The secret mandarin
By: Sara Sheridan
Publisher: Avon
Published: 2009
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 375
ISBN-13: 9781847562234
Subjects: Social life and customs; Manners and customs; Fiction; Opium War (China : 1840-1842) fast (OCoLC)fst01353914; History
Description: A disgraced woman. A faraway land. A forbidden love! An unforgettable tale set in Victorian London and 1840s China from a shining, young historical talent. Desperate to shield her from scandal, Mary's brother-in-law, the ambitious botanist Robert Fortune, forces her to accompany him on a mission to China to steal tea plants for the East India Company. But Robert conceals his secret motives - to spy for the British forces, newly victorious in the recent Opium War. His task is both difficult and dangerous - the British are still regarded as enemies by the Chinese and exporting tea bushes carries the death sentence. In these harsh conditions Mary grieves for her London life and the baby she has been forced to leave behind, while her fury at Robert intensifies. As their quest becomes increasingly treacherous, Robert and Mary disguise themselves as a mandarin and man-servant. Thousands of miles from everything familiar, Mary revels in her new freedom and the Chinese way of life - and when danger strikes, finds unexpected reserves of courage. The Secret Mandarin is an unforgettable story of love, fortitude and recklessness - of a strong woman determined to make it in a man's world and a man who will stop at nothing to fulfil his desires.

'A truly sumptuous, action-packed Oriental adventure that might just be our favourite historical romance of the year.' Daily Record 'An enchanting story that draws you in! perfect for whiling away the hours on a rainy day.' Closer.
Notes: Sara Sheridan was born in Edinburgh and studied English Literature at Trinity College Dublin. Fascinated by different media she has written a wide range of stories including contemporary novels, short films, teen and children's books as well as historical fiction. In 2000 her first novel, Truth or Dare won a place in the 100 Best Scottish Books, as part of the Scottish Library Award. She was also included in Company magazine's Top Ten Young Writers Under Thirty and was nominated for a Saltire Award in 2003. Sara has one daughter and lives in Edinburgh.