Collection
Publication
Don Mills, Ontario : Harlequin HQN, [2013]
Description
It is a time of celebration in the Pingkang li, where imperial scholars and bureaucrats mingle with beautiful courtesans. At the center is the Lotus Palace, home of the most exquisite courtesans in China... Maidservant Yue-ying is not one of those beauties. Street-smart and practical, she's content to live in the shadow of her infamous mistress-until she meets the aristocratic playboy Bai Huang. Bai Huang lives in a privileged world Yue-ying can barely imagine, let alone share, but as they are thrown together in an attempt to solve a deadly mystery, they both start to dream of a different life. Yet Bai Huang's position means that all she could ever be to him is his concubine- will she sacrifice her pride to follow her heart?
Language
User reviews
LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Vibrant and treacherous!
An earthquake! Could anything be less propitious in the pleasure area, The Pingkang li during the Tang Dynasty of 847 AD.
Well yes! A dead courtesan, Huilan, one of the Four Beauties of the Pingkang li, another body dragged from the river, a nobleman's son playing the fool,
Yue-Ying, who was sold as a child to a procurer and forced into prostitution sees her current role as a servant to the beautiful courtesan of The Lotus Palace, Mingyu , also one of the Four Beauties, as a position of safety and freedom. So different from her previous one! She is fully aware of how quickly she could sink back into the morass of that existence.
Yue-Ying's face is stained by a large birthmark that gives her no pretensions to beauty. However, the foolish Bai Huang, reputed to be a wastrel, sees in her quite poise something unusual, something that sets her apart.
The Lotus Palace and the Pingkang li are the backdrop to murder and treachery, to fear and revenge. It's also the setting for a love, like so many others in this quarter, seems doomed to failure.
As Lin says in her forward, 'The Pingkang li, with its dual persona of sensual decadence and refinement became the place for me to explore the many roles that women took on in society, to investigate a murder most foul and to find true love. '
Around every corner is a new surprise. A novel that hums with the life force of its characters and ancient colourful places, bringing to life to the China of old.
A most rewarding read. I had to force myself back to the now!
A NetGalley ARC
An earthquake! Could anything be less propitious in the pleasure area, The Pingkang li during the Tang Dynasty of 847 AD.
Well yes! A dead courtesan, Huilan, one of the Four Beauties of the Pingkang li, another body dragged from the river, a nobleman's son playing the fool,
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and a young servant probably too observant for her own good caught in the middle of happenings beyond her control. Add to that the suspicious new police constable Wu, and things become tense and uncertain. And so the tragedy begins!Yue-Ying, who was sold as a child to a procurer and forced into prostitution sees her current role as a servant to the beautiful courtesan of The Lotus Palace, Mingyu , also one of the Four Beauties, as a position of safety and freedom. So different from her previous one! She is fully aware of how quickly she could sink back into the morass of that existence.
Yue-Ying's face is stained by a large birthmark that gives her no pretensions to beauty. However, the foolish Bai Huang, reputed to be a wastrel, sees in her quite poise something unusual, something that sets her apart.
The Lotus Palace and the Pingkang li are the backdrop to murder and treachery, to fear and revenge. It's also the setting for a love, like so many others in this quarter, seems doomed to failure.
As Lin says in her forward, 'The Pingkang li, with its dual persona of sensual decadence and refinement became the place for me to explore the many roles that women took on in society, to investigate a murder most foul and to find true love. '
Around every corner is a new surprise. A novel that hums with the life force of its characters and ancient colourful places, bringing to life to the China of old.
A most rewarding read. I had to force myself back to the now!
A NetGalley ARC
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LibraryThing member zannerina
The Lotus Palace by Jeannie Lin is a sensual romance and a gripping mystery story, but is also a moving portrayal of the women and men who socialize in the bordellos of Tang dynasty China. The fascinating setting is the North Hamlet of the Chinese capital, Chang'an, a pleasure zone where the most
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admired courtesans entertained and influenced aristocrats, politicians, scholars, and merchants.Although The Lotus Palace is a historically accurate novel, it is essentially an emotionally moving romance. The heroine, Yue-ying is a maidservant to her sister, a famous courtesan. Yue-ying, once known as the “red faced whore,” has a facial port wine stain, and has survived life as a child prostitute in a low class brothel. The hero, Bai Huang is a wealthy young aristocrat, with a gambling addiction and an idealistic soul. The highborn, Lord Bai Huang, is handsome, charming, and appears to be courting the heroine’s sister. However Lord Bai is strongly drawn to the lowly young servant sister, who he realizes can see through his artificial buffoonery (“his flower prince persona”) and dares to reprimand him. They are not social equals, but Bai and Yue-ying become conspirators to solve the murderer of another famous courtesan. This joint and dangerous conspiracy (like a road trip) gives them the time and opportunity to really get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and their unlikely connection gradually blossoms into a profound love.
