Tangled Vines

Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters #2

by Kay Bratt

With the bad memories of the Cultural Revolution and a life of hard work behind them, Benfu and his treasured Calla Lily are content watching their daughters blossom—six young women who they adopted as their own. But when a clue to the whereabouts of the biological daughter they lost decades ago suddenly surfaces, they begin a frantic search to find their beloved Dahlia…

Li Jin has lived thirty years at the mercy of cruel foster parents and a bleak orphanage, often surviving on the streets. But now that she has a son, she must try to make a better life for them—even if it means withstanding the abuse of a seedy foreigner in exchange for a home. But when Erik’s treatment turns truly sadistic, she must find a way to escape once and for all…

A beautiful yet haunting story about the “lost girls” of China, Tangled Vines takes us on a journey of heartbreak and then hope as we witness a woman’s quest to change her fate and a family’s last chance to untangle the lies of the past.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, China, Novels, Audiobook, Family, Historical

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2013

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

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shocked by a combination of how horribly bad the first book was with how lauded this series has been, I did some research to see, "Who publishes something so odious"? I learned a bit about Amazon Publishing imprints, one of which is Lake Union Publishing which has released this series.

Because of it's popularity with families who have adopted from China, I will persevere through book 2, but I don't think I will enjoy it. Consider this review a Public Service Announcement....

...that shall be completed when I am done reading.
_____

As I am writing this review, there is a website that is currently very popular, called "It's like they know us: Relax on your pristine white couch and enjoy these realistic depictions of motherhood." It can be found at: http://itsliketheyknowus.com/

While the subject matter of motherhood is distinct from the subject matter of modern China, I cannot help but think of the characterizations of this book as a fitting parallel in snark. Characters lack depth, make ridiculous decisions that turn into major plot points, and experience resolutions that I think would prove humorous to Chinese whose indignant reactions would parallel mothers in "it's like they know us!"

And yet, perhaps Stockholm Syndrome is kicking in, as I'm determined to finish the series, but the plot points were somewhat more palatable/ typical of beach read romance/ adventure material. Also, readers may want to be aware the story line of violent domestic abuse is a bit of a darker turn from the previous book.

If you can get over the perfect wine spot on the white couch that leads to a breakthrough artistic masterpiece which saves an entire family (this is not a spoiler, I'm just making something up to alert you to the level of narration), or just really want to have a limited perspective on modern China (something I confess I'm desperate for!), read this book with a grain of salt. Even exaggerated parody has a salt grain of truth, but you will have to look to numerous other sources in order to recognize it here.

If you would like a Chinese account on abandonment and motherhood in China, see "Message of an Unknown Chinese Mother: Stories of Love and Loss" by Xinran.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

For a western interpretation of China, see
The Good Earth (House of Earth #1), Buck, 1931
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Barbarians, Carter, 1998
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, See, 2004
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

China: It's History and Culture, Morton, 1980
This is non-fiction historical text.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Outsourcing Children: Orphanage Care and Adoption in Globalizing China, Wang, 2016
Non-fiction research on abandoned children in China.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have one complaint right off the bat...this is part of a trilogy. Trilogy means there is only THREE books. I want a book for every single daughter!!

That being said, as you can see, book two of the Scavenger's Daughters did not disappoint me. I will admit to having a harder time with Dahlia's story because I can't stand women who allow themselves to be victimized by men...but, and it's a big but, the ending revealed some things about her life that made me understand her a whole lot better and she displayed amazing strength when I believe I would have crumbled. She is truly a phoenix rising from the ashes, this woman. She surprised me. I didn't like her at first, at all, but by the end of the book, I "got it".

Ms. Bratt once again lives up to her "brand" with this title. Capturing the heart of humanity. So many people in this book are horrid and cruel but each one is counteracted with a person who cares, who loves, who wishes to help, and we need to be reminded of that, especially nowadays. We need to remember for every bad, there's a good. This book should serve as a reminder to anyone who reads it that there is both good and bad in the world and also that there is always HOPE. I think the strongest theme this time was hope. Just when you think you've hit rock bottom...

