This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite
Spa Girl by Virginia Gray is a women’s fiction novel based on the true story of a young Chinese woman, Mei Zi. Growing up, Mei’s family constantly struggled, even though they worked very hard to survive. As she grows older and with not many educational qualifications, Mei ends up as a trainee hairdresser, leading to an eventual advancement as a facialist and esthetician. However, when a mysterious businessman lures her to Shanghai, the world as Mei knew it opens up into something much more dazzling and dangerous. Still, she never gives up on her dreams, despite everything thrown in front of her, and clings to her dreams of one day finding love, happiness, and prosperity, wherever the wind takes her.
Spa Girl by Virginia Gray was a very fascinating novel. I was expecting something entirely different when I picked it up; however, I was soon enraptured by Mei’s story. She strived to better herself at every turn, even when she was kicked down or mistreated. It was also a very interesting look at China in the late 1990s, early 2000s, including the advent of the internet and how it impacted Mei’s life. I admired her bravery and perseverance. Ms. Gray wove an excellent story, and I wasn’t particularly surprised to find it was based on an actual person, as the emotions evoked were very real. There were times when I did wonder if Mei would actually accomplish her dreams, even with all the roadblocks. This is certainly well worth the read for anyone interested in women’s fiction or literary fiction.
