Somewhere Beautiful

Life of Willow #1

by Kay Bratt

Sixteen-year-old Willow is strong, courageous, but weary of being under control of those in charge of the orphanage. Though she is used to being forgotten, she’s grown tired of being labeled as unwanted. The years have been hard on her, making it impossible to get close to anybody, except for her best friend Kai who has made it all bearable. When bureaucracy threatens to tear them apart, Willow and Kai make a run for it. The only problem is, they aren’t alone. They’ll have to figure out if their excess baggage—a sassy girl who holds an extra chromosome—will be the glue that keeps them together as they navigate street life, or the obstacle that jeopardizes their new found freedom. A fascinating look into modern day orphanage life and what it’s like to feel as though you belong to no one, Kay Bratt’s novel, Somewhere Beautiful, is the first in the two-book Life of Willow series.

In Somewhere Beautiful, Bratt weaves a story of loss and loyalty that will have you following three teens as they battle their way through life’s obstacles in the search for the always elusive happily ever after.

Genres: China, Fiction

338 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2016

About the author

Writer, Rescuer, Wanderer


Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.


Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian. 


Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.

In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.


As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.


Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. 
For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.


Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that is hard to read, but at the same time you will not want to put it down.

The hard part is that the subject matter, life in a Chinese orphanage, is one that pulls at our heart strings. While the characters of this book are fictional, their plight is real life for many children. Way too many children.

The main characters in these story are survivors, so even in their dismal surroundings, they have hope, and that is where the story takes off. I was enamored with so many of the characters, and others made me so mad.

You will definitely feel as if you have been plopped down into Willow's world, and will be rooting for her and her friends. The only problem I had with this book is when it ended I still had so many questions that weren't answered. But guess what, there is a book two! I can't wait to see how things turn out.

Apparently, this book was written with a teen audience in mind, but I would not have known that from just reading it. It was just as good a read for this mom of teens. I am anxious to share it with my 16 year old daughter. It could be a good tool for opening up some of the doors of conversation on life as an adoptee and events that may have impacted your child before they came to you.

***If your teen was adopted, I urge you to read this book on your own first. Depending on where your child is in processing their life story will determine when and if they are ready to read this book. I think it would be a great mother/daughter book discussion if they are ready to look back and process where they came from.

I can't wait to join Willow again in book two.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply moving, dark at times, yet full of truth and longing, this two-book series was one I couldn't put down. Bratt's characters are well rounded, beautiful, and down to earth. I loved following Willow on her journey to happiness and know you will, too.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Bratt has won her place among my favorite authors with her Somewhere Beautiful book. Although I don't know where she would go from the end of the second book, but I would love another sequel.
Kay takes us into a raw subject of the Chinese practice of rejecting female babies and filling orphanages with unwanted children. The orphanages then subjected the children to harsh working conditions and unsanitary living conditions. There were many people who gave donations; but there was no accountability of the money.
Willow came to live at the orphanage when she was just a baby. One of the nurses found her in the park. Mama Joss came to work at the orphanage when she brought Willow in. She did what she could to make sure Willow was fine. Now Willow was sixteen, at least she thought she was, she didn't know for sure. She tried to help those she could at the home; but soon found there wasn't much she could do. She did make friends with Rosi (13) who had Downs. She did her best to help Rosi but it wasn't much. Rosi was to be sent to the mental institute as soon as she was old enough. She was considered uneducable.
Kai was a seventeen year old young man who had come to the orphanage when his mother died. He knew that made him different from the others who generally had no idea who they were. Kai was compassionate and helped the others when he could. Since he worked in the kitchen, he could sometimes send extra food to a group floor. He had a learning disability which made reading and writing hard for him, so Willow had been helping him when she could. They became close friends.
When the time came for Kai to leave the orphanage before he was sent to the military or worse, he went to Willow to say goodbye but instead told her they were leaving and to pack lightly but quickly. With no questions or hesitation, Willow did as he asked. On her way out, she ran into Rosi was was being punished and was to be sent to the other hospital the next day. Willow couldn't leave her, so she took Rosi with her. Luckily, Kai gave in and they took Rosi with them. Where would they go? How would they ear? None of them knew Rosi had a heart condition that was in dire need of medication.
Kai and Willow set out with a high moral standard. They resolved not to steal or harm any one if they could possibly help it. When Willow saw a young lady lose a bracelet before getting into a car, she ran after the car and the girl to return it instead of keeping it. This was how they ran into Luynan. Luynan worked for her uncle as as escort for his business associates (no sex involved) and as a model for jewelry, etc. In return, he provided her a hotel room at her request and paid her bills as well as sending her parents money monthly. She had everything she wanted except friends and thought by making Willow her personal assistant, she could end up having more fun. Luynan provided a room for Willow which she shared with Kai and Rosi thinking Luynan didn't know about them. Rosi made friends with the laundry ladies at the hotel and helped them all day. They managed to keep her fed and safe while Kai looked for work.
When Rosi faints, her heart condition became known and she needed an expensive operation. Luynan eventually asked her uncle for help; but was sent home to her village until she learned her lessons about helping others. She told Willow that the condition on his paying for the operation was that Willow went with her to her village and did not tell Rosi or Kai where she was going or why. What will Willow find in the village?
The book is fantastic and well worth reading.