The story in a nutshell: A continuation from book one, Linnae is running her own successful business now, the family is very proud, everything is fabulous, but her adopted parents still have a whole in their lives from the daughter they lost thirty years before. This is HER story, and it's one of heartache. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Linnae is determined to find Dahlia and reunite her with her biological parents. The story goes back and forth between Linnae and the family and Dahlia's tremulous situation. There's suspense, tears, and many a moral. Linnae realizes that "money, success, looks--all along she'd been thinking she needed all of it to be taken seriously, but now she was just wondering if maybe those were just icing on the cake."

And as I said above, from bad, from horror, often something good can be born. Perhaps we just have to open ourselves up to it? Not dwell on the negative. Take Dahlia for example. She could have chosen to hate the child born to her, due to the circumstances of its conception, but instead, she ended up with the best thing in her life.

Anyway, this story just gave me many deep thoughts such as that. I cannot wait to find out what happens to the other daughters. I wish they all had a book. Ms. Bratt, any way I can convince you to like, write nine stories? LOL

Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but the unnecessary drama at the end about 80% of the way in was just too much. I skimmed to get the the end of that story arc.

I really did enjoy seeing the continuation of the Zheng family from the first book and look forward to reading more about them, though the teaser for the next book in the back of this book seemed a bit DRAMATIC. I will keep on reading, but really hope it doesn't fall into the trap of "drama is what the books are about". I really don't care if there is no drama, so long as I read about a happy, if not what would be considered "normal" family and how they live and love their lives.

The characters stay true to what they were in the previous book and I do get a clear feel for the location the book takes place in.

Not as good as the first book, but a quick read and satisfying if you want to continue with the story. The story arc is completed in this book, so no cliffhangers.

Trigger warnings: A woman is beaten and forced into sexual acts more than once in this book. Other stories of what abused women have gone through are also discussed by other characters in the book.

Good book, but much more serious in tone than the first one. The gentleness of the first one is not present here. Not a complaint, just an observation. Not everyone lives a gentle life, so not all stories are gentle.

3.5 stars, rounded up because I enjoyed the first book and am glad the stories of the Zheng's is continued. I would recommend this book if you have read and enjoyed the first one. I would not recommend reading them out of order. If you haven't read "The Scavenger's Daughters" before this one, do so. It will help you in understanding the characters in this book.

My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than I did the first one, "The Scavenger's Daughters". Although written in a simplistic style the sentiment of the story is beautiful and intriguing enough to keep you turning the pages. This novel concentrated less on Benfu and Calli's adopted daughters and more upon their long lost biological daughter, Dahlia, and the hardships that she faced. Her story is a haunting one and reminiscent of the plight of many women who are victims of domestic violence. She is a strong woman and a dedicated mother and she has spent her life feeling abandoned and unwanted, not only by her parents but also by society as a whole. Benfu and Calli kept her kidnapping a secret from their adopted daughters but one of their eldest discovers her existence and embarks upon a journey to find her. Flipping back and forth between Dahlia and the family that she doesn't even know existed, the story is woven together to allow for a wonderful reunion at the end. I'm about to start upon the third in the series with very high hopes.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bratt is a good storyteller and, like the first book, I enjoyed this one, too. But you have to be willing to suspend belief. There were some pretty ridiculous plot developments.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! What a beautiful story!!!

[Sharon Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful first book of this series, The Scavenger's Daughters, has continued in beauty, finesse, and wonder into the second book of this series. A bridge book (the middle book of a series of three) is often difficult and many times lacking in substance or plot or satisfaction in movement towards any resolutions--not so with Tangled Vines. Where the first book was so sweet and wonderful, this book is much more poignant and complex...ergo, Tangled Vines. I really like that Kay Bratt uses Linnea to tie the two books together--wonderful, wonderful writing.

