Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing, January 7, 2025

Format: ebook

Pages: 383

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary (From Goodreads):

An empowering, uplifting tale of two women from opposite sides of society, and their extraordinary journey of sisterhood, betrayal, love and triumph.

1800s China. Tightly bound feet, or “golden lilies,” are the mark of an honorable woman, eclipsing beauty, a rich dowry and even bloodline in the marriage stakes. When Little Flower is sold as a maidservant—a muizai—to Linjing, a daughter of the prominent Fong family, she clings to the hope that one day her golden lilies will lead her out of slavery.

Not only does Little Flower have bound feet, uncommon for a muizai, but she is extraordinarily gifted at embroidery, a skill associated with the highest class of a lady. Resentful of her talents, Linjing does everything in her power to thwart Little Flower’s escape.

But when scandal strikes the Fongs, both women are cast out to the Celibate Sisterhood, where Little Flower’s artistic prowess catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens not only her improved status, but her life—the Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her?

My Review:

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for the copy of this book.
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Read if you like: dual perspectives, Chinese history
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The book follows Little Flower and Lingjing. Little Flower is sold into slavery by her mother and becomes Lingjing’s handmaiden, tying the two together for the rest of their lives; a bond that will have consequences.
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This book was amazing. The writing was beautiful and I loved Little Flower. She was so strong and just wanted to fight for her freedom, which was constantly thwarted by Lingjing, who was ruthless and selfish. But really, Linjing also just wanted to be loved and didn’t know how to voice her frustrations. My heart broke for these two women who lived in a society where they would always be second class citizens. I appreciated the story of their resiliency and highly recommend it!