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A Girl Divided
Rural China, 1942. Twenty-two-year-old Eugenia Baker exists in a bubble as yet untouched by WWII. Content to help her father with his missionary work, Genie sees her future as a straight, if narrow, road—until an American pilot arrives, warning them of the approaching Japanese army.
Lieutenant Ted Younan is one of the Flying Tigers, volunteer fighters protecting China from aerial attacks. After rescuing Ted from his downed plane, Genie’s father asks the flyboy to get his daughter across the mountains so she can escape to the United States. To leave her beloved home—much less chaperoned by her father’s overbearing assistant, Nathan—is the last thing Genie wants, but she reluctantly agrees.
Ted is unlike any man Genie has known, and he opens her eyes to the idea of determining her own fate and chasing her dreams. But Genie has her doubts when tragedy thrusts responsibility upon her and the war creates unexpected opportunities, challenges…and temptations. Now, a world away from the woman she was, Genie must discover the woman she wants to be.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 8, 2018
4 1/2 stars, great story, wonderful setting, and full of rich characters.
I lucked out and got the audiobook from the library and also have the paper copy, so when I got done with my long commute and couldn't wait for the next day to keep going with the story, I could grab the paperback and keep going. Even though it was long and I was working, I finished in three days.
I loved the details of all the settings. Really beautifully drawn scenes. My only frustration was how very passive Genie was for so much of the book, but it was realistic to her sheltered and controlled up-bringing and set up her dramatic character arc, but it took her a long time to dare to make any decision for herself. Also, I wish we could have seen more, later into the story, but maybe there will be book. I'll definitely read it.
I lucked out and got the audiobook from the library and also have the paper copy, so when I got done with my long commute and couldn't wait for the next day to keep going with the story, I could grab the paperback and keep going. Even though it was long and I was working, I finished in three days.
I loved the details of all the settings. Really beautifully drawn scenes. My only frustration was how very passive Genie was for so much of the book, but it was realistic to her sheltered and controlled up-bringing and set up her dramatic character arc, but it took her a long time to dare to make any decision for herself. Also, I wish we could have seen more, later into the story, but maybe there will be book. I'll definitely read it.
August 31, 2018
A young woman born and raised in pre-WWII China, the daughter of a missionary. WWII sends her to the States. She's so sheltered, so honest, and so naive. But she's smart and brave. And gets smarter and braver as she experiences more and more of the world and people who have hidden agendas. I liked watching her grow, navigating the roads of friendship and romance, and deciding who and what she wants to be. The WWII setting, both US, China, and aboard ship, were excellent. I was there. Enjoyed this immensely.
December 17, 2019
Overall I liked the book. I enjoy WWII stories.
The story was a little longer than it probably needed to be, several times the story began to drag and it could have been edited to keep its momentum fluid.
The story line is cloudy as everyone seems to have secrets. Every friend seems to be untrustworthy and I got really tired of that. We all have people in our lives who are less than honest with us but everyone we meet?!?
The story spends a lot of time covering gender roles of the time and I found that thought provoking. I wouldn't consider it a love story by any stretch of the imagination. Romance is sorely missing. Going back to gender roles, I think the main character's search for what her roll should be is the main storyline and considering the era it is set in that could have been a great story if the other aspects weren't so murky.
There was an additional plot twist that I thought was unnecessary and I felt it look away from the overall story. Her "friend" is involved and I think it was a major detractor especially when the story ends and the author doesn't bother to give that plot point any resolution. I also felt like it would not have been so widely known (the biggest secret that only the main character isn't privy to) to others based on the era.
Overall review: had great potential, needed editing for flow, and needed to focus on what could have made it an amazing story: gender (a woman's) roles in the world during WWII.
The story was a little longer than it probably needed to be, several times the story began to drag and it could have been edited to keep its momentum fluid.
The story line is cloudy as everyone seems to have secrets. Every friend seems to be untrustworthy and I got really tired of that. We all have people in our lives who are less than honest with us but everyone we meet?!?
The story spends a lot of time covering gender roles of the time and I found that thought provoking. I wouldn't consider it a love story by any stretch of the imagination. Romance is sorely missing. Going back to gender roles, I think the main character's search for what her roll should be is the main storyline and considering the era it is set in that could have been a great story if the other aspects weren't so murky.
There was an additional plot twist that I thought was unnecessary and I felt it look away from the overall story. Her "friend" is involved and I think it was a major detractor especially when the story ends and the author doesn't bother to give that plot point any resolution. I also felt like it would not have been so widely known (the biggest secret that only the main character isn't privy to) to others based on the era.
