Book Review: The Price of Compassion by A.B. Michaels {with giveaway}

The Price of Compassion by A.B. Michaels

Publication Date: August 27, 2018

Red Trumpet Press

eBook; 296 Pages

Series: Golden City, Book #4

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

READ AN EXCERPT.

April 18, 1906. San Francisco has just been shattered by a massive earthquake and is in the throes of an even more deadly fire.

During the chaos, gifted surgeon Tom Justice makes a life-changing decision that wreaks havoc on his body, mind, and spirit.

Leaving the woman he loves, he embarks on a quest to regain his sanity and self-worth. Yet just when he finds some answers, he’s arrested for murder—a crime he may very well be guilty of. The facts of the case are troubling; they’ll have you asking the question: “Is he guilty?” Or even worse…”What would I have done?”

"[The Price of Compassion] is chock-full of details about California in the earliest part of the 20th century, and it showcases the rampant prejudice against Chinese immigrants that pervaded the West Coast during the period. In accessible and absorbing prose, the author also describes the arcane medical practices of the era [with] a sufficient number of high stakes moments to keep the tale suspenseful and engaging throughout. [It's] a well-thought-out legal drama, full of intrigue and duplicity." -Kirkus Reviews

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My Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

One of my absolute favorite things is finding a new author to love, and I can now report that author A.B. Michaels is newest on my list of favorites!

I wasn't sure what to expect with The Price of Compassion. It's set in San Francisco, which is a setting I haven't read a lot of in historical fiction, and was actually what drew me to read it most. What's great about Michaels' series is that all of the books are set in San Francisco and can be read as stand-alone novels. I already bought the first book, The Art of Love, and will be picking up the others soon.

The Price of Compassion tells the story of Tom Justice, a well-loved and highly capable doctor. When we first meet Tom he is in jail, awaiting his trial for murder. Throughout the book readers are taken through Tom's life - his childhood, his work with the Chinatown Free Clinic, being a railway Surgeon, and his experience during the 1906 Quake. I loved that each chapter starts off with a quote from someone that knew Tom.

Combining the history of San Fran, the medical practices of the day, the discrimination of the Asian population at that time, and the fascinating details of being a Railway Surgeon (which I had no idea existed), and a murder mystery, A.B. Michaels has masterfully crafted a fascinating historical novel that I absolutely adored. Michaels' writing is exceptional. I loved the characters, especially Tom and Katherine (and Katherine's mother).

Captivating me to the very end, The Price of Compassion will be a book that I won't soon forget. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I am obsessed now!

About the Author

A native of northern California, A.B. Michaels earned masters' degrees in history and broadcasting, and worked for many years in public relations and marketing. Now that she's an empty nester, she has time to write the kinds of stories she loves to read. Her historical series, "The Golden City," follows characters who make their way in turn of the twentieth century San Francisco. "I love creating flawed characters I can relate to, who have to make difficult choices, and who long for happiness like the rest of us. So much was happening in the early 1900's that help shape my novels. Once I tear myself away from the underlying research, they are fascinating stories to write."

Currently Ms. Michaels lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two furry creatures who are unclear on the concept that they are just dogs. In addition to writing, she loves to read and travel. A dabbler in fabric art, she also plays bocce in a summer league. Her latest stand-alone novel, "The Price of Compassion," is Book Four of the "Golden City" series. It's scheduled for release this summer and will be followed by Book Five, "Josephine's Daughter."

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Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 23
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, October 24
Feature at What Is That Book About

Monday, October 29
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Tuesday, October 30
Feature at Just One More Chapter

Thursday, November 1
Review at A Darn Good Read

Friday, November 2
Guest Post & Excerpt at Jathan & Heather

Monday, November 5
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, November 8
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, November 9
Review at Book Nerd

Monday, November 12
Review at What Cathy Read Next

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

The Price of Compassion