled and prudish woman is able to embrace sexuality. We get Bernice, who is the woman always taught that sex is wrong and thinking or talking about it is bad. She is deeply prudish, yet she purchases an antique makeup case that belonged to a concubine named Blissful Night for her erotic antique collection (I am not kidding). Inside the makeup case, Bernice finds an aged, wooden container of white powder that she uses on her face. As Nepoleanita said, "Who uses old face powder they find in an antique shop?!?! GROSS." Of course, this concubine's gift is more than a powder that causes flawless skin. It also gives the wearer the ability to see the sexual needs and futures of people.
Okay...
I didn't like this book. I found the characterizations to be generic. Even background information on characters didn't serve to flesh them out as people. K. Ford K. spent more time concocting her "erotic" fantasies for Bernice to be utterly horrified by than she did on Bernice herself. Just saying that someone blushes a ton isn't characterization. The story of Blissful Night herself was more interesting than any of the other people or stories, but that isn't saying much at all.
I don't even have the words for how stupid I found this book. It is just so bad. Let me share with you some of the worst of this book, as I shared it with my fellow Hot Inkers.
"As her horrified mother watched, Taylor Jay threw back her head and came lightly like a horse shaking its mane." As I read this, I could hear whinnying in my head.
It has the phrase "her pubis" in one of the erotic visions. HER PUBIS. THAT IS SUPER SEXY.
"Then they astonished themselves by completing the sexual act three times, something they never thought they'd be able to do at their age." Old, fat people have bad sex lives I guess.
There is a character named Trinket and she wears a bracelet with charms from her past lovers. TRINKET. She's always sexing someone and is friends with Bernice. Those two things are unrelated.
There is another friend named Harold. He is gay. He opens a sex shop business. He cries. Um, that's about it.
The antique shop is owned by another friend of Bernice, Mrs. Lin. What is her first name? If it was mentioned I cannot recall it, as Bernice refers to her as Mrs. Lin.
This might be my favorite instance of "what that hell does that have to do with anything?!?!": "...he sprinted as fast as he could back to his Tudor-style house which was next to the country club and overlooked the golf course. Sitting down at the massive dining room table, which was carved from a single tree, he set the jar of face powder down on its well-polished surface and opened the lid." So bad.
Add to that a lack of an actual problem, the horrific spelling and grammar mistakes, and the clumsy attempt to make some idiot a sort of villain, and you have a huge disappointment.
I can tell you that a book that begins with the sound of the clicking heels of long dead child prostitutes hasn't exactly ended in the place I thought it would. Not even close. I'm 100% certain I never expected a "sexual psychic" and a town called Valentine to be the subject of this book.
I expected better writing, but that was not to be. K. Ford K. has attempted some sort of erotic story wherein a stifled and prudish woman is able to embrace sexuality. We get Bernice, who is the woman always taught that sex is wrong and thinking or talking about it is bad. She is deeply prudish, yet she purchases an antique makeup case that belonged to a concubine named Blissful Night for her erotic antique collection (I am not kidding). Inside the makeup case, Bernice finds an aged, wooden container of white powder that she uses on her face. As Nepoleanita said, "Who uses old face powder they find in an antique shop?!?! GROSS." Of course, this concubine's gift is more than a powder that causes flawless skin. It also gives the wearer the ability to see the sexual needs and futures of people.
Okay...
I didn't like this book. I found the characterizations to be generic. Even background information on characters didn't serve to flesh them out as people. K. Ford K. spent more time concocting her "erotic" fantasies for Bernice to be utterly horrified by than she did on Bernice herself. Just saying that someone blushes a ton isn't characterization. The story of Blissful Night herself was more interesting than any of the other people or stories, but that isn't saying much at all.
I don't even have the words for how stupid I found this book. It is just so bad. Let me share with you some of the worst of this book, as I shared it with my fellow Hot Inkers.
"As her horrified mother watched, Taylor Jay threw back her head and came lightly like a horse shaking its mane." As I read this, I could hear whinnying in my head.
It has the phrase "her pubis" in one of the erotic visions. HER PUBIS. THAT IS SUPER SEXY.
"Then they astonished themselves by completing the sexual act three times, something they never thought they'd be able to do at their age." Old, fat people have bad sex lives I guess.
There is a character named Trinket and she wears a bracelet with charms from her past lovers. TRINKET. She's always sexing someone and is friends with Bernice. Those two things are unrelated.