Lin’s writing was always fluid, and never overwhelmed by the historical setting or detail. The characters were complex, interesting, and very human in all their deeds and aspirations. As I read, I became increasingly drawn into the world of the North Hamlet, caring deeply for the romantic fate of the heroine and the hero, and also the other vivid characters that inhabit Lin’s historically fictional world. I highly recommend this book!
I received this book as a free Firstreads copy through goodreads.com.
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LibraryThing member MyBookAddiction
The Lotus Palace by Jeannie Lin is fantastic. It had just the right blend of intrigue, history, and romance. But it was the multidimensional characters and their arcs that really make it all come together. On top of all that was an intense, dark, poignant, and incisive social commentary. How
The story opens with Yue-ying, the servant of one of the most sought after courtesans in the Pingkang Li. Yue-ying might be a servant, but she is also so much more. As the story unfolds she is a sister, a lover, a sleuth, a defender, and few other roles as well. She is an amazing person and her backstory only adds to the person she is. As her arc progresses, it is easy to see what Bai Huang sees in her. She has a quiet courage, a quiet strength, and exudes a calmness that soothes those around her.
Bai Huang, on the other hand, appears to be all flash and bang, empty and shallow. But underneath that surface is a man who is so much more. His life lessons have been different from Yue-ying’s as they come from wildly different backgrounds. Yet they complement each other perfectly.
United in their search for a killer or killers and despite Yue-ying’s protests, they grow together into a single cohesive unit. This gradual coming together is done so well and so completely that it becomes almost impossible to separate the two. Each character arc becomes utterly entwined with the other as they challenge each other to become better people, to fight for what they have together and to find a way to make right the wrongs they uncover.
The supporting cast is outstanding, and several have their own character arcs as well. This adds tremendously to the overall depth of the story because it feels that much more real. It also highlights the importance of family and society. Mingyu, Yue-ying’s mistress, and Wei-Wei, Bai Huang’s sister, are wonderful in their own right. Each have their own strengths and journeys that fit into the overall storyline and themes.
This is not a lighthearted story. Not only is life difficult for both of them but the societal issues they face are grave indeed. When the social commentary really kicks in, it is done so without any preachiness, just a simple outlining of facts.
Time and place, culture and history, were also like characters adding to the overall ambiance of the story and giving it some of it conflicts as well as some of its resolutions. This was the complete package, a must-read, a keeper.
RATING: 5
Heat Rating: Mild
REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
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Jeannie Lin packs such a visceral punch into such a small space (category romance) I do not know, but pack it in she does.The story opens with Yue-ying, the servant of one of the most sought after courtesans in the Pingkang Li. Yue-ying might be a servant, but she is also so much more. As the story unfolds she is a sister, a lover, a sleuth, a defender, and few other roles as well. She is an amazing person and her backstory only adds to the person she is. As her arc progresses, it is easy to see what Bai Huang sees in her. She has a quiet courage, a quiet strength, and exudes a calmness that soothes those around her.
Bai Huang, on the other hand, appears to be all flash and bang, empty and shallow. But underneath that surface is a man who is so much more. His life lessons have been different from Yue-ying’s as they come from wildly different backgrounds. Yet they complement each other perfectly.
United in their search for a killer or killers and despite Yue-ying’s protests, they grow together into a single cohesive unit. This gradual coming together is done so well and so completely that it becomes almost impossible to separate the two. Each character arc becomes utterly entwined with the other as they challenge each other to become better people, to fight for what they have together and to find a way to make right the wrongs they uncover.
The supporting cast is outstanding, and several have their own character arcs as well. This adds tremendously to the overall depth of the story because it feels that much more real. It also highlights the importance of family and society. Mingyu, Yue-ying’s mistress, and Wei-Wei, Bai Huang’s sister, are wonderful in their own right. Each have their own strengths and journeys that fit into the overall storyline and themes.
This is not a lighthearted story. Not only is life difficult for both of them but the societal issues they face are grave indeed. When the social commentary really kicks in, it is done so without any preachiness, just a simple outlining of facts.
Time and place, culture and history, were also like characters adding to the overall ambiance of the story and giving it some of it conflicts as well as some of its resolutions. This was the complete package, a must-read, a keeper.
