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China Dolls

My mom is critically ill. Before she passes away, she wants to see me married. It takes 27 days of pleading before my boyfriend, Kyle Grayson, says yes. I wait at the city hall until the doors close, but he never shows up. That same day, his childhood sweetheart, Ruby Callahan, posts their marriage certificate online. "Time flies. Three days more and we'll be a month in." Only then does it hit me. The very first day I begged, Kyle was already Ruby's husband. Right then, a text from Kyle lights up my phone. "Holly, Ruby's family was pushing her into marriage. I couldn't stand by and watch her marry just anyone and ruin her life. We'll be divorced in three days. I'll marry you then." Three days later, he shows up at the city hall in a suit. But all he gets is a text from me. "Goodbye for good, Kyle."

9 Chapters

The Divorce: Happy Birthday to Me

On my 16th birthday, I treat myself to the most delicious cake I can find. On that day, before I can even take a bite, my parents, who are always at odds with each other, sign their divorce papers right in front of me. So, on my wedding day, I tell my wife, Keira Jarrett, "If you ever want a divorce, just get me a birthday cake." She hugs me tightly and promises me."Don't worry. 'Birthday' won't even be a word in our home anymore." Seven years later, on Keira's birthday, her assistant, Jackson Price, throws her a surprise party. She slaps him across his handsome, gentle face and kicks him out of Jarrett Group. That day, I am convinced I have chosen the right woman for life. But three months later, on my birthday, I find out the supposedly fired Jackson has been promoted to Keira's personal secretary. He personally delivers a custom-made birthday cake to me. I call Keira to demand an explanation, but her voice on the other end is cold and distant. "Jack meant well. Don't be a spoilsport." I freeze for a moment, then hang up. It turns out my parents are right all along. The only way a birthday cake tastes right is when it's served with divorce papers.

10 Chapters

A Glorious Comeback

On the same day we were registering our marriage, my boyfriend, Levi Salfolk, had someone throw me out of the clerk's office while he led his childhood sweetheart inside. He looked at me nonchalantly. "Rosalie's child can't be illegitimate. I'll marry you once we get divorced." Everyone thought that the lovestruck me would wait for him for another month. After all, I had already waited for him for seven years. However, I went overseas that night, accepting the arranged marriage my family had set up for me and disappearing from his world. Three years later, I accompanied my husband back home to pay our respects to his ancestors. Something came up, and my husband sent someone from the local branch office to pick me up. Unexpectedly, I met Levi, whom I had not seen since I left. "Enough with the fooling around. Come back. Rosalie's child is starting preschool soon. You're in charge of picking up and dropping off the child."

12 Chapters

The immortal war began

Kora Rivera is the daughter of Gabriel Rivera King Alpha of America. She just turned 18 years old and her father decide to hold a ball for all the other Kings with their family of the other countries. Her father is hoping that not only will she find her mate but also her older brother Seth and twin sister Bianca. There’s always been a mystery to her family and mostly about her mother. How her mother was given to the Alpha of Black pine pack by the Moon goddess herself. Who is her mother to the moon goddess? Simion Dumitrescu is the King Alpha of Romania and is still looking for his true mate with no luck. He became the king after challenging his father for the right since he felt his father was unfit to rule. His mother fell ill not long after the fact his father was banish from their kingdom. He receives an invite to the ball being held in America but isn’t sure if he will attend it or not. Will things change if he decides to go?

13 Chapters

Betrayed by my mate.

Aurora Chandrakant is the daughter of Kaven head of the royal pack warriors. When her and her twin brother were 12 years old, they both began their training with their father. All her life her dad shows her nothing but attention and love but for some reason as years goes by that her mother becomes colder to her. Every night she will have the same dream about a baby being left at the door but not only she can’t recognize anyone face, but there is no one she can ask about this dream. Prince Alexander Heinrich is the next in line for being King of the West side packs. His father is always hard on him to be the King that he is now with the packs. He’s cruel and abusive to Alexander. The packs in their kingdom don’t really care for his way of taking care of them. They meet on her first day of training with her father. The first moment Alexander see Aurora he had a feeling that she could be his mate but when she first shifts that he will be positive. Alexander tells his father of her and setting up the Luna ceremony from them to mark each other letting the pack know of her being their Luna but his father refuses it. He doesn’t care that Aurora is to his opinion a lower ranking wolf and wants Alexander to choose a female of higher ranking to be his Luna. Like Kimberly Stone daughter of the Alpha of the Black pine pack. Now Alexander must choose between his true mate or being with someone he can’t even stand to be around, but his father forces his decision to whom he will be with.