[Maryanne Trengove · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars for Somewhere Beautiful because it was "just not my thing" but rounded up to 3 stars for themes and writing. I read this for book club. It's a very young (immature) YA fiction. So, not a genre I read a lot but it was well written. I did appreciate the historical aspects related to China and Mao Zedong and the Jasmine Revolution as well as the depictions of orphanage life in China. However, it really is a story that is better suited for a pre-teen, IMO. Also, this is book one. You will have to read the second book to hear what happens to Willow and her little band of escaped orphans.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader Comments

This novel is important for all orphans and those who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned by their families to read. Let this novel give you hope during the dark times, such as when we are alone, cry because we don't have a family, and wish we had a different life. Please allow this novel to give you hope that you can make a family of your own someday.

[Cherie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting story of 3 young orphans

This story captured my interest immediately. The three main characters are so unique and interesting. Once they escape the orphanage their lives become entwined and very exciting.
The sacrifice Willow makes for their little friend is so heartwarming and I can’t wait to start book 2 to find out the outcome of their lives.
I loved this story.

[velma lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching

This book moved me beyond tears. So unimaginable the lives these children lived Their ability to rise above all the years of torment and abuse amazed me. Can’t cait to see what happened to Willow. My heart broke for her yet the courage she took to help Rosie was unbelievable.

[Jan Crossen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book about a young girl growing up in a Chinese orphanage. I liked it so much that as soon as I finished reading the last page, I immediately started, Where I Belong, the second book in this series. Well done, Kay Brett, thank you!

[Alona · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey

What a journey these children are on! The abuse and torture they incur during their lives. The treatment is horrendous and they are not to be blamed as they were brought into this world under different individual circumstances! So so so sad and unfair!

[Fran Burdsall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I will read the next book in the series!!!

[Lisa Trup · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, full of hope in difficult circumstances, set in China.

Always enjoy Kay Bratt's books and have already downloaded the next book.

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Virginia Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this as I've enjoyed all of this author's books.Starting the second book in the series right away!

[Barb Olt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread this now that I have the second book. Love reading the author’s books about life in China.

[Christine Blundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Bratt writes from her heard. Scavengers daughter is the first book I’ve read by Kay and I’ve loved them all. She’s a phenomenal author.

[Kenneth Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet 😊

What a lovely story of two extraordinary orphans who do what it takes to save their special fellow orphan friend.

[Trista · Rating 2 out of 5]

A misleading description into the orphanage life in China. I really hope that book 2 is better than this one. Repetitive, flat and lacking any real historical facts/descriptions.

[Trish Bevacqua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story!