RATING: 5
Heat Rating: Mild
REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
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LibraryThing member Dream24
I received this book through Goodreads.
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Never judge a book by it's cover or publisher!
I admit when I first read the back cover, I thought OK a bit of mystery but lots of cheesy romantic moments. Not even a few chapters in and I completely changed my tune.
This story is very well written, where
I rather enjoy Yue-Ying and Huang's bantering and interaction through it all. What started out as an experiment turned into something much more. I have to hand it to Yue-Ying, she has a lot of potential, not only is she street wise, loyal but also fiercely protective. Huang is also an interesting character, we see glimpses of a genuine and serious gentleman beneath his playboy fa̤ade, it was interesting to read about his background that lead to the change in him within 3 years. Definitely some good character developments on both of them.
I like how Huang fought for what he wanted (with the help of Wei-Wei and Lady Bai), as oppose to giving up. Plus it's good to see conflicts between the family as to the future position of Yue-Ying. After all having a picture perfect Cinderella moment is a bit too clich̩.
Two things that kind of bothers me. One is the unravelling of Huilan's real killer was a bit anti-climatic... I just can't my thumb on what part of it bothers me. The other thing is about Taizhu, he basically got a pardon for killing the smuggler in self defense, but it seemed like it's due to his position, if it was Mingyu she definitely would have been sentenced to death .
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Never judge a book by it's cover or publisher!
I admit when I first read the back cover, I thought OK a bit of mystery but lots of cheesy romantic moments. Not even a few chapters in and I completely changed my tune.
This story is very well written, where
Show More
there is a genuine mystery to be solved, with bits of romance throughout. Efforts were clearly made to establish the mystery and to solve them, unlike other books where it's briefly mentioned and closed. I rather enjoy Yue-Ying and Huang's bantering and interaction through it all. What started out as an experiment turned into something much more. I have to hand it to Yue-Ying, she has a lot of potential, not only is she street wise, loyal but also fiercely protective. Huang is also an interesting character, we see glimpses of a genuine and serious gentleman beneath his playboy fa̤ade, it was interesting to read about his background that lead to the change in him within 3 years. Definitely some good character developments on both of them.
I like how Huang fought for what he wanted (with the help of Wei-Wei and Lady Bai), as oppose to giving up. Plus it's good to see conflicts between the family as to the future position of Yue-Ying. After all having a picture perfect Cinderella moment is a bit too clich̩.
Two things that kind of bothers me. One is the unravelling of Huilan's real killer was a bit anti-climatic... I just can't my thumb on what part of it bothers me. The other thing is about Taizhu,
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LibraryThing member bookworm2bookworm
This is another one of Jeannie Lin's well written and thoroughly researched stories that will bring a faraway time and land to all those that love and appreciate romance, mystery and history.
The blurb is sufficient in summarizing the story, but what it doesn't do is show you, in your mind's eye,
I'm afraid to start reading one of her books because I know I'll be lost to the world around me and everything I'm supposed to be doing.
You'll love the plot, the mystery, and the romance. Oh, and let me not forget the dialogue! I just loved the interaction between Yue-ying and Bai Huang!
I would highly recommend this book to all those that would like to read something different, something that's rich with prose and something that will enlighten the soul. The romance of this book is so...so...romantic, for the lack of a better word.
The only thing that I didn't like much, were the multiple plots. Now, some of you just might like that [it does offer a lot of action and movement to the story] so that may make you happy.
In any case, this is one book you should have no trouble liking whatsoever!
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The blurb is sufficient in summarizing the story, but what it doesn't do is show you, in your mind's eye,
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the beauty not just of the characters, but of the places and surroundings they inhabit. When I read one of Ms. Lin's books, I'm transported into a world of magic only she can show me. She makes me yearn to be there, to feel, touch and see everything that her characters are feeling.I'm afraid to start reading one of her books because I know I'll be lost to the world around me and everything I'm supposed to be doing.
You'll love the plot, the mystery, and the romance. Oh, and let me not forget the dialogue! I just loved the interaction between Yue-ying and Bai Huang!
I would highly recommend this book to all those that would like to read something different, something that's rich with prose and something that will enlighten the soul. The romance of this book is so...so...romantic, for the lack of a better word.
The only thing that I didn't like much, were the multiple plots. Now, some of you just might like that [it does offer a lot of action and movement to the story] so that may make you happy.
In any case, this is one book you should have no trouble liking whatsoever!