Overall review: had great potential, needed editing for flow, and needed to focus on what could have made it an amazing story: gender (a woman's) roles in the world during WWII.
February 9, 2019
As a complete coincidence I ended up reading two books back to back that had a LOT in common. Specifically: China, WW2, girls on boats, escaping to the US, new lives.
I wasn’t sure how i felt about this one...but i think i ended up liking it.
Initially it was interesting. Then i was asking myself “do i need to be following these people’s lives for such a long time in such detail?”. Then again i got engaged and wanted to know the secrets that these characters held. A couple of interesting plot twists sealed the deal for me to decidedly like it.
I wasn’t sure how i felt about this one...but i think i ended up liking it.
Initially it was interesting. Then i was asking myself “do i need to be following these people’s lives for such a long time in such detail?”. Then again i got engaged and wanted to know the secrets that these characters held. A couple of interesting plot twists sealed the deal for me to decidedly like it.
April 26, 2019
Kindle Unlimited book- which always gets higher reviews because people feel like they've gotten it for
free".
This novel started off great, I loved the time in China, Ted, and even the journey "home" but midboat ride, this novel stalled. Right there in the middle of the ocean- and could not get moving again. The interesting characters were all left in China and we were left with cringeworthy, paper cut outs of characters and a main character that was ALL over the place. Unfortunate.
free".
This novel started off great, I loved the time in China, Ted, and even the journey "home" but midboat ride, this novel stalled. Right there in the middle of the ocean- and could not get moving again. The interesting characters were all left in China and we were left with cringeworthy, paper cut outs of characters and a main character that was ALL over the place. Unfortunate.
September 9, 2018
From the description on the back jacket, I thought I was going to love this book. However, that description only covers about the first 75 pages. Along with that, Genie, the main character, was an insipid, God-obsessed wimp, whose character development I did not find in the least bit believable.
January 22, 2020
A Girl Divided, by Ellen Lindseth, was a really decent novel, however I have some serious mixed feelings about the novel as a whole, and can’t really say I’d recommend this one, although it did have its shining moments.
"An emotional novel of love, loyalty, and faith—and one woman’s exhilarating journey of self-discovery during World War II.
Rural China, 1942. Twenty-two-year-old Eugenia Baker exists in a bubble as yet untouched by WWII. Content to help her father with his missionary work, Genie sees her future as a straight, if narrow, road—until an American pilot arrives, warning them of the approaching Japanese army.
Lieutenant Ted Younan is one of the Flying Tigers, volunteer fighters protecting China from aerial attacks. After rescuing Ted from his downed plane, Genie’s father asks the flyboy to get his daughter across the mountains so she can escape to the United States. To leave her beloved home—much less chaperoned by her father’s overbearing assistant, Nathan—is the last thing Genie wants, but she reluctantly agrees.
Ted is unlike any man Genie has known, and he opens her eyes to the idea of determining her own fate and chasing her dreams. But Genie has her doubts when tragedy thrusts responsibility upon her and the war creates unexpected opportunities, challenges…and temptations. Now, a world away from the woman she was, Genie must discover the woman she wants to be." -Book Blurb
I really enjoyed the writing and the setting, however I personally felt there was something lacking in the characters, especially Genie, who I started out liking but grew to dislike throughout the course of the story. She became such a wet blanket over Ted, a guy she only knew for a few days. Which leads me to my main issue with this novel.
Ever read a potentially good book that was spoiled by a heavy handed romance?
There was far too much focus on the romance aspect, in a heavy ham-fisted way, especially during the first half of the novel. This book had so much potential and had the basis for being an epic and moving historical fiction novel. I had really high hopes going in, especially with my interest in history, WWII, the Flying Tigers and China. The romance would have been alright if it hadn’t been handled like it was straight from the mind of a twelve year old’s school girl fantasy. I suppose I just wanted more focus elsewhere. And then, somewhere around the 40% point, the book drastically stalled. Everything slowed down, and there seemed to be a change of focus, and loss of direction. I lost a lot of interest to even keep myself reading. I did, however, manage finish the book.
Between the dull romance weighing down the first half and the change of pacing slowing down the second half, this book rapidly became a sluggish, dry read. I feel a bit mislead by the book blurb, as that only describes the first third of the book, rather than the overall story. I desperately wanted to see more of China during WWII.
