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Skyline Mansion #1
Forbidden Blossom
A decades-old scandal. A mysterious inheritance. Can a young woman survive a family desperate to keep their past buried?
2010. Anne Huang never cared to call anywhere home. But her carefree lifestyle of blogging and travel is interrupted when a stranger with ties to her family bequeaths her a fortune. And with no knowledge of her history, she soon finds herself thrown in with a nest of billionaire vipers determined to lock away their skeletons.
1946. Seventeen-year-old Rose Chen’s quiet life is shattered when she’s dragged from Taiwan and forced to immigrate to the U.S. And her nightmare continues when she arrives in San Francisco, only to be shipped off by her parents to serve in a wealthy American’s household. But her dutiful-daughter status soon comes under threat when her risky friendship with her white employer’s son transforms into something taboo.
Confronted by jealous rivals, Anne battles distrust and hidden agendas as she tries to understand more about her birthright and learns the value of love. And as Rose wrestles with her complicated feelings in a private journal, she unwittingly leaves a stunning legacy to a granddaughter she’ll never know…
Can their lives come full circle to close one door and open another?
Forbidden Blossom is the heartfelt first book in the Skyline Mansion family saga. If you like soul-searching heroines, paths to self-discovery, and stories of perseverance and inner strength, then you’ll adore this generation-spanning tale.
2010. Anne Huang never cared to call anywhere home. But her carefree lifestyle of blogging and travel is interrupted when a stranger with ties to her family bequeaths her a fortune. And with no knowledge of her history, she soon finds herself thrown in with a nest of billionaire vipers determined to lock away their skeletons.
1946. Seventeen-year-old Rose Chen’s quiet life is shattered when she’s dragged from Taiwan and forced to immigrate to the U.S. And her nightmare continues when she arrives in San Francisco, only to be shipped off by her parents to serve in a wealthy American’s household. But her dutiful-daughter status soon comes under threat when her risky friendship with her white employer’s son transforms into something taboo.
Confronted by jealous rivals, Anne battles distrust and hidden agendas as she tries to understand more about her birthright and learns the value of love. And as Rose wrestles with her complicated feelings in a private journal, she unwittingly leaves a stunning legacy to a granddaughter she’ll never know…
Can their lives come full circle to close one door and open another?
Forbidden Blossom is the heartfelt first book in the Skyline Mansion family saga. If you like soul-searching heroines, paths to self-discovery, and stories of perseverance and inner strength, then you’ll adore this generation-spanning tale.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2021
105 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Nola Li Barr
75 books337 followersNola Li Barr writes sweet romance family sagas. Both in contemporary and paranormal settings. She writes stories she would love to read herself and loves exploring family dynamics with her characters. In the hopes of sharing her stories with her kids sooner than later, her romances are always sweet with a happily ever after. When she’s not writing she can be found reading, making photo books, and navigating the path of motherhood. Follow her on social media @nolalibarr or visit her website at nolalibarr.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 1, 2018
"This is a wonderful romantic story with the perspective of what it means to be a Chinese American woman in the USA. The author did her research and this adds to the novel. A great read for a sunny beach vacation or a cozy winter day by the fire. I could not put it down.
December 20, 2022
We forget that our grandparents were once young
I, for one, am not sure that I’d ever want to read a journal written by any of my eight grandparents (all four biological ones remarried and I grew up with three of my parents’ steps, the other was my half-uncle’s deceased father). Some things just belong in the past…and that’s *exactly* what I tell my daughter about her mother.
The author provides us with Historical Dates at the end of the story. Don’t miss out on this educational section and do learn more about the racist atrocities committed in the U.S. so that we can put systems in place to prevent these from happening again.
I’ve enjoyed ‘Something Gained’ by this author and have ‘Summer of Second Chances’ yet to read. I look forward to continuing this series to find out what family secrets we’ll find in ‘Hidden Blossom’.
I, for one, am not sure that I’d ever want to read a journal written by any of my eight grandparents (all four biological ones remarried and I grew up with three of my parents’ steps, the other was my half-uncle’s deceased father). Some things just belong in the past…and that’s *exactly* what I tell my daughter about her mother.
The author provides us with Historical Dates at the end of the story. Don’t miss out on this educational section and do learn more about the racist atrocities committed in the U.S. so that we can put systems in place to prevent these from happening again.
I’ve enjoyed ‘Something Gained’ by this author and have ‘Summer of Second Chances’ yet to read. I look forward to continuing this series to find out what family secrets we’ll find in ‘Hidden Blossom’.
