China Doll

by Barbara Jean Hicks

Foreign correspondent Bronson Bailey, 49 years old, doesn't know what's wrong with him. Is he burnt out by his many years reporting human rights abuses? Is he simply lonely? Georgine Nichols, a decade younger, knows she's lonely-but it's a child she longs for, not a husband. Unable to have children of her own, George has long since given up hope of having a family, until she considers adoption as a single mother. In this tender, moving story, a little girl in a Chinese orphanage-a child whose very existence is a miracle-teaches them both the life-changing power of love.

Genres: Romance

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

Acclaimed children's book author Barbara Jean Hicks offers visiting author programs and workshops for aspiring writers of all ages. With a flair for the dramatic, Barbara engages, entertains, educates and inspires her audiences. She has taught at the preschool, middle school and community college levels and most recently worked in an elementary school as author-in-residence, program facilitator and parent educator. She has also written marketing copy and edited manuscripts for numerous trade publishers. Her picture books include the award-winning Jitterbug Jam: A Monster Tale and The Secret Life of Walter Kitty. Barbara lives in Oxnard, California.

Reviews

[Nikki Slezak]

I originally read this book when I was 13 years old. I had been dreaming of adopting, and felt the call to adopt, since I was very young, but this was the first glimpse I'd ever gotten into the concept of single parent adoption. 9 years later, I adopted both of my kids, as a single mom, and I have this book to thank for opening my eyes to that possibility. I have this book to thank for encouraging me not to dismiss my greatest calling and let my two favorite blessings pass me by just because I didn't have a partner...after all, just because your life doesn't have a Prince Charming, doesn't mean there can't be a "happily ever after."

[Lucinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positive: I really loved this book, primarily because I adore adoption stories. I loved the main characters and the prologue really caught me, for all you knew the mother at the beginning would not get a happy ending for herself.



Negative: I didn't mark it a five only for the fact that while I acknowledge that it's a christian book, at some points the references back to God get repetitive, as in, you've written nearly the same sentence three times already. Sometimes when the characters were going over their jobs, again it got dragging.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read as the story was engaging. It made me take a new look at the one child policy of China and the number of orphan girls who have gone missing. A story that made me think and appreciate God's joy in the midst of horror.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! It brings up issues without it being in your face. It gives one persons solution and adds fiction and romance. Very tastefully done a real keeper. Fun and lighthearted then serious, and bringing you to tears all on the same page. well written and engaging.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this sweet story about adoption, It was a very good story and a good read. I enjoyed it. It was interesting as well. well written