I suppose the intensity of the budding romance just cheapened the writing, made it feel too light and fluffy, which was in stark contrast with the heaviness of the era and the reality of the impending war. I really felt if this book covered more meaningful topics, rather than lingering in this "love at first sight" puppy love, it would have been better for me. Also, there were far too many loose threads and questions by the ending. There were many real questions that were never really addressed or properly explored. The book simply lingered on romance and the mysteries surrounding Lavinia. In all honestly, by the end, I think I was just glad it was over.
As for my positives, I suppose I enjoyed the pilot scenes, and Genie’s growth into a confident independent woman, though I never really liked her character all that much, even as the book progressed. While it felt a bit preachy at times, it was never over preachy, and it also shed light on some amazing women of the era and how female pilots contributed to the war efforts, a very understated subject overall. I do wish the book portrayed what Genie ended up doing with her license, or how she helped the war.
Women rights and equality is always a good message, especially if handled with respect to the era, thoughts of times, and in a not so preachy manner that it ruins interest in the story. I never like books with modern views blatantly injected into historical settings, in an unrealistic way, so that the authors motives, voice, beliefs are portrayed rather than a realist portrayal of historical people. This book walked a very fine line, with topics such as religion, sexism, feminism, homosexuality and such, without ever over-preaching.
Overall, this was a very charming read, and I really did enjoy some of it, although I found the characters and themes to be lacking. How did Genie’s feelings of puppy love often overshadow the enormous loss of her homeland, her father, her friends and community? How did it seem to overshadow the looming war and worries that come with such a prospect? It just seemed so weird to have that silly crush going on in the fore front with all that heart and soul going on in the background. So yeah, overall, not the best read. A pretty big let down. Can’t really recommend.
[OFFICIAL RATING: 3.5 STARS]
"An emotional novel of love, loyalty, and faith—and one woman’s exhilarating journey of self-discovery during World War II.
Rural China, 1942. Twenty-two-year-old Eugenia Baker exists in a bubble as yet untouched by WWII. Content to help her father with his missionary work, Genie sees her future as a straight, if narrow, road—until an American pilot arrives, warning them of the approaching Japanese army.
Lieutenant Ted Younan is one of the Flying Tigers, volunteer fighters protecting China from aerial attacks. After rescuing Ted from his downed plane, Genie’s father asks the flyboy to get his daughter across the mountains so she can escape to the United States. To leave her beloved home—much less chaperoned by her father’s overbearing assistant, Nathan—is the last thing Genie wants, but she reluctantly agrees.
Ted is unlike any man Genie has known, and he opens her eyes to the idea of determining her own fate and chasing her dreams. But Genie has her doubts when tragedy thrusts responsibility upon her and the war creates unexpected opportunities, challenges…and temptations. Now, a world away from the woman she was, Genie must discover the woman she wants to be." -Book Blurb
I really enjoyed the writing and the setting, however I personally felt there was something lacking in the characters, especially Genie, who I started out liking but grew to dislike throughout the course of the story. She became such a wet blanket over Ted, a guy she only knew for a few days. Which leads me to my main issue with this novel.
Ever read a potentially good book that was spoiled by a heavy handed romance?
There was far too much focus on the romance aspect, in a heavy ham-fisted way, especially during the first half of the novel. This book had so much potential and had the basis for being an epic and moving historical fiction novel. I had really high hopes going in, especially with my interest in history, WWII, the Flying Tigers and China. The romance would have been alright if it hadn’t been handled like it was straight from the mind of a twelve year old’s school girl fantasy. I suppose I just wanted more focus elsewhere. And then, somewhere around the 40% point, the book drastically stalled. Everything slowed down, and there seemed to be a change of focus, and loss of direction. I lost a lot of interest to even keep myself reading. I did, however, manage finish the book.
Between the dull romance weighing down the first half and the change of pacing slowing down the second half, this book rapidly became a sluggish, dry read. I feel a bit mislead by the book blurb, as that only describes the first third of the book, rather than the overall story. I desperately wanted to see more of China during WWII.
I suppose the intensity of the budding romance just cheapened the writing, made it feel too light and fluffy, which was in stark contrast with the heaviness of the era and the reality of the impending war. I really felt if this book covered more meaningful topics, rather than lingering in this "love at first sight" puppy love, it would have been better for me. Also, there were far too many loose threads and questions by the ending. There were many real questions that were never really addressed or properly explored. The book simply lingered on romance and the mysteries surrounding Lavinia. In all honestly, by the end, I think I was just glad it was over.
