Saturday, November 20, 2010

Book Recommendation-All the Tea in China


By Lisa Karon Richardson

Tucked away in Oxford, England, Isabella Goodrich has led a sheltered life. An orphan, she lives with her kindly uncle, an Oxford don. Her life is quiet and comfortable, with all the sharp edges padded, except one. She’s allowed to study sword fighting for exercise.

And then an enigmatic stranger, Phineas Snowe, pays her uncle a call. He is a missionary to China, and try as she might Isabella can’t seem to impress him. And yet his tales of that far off land and the need for more laborers spark a fire within her. The sudden exposure to the world beyond her cozy social circle jars her. And she decides to join the missionary endeavor.

There’s only one problem. The offer of her services is rebuffed. Phineas is certain she is simply carried away by romanticism. He wants nothing to do with a naïve young miss who’s never had to do a lick of work in her life.

Impetuous Isabella can’t believe he really meant to tell her no. Nobody has ever told her no. She takes her maid with her down to the quay, determined that if she can to persuade him to let her join the expedition. Only the ship is weighing anchor. Isabella slips away from her escort and stows away on the ship.

What happens is a rousing tale of adventure and faith. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and particularly liked that the story shifted from England, to life aboard ship, to China. I love an exotic setting when it’s done well. The details of Chinese life and culture were fascinating. I felt utterly transported.

This Regency offering from Jane Orcutt was just what I have been looking for. A Regency that isn’t totally consumed with balls and the haute ton. This novel truly deserved its billing as a Rollicking Regency. I thoroughly applaud it and its author. Sadly, Jane has passed away and there are no more stories coming to make this a series. But other stories in this style are coming soon. Just keep an eye out for Laurie Alice Eakes’s Lady in the Mist, coming in January. I can’t wait to get my grubby paws on this one. And after that she has several other stories coming from Revell with all the dash and intrigue of the Scarlet Pimpernel.

11 comments:

  1. I didn't know about Jane Orcutt when I read the book years ago. Found out when I went looking for her other releases and I was so saddened. This one is on my keeper shelf.

    Thanks Lisa!

    Have a great weekend everyone!

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  2. I haven't been aware of Jane's books, but I'll keep an eye out.

    And I'm certainly looking forward to Laurie Alice's books, too.

    Thanks Lisa.

    Anita Mae.

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  3. Yayy! I'm so glad you did this one. This is definitely a cover and title that caught me the very first time I caught a glimpse, and I've been interested in reading it ever since. Now that I've heard more about it, everything you said just made me more interested.

    So sad about the author, though.

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  4. Anita Mae, I should have said, I went looking for other releases but found none. What a disappointment!

    From her writing, and what I learned about Jane afterwards, I would have loved to have gotten to know her a bit. It's such a blessing to have this social network of Christian Writers. I don't think I would have hung on this long if I was doing this without the support. Love it or hate it, God bless the Internet!

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  5. I agree with Dina: Fabulous cover!

    Thanks for the review, Lisa. I want to read this book.

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  6. This looks really good. I know my daughter Elsa the historical romance girl will love this.

    Sad for us that Jane is gone to be with the Lord. Imagine the adventures she's having with Jesus.

    My prayers go out to her family. She sounds so amazing.

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  7. I agree about both the cover and title. Both are so appealing and attractive. I think the cover may have even won some awards.

    Hugs to all

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  8. Jane ws my menotr and my friend. I read All the Tea in China before it was published and feel so blessed for the little while that Jane was in my life. I still miss her and her fabulous talent.

    So does her editor. For me, to be able to write for the same publisher is kind of an overwhelming blessing.
    Thankk you for the shout-out. As I told jane's editor, I will endeavor to, but probably not succeed, in filling her shoes in the genre.

    She did write some westerns, too. Prairie, really.

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  9. Hey Laurie Alice. I agree you won't be another Jane, but you'll be a fabulous Laurie Alice! You are a great author. Can't wait to get Lady in the Mist!

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  10. Thanks for showcasing this wonderful book, Lisa. And I can't wait to get my hands on Laurie's new stuff, either!

    What a tribute to Jane, Lisa.

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  11. I've been eyeballing this cover for ages! Love it. Now I'll HAVE to get it!

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