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The Golden City #4
The Price of Compassion
The Golden City is in Peril ….and so is Tom Justice
April 18, 1906. San Francisco has just been shattered by a massive earthquake and is in the throes of an even more deadly fire. During the chaos, gifted surgeon Tom Justice makes a life-changing decision that wreaks havoc on his body, mind, and spirit. Leaving the woman he loves, he embarks on a quest to regain his sanity and self-worth. Yet just when he finds some answers, he’s arrested for murder—a crime he may very well be guilty of. The facts of the case are troubling; they’ll have you asking the question: “What would I have done?”
A stand-alone novel, The Price of Compassion is Book Four in the series “The Golden City” by A.B. Michaels. Other titles include The Art of Love, The Depth of Beauty and The Promise.
April 18, 1906. San Francisco has just been shattered by a massive earthquake and is in the throes of an even more deadly fire. During the chaos, gifted surgeon Tom Justice makes a life-changing decision that wreaks havoc on his body, mind, and spirit. Leaving the woman he loves, he embarks on a quest to regain his sanity and self-worth. Yet just when he finds some answers, he’s arrested for murder—a crime he may very well be guilty of. The facts of the case are troubling; they’ll have you asking the question: “What would I have done?”
A stand-alone novel, The Price of Compassion is Book Four in the series “The Golden City” by A.B. Michaels. Other titles include The Art of Love, The Depth of Beauty and The Promise.
502 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2018
393 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
A.B. Michaels
14 books400 followersA native of northern California, A.B. Michaels earned masters' degrees in history and broadcasting, and worked for many years in public relations and marketing. Now that she's an empty nester, she has time to write the kinds of stories she loves to read. Her historical series, "The Golden City," follows characters who make their way in turn of the twentieth century San Francisco. "I love creating flawed characters I can relate to, who have to make difficult choices, and who long for happiness like the rest of us. So much was happening in the early 1900's that help shape my novels. Once I tear myself away from the underlying research, they are fascinating stories to write."
Currently Ms. Michaels lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two furry creatures who are unclear on the concept that they are just dogs. In addition to writing, she loves to read and travel. A dabbler in fabric art, she also plays bocce in a summer league. Her latest stand-alone novel, "The Price of Compassion," is Book Four of the "Golden City" series. It's scheduled for release this summer and will be followed by Book Five, "Josephine's Daughter."
Currently Ms. Michaels lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two furry creatures who are unclear on the concept that they are just dogs. In addition to writing, she loves to read and travel. A dabbler in fabric art, she also plays bocce in a summer league. Her latest stand-alone novel, "The Price of Compassion," is Book Four of the "Golden City" series. It's scheduled for release this summer and will be followed by Book Five, "Josephine's Daughter."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 12, 2018
The reader first meets Dr. Tom Justice in his prison cell, arrested on a charge of murder. Jonathan Perris, the legal counsel employed to defend him by (friend or maybe more?) Katherine Firestone, is frustrated at Tom‘s unwillingness to talk about what happened. He sets out to investigate, seeking out witnesses, talking to people who knew Tom and constructing a timeline of the events leading up to the crime with which Tom is charged.
Jonathan’s investigations, conducted with the help of his legal assistants, are interspersed with extended flashbacks, starting with Tom’s childhood on a farm in Nebraska, his teenage years, his medical studies and his move to San Francisco’s Chinatown. In a neat touch, each chapter of the flashback sections starts with a quotation from someone who knew Tom. The reader gets an insight into Tom’s early interest in medicine and healing courtesy of his grandmother, his eagerness to learn about not just what remedies work but how and why they work, and his questioning approach to the received wisdom (I use the term loosely) of the time about what is in a patient’s interest.
This is a very skilfully constructed book. The changes in timeline and location are handled in such a way that the reader never feels lost. Instead, a picture of Tom’s character gradually emerges that, looking back having finished the book, seems completely consistent with his actions when they are finally revealed. Details about the murder are gradually introduced. As well as the mystery element of the story line, the book includes the dramatic events of the San Francisco earthquake, its terrible aftermath and the darker ( or perhaps ‘tarnished’ would be more appropriate) side of the so-called ‘Golden City’. I also learned some fascinating facts along the way, such as the existence of ‘railway surgeons’. Yes, who knew there was such a thing?
The suspense is expertly maintained throughout, keeping the reader as perplexed as Jonathan about the the truth of what happened and why Tom acted as he did. Only at the end is the full truth revealed leaving the reader, as the book description suggests, to ponder the question “What would I have done?”.
