The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang

Set in San Francisco, days before the 1906 earthquake Gemma Garland heads to the city to revive her opera career.

Gemma has an exceptional voice, but is plagued by migraines that affect her performance.

When she meets arts patron Henry Thornton, he promises to help make her a star.

Henry is a railroad magnate who is obsessed with Chinese antiques.

This also leads him to help Suling Feng, a Chinese embroideress who wants to make enough money to escape an arranged marriage.

But Henry’s support may come with strings attached.

This historical thriller ups the suspense as it counts down to the earthquake, but something big is uncovered even before the big disaster.

I love Kate Quinn and adding a co-author Janie Chang gives the Chinese point of view authenticity.

If you love suspense thrillers, but are a little wary of historical fiction, give this book a chance.

It embodies the power of women working together across generations and ethnicities.

If you enjoy Kristen Hannah and haven’t tried Kate Quinn, check out my review of The Rose Code.