“The Paper Daughters of Chinatown” by Heather B. Moore

“The Paper Daughters of Chinatown” by Heather B. Moore

This story was unlike any book I’ve read before or choose to read; but I have read all this author’s books so I gave this one a try. I read the beginning of the book which included why the author wrote this book, her references, and the history behind this story. Which was very interesting! I recommend you read it before jumping into the actual story.

I would recommend this book for more mature audiences based on the content, but it was not graphic at all. It made me sad, but more aware of the issues they had back in the late 19th century with human slavery, drug addictions, and illegal smuggling into the US. This story took place in California specifically.

I was amazed again and again of Donaldina’s bravery, faith, determination and love for the Chinese woman finding themselves tricked into slavery. Although this was a heart wrenching story, it was full of bravery and hope; which kept me up very late reading for two nights so I could finish. I recommend reading this historical fiction book based on actual events-which I’m sure will be eye opening to you like it was for me.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
A powerful story based on true events surrounding Donaldina Cameron and other brave women who fought to help Chinese-American women escape discrimination and slavery in the late 19th century in California.

When Donaldina Cameron arrives at the Occidental Mission Home for Girls in 1895, she intends to teach sewing skills to young Chinese women immigrants, but, within days, she discovers that the job is much more complicated than perfect stitches and even hems. San Francisco has a dark side, one where a powerful underground organization–the criminal tong–brings Chinese young women to America to sell them as slaves. With the help of Chinese interpreters and the Chinatown police squad, Donaldina becomes a tireless social reformer to stop the abominable slave and prostitution trade.

Mei Lien believes she is sailing to the “Gold Mountain” in America to become the wife of a rich Chinese man. Instead she finds herself sold into prostitution–beaten, starved, and forced into an opium addiction. It is only after a narrow escape that she hears of the mission home and dares to think there might be hope for a new life.

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown throws new light on the age-old scourge of human trafficking. The heroes who fought this evil and the victims who triumphed over it more than a hundred years ago offer a bright example of courage and determination for anyone wishing for a better world.

About the Author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women’s fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.