The author creates an interesting dynamic between Tom, Katherine and Jonathan, all of whom at some point face a moral dilemma between staying true to their principles and sense of duty, or following their hearts. The dramatic and emotional ending to the book provides an intensely satisfying conclusion, for this reader at least.
Not having read any of the earlier books in ‘The Golden City’ series (The Art of Love, The Depth of Beauty and The Promise), I was worried about how The Price of Compassion would work as a standalone read. I needn’t have worried. Using turn of the century San Francisco as the stage and scenery, as it were, the author has created a cast of characters who have ‘walk-on’ parts in some books in the series and starring roles in others. It’s very cleverly and skilfully done, making the series accessible at any point although I would clearly now recommend reading the series from the beginning.
I loved The Price of Compassion and I’ve added all the previous books in the series to my wishlist as well as Josephine’s Daughter, the next book in the series due out in 2019.
Jonathan’s investigations, conducted with the help of his legal assistants, are interspersed with extended flashbacks, starting with Tom’s childhood on a farm in Nebraska, his teenage years, his medical studies and his move to San Francisco’s Chinatown. In a neat touch, each chapter of the flashback sections starts with a quotation from someone who knew Tom. The reader gets an insight into Tom’s early interest in medicine and healing courtesy of his grandmother, his eagerness to learn about not just what remedies work but how and why they work, and his questioning approach to the received wisdom (I use the term loosely) of the time about what is in a patient’s interest.
This is a very skilfully constructed book. The changes in timeline and location are handled in such a way that the reader never feels lost. Instead, a picture of Tom’s character gradually emerges that, looking back having finished the book, seems completely consistent with his actions when they are finally revealed. Details about the murder are gradually introduced. As well as the mystery element of the story line, the book includes the dramatic events of the San Francisco earthquake, its terrible aftermath and the darker ( or perhaps ‘tarnished’ would be more appropriate) side of the so-called ‘Golden City’. I also learned some fascinating facts along the way, such as the existence of ‘railway surgeons’. Yes, who knew there was such a thing?
The suspense is expertly maintained throughout, keeping the reader as perplexed as Jonathan about the the truth of what happened and why Tom acted as he did. Only at the end is the full truth revealed leaving the reader, as the book description suggests, to ponder the question “What would I have done?”.
The author creates an interesting dynamic between Tom, Katherine and Jonathan, all of whom at some point face a moral dilemma between staying true to their principles and sense of duty, or following their hearts. The dramatic and emotional ending to the book provides an intensely satisfying conclusion, for this reader at least.
Not having read any of the earlier books in ‘The Golden City’ series (The Art of Love, The Depth of Beauty and The Promise), I was worried about how The Price of Compassion would work as a standalone read. I needn’t have worried. Using turn of the century San Francisco as the stage and scenery, as it were, the author has created a cast of characters who have ‘walk-on’ parts in some books in the series and starring roles in others. It’s very cleverly and skilfully done, making the series accessible at any point although I would clearly now recommend reading the series from the beginning.
I loved The Price of Compassion and I’ve added all the previous books in the series to my wishlist as well as Josephine’s Daughter, the next book in the series due out in 2019.
October 23, 2018
One of my absolute favorite things is finding a new author to love, and I can now report that author A.B. Michaels is newest on my list of favorites!
I wasn't sure what to expect with The Price of Compassion. It's set in San Francisco, which is a setting I haven't read a lot of in historical fiction, and was actually what drew me to read it most. What's great about Michaels' series is that all of the books are set in San Francisco and can be read as stand-alone novels. I already bought the first book, The Art of Love, and will be picking up the others soon.
The Price of Compassion tells the story of Tom Justice, a well-loved and highly capable doctor. When we first meet Tom he is in jail, awaiting his trial for murder. Throughout the book readers are taken through Tom's life - his childhood, his work with the Chinatown Free Clinic, being a railway Surgeon, and his experience during the 1906 Quake. I loved that each chapter starts off with a quote from someone that knew Tom.
Combining the history of San Fran, the medical practices of the day, the discrimination of the Asian population at that time, and the fascinating details of being a Railway Surgeon (which I had no idea existed), and a murder mystery, A.B. Michaels has masterfully crafted a fascinating historical novel that I absolutely adored. Michaels' writing is exceptional. I loved the characters, especially Tom and Katherine (and Katherine's mother).