9.3

29 Chapters

Goodbye and See You Never

My mother was dying. Her only wish before she passed was to see me married. For 27 days, I begged my girlfriend, Monica Teller, and she finally agreed to register for marriage with me on the 27th day. I waited at the courthouse until closing, but she never came. That same day, her childhood sweetheart, Gurney Barnes, posted their marriage certificate on social media. [Time sure flies. Three more days, and we'll have been married for a month.] It was then I finally realized that she had married her childhood sweetheart since the first day I started begging her. Not long after, an apology text from Monica buzzed on my phone. [I'm so sorry, Lincoln. Gurney's family was forcing him into marriage. I couldn't stand by and watch him get shackled to a stranger. Just give it three days. We'll file for divorce. Three days later, I'll marry you." Three days later, she showed up at the courthouse in a wedding gown, But the only thing waiting for her was my message. [Goodbye, Monica. May we never meet again.]

9 Chapters

What Were The Consequences Of The Imjin War On China?

2 Answers2025-09-15 06:29:24

The Imjin War, or the Japanese invasions of Korea from 1592 to 1598, had rippling effects on China that are often overshadowed by the immediate conflicts in Korea. For starters, this conflict placed a massive strain on the Ming Dynasty, which was drawn into the fray to support its ally, the Korean Joseon Dynasty. The need for military resources and troops drained China's coffers and caused considerable discord within its own borders. As local officials scrambled to deliver reinforcements, it became glaringly clear how vulnerable the Ming were. The war highlighted their weakening grip on power and the challenges they faced from both within and outside their territory, paving the way for rampant corruption and mismanagement.

The Ming were stretched thin, and this lack of military capacity marked a significant decline in their prestige. They had to face not only the invading Japanese forces but also rising internal dissent. There was a cascading effect on society; taxes were increased to fund the war efforts, leading to peasant uprisings. The social fabric began to wear thin as families suffered from famine and economic woes exacerbated by the conflict. It was almost poetic in a tragic sense, how a war meant to assert dominance ended up accelerating the decline of a mighty empire.

On another note, the imposition of foreign threat rekindled a sense of Chinese nationalism among some scholars and local leaders, who recognized the need to band together against external forces. This was an underlying cause that led to greater efforts towards fortifying existing defenses and political philosophies focused on unity. However, the marks of defeat and the straining alliances would linger long after, heralding the eventual downfall of the Ming by the mid-17th century. The legacy of the war echoes not just in military terms, but in how nations respond to crises by assessing their values and strengths.

How Did China’S Last Emperor Influence Modern China?

5 Answers2025-09-15 13:10:28

When exploring the influence of China's last emperor, Puyi, one can't help but feel a mix of fascination and empathy. He was just a child when he ascended the throne, thrust into a position that bore the weight of a crumbling empire. His reign, albeit short and largely symbolic, encapsulated the twilight of imperial China. Imagine being told at such a young age that you’re a ruler, yet you have little power to shape your destiny!

The tumultuous events surrounding his life—overthrown during the 1911 Revolution and later used as a puppet by the Japanese—spurred significant movements towards modernization and republicanism. His transformation from emperor to an ordinary citizen was emblematic of a nation in flux. It’s almost heartbreaking to see someone who was once at the pinnacle of power face such a dramatic downfall. It ignited conversations about what it means to be Chinese, transitioning from an emperor-focused identity to one rooted in nationalism and modern citizenship.

Puyi’s life reflects both the cultural arrogance of traditional imperial rule and the stark realities of moving into a modern world. It raises questions about governance, identity, and the future of China, leading to a blend of nostalgia and a desire for progress that continues to resonate today.

What Materials Do I Need For Crafting Paper Dolls?

3 Answers2025-09-01 05:00:12

Crafting paper dolls is such an enjoyable pastime! To start this creative adventure, you'll need some essential materials. First off, grab a stack of cardstock or thick paper; it really helps your dolls stand up and hold their shape better than regular paper. Then, a good set of colored markers or colored pencils can bring your creations to life, allowing you to design intricate outfits and features.

