Jade

Rating:
Summary: A well-written book, and a Gamble worth your time!
Review: I had this book in my midst for quite some time before deciding to pick it up. What a great read! Now I realize that the decision not to have read it sooner almost cost me the opportunity to share with my reading public just what could have been missed. It is my opinion that writers should be able to write across the board every now and then to recreate other centers of reference for diversity. Marcia King-Gamble did this as she crafts a novel much different than what she is known for. She too, as I further opine, is an underrated writer whom should be placed among those who are considered leaders in their genres. As such, she's already there in my book if I have to judge it based on her latest offering. I speak of Jade, a wistful story of an ambitious fashion designer who's on a quest to find her non-custodial father. This, amid a scarred and war-torn Vietnam whose remembrance of the war is never out of reach. Making things apropos for the setting and enhancing the subplots that are interwoven therein, is a good storyline laced with intrigue. Points leading up to the protagonist (Jade) finding out how and why she's an adoptee adds to this tale, and colors the landscape for a clearer picture why her foster parents felt a need to lie about why adoption was necessary in the first place.

The story is fast-paced, full of drama, and written sensuously in ways in which you didn't want to lose track of the heroine's every move to track her father. The scenes are vivid with a lot of apparent research needed to give authenticity to write about geographical references, and giving facts about the war to augment a story written to support dramatic reasoning. Even the sexual interludes were tasteful! Other than our main character, we have Cameron, who turns out to be on a quest of his own. What does his agenda have to do with Jade? Is he supportive, or a detriment? His journey proves to be interesting and no less mysterious, and finds himself becoming more embroiled into Jade's bewitching web. Their separate journeys give this story the sensitivity that flavors poignancy. Always when searching the past for answers that will have bearing on the future, truths are uncovered that are reckoned with for psychological acceptance. Outside of finding those answers, and dealing with the aforementioned, Jade has to make decisions for the circle to remain unbroken with being able to cope with issues that the author wanted to illustrate.

Marcia King-Gamble wrote a book close to her heart, and on a subject that is not readily portrayed in a dramatic sense for an amused interpretive analysis. Especially so with how she brings to fore subjects that have always been on the periphery of collective thought. To wit: She discusses the POW issue; children being left behind by GI's fathering them from liaisons between the vulnerable 'taxi girls' associated with the American military compounds; and, also delves into the sensitivity of foster parentage dealing with adoption and the drama that can unfold if it isn't handled with care.

I loved this book and rated it five stars. The author took a much-maligned topic, wrote a narrative that entertained, and gave her reading audience reason to want to read the next thing that will further cement her status where it belongs. Historic fiction is always good when you feel that he next best thing aside form being there, is wishing that the novel was longer!

Rating:
Summary: Definitely not the same old same old
Review: I have not read the book so I do not know what it will be about, but from the cover of the book it seems like it will be good.

Rating:
Summary: Secrets of the Past Lead to Bonds of the Future
Review: In Marcia King-Gamble's latest novel, she takes readers back to the painful and turbulent times of the Vietnam War where one person looks to find answers of self-discovery and hopes of forging a connection to an unknown bond.

Jade Smith knew all her life that she was adopted but makes a startling revelation that she is not only African-American but of Vietnamese descent. Misled by her adoptive parents, a hurt and distraught Jade forges ahead to the war-seared town of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the place of her birth. Unexpectedly while traveling, Jade meets Cameron Mackenzie, a handsome photojournalist who travels to the city to confront events of his past as well. The reader gets the sense of future sparks to come, as the chemistry between this pair appears undeniable. A chance meeting leads to a joint mission and once the truths are revealed, neither one of their lives will be the same.

Through King-Gamble's writing, the reader is transformed by the vivid descriptions of Vietnam. The uniqueness of the storyline in combination with an intriguing love story adds strength to this narrative. Despite the story's strength, there were several subplots that weakened instead of enhancing the already exceptional storyline. I truly feel that this novel would have easily garnered a 4+ rating but those additions leave it to a 3 on the APOOO scale.

I appreciate King-Gamble's wonderful effort on tackling such tough subject matter and effectively adding spices of romance. This novel is a testament to the legacy that was left behind during the war of Vietnam and exposes the true origins of family bonds and unconditional love.

Angelique
APOOO BookClub

Rating:
Summary: The Search for Self
Review: Jade is the story of a successful young fashion designer who seems to have it all including a good job and good man. She grew up knowing that she was adopted, however the truth about her birth parents was tainted and later revealed when she finds her birth certificate while cleaning in her adoptive parents' attic. As a result, Jade begins a quest to discover her roots on a trek to the unfamiliar land of Vietnam. She meets Cameron, a handsome stranger on the plane and befriends him.

Cameron is on a soul-searching pilgrimage of his own looking for a father who did not return from the war. Together, they travel around Vietnam to search for answers to their respective pasts.

King-Gamble paints a vivid picture of a war-ravaged Vietnam and the sentiment of a people faced with abandoned bi-racial babies nicknamed "burnt rice." The book captures the feelings of the adoptive parents whose goal was to protect their "baby" from the harsh reality of being born to a mother who was forced to give her up and father who did not want her.

The book is a one of self-discovery and reawakening for our main characters. By the end of the novel, they are renewed with the feelings of love. King-Gamble has done a good job with a topic I have not seen addressed in a novel.

Rating:
Summary: Shades Of Romance Magazine Review
Review: Reviewed by: Shaun Williams

Relationships and emotions ran high during the Vietnam War. African American men who were serving time found comfort in the arms of the Vietnamese woman. Some began monogamous relationships with the women resulting in pregnancies with children of mixed decent. Cast aside some of those children were adopted and given a better life.

Beautiful, exotic Jade Smith an exclusive fashion designer uncovers some overwhelming news about her parentage and adoption. The news ultimately sends her on a quest to find her real parents believing the information will give her a better understanding of herself. Her boyfriend and her adoptive parents aren't supportive of her latest endeavor but Jade is determined to see this through to the end.

Handsome photojournalist Cameron Mackenzie is writing a book about Vietnam hence his reason for the trip. His trip is for business yet a part of him intends to deal with the personal too. As a child he had to handle being the man of the house as his mother grieved her husband a honored Vietnam veteran. His goal is to bring some closure to the Mackenzie family by trying to find information on his father to gain answers to questions he's had since childhood.

Jade and Cameron meet on the plane and find something neither expected. Love. Cameron helps Jade find the truth although each revelation leaves pain in its wake. Throughout their time together they give support, find love and a passion that will mend pasts and secure their future.

Rating:
Summary: Shades Of Romance Magazine Review
Review: Reviewed by: Shaun Williams

Relationships and emotions ran high during the Vietnam War. African American men who were serving time found comfort in the arms of the Vietnamese woman. Some began monogamous relationships with the women resulting in pregnancies with children of mixed decent. Cast aside some of those children were adopted and given a better life.

Beautiful, exotic Jade Smith an exclusive fashion designer uncovers some overwhelming news about her parentage and adoption. The news ultimately sends her on a quest to find her real parents believing the information will give her a better understanding of herself. Her boyfriend and her adoptive parents aren't supportive of her latest endeavor but Jade is determined to see this through to the end.

Handsome photojournalist Cameron Mackenzie is writing a book about Vietnam hence his reason for the trip. His trip is for business yet a part of him intends to deal with the personal too. As a child he had to handle being the man of the house as his mother grieved her husband a honored Vietnam veteran. His goal is to bring some closure to the Mackenzie family by trying to find information on his father to gain answers to questions he's had since childhood.

Jade and Cameron meet on the plane and find something neither expected. Love. Cameron helps Jade find the truth although each revelation leaves pain in its wake. Throughout their time together they give support, find love and a passion that will mend pasts and secure their future.