Captivating me to the very end, The Price of Compassion will be a book that I won't soon forget. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I am obsessed now!
I wasn't sure what to expect with The Price of Compassion. It's set in San Francisco, which is a setting I haven't read a lot of in historical fiction, and was actually what drew me to read it most. What's great about Michaels' series is that all of the books are set in San Francisco and can be read as stand-alone novels. I already bought the first book, The Art of Love, and will be picking up the others soon.
The Price of Compassion tells the story of Tom Justice, a well-loved and highly capable doctor. When we first meet Tom he is in jail, awaiting his trial for murder. Throughout the book readers are taken through Tom's life - his childhood, his work with the Chinatown Free Clinic, being a railway Surgeon, and his experience during the 1906 Quake. I loved that each chapter starts off with a quote from someone that knew Tom.
Combining the history of San Fran, the medical practices of the day, the discrimination of the Asian population at that time, and the fascinating details of being a Railway Surgeon (which I had no idea existed), and a murder mystery, A.B. Michaels has masterfully crafted a fascinating historical novel that I absolutely adored. Michaels' writing is exceptional. I loved the characters, especially Tom and Katherine (and Katherine's mother).
Captivating me to the very end, The Price of Compassion will be a book that I won't soon forget. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I am obsessed now!
August 15, 2018
I wasn't expecting much, due to the small publisher that doesn't even come up on a Google search, but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the book, though it was melodramatic in parts, and I would read others in the Golden City series, if they are available at the library (which I doubt, since again, it is from a tiny press).
August 27, 2018
You do whatever it takes to protect those you hold dear…
Quote that comes to mind while reading this book...
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
~ Helen Keller
Don’t let the length of this extraordinary story, deter you from reading A story of heart-rending simplicities and complexities, how we deal with our choices and circumstances - these are what shape the life of Dr. Tom Justice.
You are transported back in time to the early 1900’s (San Francisco 1906 to be exact) and the tragic and turbulent events that will shape the life of Dr. Tom Justice. The consequences that Tom faces. Read, feel and gain a glimpse of life as it was, as A.B. Michaels weaves you through Tom and Katherine’s journey.
This book is about the intricacies that make up Tom’s life… the man he was, the man he is and the man who he is yet to become. The people, both family, friends and those he meets that shape his very existence. Each of those very connections will have lasting impacts on him for life.
When Mother Nature unleashes her fury,,, this is when you find what makes a person who they really are. When things go wrong, some take advantage of situations to pervert the course of justice and human decency, to take advantage of events to suit themselves and damage the life and reputation of others. Others go above and beyond themselves to help and care… Compassion - the very heart of human existence.
I loved that each chapter is prefaced with a thought, a personal impression from a character …much like interviewing a witness during an investigation.
While I love history, I’ve not read many historical novels, so was not really sure if this genre was going to move me. Even I was drawn and captured by the very words that make up THE PRICE OF COMPASSION. This story has so much depth for one to wonder on. It’s thought-provoking,… more a sense of how we deal with life events, its tragedies, it’s joys, and the foundations of our compassion to help others and have you answering that question in the synopsis - “What would I have done?”
This was pure delight to step back into the past, to an event, a time period that I have not heard of before, though I’m from a different country, so that may explain the lack of knowledge. History, while steeped in fact, can be written in a fictional sense.
AB Michael’s has written this accurately, with and beautifully in all of its twists and turns. It is always a joy to read and to learn more about events that take place no matter what time or location. To see how far we’ve come and had we learned from the past, to live in our present and how our future is to be shaped. Long... but so worth reading every word.
Quote that comes to mind while reading this book...
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
~ Helen Keller
Don’t let the length of this extraordinary story, deter you from reading A story of heart-rending simplicities and complexities, how we deal with our choices and circumstances - these are what shape the life of Dr. Tom Justice.
You are transported back in time to the early 1900’s (San Francisco 1906 to be exact) and the tragic and turbulent events that will shape the life of Dr. Tom Justice. The consequences that Tom faces. Read, feel and gain a glimpse of life as it was, as A.B. Michaels weaves you through Tom and Katherine’s journey.
This book is about the intricacies that make up Tom’s life… the man he was, the man he is and the man who he is yet to become. The people, both family, friends and those he meets that shape his very existence. Each of those very connections will have lasting impacts on him for life.