As for my positives, I suppose I enjoyed the pilot scenes, and Genie’s growth into a confident independent woman, though I never really liked her character all that much, even as the book progressed. While it felt a bit preachy at times, it was never over preachy, and it also shed light on some amazing women of the era and how female pilots contributed to the war efforts, a very understated subject overall. I do wish the book portrayed what Genie ended up doing with her license, or how she helped the war.
Women rights and equality is always a good message, especially if handled with respect to the era, thoughts of times, and in a not so preachy manner that it ruins interest in the story. I never like books with modern views blatantly injected into historical settings, in an unrealistic way, so that the authors motives, voice, beliefs are portrayed rather than a realist portrayal of historical people. This book walked a very fine line, with topics such as religion, sexism, feminism, homosexuality and such, without ever over-preaching.
Overall, this was a very charming read, and I really did enjoy some of it, although I found the characters and themes to be lacking. How did Genie’s feelings of puppy love often overshadow the enormous loss of her homeland, her father, her friends and community? How did it seem to overshadow the looming war and worries that come with such a prospect? It just seemed so weird to have that silly crush going on in the fore front with all that heart and soul going on in the background. So yeah, overall, not the best read. A pretty big let down. Can’t really recommend.
[OFFICIAL RATING: 3.5 STARS]
July 31, 2018
In 1937 the war between China and Japan broke out, now five years later following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour the Americans have entered World War Two. In a rural community in China, Eugenia Baker (Genie) the 22 year old daughter of a missionary is living the life of a dutiful Chinese daughter, albeit she is in fact American. Genie’s life is about to change. When an attractive American pilot working as a volunteer to protect China from aerial attacks is downed Genie’s father persuades him (Lieutenant Ted Younan) to help her to escape to the USA. They are accompanied by her father’s assistant Nathan to act as chaperone and to deliver her safely to her aunt in the USA. Nathan however has plans to marry Genie and insists they travel as an engaged couple. Genie is desperately unhappy at the thought of leaving her beloved China, her father and her friends and would prefer to stay and help her father in his work.
What follows is a journey of discovery for Genie. Not only will she fly on an aeroplane, embark on a long transatlantic voyage, discover strange and exciting new places and things, she will also discover a new way of thinking, behaving and feeling – far from her sheltered life in China. We witness Genie’s exposure to new exciting introductions which includes language (slang), provocative fashion, more freedom, and people. She often finds herself in intimidating situations, doubting her attractiveness or her capabilities.
Eventually Genie arrives in the USA and makes the transition to a modern woman, working, sharing an apartment with a friend and learning to fly.
This journey of discovery for Genie was most interesting. I almost want not to like her, I don’t know why but… perhaps it is her naiveté – but of course that is to be inspected. Perhaps it is because of her lack of self-appreciation. I just know that I was slightly annoyed when she did not recognise she was being manipulated; although even then I acknowledge how could she know? She had never experienced situations or people like this.
Well written, almost lyrical in the descriptions of the Chinese landscape; good plot development. Predictable? Maybe, but more than kept me interested. Well worth reading, and actually, a very different good book.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
What follows is a journey of discovery for Genie. Not only will she fly on an aeroplane, embark on a long transatlantic voyage, discover strange and exciting new places and things, she will also discover a new way of thinking, behaving and feeling – far from her sheltered life in China. We witness Genie’s exposure to new exciting introductions which includes language (slang), provocative fashion, more freedom, and people. She often finds herself in intimidating situations, doubting her attractiveness or her capabilities.
Eventually Genie arrives in the USA and makes the transition to a modern woman, working, sharing an apartment with a friend and learning to fly.
This journey of discovery for Genie was most interesting. I almost want not to like her, I don’t know why but… perhaps it is her naiveté – but of course that is to be inspected. Perhaps it is because of her lack of self-appreciation. I just know that I was slightly annoyed when she did not recognise she was being manipulated; although even then I acknowledge how could she know? She had never experienced situations or people like this.
Well written, almost lyrical in the descriptions of the Chinese landscape; good plot development. Predictable? Maybe, but more than kept me interested. Well worth reading, and actually, a very different good book.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
August 9, 2018
Eugenia Baker is a young American woman born and raised in China by her missionary parents. She had been raised as a proper Chinese lady, sheltered and allowed no opinions of her own. So when war comes to her small village, her father sends her to safety with an American pilot he rescued and his assistant as a chaperone. Tragedy strikes on the voyage and Eugenia arrives in America with no chaperone, no money, and nowhere to stay. She suffers culture shock as she adjusts to her new freedom, getting a job, an apartment, and learning to fly an airplane. When her American relatives show up unexpectedly, Genie has to make the decision to return to her sheltered life with them, or claim her new independent American life.