A pair of scissors is a must for cutting out your doll shapes, and honestly, it's gratifying to see your vision taking form. Don't forget the glue! If you want to add elements like hair or 3D accessories, a good adhesive will help them stick to the dolls securely. And for those fancier touches, stickers or printable templates from online resources can be a real game-changer.

It’s also great to have some reference images on hand. Whether you're inspired by anime characters or fashion illustrations, having a visual guide can spark your creativity! Just picture it: an afternoon dedicated to arts and crafts, with music playing in the background, surrounded by colorful papers and endless possibilities. What I love most is that there's no wrong way to do it, and each doll becomes a little piece of your imagination!

Which Modern Novels Fictionalize Hudson Taylor During His China Years?

4 Answers2025-08-27 21:37:14

I’ve dug around a lot of missionary-history shelves and fan forums, and the short, honest take I keep coming back to is that modern mainstream novels that explicitly fictionalize Hudson Taylor during his China years are surprisingly rare. Most portrayals of Taylor live in biographies, memoirs, and collections of missionary letters rather than in straight-up novels. If you want a close, story‑like look at him, start with 'The Autobiography of Hudson Taylor' and companion volumes like 'Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission' — they read like drama in places and give the best primary material an author would draw on to fictionalize him.

If your goal is a fictional vibe of 19th-century missionary life in China rather than a literal Hudson Taylor novel, I’d recommend reading historical novels that capture the setting and cultural tensions: 'The Painted Veil' and 'Tai-Pan' give very different angles on foreign presence in China, and 'Peony' by Pearl S. Buck evokes the cross-cultural patterns of the era. Also, if you’re interested in seeing how authors handle real missionaries in fiction, check small Christian historical-fiction presses and literary journals that publish historical short stories — they sometimes run reimaginings or thinly veiled characters based on real figures like Taylor.

What Are The Top Books On China About Ancient Dynasties?

4 Answers2025-09-06 00:54:05

I get a little giddy talking about this topic — ancient Chinese dynasties are basically a treasure trove of drama, invention, and politics. If you want a reading path that mixes primary voices and approachable modern synthesis, start with 'Records of the Grand Historian' by Sima Qian (Burton Watson's translation is one of the more readable ones). It's dense, vivid, and gives the personalities behind early emperors and ministers.

For context and modern analysis, pick up 'The Cambridge History of Ancient China: From the Origins of Civilization to 221 BC' (edited by Michael Loewe and Edward L. Shaughnessy). It's scholarly but organized by theme and period, so you can dip into chapters. Follow that with Mark Edward Lewis's 'The Early Chinese Empires: Qin and Han' for a lively, sharp synthesis of state formation, economy, and culture.

If you want narrative history with a long sweep, Valerie Hansen's 'The Open Empire: A History of China to 1800' is readable and connects the ancient dynasties to later developments. For primary source anthologies, 'Sources of Chinese Tradition' (de Bary & Bloom) gives translated documents and helpful commentary. Personally, I mix Sima Qian with one modern secondary per dynasty — it keeps the story human and the scholarship honest.

Which Top Books On China Focus On Chinese Foreign Policy?

4 Answers2025-09-06 15:34:19

If you're trying to get a solid mental map of how China thinks about the world, I’d kick off with a mix of history, strategy, and a few contemporary reads that policy folks actually talk about.

Start with 'On China' by Henry Kissinger — it’s not just nostalgia for Nixon-era diplomacy; Kissinger gives you the Cold War roots that still shape Chinese strategic culture. Pair that with 'The Long Game: China’s Grand Strategy to Displace American Order' by Rush Doshi for a sharper, modern take on how Beijing plans and sequences influence. For the debate about whether conflict with the U.S. is inevitable, read 'Destined for War' by Graham Allison alongside 'The Hundred-Year Marathon' by Michael Pillsbury to see two very different policy takeaways.

I also recommend 'China’s Vision of Victory' by Jonathan Ward if you want a theory-heavy but readable argument about ideological aims, and 'The Third Revolution' by Elizabeth C. Economy to understand how Xi’s domestic consolidation shapes foreign policy. For region-specific insight, Andrew Small’s 'The China-Pakistan Axis' is brilliant. Mix these with contemporaneous pieces in 'Foreign Affairs' and 'The China Quarterly' and you’ll notice the arguments evolving in real time.

What Inspired The Author To Write The China Story Book?

