A Thread Unbroken

by Kay Bratt

Chai and Josi share a bond that transcends ordinary friendship. While Chai has always been Josi’s protector—ever since they were toddlers, growing up together in a small Chinese village—she finds herself helpless when they are both abducted from their families and sold to faraway strangers. In their new home, with the family of the fisherman who bought them, their old lives are torn away piece by piece. But Chai knows she must stay strong if they’re to have any chance of escaping.That same tenacious hope guides Chai’s father, Jun, who fights to find the girls and bring them home, despite seemingly insurmountable odds and a corrupt legal system. The days since the girls were taken soon stretch to weeks and months, but Chai’s spirit remains unbroken and Jun’s resolve unwavering.Set against the backdrop of modern day China, A Thread Unbroken is an inspiring story of remarkable courage, indefatigable hope, and the invisible ties that hold people together, even when everything around them is falling apart.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, China, Romance, Book Club, Family

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2012

About the author

Writer, Rescuer, Wanderer


Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.


Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian. 


Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.

In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.


As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.


Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. 
For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.


Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

In China, two young women, Chai and Josi, are kidnapped and sold as child brides. This started out with a lot of promise, but the story soon felt flat for me, especially the ending, since it felt rushed and unrealistic to me. I hate to say but the girls were treated too well and it all felt too happy. I doubt that would really be the case in this instance.

Audiobook

Location: China

[OjoAusana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very touching book, I really liked the characters and the relationships in this book are amazing (especially so because theyre not romantic for the most part). I really loved the ending of this book as well! don't normally read books like this but it was really good.

[Starla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book as a part of the Goodreads First Reads early reviewer program.


Wow! Just wow! I was pulled into this book right from the beginning. I couldn't put it down all day. This book put me on an emotional ride. A book about strength, and never giving up. A father who openly shows the love he has for his daughter on the journey to find her, where other fathers wouldn't even give it a second thought of when it came to their daughters; it would be one less mouth to feed. It's sad to think that child trafficking happens everyday in this world, and I hope one day it will stop.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had an interesting premises. Two modern-day Chinese girls are kidnapped and sold to a fishing family who wants one of them for a bride for their son and the other is used as a servant. The father of one of the girls carries on a search for them.

Unfortunately, the pace of the book was slow and I just couldn't get into the characters at all. I felt no commitment to them or anxiousness over their situation. I was surprised to find that this is one of many books by Ms. Bratt. I thought it might be a first effort and as such showed some promise of development.

Others might be able to connect to this story and the failure might be more in the reader than the writer in this instance.

[Melissa Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Emotional Journey

This story is captivating. I was transported to another land. It follows two girls who are kidnapped. The dedication of a determined father to find his daughter was strong. Kay Bratt has a talent for story telling. I don't want to give away too much of the story.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning of the book had me tensed as the main characters' kidnapping unfolds. The rest of the book seems unrealistic but it is fiction after all.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took several chapters for me to really get into this story. I found the writing to be very simple. It could easily be understood by a very young reader, but the subject matter is more mature in nature. The author appeared to have done a lot of research. I'm not a world traveler, so I can't speak to the accuracy of the Chinese culture reflected in the story, although most of it was fascinating. Other cultural differences left me feeling equal parts outraged and horrified. I found it sad that girls born into more traditional Chinese families could potentially face the futures mentioned in this book.

Chai is one of the lucky daughters. Her father, Jun, adores her, feels blessed to have a healthy and intelligent daughter, and strives to open her horizons with books and education. He is not rich and works extremely hard to provide what little he can. I loved the bond between this father and daughter and the way Chai relied on past conversations to keep hope alive after she was kidnapped with her best friend Josi.

“Our families will find us, Josi. Baba always told me that people are connected to those who are supposed to be in their lives by an invisible red thread. We might be a little off track right now, but I promise we’ll find our way back to where we are meant to be.”