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member lydia1879
hell yah!!! jeannie lin is such a good author adsfsghdg
i read this in two days. it was so good. so compelling wowowow. the main protagonists were wonderful. i already want to read another one of hers. this was so much fun. murder!! mystery!! luxury!! detail!! thank u jeannie lin
i read this in two days. it was so good. so compelling wowowow. the main protagonists were wonderful. i already want to read another one of hers. this was so much fun. murder!! mystery!! luxury!! detail!! thank u jeannie lin
LibraryThing member samnreader
This hero was so sweet, and the interactions super lovely and satisfying.
But the external factors lined up against yue-ying & Bai Huang were... a lot. So why the mystery, essentially because it just pulled me out of their little cocoon every time.
3.5, rounded up. I should not have waited so long to
But the external factors lined up against yue-ying & Bai Huang were... a lot. So why the mystery, essentially because it just pulled me out of their little cocoon every time.
3.5, rounded up. I should not have waited so long to
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LibraryThing member lexilewords
Its important to note that while this is set during the Tang Dynasty, much like Lin's other novels, this could more appropriately be considered a Historical Mystery Romance. The intrigue surrounding the deaths and threats in the Pingkang li (North Hamlet, an infamous pleasure district) are as
Its because of these events that the two are able to spend time together at all. Bai Huang, who is more then the affable fool he portrays, ropes Yue-ying into being his accomplice in the investigation because of her keen observational skills. The groundwork for this story--why Bai Huang is at Mingyu's (Yue-ying's mistress) parlor so constantly, how Yue-ying becomes involved through no action of her own, how the stories intertwine around each other--can all be considered a string of coincidences. What if Bai Huang did not pay court to Mingyu--would he have ever gotten involved with the second murder? What if Yue-ying refused to speak to him at all instead of indulging her curiosity? I sometimes felt as if at any moment something could (and would) keep Bai Huang and Yue-ying apart.
There's also a decided lack of judgement in this book on Bai Huang's part. Oh others judge him for the act he puts on, but he doesn't judge Mingyu for her choices or Yue-ying for her past. He is sometimes critical of their choices within the framework of the investigation--he doesn't understand Yue-ying's loyalty to Mingyu (who only seems to treat her dismissively) or Mingyu's reluctance to act in her best interests, but he doesn't judge the lives they live.
Lin is also careful to craft a happy ending for Bai Huang and Yue-ying that isn't based on because romance demands it. Whether they ended up together or not was placed entirely on whether or not the two were strong enough to take that future in their hands. They needed to be able to acknowledge things wouldn't be easy and that a compromise would have to be met.
I recommend this book to not only historical romance fans (Lin captures the dark and light of what it meant to be a courtesan of the Pingkang li with a keen eye to detail, more on this later), but also fans of a good mystery. Huang an Yue-ying make for engaging amateur detectives, and the backdrop offers a landscape rife with red herrings and possibilities.
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important, if not more so, then the romance of Yue-ying and Bai Huang.Its because of these events that the two are able to spend time together at all. Bai Huang, who is more then the affable fool he portrays, ropes Yue-ying into being his accomplice in the investigation because of her keen observational skills. The groundwork for this story--why Bai Huang is at Mingyu's (Yue-ying's mistress) parlor so constantly, how Yue-ying becomes involved through no action of her own, how the stories intertwine around each other--can all be considered a string of coincidences. What if Bai Huang did not pay court to Mingyu--would he have ever gotten involved with the second murder? What if Yue-ying refused to speak to him at all instead of indulging her curiosity? I sometimes felt as if at any moment something could (and would) keep Bai Huang and Yue-ying apart.
There's also a decided lack of judgement in this book on Bai Huang's part. Oh others judge him for the act he puts on, but he doesn't judge Mingyu for her choices or Yue-ying for her past. He is sometimes critical of their choices within the framework of the investigation--he doesn't understand Yue-ying's loyalty to Mingyu (who only seems to treat her dismissively) or Mingyu's reluctance to act in her best interests, but he doesn't judge the lives they live.
Lin is also careful to craft a happy ending for Bai Huang and Yue-ying that isn't based on because romance demands it. Whether they ended up together or not was placed entirely on whether or not the two were strong enough to take that future in their hands. They needed to be able to acknowledge things wouldn't be easy and that a compromise would have to be met.
I recommend this book to not only historical romance fans (Lin captures the dark and light of what it meant to be a courtesan of the Pingkang li with a keen eye to detail, more on this later), but also fans of a good mystery. Huang an Yue-ying make for engaging amateur detectives, and the backdrop offers a landscape rife with red herrings and possibilities.
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