Synopsis
Can an impossible love become possible?
Nagasaki, 1648
Temperance Marston longs to escape war-torn England and explore the exotic empire of Japan. When offered the chance to accompany her cousin and Captain Noordholt on a trading expedition to Nagasaki, she jumps at the opportunity. However, she soon finds the country’s strict laws for foreigners curtail her freedom.
On a dangerous and foolhardy venture she meets Kazuo, a ronin. Kazuo is fascinated by her blonde hair and blue eyes, but he has a mission to complete and he cannot be distracted. Long ago, his father was accused of a crime he didn’t commit – stealing a valuable ornament from the Shogun – and Kazuo must restore his family’s honour. But when Temperance is kidnapped and sold as a concubine, he has to make a decision – can he save her and keep the promise he made to his father?
This is the sequel to The Gilded Fan.
Christina Courtenay
Christina lives in Hereford and is married with two children. Although born in England she has a Swedish mother and was brought up in Sweden. In her teens, the family moved to Japan where she had the opportunity to travel extensively in the Far East.
Christina’s novels have won many awards, including the Big Red Reads Fiction Award for The Scarlet Kimono and Historical Romantic Novel of the Year awards for both Highland Storms and The Gilded Fan. The Silent Touch of Shadows won a Best Historical Read award and Christina’s debut novel, Trade Winds, was also short-listed for the Pure Passion Award for Best Historical Fiction.
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This book took me into the world of Temperance Marston. I loved how this book takes the reader into a different culture. I love books like this. I have read many books that take place in India but the main character knows a lot about of Japanese culture. This also made this book a great read. This book is one that will take you on a journey. One that you will enjoy. Plus I love the cover.
Reviewed by Catherine at Book Reviews and Wallpapers
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I love books that show an insight into other cultures, especially historical ones. I’m also fascinated by Japan and China, so I was really pleased to receive this for review.
…Its a hard journey and a fascinating read, and a story I really enjoyed. Its got the perfect ending too, wraps things up with a feeling of satisfaction for me.
Stars:Five, a fabulous, engrossing read and I’ll look out for more from Christina.
Reviewed by Jeannie Book Reviews
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17th Century Japan is not a place and time I am very familiar with but after reading The Jade Lioness, I feel I know more about the culture and lifestyles of that era. Christina Courtenay brings to life the sights, sounds and smells of Japan. Temperance and Kazuo are both likeable, very believable characters and their growing attraction to each other is obvious.
Reviewed by Portbello Book Blog
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…If you enjoy stepping back in time to a totally unique time in history. If you love an opposites truly attract love story. If you can root for the underdog couple to find their happy ending. Then this is a novel you would enjoy.
Mystery, danger, rescues, love that will fight against cultures to survive. – yeah, this is one that I’d recommend to anyone who is willing to take chances in their reading, who loves experiencing the unexpected. This one is worth the time.
Reviewed by Marsha at Keeper Bookshelf
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…The fist thing I have to say about this book, is how much I enjoyed the way the author describes this world. She kept impressing me with her knowledge of the Japanese culture, and era, it was amazing. It took me some time to get into the story, but once I did, I could not stop reading. I was expecting the complete opposite for Temperance and Kazuo at the end of this book, but I’m glad that it ended just like that, maybe it’s what makes me love it so much.
Reviewed by World of Book Thoughts
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….When I realised that ‘The Jade Lioness’ was another book in the ‘Kumashiro Saga’ I squealed with anticipation. This series by Christina Courtenay is what made me discover my love for Japan!
…Along with some brilliantly crafted secondary characters, and the storyline of the mystery of the Jade Lioness, Christina Courtenay has delivered a fantastic addition to the ‘Kumashiro Saga’ which is definitely not to be missed.
GORGEOUS! 5 Stars!
Reviewed by Sorcha at Old Victorian Quill
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