The Concubine's Secret: 'Wonderful . . . hugely ambitious and atmospheric' Kate Mosse

Kate Furnivall

Sep 2009 · Hachette UK

About this ebook

*** THE Sunday Times TOP TEN BESTSELLING AUTHOR ***

'Wonderful . . . hugely ambitious and atmospheric' Kate Mosse

Discover a brilliant story of love, danger, courage and betrayal, from the internationally bestselling author of The Betrayal.
*****

China, 1929.
For years Lydia Ivanova believed her father was killed by the Bolsheviks. But when she learns he is captive in Stalin-controlled Russia, the fiery-haired girl is willing to leave everything behind - even her Chinese lover, Chang An Lo.

Journeying with her half-brother Alexei, Lydia begins a dangerous search. Tension grows between the two, for while Alexei is searching for his past, Lydia is looking for her future. But when Alexei disappears, Lydia is left almost penniless in Soviet Russia - and doubting the choices she has made. Surrounded by dangers, she searches for information and soon finds herself entangled with a Russian officer.

But Chang An Lo has not forgotten Lydia. He knows things about her father that she does not. And while he races to protect her, she is prepared to risk treacherous consequences to discover the truth . . .

The Russian Concubine and The Jewel of St Petersburg are available to buy NOW in paperback and ebook.

Further praise for Kate Furnivall:
'Superb storytelling' Dinah Jefferies
'A thrilling plot ... Fast-paced with a sinister edge' Times
'A thrilling, compelling read. Wonderful!' Lesley Pearse
'Gripping . . . poignant, beautifully written ...will capture the reader to the last' Sun
'Truly captivating' Elle
'Perfect escapist reading' Marie Claire
'An achingly beautiful epic' New Woman
'A rollicking good read' Daily Telegraph

Ratings and reviews

Brilliant book with a fast pace, great characters and colourful descriptive writing. It is not maybe as intriguing as it's prequel 'The Russian Concubine' but it still oozes charm and atmosphere. I feel there is much more to be developed in the story between Lydia and Chang, Liev and Elena and Eric and Misty. Lydia's journey with Biao, Chang's return to Lydia's side and how communism starts to take root in China. I feel that two of the most colourful characters were lost to the Russian Concubine (notely Valentina and Theo) and not replaced. It's a great, easy read that drags you deep into the hardships and reality of a changing nation and world. With the inspirational belief of communism spreading in China and the cold, cruel reality of it functioning in Russia under a ruthless and imoral leader.

About the author

Kate Furnivall didn't set out to be a writer. It sort of grabbed her by the throat when she discovered the story of her grandmother - a White Russian refugee who fled from the Bolsheviks down into China. That extraordinary tale inspired her first book, The Russian Concubine. From then on, she was hooked.

Kate is the author of eight novels, including The Russian Concubine, The White Pearl and The Italian Wife. Her books have been translated into more than twenty languages and have been on the New York Times Bestseller list.