Review: The Gilded Fan by Christina Courtenay

• Publisher: Choc Lit (7 Feb 2013)
• ISBN-13: 978-1781890080
• Also available for Kindle

The blurb

How do you start a new life, leaving behind all you love?

It's 1641, and when Midori Kumashiro, the orphaned daughter of a warlord, is told she has to leave Japan or die, she has no choice but to flee to England. Midori is trained in the arts of war, but is that enough to help her survive a journey, with a lecherous crew and an attractive captain she doesn't trust?

Having come to Nagasaki to trade, the last thing Captain Nico Noordholt wants is a female passenger, especially a beautiful one. How can he protect her from his crew when he can't keep his own eyes off her?

During their journey, Nico and Midori form a tentative bond, but they both have secrets that can change everything. When they arrive in England, a civil war is brewing, and only by standing together can they hope to survive

Midori, daughter of a warlord in 17C Japan has always been different from her peers.  She lost her English mother and now fears for her life if she decides to stay with her family in Japan.  The Shogan wants to dispose  of all Christians in the land.  Although Midori follows her father's religious beliefs she would not be spared because of her mixed parentage.

Her half-brother finds her passage on a trade ship bound for Amsterdam,  another perilous situation for a lone woman at that time, but Midori and her brother feel it is her only hope of survival.  She sets sail under the protection of Captain Nico, in her quest to return to her mother's family in Plymouth, Devon.

She survives the dangerous journey with Captain Nico and his crew and the two form a strong bond.  Once docked in Amsterdam, Nico decides it is his duty to see this young woman to her final destination in England even when he discovers who she is and where she is headed.

The adventure for Midori does not end there.  Once safely united with her mother's family, it becomes apparent that there is unrest in England and Civil War is about to break out.  Nico and Midori have a misunderstanding and Nico joins the war effort. 

Another fabulous historical adventure with  lots of passion and romance from one of my favourite historical romance authors, Christina Courtenay.  This author always weaves such a rich adventure that is full of passion. The author's love of Japan comes across in the vivid description of the country and it's history.  I always want to sit down with one of these novels and devour in one sitting, but by the same token want it to last for days. 

I felt that having read The Scarlet Kimono this enriched the continuing story for me, but this can be read alone as there is full explanation of who Midori is and her relationship to the Marston's family.

10 out of 10 for me! A Top read for 2013!

Thank you to ChocLit for a review copy.  This did not influence my review in any way.