December 1, 2018
Hope there is a sequel
Coming from a sinilar background as Anne and having to deal with little comments about my ethnicity in elementary and middle school, I found this story very relatable (I wouldn't mind a multi-billion dollar inheritance either) :) . I loved the juxtaposition of the two generational stories of Anne and her grandmother. Their stories paralleled each other throughout the entire book and it kept me turning the page all the way til 4am! It left me wondering if there will be a sequel and I hope so! Looking forward to more from this author!
The one thing I did not like was the handful of bad language, but that is a preference for me and perhaps some others, but it does not affect my rating because the plot, characters, and storytelling were superb.
Coming from a sinilar background as Anne and having to deal with little comments about my ethnicity in elementary and middle school, I found this story very relatable (I wouldn't mind a multi-billion dollar inheritance either) :) . I loved the juxtaposition of the two generational stories of Anne and her grandmother. Their stories paralleled each other throughout the entire book and it kept me turning the page all the way til 4am! It left me wondering if there will be a sequel and I hope so! Looking forward to more from this author!
The one thing I did not like was the handful of bad language, but that is a preference for me and perhaps some others, but it does not affect my rating because the plot, characters, and storytelling were superb.
December 2, 2018
Have you ever daydreamed about stumbling into instant wealth? How about getting swept off your feet by a handsome stranger? Forbidden Blossom lets you vicariously experience these thrills through the lens of protagonist Anne Huang, an American-born Chinese girl who inherits big money just as she’s finding her place in the world. With bloodthirsty relatives hot on her trail, and with the backdrop of a generations-old forbidden romance adding to the mystery, this book offers a taste of suspense and a depth of heritage not found in other romances. Looking forward to seeing more from Nola Li Barr!
November 29, 2018
This is an utterly captivating story. Meticulous in its historical details and tightly woven plot, this book kept me turning page after page, wanting to know what happened next. The author did an excellent job of weaving two storylines together and both of the main characters drew me in and had me rooting for them. It has a perfect mix of historical and contemporary storytelling. I highly recommend this novel.
December 1, 2018
Uncovering family secrets keeps you reading
Told through two perspectives there is a story within the story as Anne discovers more about her family history in the US. At the beginning Anne is living a pretty unremarkable life when her life is changed forever by an incredible gift. As she learns more about her grandmother's journey and life Anne has to grapple with some uncomfortable truths about her family and those surrounding her.
Told through two perspectives there is a story within the story as Anne discovers more about her family history in the US. At the beginning Anne is living a pretty unremarkable life when her life is changed forever by an incredible gift. As she learns more about her grandmother's journey and life Anne has to grapple with some uncomfortable truths about her family and those surrounding her.
December 1, 2018
As a Chinese living in the U.S., I can very much relate to Anne's self-awareness and lack of confidence. I was so caught up with Anne's grandmother's journals and I caught myself kept flipping through pages, eager to find out more. The only reason I gave it four stars was that I wanted to see more of the evil Geraldine's family. I want to see more of Anne trying to battle against the greedy, undeserving bunch. I'm really looking forward to a sequel.
December 2, 2018
I’m not usually the one to say this, but this was a quick read. It is a definite page-turner; I needed to force myself to put it down between chapters in order to take snack and bathroom breaks!
It is perfect for a plane ride or whenever you want to escape into a captivating story about family, budding romance, and a little bit of mystery. This story offers a window into the world of growing up as an Asian-American in both the past and present.
It is perfect for a plane ride or whenever you want to escape into a captivating story about family, budding romance, and a little bit of mystery. This story offers a window into the world of growing up as an Asian-American in both the past and present.
December 4, 2018
This delightful story about the fairy tale-like sudden windfall that besets Anne is interspersed with journal entries of a different era, and woven together to tell the stories of three generations.
Complete with a bit of mystery and family scandal, this is a tale of forbidden love from a bygone era--and the choices that change lives. A great story, rich with vibrant descriptions that spring forth from the page!
Complete with a bit of mystery and family scandal, this is a tale of forbidden love from a bygone era--and the choices that change lives. A great story, rich with vibrant descriptions that spring forth from the page!
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December 1, 2018Nola Barr debuts her first novel about a Chinese American girl and the mystery of her past when she inherits an unimaginable fortune. The book is rich in detail about Chinese culture for newly arrived immigrants. This novel should be appropriate for the YA reader who will enjoy the fantasy and romance.