When Mother Nature unleashes her fury,,, this is when you find what makes a person who they really are. When things go wrong, some take advantage of situations to pervert the course of justice and human decency, to take advantage of events to suit themselves and damage the life and reputation of others. Others go above and beyond themselves to help and care… Compassion - the very heart of human existence.
I loved that each chapter is prefaced with a thought, a personal impression from a character …much like interviewing a witness during an investigation.
While I love history, I’ve not read many historical novels, so was not really sure if this genre was going to move me. Even I was drawn and captured by the very words that make up THE PRICE OF COMPASSION. This story has so much depth for one to wonder on. It’s thought-provoking,… more a sense of how we deal with life events, its tragedies, it’s joys, and the foundations of our compassion to help others and have you answering that question in the synopsis - “What would I have done?”
This was pure delight to step back into the past, to an event, a time period that I have not heard of before, though I’m from a different country, so that may explain the lack of knowledge. History, while steeped in fact, can be written in a fictional sense.
AB Michael’s has written this accurately, with and beautifully in all of its twists and turns. It is always a joy to read and to learn more about events that take place no matter what time or location. To see how far we’ve come and had we learned from the past, to live in our present and how our future is to be shaped. Long... but so worth reading every word.
November 5, 2018
The Price of Compassion tells the story of Tom Justice, a surgeon, within the backdrop of early San Francisco and the 1907 earthquake and fire. Tom has been accused of murdering his cousin Eli in the midst of the post earthquake havoc. In the search for the truth the author explores Tom's life from childhood to promising surgeon.
There is a lot of history packed into this novel. From China Town to Michigan on to Johns Hopkins Hospital and even the railways and railway surgeons. I found the history fascinating. Especially early China Town in San Francisco. Modern medicine and surgery were still in their infancy and were well explored in the book.
The storyline is well established and clear. Although it skips around through time it is still easy to follow. Different facets of Tom's life are woven together to bring the reader along through the investigation to determine his guilt or innocence of the crime he's been accused of. The author used a unique format to tell this story and in no way is it your normal who done it. Rather than exploring evidence and crime scenes the author explores what kind of man Tom is in order to let the reader decide if they believe Tom is capable of killing his own cousin and in the end the trial is so compact it is basically just the verdict. I found this an interesting and intriguing way to present a historical crime novel. There is also a love story added into the mix in a way that doesn't overwhelm or take away from the rest of the story.
There are many characters in this book and all are well developed. The reader learns enough about all of them to understand them and their involvement in and impact on Tom's life.
I recommend this book. The history is well researched and informative as well as interesting. I think everyone has some idea and knows of the 1907 San Francisco earthquake but the in-depth history is something I've never read or learned about before. It blends well with the characters and storyline. The book is an enjoyable easy read that lets you as the reader determine what kind of person the accused is thus allowing you to determine his guilt or innocence before the jury arrives at a verdict.
There is a lot of history packed into this novel. From China Town to Michigan on to Johns Hopkins Hospital and even the railways and railway surgeons. I found the history fascinating. Especially early China Town in San Francisco. Modern medicine and surgery were still in their infancy and were well explored in the book.
The storyline is well established and clear. Although it skips around through time it is still easy to follow. Different facets of Tom's life are woven together to bring the reader along through the investigation to determine his guilt or innocence of the crime he's been accused of. The author used a unique format to tell this story and in no way is it your normal who done it. Rather than exploring evidence and crime scenes the author explores what kind of man Tom is in order to let the reader decide if they believe Tom is capable of killing his own cousin and in the end the trial is so compact it is basically just the verdict. I found this an interesting and intriguing way to present a historical crime novel. There is also a love story added into the mix in a way that doesn't overwhelm or take away from the rest of the story.
There are many characters in this book and all are well developed. The reader learns enough about all of them to understand them and their involvement in and impact on Tom's life.
I recommend this book. The history is well researched and informative as well as interesting. I think everyone has some idea and knows of the 1907 San Francisco earthquake but the in-depth history is something I've never read or learned about before. It blends well with the characters and storyline. The book is an enjoyable easy read that lets you as the reader determine what kind of person the accused is thus allowing you to determine his guilt or innocence before the jury arrives at a verdict.
January 23, 2019
The Price Of Compassion by A.B. Michaels is the fourth in the Golden City series. The series is set in San Francisco, which is a setting I haven't read a lot of in historical fiction. What's great about Michaels' series is that they all can be read as stand-alone novels. I have already read the first book, The Art of Love, and will be reading the others in the series.
