Sunday, January 3, 2016

"Power of the Matchmaker" by Karey White

NEW RELEASE and REVIEW
Power of the Matchmaker
(Prequel Novella)
by Karey White, Rachael Anderson, Kelly Oram, Heather B. Moore, Julie Wright, Heidi Ashworth, Taylor Dean, Michele Paige Holmes, Janette Rallison, Regina Sirois, Sheralyn Pratt, Jaima Fixsen


Power of the Matchmaker is a prequel novella to the series of the same name. The series will feature twelve standalone novels by twelve bestselling authors, which will be released once a month throughout 2016.


This review opportunity is brought to you by Ebooks for Review.


Description
A prequel novella to the Power of the Matchmaker series.
Mystical ... Beautiful ... Romantic ...
Read the matchmaker’s story to find out where it all starts ...
Mae Li has been in love with Chen Zhu for years, and he with her. But when the matchmaker arrives at the Zhu family home, she recommends another village girl for Chen.
Heartbroken, Mae Li watches as Chen does his duty by marrying another. Mae flees her village with the clothes on her back and her only possession - a pearl embedded comb, given to her as a goodbye gift from Chen Zhu.
Upon Mae’s arrival in Shanghai, she quickly learns that she’ll starve within days unless she sells her prized comb or joins a courtesan house. She goes to the Huangpu River and promises the River God that she’ll always be selfless if he will save her from becoming a prostitute ... Her wish is granted when Ms. Tan, the matchmaker of Shanghai, finds Mae. But Mae must completely change her future and her name if she is to become the next matchmaker.

Praise for the Book
"This novella is a must read before you begin reading the first of the 12 books that will be coming out in 2016 about the Power of the Matchmaker. Personally, I can't wait to read each and every one." ~ S Staley
"I loved it! It is sweet and short and kind of predictable, but also warm, full, and strengthening." ~ Happy Valley Book Reviews
"I loved this prequel. [...] I can’t wait to see what the authors who are contributing to this series write about this! I highly recommend this novella if you like love stories." ~ Christy M.
"This prequel left me wanting more. A lot more. I'm really looking forward to reading the first official book in this series. Ahh, I wish I could read them all now! :)" ~ Aimee Brown
"Beautiful story. Wonderfully written, a perfect introduced to who Mae is. [...] I'm excited for the rest of the books in the Matchmaker series for Mae's quest for good matches." ~ M. Holt

My Review


By Lynda Dickson
When Mae Li turns eighteen, Song Ren the matchmaker decides her fate. Mae Li and Chen Zhu have been in love for a year, but the matchmaker pairs them both with other people. While Chen accepts the matchmaker's decision as final, Mae decides to run away to Shanghai rather than marry. She takes with her Chen's parting gift of a pearl hair comb. Struggling to find employment, Mae is near death and prays for a miracle. Her prayers are answered when she is rescued by Mrs Tan, the matchmaker of Shanghai. Mrs Tan wants Mae to be her apprentice and take over from her when she dies. At first reluctant, Mae changes her mind when she sees Mrs Tan's approach to matchmaking. Under her tutelage, Mae - now known as Pearl -  learns the true power of the matchmaker.
Set in a time when the matchmaker's decision cannot be challenged, this story is full of rich details of Chinese traditions and beliefs. A bittersweet tale of love and loss, this is an intriguing start to a new series.

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