We find the Scavanger's Daughter's characters and plot continued on into this book, but also, Kay Bratt adds to it by creating a parallell story for Benfu and Calli's lost daughter, Dahlia. This moving story is not one for young or sensitive readers, however, as adult themes are central to the story. Nonetheless, Kay Bratt, does an admirable job of sensitively portraying not only the struggle Dahlia goes through. The reader cannot help but wonder if Dahlia will be able to save herself and her son.

The plots for the supporting characters (e.g. Jet, Sky, and Linnea) progress without the ultimate resolution we, undoubtedly, will be looking forward to in her third (upcoming) book, Bitter Winds. And, while we did have movement in the plots, obviously, Kay Bratt has a lot more story to come in her third book. I'm thinking we will get to see more from all the characters, including Dahlia and Jojo.

I am in love with her characters...they are beautifully written and I know I will miss them when the trilogy is complete. The books though, are not all just about the characters, Kay Bratt, elegantly moves the story forward with grace and ease of movement. I can hardly wait to read Book 3, Bitter Winds.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

TANGLED VINES provides an interesting perspective into modern Chinese society, an evolving structure that is still dealing with the aftermath of Mao’s one child policy and the losses caused by the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution.

Linnae is a young clothing designer who is just beginning to make her way in the world. As this story begins, she is about to open her own store, an accomplishment she is very proud of. The makeup of Linnae’s family is a very unusual one in China. She was raised as one of six sisters, all of whom had been adopted. Her parents, Zheng Benfu and Zheng Calli are good and caring people who have provided a loving home for her and her sisters, but thirty years ago they had suffered a tragic loss. Their biological daughter, Dahlia, was taken from them as an infant and they have no knowledge of what happened to her until Linnae gains information from a friend she meets through her store.


In alternating chapters, Bratt tells of Dahlia’s life and the story of Linnae and her parents. Once the Zhengs have a clue, they are indefatigable in their efforts to find Dahlia. This novel shows the best and worst qualities of the human spirit, exemplified by one families’ tragedies and triumphs. Though I liked the book, I thought the quality of the content was inconsistent. I think it would have benefited from a stronger editorial voice. That being said, when it was good, it was very good and I would recommend it to anyone interested in reading about modern China with the added bonus of unraveling a mystery.

[Mary Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Wonderful heart touching story. Enjoyed it from beginning to end. Will definitely keep your attention.looking forward to reading the 3rd book in this series.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Vines by Kay Bratt is the second book in The Scavenger’s Daughters series. The story opens with Li Jin and her 10 year old son, Jojo, at the mercy of Erik, an abusive South African man. At first, Erik was charming and swept her off her feet but soon his true nature reared its ugly head and after 30 years of living with cruel foster families, a bleak orphanage and life on the streets, Li Jin feels she has nowhere else to go. Meanwhile in Benfu and Calli are content to watch their six adopted daughters blossom into young women. But when information about the whereabouts of their biological daughter, who was stolen from them so many years ago, comes to them, the frantic search to find their beloved Dahlia begins. Will Li Jin finally find the strength and courage to leave behind the abusive situation? Will Benfu and Calli finally find their beloved daughter?
Tangled Vines is a beautifully haunting story about the lost girls of China. It is a journey of heartbreak and hope against all odds as one young woman decides to make a fresh start and a family’s race to reunite with their lost daughter and untangle the lies of the past. It is heartbreaking to imagine young women living the life described for Li Jin and the other women introduced in the story. Tangled Vines is darker than The Scavenger’s Daughters; however, the situations Ms Bratt writes about are dark and terrifying. While reading, I wanted to reach through the pages and hug Benfu, to comfort Calli and rescue Li Jin. I don’t want to give away certain plot points but at one point, I cheered and I cried as I closed the final chapter. I recommend reading Tangled Vines after reading the first book. I will be reading the rest of the series and reviewing it soon.

