BOOK REVIEW/BLOG TOUR: 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

Synopsis

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?”

My Thoughts

Lawyer Jonathon Perris has been retained to defend Tom Justice, a highly respected surgeon, against a charge of murder. Perris finds his client reticent about certain events that took place during the 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco and is also perplexed by his answer when asked if he had committed the crime.

Under the guise of interviewing witnesses and collecting depositions, the reader travels back to pivotal moments in Tom's life where lessons were learnt and decisions made that would alter the course of his life. From growing up on a farm in Nebraska to his present situation, we follow his relationship with his cousin, the path taken to become a doctor, love lost and found, his involvement with the Chinese community of San Francisco and his work as a railway surgeon.

Early 20th century San Francisco is an era I know little about except that there was an earthquake and a fire. This novel highlights the prejudices the Chinese population faced then and the medical practices of the time. Even Tom had to overcome some discrimination; his background as a farm boy and his physique did not quite fit the mould of a doctor.

I enjoyed every aspect of this novel. The characters, the plot, the history and A.B. Michael's writing style combined to make this a fast-paced, compelling mystery. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.

The Price of Compassion is available from Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

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 (US only)
During the Blog Tour a $25 Amazon Gift Card will be given way! Enter via the Gleam form here.
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.