I thought the story itself was good, but I had a hard time liking Genie. She was a little too naive and innocent and very judgemental of her friends and family. I like the description of the women's flying program, especially with the characters Crystal and Flo working so hard to be allowed to fly with the military alongside the men. Thanks to Ellen Lindseth and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I thought the story itself was good, but I had a hard time liking Genie. She was a little too naive and innocent and very judgemental of her friends and family. I like the description of the women's flying program, especially with the characters Crystal and Flo working so hard to be allowed to fly with the military alongside the men. Thanks to Ellen Lindseth and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 7, 2018
This book has a lot of twists and turns. Eugenia is a twenty-two year old young American/Chinese lady. She is living with her father who is a missionaryin China. The war between China and Japan is going strong and the US has entered it. Genie (as she is called) is being sent to California to live with her aunt and out of harms way in China. You kinda think you know where the author is going with the story but then there’s a turn you don’t expect. It’s well written. Genie at times is a very strong woman but then at times I’m not sure if she could cross the street without getting hit. She’s at the age that a handsome face turns her head. Which is normal but again makes her a little wishy/washy. I will recommend this book and I will read another from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.
August 20, 2018
A fantastic read that takes place during Word War II from China to California. The coming of age of Genie and finding herself and chasing her dreams. Genie has grown up with her missionary father in China but with the fasting approaching invasion her dad has asked Ted, a pilot that is protecting China from aerial attacks. She will be chaperoned with Nathan, her father's assistant. Genie will soon have to grow up with her travels to the United States. She will soon be able to chase her dreams, in this foreign country.
This is Ms. Lindseth debut novel and is well written. Great research was placed. Love the descriptive writing of Genie's travels. Genie was a very strong woman and knew what she wanted and would not let people stand in her way. I highly recommend this book. Looking forward to more books from this author.
This is Ms. Lindseth debut novel and is well written. Great research was placed. Love the descriptive writing of Genie's travels. Genie was a very strong woman and knew what she wanted and would not let people stand in her way. I highly recommend this book. Looking forward to more books from this author.
August 23, 2018
Eugenia Claire Baker, though born in the United States, has no memories but China. Her father, a missionary, has made a home in a remote part of this vast land. But Japan is slowly but surely encroaching onto Chinese territory, and WWII threatens at every turn. So Eugene Baker sends his daughter to her aunt in San Francisco by a very circuitous route: across land to India, by ship around the southern tip of Africa, through New York and finally to California. The various and varied people that she meets on this journey shape her in ways she never thought possible.
Join her as she journeys to adulthood and a new life.
I read this EARC courtesy of NetGalley and Lake Union. pub date 08/21/18
Join her as she journeys to adulthood and a new life.
I read this EARC courtesy of NetGalley and Lake Union. pub date 08/21/18
September 20, 2019
Great characters
I enjoyed the plot and the characters. However, there is so much fluff and a whole lot of wording that just does not add to the story. In some spots pages that put me to sleep.
I loved the main character. She is a missionaries daughter who has been brought up in the middle of china. She has not had an outside influences of the western world. WW2 hits and she is thrust back to the U.S. Having many interesting adventures while learning who she really is and how to navigate the world without a man to influence her.
I enjoyed the plot and the characters. However, there is so much fluff and a whole lot of wording that just does not add to the story. In some spots pages that put me to sleep.
I loved the main character. She is a missionaries daughter who has been brought up in the middle of china. She has not had an outside influences of the western world. WW2 hits and she is thrust back to the U.S. Having many interesting adventures while learning who she really is and how to navigate the world without a man to influence her.
August 10, 2018
An epic read from Ellen Linseth.
Genie has been raised in China by her missionary parents. When war breaks out, her father sends her to America. When tragedy strikes she ends up in America with no money and no chaperone. The story had a lot of twists and turns that kept my interest. Unfortunately, I found the heroine a bit challenging to like. She seemed weirdly judgmental.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
Genie has been raised in China by her missionary parents. When war breaks out, her father sends her to America. When tragedy strikes she ends up in America with no money and no chaperone. The story had a lot of twists and turns that kept my interest. Unfortunately, I found the heroine a bit challenging to like. She seemed weirdly judgmental.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2018
Flying tigress
A captivating story of an American girl living in China her entire life, until WWII forces her to return to America. After her traveling companion dies enroute she suddenly has to learn to take care of herself in her home country which she knows nothing about. The clash of cultures brought about by the war makes this story riveting. I recommend this book to people who like to see young brave women take hold of their own destinies.