5 Answers2025-04-27 01:22:28

The author of 'The China Story' was deeply inspired by their travels across rural China, where they encountered stories of resilience and transformation. Living in small villages, they witnessed how traditional customs intertwined with modern changes, creating a unique cultural tapestry. Conversations with locals revealed untold histories and personal struggles that often go unnoticed in mainstream narratives. These experiences sparked a desire to document the human side of China’s rapid development, focusing on the individuals behind the statistics. The book became a tribute to the unsung heroes of everyday life, blending personal anecdotes with broader societal themes.

Another key inspiration was the author’s own family history, which is rooted in China. They grew up hearing tales of their ancestors’ journeys, from the hardships of the Cultural Revolution to the hope of migration. These stories instilled a sense of responsibility to preserve and share the richness of Chinese heritage. The author also drew from their academic background in anthropology, which provided a framework to analyze and present these narratives in a way that resonates with global readers. 'The China Story' is not just a book; it’s a bridge between cultures, offering a nuanced perspective on a country often misunderstood.

How To Find Best-Selling Books In China?

2 Answers2025-08-08 06:30:23

Finding best-selling books in China is like uncovering hidden treasures in a vast cultural landscape. I often start by checking the weekly rankings on Dangdang and JD.com, two of the biggest online book retailers in China. Their lists are updated frequently and reflect what people are actually buying, not just what critics recommend. I also keep an eye on Weibo and Douban, where book clubs and influencers discuss trending titles. The discussions there are raw and unfiltered, giving a real sense of what resonates with readers.

Another method I swear by is visiting physical bookstores in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Stores like Page One or Sanlian Taofen Bookstore often have curated displays of best-sellers, and the staff usually have their fingers on the pulse of what's hot. I’ve discovered gems like 'To Live' by Yu Hua this way—books that might not always top online charts but have enduring popularity. The vibe in these stores is electric, with readers debating picks and leaving handwritten notes about their favorites.

Don’t overlook government-approved reading lists or awards like the Mao Dun Literature Prize. These can be surprisingly insightful, even if they lean toward literary fiction. For a more grassroots approach, I lurk in QQ or WeChat reading groups, where avid readers trade recommendations. The key is to cross-reference multiple sources because best-sellers in China can vary wildly between platforms and demographics. A title dominating among young adults might be invisible to middle-aged readers, and vice versa.

Who Are The Main Characters In A Council Of Dolls?

3 Answers2025-11-14 18:19:21

The heart of 'A Council of Dolls' revolves around three unforgettable women whose lives intertwine in the most unexpected ways. First, there's Sasha, a sharp-witted artist who sees the world through a kaleidoscope of colors and emotions—her doll-making isn’t just a craft, it’s a rebellion. Then you have Miranda, the ‘glue’ of their quirky found family, whose quiet strength hides a past filled with shadows. And lastly, there’s Lila, the youngest, whose innocence and curiosity often unearth secrets the others would rather keep buried. Their dynamic is electric, each voice distinct yet harmonizing beautifully. I love how the story lets their flaws shine; Sasha’s impulsiveness, Miranda’s stubborn silence, Lila’s naivety—they feel like people you’d bump into at a midnight diner, swapping stories over coffee.

What really stuck with me was how their relationships evolve. The dolls they create become silent witnesses to their joys and heartbreaks, almost like secondary characters themselves. The way Sasha’s avant-garde designs clash with Miranda’s traditional methods, only for Lila to bridge the gap with her whimsy—it’s a metaphor for how they heal each other. And oh, the side characters! Like Theo, the gruff but tender antique shop owner who becomes an unlikely mentor. The book’s magic lies in how even the ‘smallest’ characters leave fingerprints on your heart.

Is The China Study Book Pdf Available On Amazon Kindle?

4 Answers2025-07-06 09:28:58

As an avid reader who loves diving into health and nutrition books, I've explored 'The China Study' extensively. The Kindle version is indeed available on Amazon, and it's a fantastic format for those who prefer digital reading. The book delves deep into plant-based nutrition, backed by extensive research, making it a must-read for anyone interested in health. The Kindle edition is convenient, with features like highlighting and note-taking, which I personally find super useful for revisiting key points.

One thing to note is that the Kindle version often goes on sale, so keeping an eye out for discounts is a good idea. The book's content is transformative, discussing the link between diet and chronic diseases, and having it in digital form means you can carry it anywhere. The formatting is clean, and the readability is excellent, which enhances the overall experience. If you're into health literature, this is a gem worth adding to your digital library.