The Price of Compassion tells the story of Tom Justice, a well-loved and highly capable doctor. When we first meet Tom he is in jail, awaiting his trial for murder. Throughout the book the readers are taken through Tom's life - his childhood, his becoming a doctor, his work with the Chinatown Free Clinic, being a railway Surgeon, and his experience during the 1906 Quake. One of the interesting parts of the novel is that each chapter starts off with a quote from someone that knew Tom.
Combining the history of San Francisco, the medical practices of the day, the discrimination of the Asian population at that time, and the fascinating details of being a Railway Surgeon (which I had no idea existed), and a murder mystery, A.B. Michaels has masterfully crafted a fascinating historical novel that I totally loved. A.B. Michaels' writing is exceptional and there is a ton of research involved which makes it a wonderful work of historical fiction. The characters are memorable and well developed. The Price of Compassion has sealed my allegiance to A.B. Michael fan. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series.
I would like to thank the author, BooksgoSocial and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2018
When I picked up The Price of Compassion, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. Being the absolute history nerd that I am, I tend to head towards books set in pre-1900’s. Beings this novel was set in 1906, in San Francisco, I wondered if it might have something to do with the great earthquake that happened during that time, and if I would find myself as engrossed as I always hope to be when reading.
I needn’t have worried.
First of all, I absolutely love when an author’s adoration and respect for his/her characters are plain with every word penned. A.B. Michaels created characters that were so achingly relatable, that I loved them instantly. Tom Justice is impossibly human and completely unforgettable. Secondly, the research done on the time period was wonderful. To see how medicine has evolved since then and to witness the heartbreaking prejudice towards the Chinese immigrants. To have a front row seat…knowing what’s coming, hearing the sounds, watching the expressions on everyones’ faces…when the buildings begin to lurch. And then to walk around with the author, taking in the aftermath…and then the mystery element! Take in everything that I just mentioned, throw in some serious mystery, and I’m sure you can understand why I glared at anyone who dared interrupt me while I was reading. The Price of Compassion is a brilliantly poignant, yet utterly fascinating novel that will sweep you up in it’s plot, and never fully release you. A definite recommend for all book lovers!
I needn’t have worried.
First of all, I absolutely love when an author’s adoration and respect for his/her characters are plain with every word penned. A.B. Michaels created characters that were so achingly relatable, that I loved them instantly. Tom Justice is impossibly human and completely unforgettable. Secondly, the research done on the time period was wonderful. To see how medicine has evolved since then and to witness the heartbreaking prejudice towards the Chinese immigrants. To have a front row seat…knowing what’s coming, hearing the sounds, watching the expressions on everyones’ faces…when the buildings begin to lurch. And then to walk around with the author, taking in the aftermath…and then the mystery element! Take in everything that I just mentioned, throw in some serious mystery, and I’m sure you can understand why I glared at anyone who dared interrupt me while I was reading. The Price of Compassion is a brilliantly poignant, yet utterly fascinating novel that will sweep you up in it’s plot, and never fully release you. A definite recommend for all book lovers!
April 19, 2020
This is Dr. Thomas Justice's story... his origins from a farm in Nebraska, his close relationship with his paternal grandmother and her traditional herbal~organic medicines that truly worked and he wanted to know WHY, his contentious and ambivalent relationship with his lesser endowed in~mind~and~body cousin Eli, his first love, his football, his Chinese school and best friend, his admittance to John Hopkins then his visit to Jimmy Wong's clinic in Chinatown where he agreed to help out in the duration until he permanently took over from Wong leaving a promising career and affluence treating mostly the moneyed had he stayed at JH. In Chinatown he learned to love and assimilate the culture... faced professional challenges and generally lived the life he loved. By this time, he had already met Kit Firestone (also mentioned in The Depth of Beauty) and eventually became lovers despite their inauspicious first meeting. Then the Great Quake struck and both, as doctor and nurse were frontliners. Amid the chaos of treating quake and fire victims, was the emergence of his childhood dark shadow waving a gun and demanding to see him... his cousin and "blood brother" Eli... The historical reports of army euthanasia mixed with Tom's supposedly crime of murder were interwoven in this story. Another historical gem from this author.
July 4, 2024
This just stretched believability too far. A doctor who knows about every area of medical science? Tom has a Midas touch in oncology, surgery, diet, exercise, breech version, nursing, setting bones, removing bullets, childbirth..... AND he has cutting edge knowledge of new medical concepts without participating in continuing education in the field. The novel was relatively enjoyable but the believability factor and the extremely poor editing really detracted from the reading experience. Grammatical errors, word omission/deletion, and even content errors proved that care in editing did not take place. Indeed, at one point Jonathan was with Cordelia in a tavern and the text reads that 'Tom nodded'. Tom was not even there, he was incarcerated. How does a mistake like that get overlooked? Additionally, the structure became a little tedious with jumping from the past to the present. The author also loved to end chapters and subchapters with teasers. I suppose it was intended to build intrigue and hook the reader but the technique was overused. So, it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either. It would have been a 4-star book without the errors and how believability was stretched too far.
August 24, 2024
Historical fiction is a favorite of mine, especially when an author can bring real-life people into the story as characters. This, author A.B. Michaels has done, as she reveals in her Historical Note pages at the end of the novel.
The story centers on a young doctor, Tom Justice, and his life from a young boy growing up on a farm and deciding to take the path of higher education rather than farming in order to achieve his dream of being a healer. This road is not without speedbumps, however, and he has to make some sacrifices and hard decisions along the way.
His journey takes him to San Francisco where he develops a a reputation as a fine doctor and he is there when a great earthquake destroys much of the city, killing and injuring hundreds of people. It is this situation that proves to be pivotal in his life. He is deeply affected by it and the medical decisions made by him and other practitioners lead him to be an accused in a high profile trial.
The novel is well written, moving skillfully between timeframes with backflashes, legal research and courtroom proceedings. The reason that I did not give this book a higher rating was simply because I felt it to be melodramatic in parts and this slowed my interest in the story.
The story centers on a young doctor, Tom Justice, and his life from a young boy growing up on a farm and deciding to take the path of higher education rather than farming in order to achieve his dream of being a healer. This road is not without speedbumps, however, and he has to make some sacrifices and hard decisions along the way.
His journey takes him to San Francisco where he develops a a reputation as a fine doctor and he is there when a great earthquake destroys much of the city, killing and injuring hundreds of people. It is this situation that proves to be pivotal in his life. He is deeply affected by it and the medical decisions made by him and other practitioners lead him to be an accused in a high profile trial.
The novel is well written, moving skillfully between timeframes with backflashes, legal research and courtroom proceedings. The reason that I did not give this book a higher rating was simply because I felt it to be melodramatic in parts and this slowed my interest in the story.
November 13, 2018
Four Stars
review at: https://booknerdloleotodo.blogspot.com/
Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
I was drawn to this book because of the historical time that the story covered. I've traveled many times to San Francisco and there is much history about the big earthquake. I personally love when authors take one historical event and show how it has impacted the lives of the characters. The time period is fascinating, the development of the early 1900's in San Francisco, the Chinese immigrants... there was a wealth of historical perspectives in this story. Michaels shows us an everyday human- Tom. Tom is studying to be a doctor when he is called to help those impacted by the earthquake. A series of choices that he makes haunt him and impact his life and his loved ones. This was definitely and interesting read, aside from the wealth of the time period the development of the characters were very raw, real and personable. I highly recommend and enjoyed this story.
review at: https://booknerdloleotodo.blogspot.com/
Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
I was drawn to this book because of the historical time that the story covered. I've traveled many times to San Francisco and there is much history about the big earthquake. I personally love when authors take one historical event and show how it has impacted the lives of the characters. The time period is fascinating, the development of the early 1900's in San Francisco, the Chinese immigrants... there was a wealth of historical perspectives in this story. Michaels shows us an everyday human- Tom. Tom is studying to be a doctor when he is called to help those impacted by the earthquake. A series of choices that he makes haunt him and impact his life and his loved ones. This was definitely and interesting read, aside from the wealth of the time period the development of the characters were very raw, real and personable. I highly recommend and enjoyed this story.
August 11, 2021
Did Tom kill the man who blighted his childhood and his young adulthood with a burden of guilt? That is the question. Tom is a highly gifted surgeon with a lifelong passion for healing. Could he also be a murderer? Among the 'medical' historicals I've read, my favourite has to be The Physician by Noah Gordon. If that was a 5 for me, this would be a 3.5. The storytelling in The Price of Compassion seemed rather uneven to me. I enjoyed the parts that were to do with the main character's life but the parts of the story that were about the case and the barrister just didn't flow as well. As for the historical details, I knew nothing of the Mechanics Pavilion incident nor did I know of neurasthenia so those were two interesting stories I learned of. They were also perhaps the only reason to set the story in that time and space. This is a good read for fans of the genre.