Tangled Vines is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

[Brenda Rezk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of family, love, horrific wrongs, redemption, acceptance, and forgiveness. Also, a tale of pain, abandonment, abuse, strength, and courage. Linnea's store is going strong, and she wants to find her adoptive parents' daughter who was stolen from them as an infant by her paternal grandmother. The grandmother wanted them to have a son to carry on the family name, not a daughter, so she kidnapped her. Benfu and Calli suspected her and shut the grandparents out of their lives and took in lots of other abandoned girls to raise as their own. Linnea had learned this secret and set out to discover the grandparents' whereabouts and the date of Dahlia, the kidnapped girl. The book alternates between Linnea's search and Dahlia's current situation and flashbacks of her life. Trigger warning: Dahlia is in an abusive relationship and there are rape and battery scenes. Dahlia and her son Jojo do escape the scumbag, but not easily and not without help.

[Kim Bakos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic installment in the Scavenger's Daughters series. I love that the missing daughter is found! The love story between Linnea and Jet is nearly as sweet as that between Benfu and Callie. Hoping it will be a strong and last as long, too :)
This book is perfect for anyone wanting to know more about Chinese culture and how those on the low end of the poverty scale are living even today. Obviously, the book touches on the whole one-child issue that was in effect for so many years. You also get a feel for how powerful the government in China is, even at the local level. This multi-generational story is so well written, the characters are well developed, and the plot isn't ever trite or predictable.

[J. A. Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tangled VInes follows the story of Benfu and Calla Lily's stolen daughter. Taken from them as an infant by Benfu's mother, they had all but given up hope that she would ever be found. This story picks up with Lin Ji (Dahlia) being abused by her boyfriend. Tossed about from orphanage to foster care, Lin Ji has endured more than any one person should have to and now has a child, a product of a rape, to protect. The story flips back and forth between Lin Ji and some of the other family members. It's probably helpful if you've read Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters book 1, but not 100% necessary. I found this read a bit more captivating than the first one as the varying story lines end up all tying together.

[Sharon R. McLaurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Bratt; she did it again.

As I was growing up; I recall someone tell me about "good better and best." The first book in this series was Good. "Tangled Vines" was better. I enjoyed the love story of the older grandparents. I want Linn and Jake to be the replacement for the grandparents. But I will feel sadness with the end of the grandfather. He should be in every book of the series but that isn't possible, with his age and health, I don't feel he will last another book. Woo hoo he got to live long enough for return of his daughter. This book series would be enjoyed by anyone that enjoy to see the people on bottom win one. I plan to finish all books in the series.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not quite historical, but does include some events that were common in China. I loved this book. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but I loved this one even more. The story is sad and heavy at times, but the beauty of FAMILY spreads throughout the story and permeates every story thread in beautiful and brilliant waves. The characters are lovable for the most part although Eric invokes such a feeling of hatred and anxiety. This story is brilliantly told and the images are seared into my mind...creating new questions and answering unique and unrelated questions. I can't wait to start the 3rd in the series. Love it!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in this series, this one less so but it was ok. The story is still 'nice' and so are the people. This time I felt the author was struggling to make the connections happen between people so she was forcing it. If I had to read one more time 'for Jojo' I would have screamed. We, the reader, are so aware that this was Li Jin's motivation for everything she did. I didn't need to be beaten around the head with it.
Still I have come to care for the characters of Callie, Benfu and Linnea. I will read the next one at some point.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 4 out of 5]

After learning of all the good, Benfu and his wife Calli have done for abandoned daughters of the country, we get to follow the story further this time from Calli's viewpoint, and the eldest of the adopted girls living with them now, as well as a new character, Li Jin, who is another woman, passed from pillar to post within the system, before suffering beyond what any girl should have to suffer.
All before a secret is unearthed.
Another tumultuous ride in the life of girls in post-revolution China.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this book for the second time and decided to read it again. Excellent story line. Gives a glimpse into the 10 year tragedy of the Cultural Revolution and it's affect on young children, as well as an intriguing look at present day China through the eyes of a normal Chinese family trying to survive. The parents are looking for a daughter who had been stolen from them as an infant. In the ensuing years they adopted abandoned children found on the streets and gave them a loving home. Some, against all odds, made a fairly decent living for themselves.

[Jeanette Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't wait to start the book and continue the story of this family. The writing continued to be simple and hypnotic. A lot of drama in the abusive relationship and losing of the son in the bus station.
What was disappointing was the ease with which Benfu and Calli found their daughter. It was a little to easy and having Jet the boyfriend of one of their older adoptees was almost too good to be true.

The story line is good, but is becoming less believable. However I am on the 3rd of the series so it's captured my interest.

[Sharon Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful story

This tale of the lives of some of China's lost girls is enchanting. I've been interested in literature set in China since I read Pearl Buck's "The Good Earth", which was about 50 years ago. I'm also a huge Amy Tan fan. This series will go onto my bookshelf next to those old friends. It is very well written, and brings the post-Mao, modern China up close and personal. Also, quite a good mystery as well! I recommend this book.

[Kamber Derosier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of The Scavenger’s Daughters

I love a great series where each book expands on a part of the earlier books that was introduced and left intentionality unfinished. Kay Bratt has done that well with Tangled Vines where we get to see the continuation of Linnea’s story and also expand on the story of Dahlia. The book addresses some heavy topics of abuse and a the unfortunate fate of many young abandoned girls in China. I would recommend this book.

[Cris Dobberstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Scavenger's Daughters series. Li Jin longed for her forever family never knowing why she was an orphan. The hardships she went through while being tossed from one foster home to another. This is so sad. It also happens here in the USA also. I have 20 grandchildren and 5 of them were in foster care until my daughter adopted them. Wonderful book. I love the series and can't wait to start book 3. Keep up the good work author Kay Bratt.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even more intriguing that Scavenger’s Daughters!

Patti recommended Scavenger’s Daughters. Right away I bought the first two books on her recommendation. I really liked Book 1, but Tangled Vines was impossible to put down! For the first time, the Chinese one child rule became SO real! The characters in this book were very real; the author introduced them so that as a reader, I had time to get to know each — sometimes going from liking to hating and visa versa!

[Patricia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love This Series

I am usually not a fan of book series. To me they seem to be a bit repetitive.
This is the 2nd one in this series that I’ve read and so far I love it.
We learn enough of the minor characters background and personalities to stay invested in them as the main characters play out their story.
Here’s hoping that the rest of this set stays fresh and doesn’t fall into the template format that many other series do.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an eye opener

This book is an eye opener into the Chinese culture

A couple of the characters in this book need there heads knocked together

I really enjoyed the book and found it fascinating to learn about the Chinese culture

I will add the next book in the series to my reading list

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader Comments

After reading Tangled Vines I am encouraged to be a loving and protective parent to my own kids when I have them someday. Tangled Vines helped me to see that I can rise above my abused childhood and have a family of my own someday. Please recommend this novel to anyone you know who is an orphan and wants a family of his or her own someday.

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this was a hard book for me to read due to personal experiences it is very well written. It’s heart wrenching to know not only did these things happen in the past but that they are ongoing even today.
I’m looking forward to continuing this series and learn more about the daughters of the Zheng family.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this story! Excellent reader and storyline, I could hardly stop reading. The characters are magnificent,, and touched my heart. I really did not want it to end. I felt all sorts of emotions while reading, sorrow, anxiousness, anger, and just overall happiness. whew, that's a lot! I liked the first book also, and I am looking forward to the third in this series.

[Judy Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite Kay Bratt book so far! I love her books that are set in China. She weaves China’s history into the story skillfully and without detracting from the story. Her characters are so well developed and you can’t help falling in love with them. Can’t wait to finish the series!

[Mahrukh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each character in this book is unique and realistic. You get attached to each of them and then the book finishes so quickly. It also shows the difficulties, both mental and physical, of getting out of a bad place and starting a new life. I love how supportive the Zheng family is. Would recommend this book to people who like realistic stories.