[James_Wilde]

I listened to Radius' criticism of the blurb, and re-wrote it. For those who read the last entry first, I'm also posting it again at the end of the thread.

Far from home, unable to speak the language, living in a cold climate, sharing accommodation with strangers: these are some of the obstacles faced by Li Ya, when a distant cousin invites her to travel abroad to work for three months in his family restaurant. And pessimistic neighbours are quick to point out risks.

Li Ya comes from a poor family in rural GuangXi in southern China. She, and not her autistic brother, will be responsible for her parents when they grow old. She has both economic and personal factors, not least her independence of spirit, against her in the search for a husband. But the proposed journey promises a very substantial sum of money - a much-needed dowry. It seems too good to be true.

But why only three months? If it really is as good as it sounds, Li Ya would like to stay longer, a year, maybe two. When she inquires about this, she is presented with several alternatives, none of them palatable.

And who is this nerd, Lennart Persson, comfortable only in his job, his apartment and the family of his brother, Robert? And who is Nancy, born in China, living half her life in New Zeeland? How are their lives interwoven with Li Ya's? And can they do anything about her plight?

Now available at Smashwords for $0.99 until at least the end of January, coming soon (today, maybe?) at the same price from B&N, Sony, Kobo, Amazon, Apple and Diesel. Available in paperback from Amazon real soon now (if the second proof copy ever gets here!)