December 5, 2018
I started reading and didn't want to put it down. I was immediately pulled into the story and intrigued to see what will happen, which is often lacking for me with books.
The characters are nicely fleshed out and I can relate to the main character.
I'm most of the way through the book and so far have really enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others!
The characters are nicely fleshed out and I can relate to the main character.
I'm most of the way through the book and so far have really enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others!
June 24, 2021
Mystery, intrigue, and romance...
Everything I love in a novel!
What if you unexpectedly inherited a mind-boggling fortune? It may sound like a dream come true, but the staggering inheritance Anne Huang receives upends her life and comes with more questions about her family history than it answers. In the process of trying to find a way to fit comfortably into her new circumstances, Anne discovers her grandmother’s diaries. The journals provide many of the details of her grandmother’s life that Anne always wanted to know, but they also bring up more and more questions for her. At least Anne’s new situation also comes with an ally in the form of her benefactor’s intriguing and attractive lawyer.
Barr does a beautiful job weaving the threads of Anne’s and her grandmother’s stories together, perfectly balancing a past and present narrative that keeps you riveted to the last page. Can’t wait for more to come in this YA series.
Everything I love in a novel!
What if you unexpectedly inherited a mind-boggling fortune? It may sound like a dream come true, but the staggering inheritance Anne Huang receives upends her life and comes with more questions about her family history than it answers. In the process of trying to find a way to fit comfortably into her new circumstances, Anne discovers her grandmother’s diaries. The journals provide many of the details of her grandmother’s life that Anne always wanted to know, but they also bring up more and more questions for her. At least Anne’s new situation also comes with an ally in the form of her benefactor’s intriguing and attractive lawyer.
Barr does a beautiful job weaving the threads of Anne’s and her grandmother’s stories together, perfectly balancing a past and present narrative that keeps you riveted to the last page. Can’t wait for more to come in this YA series.
January 11, 2023
I received a copy of this book on Story Origin in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own & are given freely.
Anne Huang receives a letter that she's inherited something and needs to attend a will reading to find out what. I love how the author tells the story through journal entries. I have 40 journals and I can't imagine what it will be like when someone reads them when I'm long gone. Journals are very personal, and I loved how she conveyed Ah Po's thoughts.
I love Anne left her job to travel and become a travel blogger. That resonates with me on many levels. The trips she plans to take around Asia are on my to-do list. I'm a descendant of Chinese immigrants, too. I'm the fourth generation m country. Mind you, I'm mixed with different races and the only giveaway to my Chinese heritage is my last name. I love this book.
I would recommend it.
Anne Huang receives a letter that she's inherited something and needs to attend a will reading to find out what. I love how the author tells the story through journal entries. I have 40 journals and I can't imagine what it will be like when someone reads them when I'm long gone. Journals are very personal, and I loved how she conveyed Ah Po's thoughts.
I love Anne left her job to travel and become a travel blogger. That resonates with me on many levels. The trips she plans to take around Asia are on my to-do list. I'm a descendant of Chinese immigrants, too. I'm the fourth generation m country. Mind you, I'm mixed with different races and the only giveaway to my Chinese heritage is my last name. I love this book.
I would recommend it.
January 3, 2023
3,5 stars
Anne is a second-generation Taiwanese-American and a ‘travel-blogger’ who receives a substantial inheritance from an unknown benefactor. This novel veers between Anne’s daily experiences as she settles into her inheritance and her grandmother’s early life via journals she finds in a chest in her new home. The reason for her inheritance remains unclear until the ending of the book.
Although I consider this a satisfactory read, some of the incidents were a bit improbable and Anne’s reactions occasionally overly dramatic.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and this is my honest review
Anne is a second-generation Taiwanese-American and a ‘travel-blogger’ who receives a substantial inheritance from an unknown benefactor. This novel veers between Anne’s daily experiences as she settles into her inheritance and her grandmother’s early life via journals she finds in a chest in her new home. The reason for her inheritance remains unclear until the ending of the book.
Although I consider this a satisfactory read, some of the incidents were a bit improbable and Anne’s reactions occasionally overly dramatic.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and this is my honest review
June 20, 2021
This delightful story about the fairytale-like sudden windfall that besets Anne is interspersed with journal entries of a different era and woven together to tell the stories of three generations.