January 25, 2025
Found this one by accident and I did not need to read the first three books in the series because each one in the series is a standalone individual story. This one was an incredibly interesting page-turner that drew me in from the beginning. Told mostly in flashback, it follows the life of Tom Justice from his youth in rural Nebraska, through college, and then to Med School, where he becomes a talented and compassionate surgeon working in San Francisco in the very early 1900's. A fateful event in 1906 results in a twist of fate for him and then the story really takes off. A definite period piece, this book reminded me of a Kristen Hannah novel from start to finish, from the storytelling, to the character development, to how much it kept me hooked. I thorougly enjoyed it and definitely recommend.
November 7, 2018
Loved the book,
Took place in late 1800's till about 1910.
Based on some Historical facts and fiction.
A Dr.sits in jail after the San Francisco fire waiting on loved ones and acquaintances to try and find out facts to free him from a death sentence.
It starts with him being a child and best friends and blood bros.with his always competitive cousin Levi..They remain friends until a beautiful woman that they both love comes between them.
A lot of interesting things are going on in DR.Tom''s life,which makes it a great read and one that I would highly recommend.
I would like to thank Netgalley & publisher for the opportunity to read and review "The Price of Compassion" by A. B.Michaels.
.
Took place in late 1800's till about 1910.
Based on some Historical facts and fiction.
A Dr.sits in jail after the San Francisco fire waiting on loved ones and acquaintances to try and find out facts to free him from a death sentence.
It starts with him being a child and best friends and blood bros.with his always competitive cousin Levi..They remain friends until a beautiful woman that they both love comes between them.
A lot of interesting things are going on in DR.Tom''s life,which makes it a great read and one that I would highly recommend.
I would like to thank Netgalley & publisher for the opportunity to read and review "The Price of Compassion" by A. B.Michaels.
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August 26, 2019This was a moving, fascinating historical novel, taking place around the San Francisco earthquake of 1907. It starts with Dr Tom Justice sitting in a jail cell charged with the murder of his cousin using the catastrophe as a cover. We go back to his childhood growing up in Nebraska with a blood oath with his visiting cousin. Tom grows up to attend medical school and become a great surgeon in California.
He goes through many loves and adventures, but always stays true to his life as a healer. I don't want to write the whole plot here, but instead encourage others to look the book up. The writing, the sense of place and time, and actions of the people in this book are excellent. I will definitely read more from this author.
He goes through many loves and adventures, but always stays true to his life as a healer. I don't want to write the whole plot here, but instead encourage others to look the book up. The writing, the sense of place and time, and actions of the people in this book are excellent. I will definitely read more from this author.
May 20, 2024
This is a story of a journey. Tom is a normal boy with a brat of a cousin and a grandma most people today would envy. He makes mistakes but learns well from them. I think the biggest lessons he learned was he had to be kind but also true to himself and also, in being true to himself (in this case, A medical ambition), one cannot always have everything. Sacrifices sometimes has to be made.
This is not a simple romance or coming of age story. It is an account of how a person can do all the right things, be misunderstood and maligned and still be himself, an honorable person.
I highly recommend this for mature teens and adults because of the sexual indiscretions the youth sometimes make that is mildly described in the story.
This is not a simple romance or coming of age story. It is an account of how a person can do all the right things, be misunderstood and maligned and still be himself, an honorable person.
I highly recommend this for mature teens and adults because of the sexual indiscretions the youth sometimes make that is mildly described in the story.
September 13, 2018
I received a copy of this book as a gift and am happy to provide an honest review. This book had me wondering what the verdict was going to be from the very beginning. I felt like it flowed very well, with just a few spots that i seemed to be a little slower than I would like. But I think I was just getting too much into the details of the feelings and emotions of the characters. The historical rumors behind the storyline is fascinating. Thank you for adding that information at the end.
July 10, 2019
I can't believe that this is book four! I just met the author for the first time in reading this book and what's great about the story is how he peels each layer of his characters, revealing how much more there is to them than we encounter.
It was an insightful read, took me a long time to get started on because of the allure of pretty covers, but I loved reading this.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
It was an insightful read, took me a long time to get started on because of the allure of pretty covers, but I loved reading this.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
July 15, 2021
An amazing historical book
I really enjoyed this story and It gave me an insight into the lives of people during hard times and difficult circumstances. The portrayal of the doctor is beautiful and displays his nice character. The woman in this story is very strong but very soft and faithful underneath. A very different but moving love story and detective all in one molded together . Enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed this story and It gave me an insight into the lives of people during hard times and difficult circumstances. The portrayal of the doctor is beautiful and displays his nice character. The woman in this story is very strong but very soft and faithful underneath. A very different but moving love story and detective all in one molded together . Enjoyable read.
November 11, 2018
Tom Justice is a fabulous character and a person I would want to know. He is honest, keeps secrets and thinks way to much about his decisions. I just admire him! I like the background story of San Francisco. I thought the ending was wonderful! I am glad I took time to read this book.
I read the book on NetGalley
I read the book on NetGalley
July 7, 2020
What a wonderfully told story
This is the fourth book I've read in the series. I've been captivated by each of them.
The settings provide lol of material to work with. Michaels infuses a cast of interesting characters and plot twists and turns to produce an intriguing piece of historical fiction.
This is the fourth book I've read in the series. I've been captivated by each of them.
The settings provide lol of material to work with. Michaels infuses a cast of interesting characters and plot twists and turns to produce an intriguing piece of historical fiction.
February 23, 2021
The aftermath
The 1906 earthquake produced so many legends and takes. I have to say that this novel's plot is among the very best. I suspect there is more truth than fiction within this novel. How deftly A.B. Michael's weaves the extraordinary array of characters to keep the reader enthralled.
The 1906 earthquake produced so many legends and takes. I have to say that this novel's plot is among the very best. I suspect there is more truth than fiction within this novel. How deftly A.B. Michael's weaves the extraordinary array of characters to keep the reader enthralled.
May 25, 2024
The Price of Compassion
Excellent Historical Fiction book set in San Francisco around the great earthquake of 1906. Dr. Tom Justice is madly working to save lives after the devastating earthquake when his cousin, Eli comes in with a gun. He just lost his wife and child. Did Tom kill Eli or was it an accident. Read on and find out. Excellent story.
Excellent Historical Fiction book set in San Francisco around the great earthquake of 1906. Dr. Tom Justice is madly working to save lives after the devastating earthquake when his cousin, Eli comes in with a gun. He just lost his wife and child. Did Tom kill Eli or was it an accident. Read on and find out. Excellent story.
August 8, 2024
I enjoyed this historical novel, set in San Francisco in the early 1900s and revolves around the San Francisco earthquake and its aftermath. The characters are well developed and of course there is a love story. The main character Tom, a physician, helped with the injured after the quake and subsequently accused of murder. Interesting plot.
August 30, 2024
Excellent book! I loved this story about a young man who learns about natural healing from natural means. He goes to John’s Hopkinsfor medical school and is recognized as a naturally talented surgeon. During the fire in San Francisco after the earthquake, Dr. Tom develops a tremor in his arm. The book tells his story. So good.
January 30, 2019
One of the best books I've read
Great book and style. I loved the going back and forth and began rooting for the doctor. Loved the history and the time period. Will read more in the series.
Great book and style. I loved the going back and forth and began rooting for the doctor. Loved the history and the time period. Will read more in the series.
May 3, 2021
My Review
This was an excellent historical romance novel. The Characters were realistic and gave much insight insight into the time of the San Fransisco earthquake in particular of Chinatown.
This was an excellent historical romance novel. The Characters were realistic and gave much insight insight into the time of the San Fransisco earthquake in particular of Chinatown.
June 12, 2021
If you like the Highlander series you will like this book. If you are more of a fan of House of Cards this is not for you. The history aspect of the book is good, but the melodrama takes away from what could be an outstanding mystery.
April 30, 2024
Excellent medical drama.
As an RN, I enjoy medical history. The Price of Compassion included precise surgical history, an understanding of the nurse's role, and an incredible romance.
As an RN, I enjoy medical history. The Price of Compassion included precise surgical history, an understanding of the nurse's role, and an incredible romance.
May 10, 2024
Very interesting
This book is well written and relatively fast-paced. I used "very interesting" because it is broadly based on a historical incident. I'd recommend this to anyone, but particularly if they are interested in history.
This book is well written and relatively fast-paced. I used "very interesting" because it is broadly based on a historical incident. I'd recommend this to anyone, but particularly if they are interested in history.
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