There is another friend named Harold. He is gay. He opens a sex shop business. He cries. Um, that's about it.
The antique shop is owned by another friend of Bernice, Mrs. Lin. What is her first name? If it was mentioned I cannot recall it, as Bernice refers to her as Mrs. Lin.
This might be my favorite instance of "what that hell does that have to do with anything?!?!": "...he sprinted as fast as he could back to his Tudor-style house which was next to the country club and overlooked the golf course. Sitting down at the massive dining room table, which was carved from a single tree, he set the jar of face powder down on its well-polished surface and opened the lid." So bad.
Add to that a lack of an actual problem, the horrific spelling and grammar mistakes, and the clumsy attempt to make some idiot a sort of villain, and you have a huge disappointment.
February 9, 2017
One word sums The Concubine's Gift in its entirety. Elegant. From the opening flashback to the ending scene to the dialogue and the cover. I was having the hardest time describing the mood of CG, Concubine's Gift, until I was drawn into the intricate layers of Blissful Night's makeup. Much of the reading drew me in. I'd get settled in bed and suddenly I was fifty pages ahead and the sun was meeting the horizon. Speaking of the bed, this novel is definitely under the covers. While the sexual scenes are (once again) elegantly written, I would encourage you to read them away from large crowds. If you were a town-member of Valentine, this book could only be explored in the safe quarters of your room. The town was extremely populated and it seems they were always together. Including, Bernice Babbitt and her charming family. Together, they run the town's motel. You must imagine the people you would encounter. Take that feeling and heighten it by five; that's the feeling Bernice received every time she saw someone's sex life. Her internal delimma was the struggle between being shying away from sex and accepting it. For that, I thought she was a realistic - enjoyable character.
The love interest of this novel in my opinion is Valentine. Yes, the town. How can you be in love with a town Bones? In the beginning, Bernice was having difficulty with her ability to assists other on their love lives. The town turned to turmoil as well. However, Valentine (and Bernice) progressed to accepting and channeling her gift. In my opinion, though it's silly, Bernice's love is with the town. She hadn't participated in town meetings or the rumor mill.
My favorite aspect of reading besides reading is cover symbolism. I love picking the simplest aspects of a cover and applying it to the book. For example, glance at the font title. See how "The Concubine" is almost aristocratic and black while "Gift" is flowly and majestic? To me that symbolizes Blissful Night. Without her gift, Blissful Night would be her simple loving self. However, with her gift, she became wild, luxurious, and the greatest concubine of all time.
While I enjoyed reading CG, I couldn't connect with most personalities. One theory for my disconnection is the distraction I found in the chapters. I found it hard to focus on Bernice when descriptions of everything were being tossed my way. Every so often, I'd had to reread passages in order to gain the important content. I think once I reread the novel more will make sense to me.
You may have begun to realize that the Concubine's Gift is quite unique from the realm of literature I explore. Now as a review blogger, I'm beginning to notice the juiciest fruit are the books you would have never thought to buy in the store. So while I'm giving the Concubine's Gift a three, I wouldn't trade my novel experience for anything. If you love detailed scenes and a sea of characters, the people of Valentine, Nevada were created just for you.
July 21, 2012
I received a copy of The Concubine's Gift from the author and was pleasantly surprised by this novel. This is a great start for anyone who wants to read a book with some erotic romance but not full out heavy erotica. The tale of a small town--Valentine, Nevada; and Bernice, a sexually frustrated woman who collects erotic antiques is unique and clever. When Bernice buys the make up case of a well known concubine--Blissful Night--she discovers a jar of powder that has magical powers. When Bernice brushes this powder on her face, she soon realizes she can see into people's sex lives--and their future sex lives, too. She's bound to tell them what she sees so they can continue on with happy lives.
Besides a few editing issues, I enjoyed this novel.
Besides a few editing issues, I enjoyed this novel.
January 11, 2012
The Concubine’s Gift to us is a chance to discover and experience our innermost sexual desires, and in that experience, find our freedom. K. Ford K. takes us on a romp through small town life, where just beyond the borders of town, and just underneath the ice-cream social surface, lie the passion and love ready to awaken, surprise, and revitalize lives. Good, healthy, frisky fun! – Dr. Meisou
January 20, 2014
Quite a book. Been a long itme since i've read something in this style!
July 4, 2012
Three and a half really, it was an interesting read.
February 26, 2013
This was a surprising little find.
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