[Carmi Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Bratt’s most recent release Somewhere Beautiful was written for teens, however I truly enjoyed it as an adult and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in China or adoption. This book contains all of the things necessary for a great work of fiction; exciting and likable main characters, some really mean villains, good and easy to follow plot and realistic dialogue. Somewhere Beautiful takes you into the Social Welfare Institute (“SWI”). You see, hear and smell the reality of life for the children who live there and much of it is truly heartbreaking. The story is told by Willow and Kai, two teens who are too old to be adopted and who have become friends. Willow and Kai form a family group with Rosi, a girl with Down syndrome. I enjoyed the way Kai learned to value Rosi after he got to know her and the way Willow looked out for Rosi. I believe that Kay Bratt’s book gives a realistic look at the life of orphans in China, both inside and outside the SWI. In truth, the reality is likely much worse in many places and a few places may be better although without a family it is not really good for any orphan. Because this is a work of fiction, although I am sure Ms. Bratt did extensive research and spoke with adoptees that had lived in the orphanages until they were older, there were a few places where I did have to suspend my belief and remind myself it was fiction. There were a few places where I don’t think an orphan would be aware of or know something, like facts about the Cultural Revolution or about the extra chromosome for Down syndrome.
As a mother of children from China I would caution other adoptive parents to read this before you allow an adopted child to read it. There are some things that could be trauma triggers for a child, especially if they were adopted as an older child. I believe very few people outside the adoption community truly grasp how awful it is to be without a family in a country like China where you are basically a non-person, not allowed to have the basics that would allow you to make a life for yourself outside of the SWI. This was a great read and I will probably read it more than once. I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Somewhere Beautiful” is the 1st book in the story of 16-year-old Willow. Willow was abandoned as an infant and taken the social welfare institute in China, an orphanage. In the orphanage Willow watched other children come and go, getting adopted, but still she remained at the institution. She is given care; a roof over her head, a bed, an education, but not the unconditional love that comes with a family. Willow, categorized as “crippled” due to a tiny imperfection with her foot that turned in, was not to be given the opportunity to have a new family. They labeled her unwanted and didn’t give her the chance at a new family. As a result, she has built a wall around herself, not allowing others to enter to keep from getting too attached and hurt. But, she has allowed herself to bond with two other kids at the institute, Rosi, a 13-year old girl with Downs Syndrome, and Kai, a 16-year old boy. She protected her heart from getting attached to others. It was easier that way.

Life isn’t easy for the kids at the Institute. This is a story of determination, of perseverance and of strength of these three as they make a desperate move to change their destiny. Follow Willow, Rosi and Kai as they navigate in the world away from the Institute and how they learn to survive outside of the 4 walls of the institute where they had all grown up.

This is yet another amazing book by Kay Bratt. I was sucked in from the 1st page and could not put it down as I needed to know more. I cannot wait for the 2nd book in the series to continue to follow Willow and her friends! I absolutely loved this book!

"I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for my fair and honest review"

[Chris]

Another great book by one of my favorite authors! Kay Bratt has managed to pull her knowledge of life in a Chinese orphanage into creating the character of Willow. Although the subject matter can be hard to read at times, especially for a mom to a Chinese adoptee, this book provides hope and understanding about what this might be like for a teenager. The character development throughout was excellent. I grew to really like these characters and genuinely felt a desire for them to turn things around in their life despite the dire circumstances they are in. This book is targeted toward the teen audience, but I found it enjoyable to read as an adult as well. I would suggest an adoptive parent preview this book before having their teen read it, particularly if their child had a difficult time before joining their family. This book was suspenseful with twists I didn't see coming. My only negative comment would be that it wasn't long enough! But it did leave me wanting more and thankfully, I knew there was a second book in the series.

*I received an advanced review copy in exchange for a fair review

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhere Beautiful – A Beautifully Written Book!

Kay Bratt’s book, Somewhere Beautiful, is the first in a two-book series, a series about the life of Willow, a sixteen year old girl who has grown up in an orphanage. This wonderful book very poignantly shows us through Willow, the life that a child growing up in an orphanage has. Willow has grown tired of feeling forgotten and unwanted and finally decides that she cannot stay and be treated so badly as she has been her whole life. She along with her best friend Kai leave, but they do not leave alone. They take with them Rosi, sassy, spirited, and extra special. It is not an easy thing, what they have chosen to do, but the bonds that are formed from this choice they made are life long.

I highly recommend this book. It is fascinating and riveting and I had a hard time putting it down!

** I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. **

[Rita Arnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written with a teenage audience in mind but it sucked me in pretty quickly. As a grandmother of 3 children adopted from China I love Kay Bratt's books and this one is no different. I have learned so much about life in China from her books. This one is about older and/or disabled orphans and what life is like for them. I had trouble putting it down. I highly recommend it to teenagers as well as adults. Once again Kay Bratt has given us a winner.

*** I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Ellard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhere Beautiful tells the story of Willow and her friends who are left behind in an orphanage in China when their friends are adopted. It is an eye opening account for readers and especially adoptive families, who wonder what happens to these children. The harsh reality of this life astounds us in the twenty-first century. Despite the realities, you cheer for Willow to persevere. This book evokes a range of emotions as you read Willow’s journey.
*I reviewed an advance review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.”

[Lea Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the orphanage

I find this book a testament to survival in the aftermath of Maoist China. It's beautifully written with heartfelt emotions and deep love of the country. I highly recommended it.

[Cairn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved everything I have read by Kay Bratt! Her development of characters and imagery are wonderful. I look forward to the next book in the series.