The way the girls stuck together and held each other up was very special. They were deeply connected by their friendship and the tragic circumstances only cemented that bond. In short, they became inseparable and were stronger in the face of their challenges because of it.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. At times it brought tears to my eyes, or angered me deeply at the injustice of what was happening. The author does have an important message to impart to her audience. I understand this particular story is fiction, but I've watched other news reports on television about stolen brides. I've read articles about missing girls in poverty stricken China (or other parts of the world) who never find their way back home. It is a real issue.

This book isn't the most elegantly written story I've picked up, but the story touched my heart. If by reading it and putting up a review I can help shine a spotlight on the problem, then I'm getting a lot more out of my time than the enjoyment of reading a decent book.

I give it my recommendation with a trigger warning for attempted rape and violence.

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it

I really enjoyed this story. I read it with my 8 year old daughter. It opened up a conversation about going e with strangers, no matter how they look and act, could be dangerous. The story was about these two girls who were kidnapped to be child brides for families in a fishing village. The emotional journey of the two girls, and one of the fathers, had me wanting to wAnt to know what happens next. There were many parts in the story where I was in tears over sadness and happiness. It was a really good book. It was so good, I had to check to make sure it wasn't a true story. The author did a good job discussing human trafficking that goes on right now.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book that explores the terrible realities of being poor in China. I admired Chai's resilience and determination in spite of her abduction and abuse. Her father's refusal to give up on her is admirable even when the officials are useless and everyone else thinks he's crazy to keep searching.

[Gail Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very light quick read. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming. I'll read just about anything by Kay Bratt!!

[Tiash . · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow..."

"I have four sons. You were brought here to wed one of them."

"Baba always told me that people are connected to those who are supposed to be in their lives by an invisible red thread. We might be a little off track right now, but I promise we’ll find our way back to where we are meant to be.”

জোশি (Josi) আর চাই (chai) চীনের নিন্মবিত্ত প্রতিবেশী দুই পরিবারের বেড়ে ওঠা ১৩ বছরের মেয়ে। জোশির ক্রিপল লেগের জন্য হাঁটতে অসুবিধা হয় অল্পবিস্তর। আর চাই তার প্রিয় বান্ধবীর জন্য সব করতে রাজি আছে। কিন্তু তাদের বন্ধুত্ব যখন কিছু অনতিপ্রেত ঘটনার মুখোমুখি হয় তখন সো কল্ড বন্ধুত্ব কি টিকে থাকে নাকি আছড়ে পড়ে সাগরের ঢেউয়ের মতো?

খুব সহজ গল্প মনে হচ্ছে? তবে থামুন৷ কল্পনা করুন নিজেকে একটা ১৩ বছরের মেয়ে হিসেবে যাকে সামান্য একটা জামা আর খাবারের লোভ দেখিয়ে কিডন্যাপ করা হয় আর ফাইনালি চলে আসেন একটা ফ্লোটিং বিলেজে। যেখানে সভ্যতার আলোকফোঁটা পৌছায়নি। যেখানে পরিবার মানেই পুরুষতান্ত্রিকতা আর সজ্ঞা ফেরার পর পর জানতে পারেন আপনাকে বিক্রি করা হয়েছে অজানা বাড়ি থেকে অনেক দুরের কোনো এক পরিবারের কাছে যেন আপনার সাথে সেই পরিবারের বড় ছেলের বিয়ে দেয়া হয়! গল্পটা আদতে জটিল ঠেকছে? তবে শুনুন গল্পটা বাড়ি থেকে দুরে চলে যাওয়া দুই মেয়ের গল্প, যাদের অদম্য ইচ্ছাশক্তি আর বন্ধুত্বের গল্প, গল্পটা বাড়ি ফিরে যেতে চাওয়ার অদম্য ইচ্ছার, কিন্তু এমন এক পরিস্থিতিতে যেখানে মেয়ে দুটি নিজ গ্রামের নাম পর্যন্তও জানে না!!!

