Historical fiction set in China written by someone who is actually Chinese? Sign me up. I didn't even read the blurb, I just went right in.

I was planning on starting with the sequel actually, not knowing they were connected, but luckily I somehow clicked on this first so here we are.

I also wasn't going to read the whole book in one go, but...well...I first said I'll do 30%, then 50%, then 70% and at that point I knew I had to finish it because I really wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters, if they'd all make it out okay, if they'd find happiness and God etc. They did, for the most part. But that's what book two is for!!

The time period is interesting to read about, but it's also difficult to get through some scenes. The author doesn't shy away from showing some of the worst things that occurred, based on stories from people who lived it.

It's different from a lot of Christian novels for that reason, I can see where the Francine Rivers comparison comes in. I wish more Christian fiction was like this, tackling difficult topics without shame. I wouldn't say it's that graphic either, but I also read pretty much everything, so for some readers it might be.

There's a lot of faith content, so if you're not a Christian this might bug you.

I really like the writing style, because the Chinese comes through. As in, it sounds like a lot of translated novels I've read, the way of speaking and such. And obviously the story was engaging from beginning to end.

I'll be jumping into Detour to Agape next, and then the rest of R. F. Whong's books, everyone wish me luck!!