A captivating story of an American girl living in China her entire life, until WWII forces her to return to America. After her traveling companion dies enroute she suddenly has to learn to take care of herself in her home country which she knows nothing about. The clash of cultures brought about by the war makes this story riveting. I recommend this book to people who like to see young brave women take hold of their own destinies.
August 25, 2018
Loved the cover, which initially drew my attention to this book. A very enjoyable read, even though it took me a little while to really get into this story. I think it's because i didn't really take to Genie, especially at first. That is only a minor issue, but on the whole, this book is well worth a read and hopefully it will not be too long before i read another Ellen Lindseth novel.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
August 20, 2018
I have never physically visited China but feel I know a little of it now from Lindseth's powerful description of the countryside. By blending this with strong character portrayals, she successfully takes the reader with Genie, the main character, as she struggles to cope with the changes thrust at her. This is not only a physical journey, but one wrought with emotion and romance.
August 28, 2018
I won this book in a giveaway, otherwise I probably never would have chosen it first. But I gave it a chance! A few chapters in I was hooked. A Girl Divided was a great read. Following the life of Genie from China to the States for her first time was interesting and consuming, continuously reading to find out what she would get into next. Definitely recommend!
August 22, 2018
Loved this young woman’s journey from being a missionary in China to an independent woman during World War II. It reminded me of my grandmother and her strength! A generation of women who found out what they were capable of!
August 27, 2018
Fascinating, riveting, deeply moving
The debut novel of this author is definitely a 5-star read. With multi-faceted characters, fascinating history, and excellent storytelling, Lindseth has created a world that takes the reader on the ride of a lifetime.
Most highly recommend!!
The debut novel of this author is definitely a 5-star read. With multi-faceted characters, fascinating history, and excellent storytelling, Lindseth has created a world that takes the reader on the ride of a lifetime.
Most highly recommend!!
August 24, 2018
The author did an amazing job of capturing Eugenia's emotions as she finds her way in the world during World War II and adjusts to America, where she arrived with nothing.
December 15, 2018
Ended too soon
I found it to be a Great story but it ended too quickly; I hope there's a sequel coming very soon.
I found it to be a Great story but it ended too quickly; I hope there's a sequel coming very soon.
January 7, 2019
Historical fiction about a girl who flees rural China during WWII and creates a new life in Los Angeles. The author is my neighbor. Well written engrossing love story.
Read
February 3, 2019I really enjoyed this book. Recommend it highly.
December 12, 2019
It had its interesting moments but after 9 or so hours of listening, I lost interest in the story as a whole. By the end, I didn't really care about any of the characters.
January 9, 2020
I enjoyed this book until towards the end. I think the author lost some focus
January 21, 2020
The book starts in 1942 in rural China. This is a well-written journey of an isolated 22-year-old girl who has been brought up in rural China by her widowed missionary father and his servants.
As WW2 encroaches on their set, routine lives, Eugenie has to travel to the US where she meets various people and has to quickly learn new ways and who she is. By trial and error, she finds out who she can trust and who she can’t as she flits about finding her way with the opposite sex. From a naïve, trusting young woman she becomes a rather confident female.
The book is long but it never seems as though it is too long. It seems well researched.
My only concern is that she was able to become a female pilot so quickly, seemed to be a bit of author licence there, may be. It didn’t ring true to me considering the times and her upbringing.
As WW2 encroaches on their set, routine lives, Eugenie has to travel to the US where she meets various people and has to quickly learn new ways and who she is. By trial and error, she finds out who she can trust and who she can’t as she flits about finding her way with the opposite sex. From a naïve, trusting young woman she becomes a rather confident female.
The book is long but it never seems as though it is too long. It seems well researched.
My only concern is that she was able to become a female pilot so quickly, seemed to be a bit of author licence there, may be. It didn’t ring true to me considering the times and her upbringing.
February 8, 2020
A beautifully written story of a young, sheltered woman growing up in a war-torn era. Young Genie Baker must leave her home and family in China and flee to safety. She embarks on a long journey, traveling the world and assuming responsibility, experiencing love and betrayal along the way. Ellen Lindseth draws you in from the very first page and keeps you spellbound until the very last! If you like poignant, historical romances, you must read this remarkable tale!
October 11, 2021
A slow-winding enjoyable historical fiction with a lot of swoony, romantic sentences but light on the romance.
December 12, 2022
I read this for book group and remember not enjoying it at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews