Dragonfly Wings

Dragonfly Trilogy #2

by Elizabeth Ann Boyles

Deadly conspiracies and thorny Japanese traditions war against an American diplomat and a samurai’s daughter. Can their budding romance survive? Finally, in 1859, the Americans have cracked open Nagasaki’s centuries-old isolation. Sumi Taguchi, the daughter of a samurai, can hardly wait to investigate the outside world. But if she pursues her desires, she must disobey her family’s elder and accept the dangerous consequences. Yet what can she do when her heart says to hold on? John Cardiff, Nagasaki’s first American consul, aims to make a fortune and marry his New York fiancée. But first, he must establish his trading company and navigate the strange culture. He expected his stay in Japan to be eye-opening and adventurous, but he didn’t plan on an irresistible draw toward the Japanese people and his tutor, Sumi. An anti-foreign samurai threatens not only John and Sumi’s chance for romance but also their lives. Yet the fanatic may find his opponents are not the weaklings he imagined. Elizabeth Ann Boyles’ intriguing writing won the ACFW national Genesis award and the ACFW Virginia Crown award for historical / historical romance.

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2020

About the author

Elizabeth Ann Boyles brings historical eras to life in her fictional stories of adventure, danger, and opposing cultures, with a strand of romance. She developed a love for the Far East, one source of her stories' settings, when she lived in Japan, where she met her missionary husband. She spent many years teaching and building relationships with her international students at a Christian university in Dallas. After her husband of fifty years took his final step into heaven, she moved to Colorado. She treasures spending time at the foot of the Rocky Mountains with her daughter and son while entreating her three Texas grandsons to visit often.
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Reviews

[Martha Ladyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop! Before you read DRAGONFLY WINGS by Elizabeth Ann Boyles, I highly recommend reading the first novel in the Dragonfly series, THE YEAR OF THE BARBARIAN. Well, yes, you could read Dragonfly Wings as a standalone and enjoy a great read, but you will miss a lot of nuances and interesting details that make this trilogy so good.

So I'll wait. Go read the other book.

Okay, glad you're back. Dragonfly Wings follows the further adventures of Sumi Taguchi, the daughter of a samurai, back in 1859 as the barbarians (aka Westerners) slowly make their way into Japan. Sumi is fascinated by the barbarians, particularly the Americans, but is forbidden by her elders, and indeed by the law, from investigating too closely their ways and religion.

John Cardiff, Nagasaki's first American consul, is desperately trying to understand the Japanese people as he navigates a perilous path between America, Japan, his shipping company, and his fiancée back home. Sumi and her father act as his translators and guides.

If you enjoy immersing yourself in another culture and time, this is the book (the trilogy!) for you. I read it in two days, neglecting work and family, because I just had to know what was happening next. It is well written and fascinating. By the way, the author, Elizabeth Ann Boyles, won both the ACFW national Genesis award and the ACFW Virginia Crown award for historical / historical romance. The woman knows how to write.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

This second novel in the series was dynamic. It could be read in series order, or as a stand-alone. Sumi and John both become embroiled in dangerous situations which kept me turning the pages.

It's another fantastic glimpse into feudal Japan, and how non-natives become acclimated to the country. And, romance might be wafting through the cherry blossom scented air!

[Julee Vannest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has wings!

This is a beautiful story. I’m so glad I read it! It has just the right touch of adventure and romance.

[Karen Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the japanese historical perspective but too much focus on Christianity for my taste.