A Certain Smile

Book excerpt: New York Times bestselling author Judith Michael brings together the magic of East and West in a passionate tale of heart-rending love as vivid and breathless as the pounding energy of Beijing. An American clothing designer and widowed mother of two teenagers, Miranda Graham arrives in China and is immediately overwhelmed by the way of life in this faraway place. Then she meets Yuan Li, son of an American soldier and Chinese mother—and suddenly, two worlds, two cultures, and two hearts collide. As Miranda bravely explores vistas beyond the safe, ordered limits of her own life, she is inexorably drawn to Yuan, a man who embodies all the hardship, dignity, and mystery of China. Their love is an unexpected awakening of body, mind, and spirit—even as the intrusive government and Yuan’s ambitious son threaten their newfound joy, propelling them toward the most shattering choice two lovers can make.