- Hardcover: 301 pages
- Publisher: Crown Pub (May 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0517703254
- ISBN-13: 978-0517703250
- Product Dimensions: 21.2 x 13.6 x 2.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Kirkus
`The author creates believable conversations between intelligent people, a rarity in romance fiction. A humdinger of a book'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Judith Michael's trademark storytelling verve combined with fascinating settings and characters who live on the page have won this husband-and-wife team an audience of millions. Their tenth novel, A Certain Smile, is a bittersweet story of a perfect but impossible love, set against the teeming, complex energy and hidden dangers of contemporary China.
Miranda Graham, a clothing designer and the widowed mother of two teenagers, travels to China to work with the factories that will produce her designs. Sheltered, uncertain of herself, Miranda has always stayed close to her parents and her home. At first overwhelmed by the chaotic foreignness of China, she soon discovers what she never expected or would have believed possible: a passionate, all-consuming love. Yuan Li, son of a Chinese mother and an American soldier, had his family turned upside down by the Cultural Revolution. Now, in the new China, he owns a large and successful construction company. What begins as a friendship based on curiosity and attraction soon blooms into a love affair passionate enough to topple the cultural wall that divides them. They spend every available moment together, until the realities of China--an intrusive government, corrupt businessmen, and Li's wildly ambitious son--test their love in the complex crucible of politics, nationality, and family loyalties.
Judith Michael has written an expansive, unforgettable story that explores two hearts shrouded by their own history suddenly blossoming. And they show us how true love can change a person forever, opening the way to passion, fulfillment, hope--and a certain smile.
Miranda Graham, a clothing designer and the widowed mother of two teenagers, travels to China to work with the factories that will produce her designs. Sheltered, uncertain of herself, Miranda has always stayed close to her parents and her home. At first overwhelmed by the chaotic foreignness of China, she soon discovers what she never expected or would have believed possible: a passionate, all-consuming love. Yuan Li, son of a Chinese mother and an American soldier, had his family turned upside down by the Cultural Revolution. Now, in the new China, he owns a large and successful construction company. What begins as a friendship based on curiosity and attraction soon blooms into a love affair passionate enough to topple the cultural wall that divides them. They spend every available moment together, until the realities of China--an intrusive government, corrupt businessmen, and Li's wildly ambitious son--test their love in the complex crucible of politics, nationality, and family loyalties.
Judith Michael has written an expansive, unforgettable story that explores two hearts shrouded by their own history suddenly blossoming. And they show us how true love can change a person forever, opening the way to passion, fulfillment, hope--and a certain smile.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Hardcover
This is a well researched and written book by the authors, who have managed to capture the feelings and passion of an American woman falling in love with a Chinese man in Beijing, while she is on a business trip. I loved the story line woven in and around their relationship that describes the struggle of a new China trying to come to terms with and deal with their past. The intensity of their feelings for each other really comes across the pages and grips you to the bitter sweet end.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
24 reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Below Par
16 Dec 1999
Format:Hardcover
My favorite collection of books consist of Judith Michael, Katherine Stone, and Mary Higgins Clark. However, this book, "Certain Smile" would certainly not be one of those favorites. I usually re-read my favorite books no less than once a year, I struggled through this book the first time, let alone a second time. I believe the plot to be a little far fetched, without any plausibility. Who would do all these things with a stranger in a foreign country that the lead character does? Most of the books by Judith Michael are page turners for me, but this one is a putter-downer. I expect more from this writing team than this book, especially when we are all anxiously awaiting and anticipating each one. The ending was VERY disappointing. While not all books can have happy perfect endings (but why not?), this one really needed it to make up for the storyline. I'll of course buy the next Judith Michael book, but now, my expectations are lower, and perhaps, I'll read it at my library before making the purchase.
CMG
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
This review is for the abridged audiobook, which I adored!
15 Aug 2005
Format:Mass Market Paperback
When I first noticed that this audiobook "fit" on just 2 cassettes and the entire story was told in 3 hours, I figured that it must have been heavily abridged. I didn't mind at all b/c this wasn't a book I was likely to read in its entirety, so I was glad for the opportunity to experience a shortened version of it on audio. However, the reader speaks at a much quicker pace than any other audiobook I've ever listened to, so this might have extended onto another tape had it been read by someone else - a positive thing because although I had to be extra attentive so I wouldn't miss anything, it was nice to lightly breeze right through the story in very little time.
It should be noted that the back cover mentions realities of China which test their love. None of these were developed in the plot on audio, in fact, Li's son was never introduced, so I suspect this abrigded version did cut a lot out and isn't as involved as the book. However, the cultural differences and family bonds that tested their love, and the inability to give up their homes and what was familiar to them to permenantly live in the other's world, was certainly satisfying enough for me. I honestly didn't miss what wasn't included.
I found the cultural immersion to be fascinating! I admired Miranda's character immensely and I especially appreciated how her confidence in herself, and the manner in which she projected herself, blossomed under Li's influence in her life. It's amazing how being in love has a trickle down effect into other areas of daily life! Although it was a bit odd the way Li initially approached Miranda in the airport, I also found him to be very likable (I might have fallen for him myself! lol) Their love seemed so strong, like soulmates who were meant to be together, and their relationship had such potential. As a sucker for happy endings, I would have liked to see them work out a way to stay together forever, so the end was quite disappointing and sad to me even though it was presented in a tragically beautiful way.
It should be noted that the back cover mentions realities of China which test their love. None of these were developed in the plot on audio, in fact, Li's son was never introduced, so I suspect this abrigded version did cut a lot out and isn't as involved as the book. However, the cultural differences and family bonds that tested their love, and the inability to give up their homes and what was familiar to them to permenantly live in the other's world, was certainly satisfying enough for me. I honestly didn't miss what wasn't included.
I found the cultural immersion to be fascinating! I admired Miranda's character immensely and I especially appreciated how her confidence in herself, and the manner in which she projected herself, blossomed under Li's influence in her life. It's amazing how being in love has a trickle down effect into other areas of daily life! Although it was a bit odd the way Li initially approached Miranda in the airport, I also found him to be very likable (I might have fallen for him myself! lol) Their love seemed so strong, like soulmates who were meant to be together, and their relationship had such potential. As a sucker for happy endings, I would have liked to see them work out a way to stay together forever, so the end was quite disappointing and sad to me even though it was presented in a tragically beautiful way.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Not one of their best works.
26 April 2000
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Bestselling husband and wife author-team Judith Michael has situated this familiar midlife, "coming of age" tale in a truly unique location. Colorful descriptions of Chinese culture and atmosphere will certainly infect some readers with the travel bug. But, while Miranda's character is well-developed and likable, Li's borders on stereotypical, and at times the threats to their relationship seem artificial. The ending also seems somewhat weak and wishy-washy for such a promising storyline. Not to give away the ending, but after 10 days of knowing each other, Miranda and Li struggle with the implausible -- one page has her staying in China (what about her kids in the US?) and the next page has him leaving China and moving to the US. Make up your minds! Unfortunately this is not one of the authors' best works, but it is entertaining if you are interested in Chinese culture and people.
-Sharon Galligar Chance
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