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আমার বরাবরই একটু বোল্ড, সামাজিক প্রেক্ষাপট নিয়ে লেখা বই পছন্দ। বইটা নিয়ে বলার আগে লেখিকাকে নিয়ে কিছু বলা দরকার বোধ করি। লেখিকা Kay Bratt চীনে ছিলেন বেশ কিছু বছর, কাজ করেছেন অনাথাশ্রম এর থাকা শিশুদের নিয়ে, জেনেছেন চীনের নিন্মবিত্ত পরিবারের গল্প আর সেই গল্পের সাথে তাল মিলিয়ে উপস্থাপন করেছেন। In 2006, she was honored with the Pride of the City award for her humanitarian work in China, which she continued by founding the Mifan Mommy Club, an online organization that provides rice for children in China’s orphanages. তথ্যটা জানার পর থেকেই লেখিকার প্রতি আলাদা একটা শ্রদ্ধা কাজ করছিল। তাই চটজলদি বইটা নিয়ে বসে পড়া এবং শেষ করা 😇

বইটার শুরুর পার্টটা বেশ ইন্টারেস্টিং। মোটামুটি ৫০ পেজমত টানা পড়ে গেছি আমি। বারবার মনে হচ্ছিল কি থেকে কি না হয়ে যায়। গল্পটা তখন খুব বেশি এগোয় নি ঠিকই কিন্তু শক্ত একটা বেস তৈরি করে দিয়েছে বাকি বইটার জন্য। লেখিকার বর্ণনার ধরন বেশ প্রাঞ্জল। আমার ব্যক্তিগতভাবে বইটা বেশ পছন্দ হয়েছে। বিশেষ করে চাই (Chai) চরিত্রটা ভয়াবহ স্ট্রং। ড্রব্যাকের কথা বললে খুব বেশি কিছু বলা যায় না আসলে বইটা নিয়ে�� তবে মোটামুটি ১০০ পেজের দিয়ে স্টোরি ফ্লো কিছুটা স্লো লেগেছে আমার কাছে।

মোটের ওপর বইটা ভালো, বেশ ভালো। যদি সোশাল আসপেক্টের বই পড়তে আপনাদের ভালো লাগে তবে অবশ্যই বইটা পড়তে সাজেস্ট করব। আর এটার ইঙরেজিও বেশ সোজা, বিগিনারদের জন্য পার্ফেক্ট একটা বই। যাহোক, নতুন বছর হোক শুভ, বছর হোক বইময়। শুভ কামনা সবার জন্য৷ Happy New Year...❤

#Reading_Goal_2020
#English_Book_001
#Happy_reading

[Donna J · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real problem in a REAL world..expressed unrealistically 😞

‘A Thread Unbroken’ reveals a very important narrative. Human trafficking in China. Whether it is now or the past, it remains a problem that unfortunately still exists in China and many other countries today.

The author, Kay Bratt, wrote ‘Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters’ of which, I say is brilliant. Ms. Bratt also advocates for children as well. Which brings me to my next comment regarding
‘The Thread Unbroken’. It was so cliched. Along with a flatness I didn’t understand, and too simple that I honestly felt as if it was written by a middle schooler for a writing project. It’s just not written well. Many times I imagined myself reading this to my children when they were 8 years old at bedtime.

The subject of ‘human trafficking’ and kidnapping of girls in China, then sold to be brides isn’t spoken about enough. Or abandoning children because of a birth defect, or the baby is a girl, instead of a boy. Those are facts and Kay Bratt has written several books about these issues. I expected a book that was written by an author who knows the unfortunate facts very well, what I read was a book trying to explore ‘human trafficking’ with scenes quite unimaginable.

Families in villages with primitive living conditions, yet they have cell phones? Mixing modern day technology with old customs is one thing, this was too far fetched that I didn’t have a clue after reading quite a bit, that it was meant to be in this century.

Those were a few more of the instances that were too big of a stretch to be believed. Along with a “floating island”refereed to as a “city” yet the boats on the island were on water? I tried very hard, but in my imagination, I no longer could see what was being described. There are many more instances..

I wanted to read and finish this book, based not only upon the summary which says: “Chai and Josi share a bond that transcends ordinary friendship. Chai has always been Josi’s protector—ever since they were toddlers, growing up together in a small Chinese village—she finds herself helpless when they are both abducted from their families and sold to faraway strangers.”
As the reader/listener Chai and Josi were put in the story as if it was the early 1900s or even earlier. Ms. Bratt interjects casual mention of cell phones, computers, and other present-day items—which did not add to the story, but completely took away from it.

In ending—this was a book I really wanted to learn from, the horrors of what both went through. Yes, I read a beautiful story of Chai & Josi, who hung on to each other through every step—but I never heard them express any sort of REAL emotion nor REAL anger for what they went through and it completely upset me—it did not show me the reality of what REAL ‘human trafficking’ is REALLY like.

[Ann Gillaspie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes place in current day China. I was surprised at the amount of poverty, lack of modern facilities and automobiles, corruption and human trafficking. But those all just set the tone for a story of a Chinese girl, Chai, who is sold into slavery. (Yes, slavery still happens in this world!) This story is about the love between a father and his daughter and their faith that life will get better. This story is also about the strong bond of friendship between two young women. It is all that and much more. It is a must read for high school students and anyone who wants to understand the strength of the human spirit through adversity.

[Carol Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kay Bratt's books. They take you on a journey of tragedy, sadness, courage and hope. I love the characters that she introduces the reader to and her ability to make you feel that you know them well.

Thank you for your dedication to making child trafficking a crime that can not be ignored. It is a travesty that happens all over the world.

I have read almost all your books. I almost didn't read the first one because the chinese culture was one I didn't know if I would enjoy reading about. (Not sure why) I am hooked. Praying for you as you bring these stories to light. Each Child is precious in His sight.

[Donita L. Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unknown world

Although fictional, this book will serve to educate readers about the prevalent human trafficking that takes place. The story, set in China, points out the many cultural aspects that fuel the practice of kidnapping and selling children for many different reasons. Unfortunately, while the reasons may differ around the world, the outcome is devastating to the families and to the victims. Hopefully this book will raise awareness of and solutions to a despicable practice.

[Cheryl Jagiello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story to read... that will capture you to the end!

Spend your time reading something worthy of it. This is a story of something that is happening in China. Why we Americans send our money over there in ship loads I just don’t know. It’s about time us Americans are educated about what is happening over there. This is a story that will capture you and you just might not put it down until you’re finished. Not your every day fiction or romance or thriller.
I recommend this book to anyone who is tired of reading their every day predictable fiction books.

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching story of two young girls who are kidnapped and sold together, one to be a bride and one only to keep the other from being trouble. While this is a fiction story it is based on things that are still happening today not only in China but also other countries around the world. While this one does have a happy ending most of the real life unwanted children (mostly girls) aren’t so lucky. Towards the ending of this book it also mentioned the unwanted elderly of the country.
I have read several of this authors books and highly recommend all of them.

[Terry Vosler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tragic and uplifting story about child abduction and selling of children.

What an eye opening and entertaining story that will open your eyes to child abduction and sale of children. This well told story will keep you enthralled. You will find it hard to put those book down. Love of family and friends and the heart wrenching trials of two young Chinese children will give you incite into the still prevalent horrible trauma to children through child abduction in China and elsewhere.

[Marian Gerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I've heard stories and even news reports about young girls being sold by members of their family, or being kidnapped by those in the business of human trafficing.This very well written book gives heart breaking insight into how this tragedy is carried out. This story really held my attention to the very end and Kay Heart's ability to write about life for families in China always holds my attention.
If you are a reader, I recommend this book and others she has written.

[Ruth Oldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

prepare for an emotional rollercoaster !

Kay Bratt makes you feel all the joy, uncertainty, terror, and frustration of two 13 year old Chinese girls who just wanted to go swimming but are tricked by a woman who sells them! Only one was purchased by the fisherman, but they were such close friends he had to take both. He wanted a wife for his oldest son. The father’s wife, the son’s mother, had also been “purchased”. You will be caught up in the story and find it hard to put down as one dad doesn’t stop searching for his daughter.

[Kathi Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is fiction it is based on a problem in many countries. Stealing children for slave or sex (not in this book) trade. Stealing two girls for the intent of grooming one for a bride for the oldest son. The main character was fortunate enough that her father was progressive in teaching her that a female has worth even in China. The author ends the book with her experiences dealing with this subject. A worthwhile read and an opportunity to admire the characters.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good moving book but a bit too happy

*Mild spoilers ahead*
I enjoyed this book and listened to the narration over only a few days. My only complaint is that it was almost too happy. Everything works out perfectly in the end and no one is hurt. This just seems unreasonable for a book about child kidnapping, and children being sold to families for labor & wives. Otherwise it was really uplifting and great to have an older man who didn't believe in the gender norms of China.

[Nance Roepke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted to like it but didn't

The concept of two teenage friends being taken from their families and hoping to find their way back home could have and should have been suspenseful and exciting but wasn't. Instead it was boring and dragged. I hate to quit on a book but gave be up a third of the way through. I would have liked to have learned the outcome but didn't want to waste any more of my life. So 2 points for concept.

[Greeshma Karkera · Rating 2 out of 5]

The First half is good, the second half gets serious after they are kidnapped and the last half was the one that really irritated me and made me believe that somehow the author just wanted to finish this story. It was so rushed that i could hardly understand where this was all going. And so many cliches. This may be fiction but even a fiction becomes exhausting when cliches over shadow the story. I wish it was a tad bit realistic.

[Jackie Bouvier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, for an easy read, and topic awareness.
However, It does have a few typo or proofreading errors.

The writer doesn’t capture realistic actions, emotions, or drama associated with this very serious issue, but I wasn’t looking for a heart wrenching book, so this fit the bill for me.

Yes, It has some short comings, but don’t let that deter you from reading it. If you want extreme realism, fill it in with your imagination.

[Douglas Noone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing.

This book has just the right amount of everything in it. There was grief, abuse, hunger, struggle, bonding, desperation, empathy, fear, strength, hope and compassion. The proper amount to hold interest without causing the reader to put the book down. The compassion of Mother was an added surprise. Very well done. Perfect ending with all meeting at church and fishing family paying for what they had done and taking See back.

[M Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good story

I chose the book because I enjoyed another book by Kay Bratt. What a surprise selection despite the disconcerting story line. I didn't know the challenges facing the poor in China or the struggles for girls or the disabled children and my heart was touched as I read this book. Your writing skills capture my imagination and you have won a fan. If you haven't read something written by May Bratt you need to. You won't be disappointed.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating story of two girls, almost sisters, kidnapped and sold in the child bride trade in China, during the period of time births were strictly controlled and many girl babies were discarded. Families had to go to extreme measures to find brides for their sons. Sometimes girls weren't valued, but Chai was valued by her family, especially her father, so he never gives up looking for her. Chai is a strong character, loves to read, and I enjoyed her story.

[debby lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of hope

Within the first couple of chapters in this book I was already dreading the horrors the two main characters were going to go thru. I was pleasant!y surprised that although it brings into view the atrocities of human trafficking and also how girls and women are still often treated it was a story of strength, endurance, love and victory.

[Ronda Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinese father's love for daughter

The trafficking of girls in China and other parts of the world is real! This story may be fiction but no less poignant. I did not know about the trade into slavery; had only heard of the prostitution side of the problem. This father's love did not allow him to Give up the search. Really liked the surprise ending.