Complete with a bit of mystery and family scandal, this is a tale of forbidden love from a bygone era--and the choices that change lives. A great story, rich with vibrant descriptions that spring forth from the page!
Racial prejudice past and present is addressed in a thought-provoking and timely manner.
Complete with a bit of mystery and family scandal, this is a tale of forbidden love from a bygone era--and the choices that change lives. A great story, rich with vibrant descriptions that spring forth from the page!
Racial prejudice past and present is addressed in a thought-provoking and timely manner.
June 22, 2021
I like exploring different genres and perspectives in fiction. This book, Forbidden Blossom, explores issues of race and romance in a gently-paced storyline.
Anne, an American Born Chinese, suddenly finds herself the recipient of a large inheritance from someone she didn't know. Why did the wealthy stranger name her in his will? Finding out the answer leads Anne down a path to discovering her family's roots as immigrants to the USA.
I think anyone who enjoys a human story written in a calm style could enjoy this book, which apparently is the first in a series.
Anne, an American Born Chinese, suddenly finds herself the recipient of a large inheritance from someone she didn't know. Why did the wealthy stranger name her in his will? Finding out the answer leads Anne down a path to discovering her family's roots as immigrants to the USA.
I think anyone who enjoys a human story written in a calm style could enjoy this book, which apparently is the first in a series.
June 30, 2021
Great story and can't wait for book 2! Clean romance, women's fiction, heartwarming story. I loved the 1940s/modern dual narrative. I find these types of books page-turning and I love all the journal entries in this one.
October 24, 2021
This was a great story that I enjoyed reading. The characters were ok and the story chugged along. But it didn't feel like anything new. Nothing really to write home about. I wasn't bored but I wasn't excited either. It was just kind of ok.
July 30, 2022
I had read her fourth book first and thought it was amazing, so I had to go back to her first book to see how it all started. The characters are in depth and amazing. Talk about in intricate and intense plot; how would you react to inheriting a mansion and billions of dollars? I'm all in!!
September 1, 2022
Book one of a very good series!. Book one is full of twists and turns and lots of secrets. The characters are interesting, although the plot is quite unbelievable. This is fiction after all I enjoyed and and am looking forward to the second one!
July 12, 2021
Excellent book. Great characters. Very engaging story.
June 28, 2021
Indulge yourself! This lovely story is steeped in Taiwanese Culture, excellently told, with an intriguing plot and compelling characters. The author takes us on Anne's modern-day journey and the journey of her grandmother. The contrasts and similarities between the two were excellently handled and made the book more than just an easy read. I very much enjoyed it.
August 1, 2021
Immersive story
The story was riveting, once again. I loved reading the letters and the way they pulled the story along. So needed to get to the end!
The story was riveting, once again. I loved reading the letters and the way they pulled the story along. So needed to get to the end!
March 10, 2021
People can be so difficult...
Anne is a Chinese American who inherits a fortune, but she doesn't understand if has to do with her Grandmother and the 1940's. I don't do reviews but felt this one needed to be done. Great book, historical was accurate. Though I am not Asian my family has lived in Taiwan for 28 years and I have been there also. Nice to hear the Chinese side of coming to America. I couldn't put this book down.
Anne is a Chinese American who inherits a fortune, but she doesn't understand if has to do with her Grandmother and the 1940's. I don't do reviews but felt this one needed to be done. Great book, historical was accurate. Though I am not Asian my family has lived in Taiwan for 28 years and I have been there also. Nice to hear the Chinese side of coming to America. I couldn't put this book down.
December 17, 2018
I devoured this book in a weekend. The story moved along quickly and was compelling. I love using a very personal perspective to approach the Chinese experience, and what impact the not too distant past has on a current generation.
I look forward to reading more from Nola Li Barr!
I look forward to reading more from Nola Li Barr!
February 7, 2019
Such a fun story...very well done showing the perspectives of three generations of Chinese women in this country. Educational, romantic, and dramatic. Loved the journal entries. Couldn't put it down!
I hope Nola writes more.
I hope Nola writes more.
June 22, 2021
From the very beginning, I was drawn into Anne's world. Didn't want to put it down until I reached the end. Wonderfully intriguing and highly emotive, I viewed the world through the characters' eyes. I can't wait to read the next book in this captivating series!
January 23, 2019
I enjoyed the parallel stories about Anne and her grandmother. I'm not sure I'd classify this as a romance novel exactly, it's almost a YA coming of age story for both characters!
July 12, 2021
Excellent book. Very engaging story.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews