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Spa Girl
Desperation will make you do things you never dreamed of…
Fifteen-year-old Mei Zi leaves her poor farming village to try to make a better life for herself. Suffering one misfortune after another, she finds herself lured a thousand miles from home, penniless and on the brink of starvation.
After a series of failures and catastrophes, Mei Zi throws herself at the mercy of a Shanghai spa owner, finally willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
Determined to make her family proud, Mei Zi still dreams of something better. When she meets a man from a seemingly different world, she must decide whether to throw caution to the wind and leave everything she’s ever known behind or continue swimming upstream in familiar waters.
An emotional and inspiring saga spanning five decades and two continents, this astonishing true story of a mother’s boundless love and a daughter’s incredible courage is a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of family. A must-read for Amy Tan and Lisa See fans, and anyone who loves to root for the underdog. ★★★★★ "Spa Girl is an authentic saga demonstrating the true tenacity of the human spirit. With captivating prose, Virginia Gray will take you along this fascinating journey of one woman’s fight to find her place in this world." —Kay Bratt, International Bestselling Author of Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters ★★★★★ "At times heartbreakingly naïve, at others admiringly competent, it is a pure delight to witness Mei Zi overcome her often desperate circumstances with a tenacity that astounds." — Kelli Estes, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Girl Who Wrote in Silk and Today We Go Home ★★★★★ “One of my most valuable reads of this year...This heart-warming story reminded me of some of the great classics with its quality and storyline, and spotlighted those things we have and take for granted, while others must fight and burn for them.” — Goodreads
Fifteen-year-old Mei Zi leaves her poor farming village to try to make a better life for herself. Suffering one misfortune after another, she finds herself lured a thousand miles from home, penniless and on the brink of starvation.
After a series of failures and catastrophes, Mei Zi throws herself at the mercy of a Shanghai spa owner, finally willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
Determined to make her family proud, Mei Zi still dreams of something better. When she meets a man from a seemingly different world, she must decide whether to throw caution to the wind and leave everything she’s ever known behind or continue swimming upstream in familiar waters.
An emotional and inspiring saga spanning five decades and two continents, this astonishing true story of a mother’s boundless love and a daughter’s incredible courage is a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of family. A must-read for Amy Tan and Lisa See fans, and anyone who loves to root for the underdog. ★★★★★ "Spa Girl is an authentic saga demonstrating the true tenacity of the human spirit. With captivating prose, Virginia Gray will take you along this fascinating journey of one woman’s fight to find her place in this world." —Kay Bratt, International Bestselling Author of Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters ★★★★★ "At times heartbreakingly naïve, at others admiringly competent, it is a pure delight to witness Mei Zi overcome her often desperate circumstances with a tenacity that astounds." — Kelli Estes, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Girl Who Wrote in Silk and Today We Go Home ★★★★★ “One of my most valuable reads of this year...This heart-warming story reminded me of some of the great classics with its quality and storyline, and spotlighted those things we have and take for granted, while others must fight and burn for them.” — Goodreads
ebook
Published November 16, 2020
63 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Gray
6 books191 followersBestselling Author Virginia Gray is a North Carolina native and a graduate of Wake Forest University. She is known for her intimate portrayals of women's lives, her attention to setting, and her trademark humor. Gray brings to life the many colorful people and compelling story layers of her North Carolina home and its beaches.
She is a great lover of humor, music, and all things food. Please visit www.virginiagray.com to learn about her new releases and giveaways.
She is a great lover of humor, music, and all things food. Please visit www.virginiagray.com to learn about her new releases and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 18, 2021
What a tale - both gripping and all-consuming!
Mei Zi comes from a poor Chinese family; she really shouldn't exist as she is a second child and, what's worse, a girl. But her parents love her and her brother Ming and do their very best for them but she spends a lot of her childhood hungry. Lured from home with promises of immense riches, she discovers the man who did so is not what he seems. But Mei Zi is nothing if not tenacious, and she never gives up her search for a better life. This is her story.
Towards the end of last year I was lucky enough to win a copy of this novel which the author was kind enough to send very promptly. This is the first chance I've had to read it - and what a read it is! Virginia Gray has based Spa Girl on a true story and she has done it full justice. An amazing read which has absolutely everything in it - poverty, riches, despair, hope, depression and self-motivation. I read long into the night with this one as there was always something going on. Both inspirational and awe-inspiring this is an expertly thought-out and beautifully delivered novel which will make every reader consider the opportunities which come so easily to us in the western world. This one has tugged at my heart-strings and left me full of admiration for anyone who never gives up trying to improve their lot. A super five star read, and one I'm delighted to have had the chance to read and enjoy.
Mei Zi comes from a poor Chinese family; she really shouldn't exist as she is a second child and, what's worse, a girl. But her parents love her and her brother Ming and do their very best for them but she spends a lot of her childhood hungry. Lured from home with promises of immense riches, she discovers the man who did so is not what he seems. But Mei Zi is nothing if not tenacious, and she never gives up her search for a better life. This is her story.
Towards the end of last year I was lucky enough to win a copy of this novel which the author was kind enough to send very promptly. This is the first chance I've had to read it - and what a read it is! Virginia Gray has based Spa Girl on a true story and she has done it full justice. An amazing read which has absolutely everything in it - poverty, riches, despair, hope, depression and self-motivation. I read long into the night with this one as there was always something going on. Both inspirational and awe-inspiring this is an expertly thought-out and beautifully delivered novel which will make every reader consider the opportunities which come so easily to us in the western world. This one has tugged at my heart-strings and left me full of admiration for anyone who never gives up trying to improve their lot. A super five star read, and one I'm delighted to have had the chance to read and enjoy.
February 1, 2021
What a riveting read! The setting is first in China's Hunan province, then moves to Shanghai, then eventually to America. The protagonist Guoguo is from an impoverished village. She had to endure harrowing living and working conditions, and was forced to forfeit her education after middle school. She became a hardworking and determined spa girl, trained in all the skills required to work at a salon, whether it's hair-washing, providing facials, manis or pedis. Spanning five decades, the plot is fast-paced with many heartbreaking yet hopeful moments. We cheer on Guoguo, we're inspired by her resilience, and we want her to succeed in her job, find true love, and finally live in bliss. I adored the prose and writing style of the author, who had painstakingly interviewed the woman whose life inspired this novel!
January 6, 2021
My review of SPA GIRL by Virginia Gray
Virginia Gray, when I received this book as a winner of one of your giveaways, I have to say that I was less than excited. The cover led me to believe that it would be fluffy, but suffice it to say, my mind is ready explode right now, and my heart is full of more emotions than I can begin to describe!
Readers, you are in for an extraordinary treat when you read this book. I fell in love with the characters, some rough and tough, others just trying to survive from one day to the next! When I started it, I felt so badly for these people in China, especially Guo Guo who suffered through more hardships than I would have believed possible. The perseverance and determination rarely ebbed, and about halfway through the book, I was praying for anything positive to happen. How grateful we should all be to live in the USA! I refuse to spoil this story for anyone, but trust me when I tell you that you can't help but LOVE this book. The anxiety it brought out in me was well worth it, and this story will remain in my heart forever! Thanks so much, Virginia Gray for opening my eyes much wider, and helping me to appreciate the way we live here, where all dreams are attainable! What a fabulous story you have created from a chance meeting. God bless you, and continued success in all of your writing! So well done!
Virginia Gray, when I received this book as a winner of one of your giveaways, I have to say that I was less than excited. The cover led me to believe that it would be fluffy, but suffice it to say, my mind is ready explode right now, and my heart is full of more emotions than I can begin to describe!
Readers, you are in for an extraordinary treat when you read this book. I fell in love with the characters, some rough and tough, others just trying to survive from one day to the next! When I started it, I felt so badly for these people in China, especially Guo Guo who suffered through more hardships than I would have believed possible. The perseverance and determination rarely ebbed, and about halfway through the book, I was praying for anything positive to happen. How grateful we should all be to live in the USA! I refuse to spoil this story for anyone, but trust me when I tell you that you can't help but LOVE this book. The anxiety it brought out in me was well worth it, and this story will remain in my heart forever! Thanks so much, Virginia Gray for opening my eyes much wider, and helping me to appreciate the way we live here, where all dreams are attainable! What a fabulous story you have created from a chance meeting. God bless you, and continued success in all of your writing! So well done!
November 19, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazingly warm stars
I wish I was writer so I can express my thoughts....
This is one of my most valuable reads of this year.
I loved the story of GuoGuo, her life like female and second child in China, with all family traditions and values. It's inspirational, warm and you have to see what will happen next. It left me respecting the woman strength and will to stand up from struggle and start her journey to find a job to survive,chance for freedom, love and most importantly to find herself.
This hearth warming story reminded me of some great classics and their quality in storyline.
And definitely gave me a lot to think of the things we have and take them for granted, while others have to fight and burn for them.
And I will definitely put Virginia Grey's books on my Must read list.
I wish I was writer so I can express my thoughts....
This is one of my most valuable reads of this year.
I loved the story of GuoGuo, her life like female and second child in China, with all family traditions and values. It's inspirational, warm and you have to see what will happen next. It left me respecting the woman strength and will to stand up from struggle and start her journey to find a job to survive,chance for freedom, love and most importantly to find herself.
This hearth warming story reminded me of some great classics and their quality in storyline.
And definitely gave me a lot to think of the things we have and take them for granted, while others have to fight and burn for them.
And I will definitely put Virginia Grey's books on my Must read list.
February 11, 2021
This 5-star read is a vivid word-painting of a seemingly simple and unassuming mother and daughter (don't be deceived) whose personal mettle and resiliency helps them survive and rise above appalling situations.
December 1, 2020
This was fantastic! Ms. Gray writes so eloquently!
January 11, 2021
This novel will be a best book of 2021 for sure! Wonderful story with lots of history of China in the past and today. I loved Guo Guo’s story.
April 21, 2021
An inspiring read
I enjoyed this book. The main character was interesting and motivational. It kept my interest during the whole time. I would recommend this book to friends.
I enjoyed this book. The main character was interesting and motivational. It kept my interest during the whole time. I would recommend this book to friends.
June 15, 2022
I really liked this book. Good writing and loved the determination of GuoGuo and her family.
June 29, 2022
Believe
If you work and work you can be anything you'll want to be. First you must believe in your self and willing to do everything that you can!
If you work and work you can be anything you'll want to be. First you must believe in your self and willing to do everything that you can!
July 4, 2022
wonderful story
Great story. Glad I bought this book. Turn out great. Love to read more stories like this. Of women going for what they dream about for their future
Great story. Glad I bought this book. Turn out great. Love to read more stories like this. Of women going for what they dream about for their future
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews