Thank you Heather B. Moore for your extensive research into the life of Donaldina Cameron, a woman who came from Australia to San Francisco to work in the Occidental Mission Home where she helped care for young Chinese girls who were sold by their parents believing their daughters were marrying rich men in order to have a better life, when in reality they were sold into slavery and prostitution.

I cherished reading every girls journey and seeing how far they were able to come despite the deplorable challenges they faced before they were rescued. I especially loved the development of Ah-Peen Oie’s character and how she went from being a hated slave owner to finding redemption and changing her life around. I also must comment on Mei Lien and her ability to forgive and Tien Fu Wu who grew from being a quiet, petrified child into a remarkable woman who was determined to get an education and eventually was emotionally strong enough to help rescue and save girls like her.

It is books like this, The Paper Daughters of Chinatown, that make you realize how important it is to read and to diversify your reading so that you can become aware of every part of history. How thankful we all must be to people like Donaldina Cameron for her tenacity, passion, strength, bravery, heroism and the path she took to devote her life to change our world for the better.

Donaldina Cameron, known as the white devil rescued and saved 3,000 Chinese girls from their lives as slaves and prostitutes. What a selfless, beautiful woman she was. We must also thank authors like Heather Moore, because of her passion for writing and researching our history she is bringing to the forefront a deplorable event in our history in hopes to change the world.

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown will give you insight into slave trafficking in Chinatown in San Francisco during the late 1800’s early 1900’s, opium addiction, the San Francisco Earthquake, the Bubonic Plague and an organization called tong that consisted of Chinese men who were involved in the kidnapping of the young girls turning them into slaves and prostitutes. Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Heather B. Moore for writing this book and reminding us that slave trafficking is not a problem of the past but in fact it is still in existence today and must be stopped.

Thank you to the author, Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a compelling read, all the more so because it opened my eyes to a time, place and history I had been completely unaware of before. The author's meticulously researched account of the life of Donaldina Cameron, and the impact she had on so many young women whose lives had been shattered by human trafficking is fascinating and inspiring. Classified as historical fiction, and based on real life events and persons, the tone is precisely right for the time, and gives an authentic view not only of life in 19th century but also of an amazing woman who fought with determination and perseverance for the rights and dignity of others.

This is historical fiction done well. It is the story of someone you've likely never heard of, Donaldina Cameron. In the late 1800's she worked at a home, where Chinese females were rescued from slavery. who began working in San Francisco in 1895 at a mission home that rescued Chinese women and girls from lives of slavery. This is a story and history I knew absolutely nothing about. What I admired was the author's ability to write a story that kept us reading, but she would add facts and information that left me thinking I'd follow up and learn more about this time period. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to review this book, as it's not one I might've initially reached for on the shelf. Definitely recommended. Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. #NetGalley #HeatherBMoore #ThePaperDaugthersofChinatown

This is a heartwarming historical novel of an amazing woman who braved evil men and women to save the lives of women who were deceived into a life of prostitution and slavery. Humans have been so evil to each other. Thankfully there have been many people like Donaldina Cameron. She risked her own life to save children and young women in San Francisco.

This is a well written account of her work along with other women and men who were a big part in saving so many women’s lives.

#ThePaperDaughtersOfChinatown #NetGalley

This novel based on a true story, was well written and I had a hard time putting it down. The Chinese law, up until 1911 forbade women emigrating to America, until a law was passed to allow them into the country under the pretense of labour laws. Chinese women were given forged paperwork to migrate and promised husbands or jobs. Once they arrived the women thinking they were to meet their new husband, were sold as slaves or prostitutes by the Chinese criminal tung. The story is told through two characters, Mei Lein a young Chinese woman and Dondalina Cameron.
Dondalina (Dolly), comes to work at the Occidental Mission Home, a home that provides refuge for Chinese women, taken from places of Iill repute. These Chinese women were broken and also addicted to opium. Some as young as six years old, were forced to work in abusive situations or sold as prostitutes. These Chinese women would contact the Mission Home through a code and the Mission Home, would come and rescue them from their deplorable situation. Dolly become an advocate for these Chinese women and worked tirelessly to make a better future for them.
Mei Lein, is one of the paper daughters, whose story we read about, from before her arrival in America. It was one that broke my heart.
The author did extensive research and told a well written story. Sadly this form of muliputive acts, are still alive today, in the big business of sex trafficking.

This was a fascinating look at part of Donaldina Cameron's mission in life and the people she helped. Heather Moore effortlessly wove historical facts with a fictional story that was intriguing.

Tien Fu Wu stole the show as a secondary character. Her passion and determination were inspiring, as was her growth throughout the book.

This book discussed a lot of touch topics well, including prostitution, racism, abuse, drug use, and slavery. No graphic details were given, which is why I would rate this book as PG-13

Moore delivers a tremendous read about an important part of California, San Francisco, and US history. The fight against slave trafficking of young Asian females during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, I had never heard of Donaldina Cameron. She was one hell of a woman. Decided, determined. Dedicated, and infatiguable she directed the Mission for close to forty years, battle she the sex traffickers, and was mother to numerous refugees. The author provides excellent background information, informative citations, and a good bibliography. This one is is not to be missed.

Moore's story of Donaldina Cameron's work at the Occidental Home for Girls and its many Chinese residents is both dramatic and compelling. It covers a period of national shame--when Chinese immigrants were barred from entering the US, with an exception for Chinese women who were promised to be married to US residents. Fraud was rampant, and large numbers of Chinese women arrived only to realize they had been duped into sexual slavery. Donaldina Cameron came to work at the home for a brief period, but discovered she had a passion for the work of caring for and rescuing the Asian women who had been so exploited, and so worked there for many years. I was skeptical when I first approached this book because it seemed to have the stereotype of the Helpful White Lady all over it. And having finished it, I wonder if the story might have been better focused on the home and its Asian residents, rather than as seen through Cameron's eyes. That said, Cameron, along with her police contacts, many of the residents, and sympathetic San Franciscans of all races, did very important work in caring for and liberating exploited women and children. It would be a great disservice to discount that work--and this book--because of Cameron's race. Cameron is shown to be both compassionate and practical in her service, which may be why she was so successful and beloved. I was particularly drawn to Tien Fu Wu, who began the story as a damaged, troubled teenager, and grew to be one of the home's most valuable rescuers. Her growth within the story was a firm through point that carried the book to its triumphant end, even more so than that of the fictional Mei Lien. Readers should take particular care to read the excellent Author's Note before reading the novel so they can appreciate it in its important social and political contexts. I also very much liked the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter, and the corresponding notes at the end are not to be missed. Recommended for lovers of US history, immigration, and even crime stories. The prose is clear and direct, and definitely appropriate for YA readers as well as adults.

I was provided with a free copy of THE PAPER DAUGHTERS OF CHINATOWN by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

here is so much history in this novel I don’t even know where to begin. The author’s attention to detail, and countless hours of research is evident on each and every page. Yes, it was a hard read at times. But all history isn’t cheery and roses. It is tough. It is hard to swallow. But at the end of the day, it still provides hope, which is exactly what Moore has done here.

Donaldina, “Dolly”, is a character we can all connect with – a girl who wants to help out, thinking she is brave enough to handle it. A girl with a big heart, trying to make a difference. Sound familiar? Yeah, it does to me. As we often find in life, Donaldina found that the work she was doing wasn’t really what she had in mind, and was much harder than she ever thought. But that didn’t stop her. In fact, she found herself doing things she never dreamed of, and that in itself was inspirational.

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is a poignant story that had me reaching for the tissues. The stories of the things these young woman (and girls) went through absolutely broke my heart. The addition of Mei Lien to the storyline was perfect. She provided a POV that I was nervous about reading, but found myself clinging to every scene. Again, it was hard to read, and I know there were women in much worse circumstances than her. It really makes you think about things, about life.

If you are looking for a historically accurate read that will open your eyes and take your breath away, I highly recommend this book. It is full of emotion, sadness, and darkness. But I find that you can always find a little light in a dark world, and that’s exactly what Moore does. She brings readers hope.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received this from Netgalley.com.

Based on true events, this is an inspiring fictional account of Donaldina Cameron who rescued girls from slavery and prostitution.

3☆

This story brought to life for me a world that I didn't even know existed. While I know that human trafficking is a problem in our world, I didn't know about the paper daughters in San Fransisco. At first, I didn't know if I would be able to handle reading about the subject matter. However, I trusted Heather B Moore to tell the story in a real yet non-graphic way. I learned so much!!! The notes and research are outstanding. These people came to life for me. The last chapter made me cry happy tears to see how far they had come. What an incredible journey. The depth of these characters and this story takes my breath away.

This novel by Heather B Moore captivated me. I was honored to learn about the fearsome and dedicated Donaldina Cameron who helped so many Chinese women who had been sold into slavery or forced into prostitution when they came to the United States. This wonderful fictional story was based on the true events of Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron as she first becomes a teacher at the Occidental Mission Home for Girls in San Francisco, and then served as director for many years.

Under Heather B. Moore's talented writing skills, she brought Dolly's story alive, woven with the heart breaking stories of so many children and women the Home, under her direction, were able to rescue from the Chinese tong.. I cried several times during the reading of this novel! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel!

Spoiler Alert:

Dolly may never have married and had children of her home, but she had many "daughters" she had saved, and the tender stories she has woven about this girls and women really touched me.

Amazing. Heartrending. Incredible.

It took me awhile to get into this book, mainly because the subject matter is so intense and quite heavy. But it is excellently written and brings to life real people that lived and fought for the freedom of others. Donaldina Cameron was a remarkable woman, as were the women she worked alongside and the daughters she rescued. She sacrificed so much for her girls, yet there was no resentment, only occasional sadness when she felt lonely, but also overwhelming peace with her choices.

Mei Lien amazed me. She was an incredibly strong young woman and this shone through in the book. She is truly an example to everyone, no matter the struggles and trials they have experienced.

I loved seeing Tien blossom and grow through her experiences, becoming another remarkable young woman as she learned to trust and to want to be trusted herself.

This was an emotional read. No question. But absolutely worth it to become more educated on the plight of women and children around the world - past AND present, because things like this still happen today.

This is a story that needed to be told. The subject matter is difficult, but anything worth exposing and correcting is going to be difficult. The handling of the subject of the trafficking of women and girls in this book was masterfully done. Heather B,. Moore showed it from the perspective of those fighting trafficking and one who was experiencing it.

I found myself intrigued by the subject matter and found it applicable today as people are still being trafficked. If we are going to talk about slavery, we need to talk about the abuses to these people that find themselves the victims of evil people.

This story was also about healing, not overnight, but a slow healing over time that can only happen through love and forgiveness, When I say forgiveness, I mean the victims forgiving themselves,. I was pleased that the format of this book was a. Novel. I find that I am able to better personalize history with a narrative and characters I can connect with, in this Heather B. Moore succeeded. The history was well researched and presented.,

While this wasn’t one of my fastest reads, it was definitely worth the read to learn a part of history that I had heretofore overlooked. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more of the sordid history that has gone too long overlooked.

I received and early copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my review.

I really enjoyed this book. I have never heard of Donaldina "Dolly" Cameron or the Occidental Mission Home, and was fascinated with her courage and with all the work she did to help the Chinese girls and women escape their horrendous circumstances. I especially loved that it was told in dual perspectives of Dolly and of a young Paper Daughter. The view from both sides of the story made it a well-rounded experience. The topics in the book are handled very tastefully. It could have been vulgar but it was not and because of that, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction, the history of the Paper Daughters, or anyone interested in stories about strong, influential women in history!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A highlight of my reading year! Initially set around 1882 when “undesirable” Asians were banned from entering the United States unless they had family or were married to a citizen. To get around this Act “Paper Daughters”, wives on paper only, travelled by ship with instructions to memorise in fine detail information about their new families in order to fool the authorities. Unfortunately the only fools were they themselves, thrown into a life of slavery and prostitution. A Presbyterian mission home becomes a haven of safety for these women run by a Donaldina Cameron. Without fear for her own life, she responds to calls for help and with the help of her staff and the local police she rises up against the Chinese tong slave masters. Based on Donaldina Cameron herself, Heather B. Moore has given us a graphic tale of 19th century life in San Francisco.

Thanks to Netgalley the author and Shadow Mountain publishers for an ARC of this book.

I loved this book! It reminded me of Lisa See's novels which I also love. I had no idea that Chinese girls were being trafficked in San Francisco at the turn of the century, and this story taught me about a brave, amazing, real life hero. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of this author's work. I received a copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest feedback.

This book was an interesting and solid read about a piece of history that was new to me. For this reason, I liked it. It felt a bit like a teaching moment or young adult novel but I felt like I was learning so much by reading it that I found it to be compelling.

I love a great historical fiction novel and The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore is a book I think you will love as much as I did. I appreciate a beautifully written story that entertains and teaches me something new, especially when it’s based on true events like this one. It reminded me of when I read about Georgia Tran, an evil woman who abducted children and sold them, a prolific child trafficker. When I learned about her, I listened to every podcast and read everything I could.

Now, learning about Dolly and her work, I am intrigued and need to find out more. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Take a look:

When twenty-six-year-old Donaldina Cameron arrives at the Occidental Mission Home for Girls in 1895, she intends to stay for only one year to teach sewing skills to young Chinese women. Within days, she discovers that the job is much more complicated than perfect stitches and even hems. San Francisco has a dark side, one where a powerful underground organization—the criminal tong—buys and sells Chinese girls like common goods. With the help of Chinese interpreters and a local police squad, Donaldina works night and day to stop the abominable slave and prostitution trade.

Mei Lien believes she is sailing to the “Gold Mountain” in America to become the wife of a rich Chinese man. Instead she finds herself sold into prostitution—beaten, starved, and forced into an opium addiction. It is only after a narrow escape that she hears of the mission home and dares to think there might be hope for a new life.

Before starting this book, I knew nothing about the trafficking of Chinese girls in San Francisco. Rich details plus facts, and excellent research make this novel an absolute must-read. As heartbreaking as it is, it’s important to learn about the history that wasn’t taught in school. Now I want to learn more about Donaldina “Dolly” Cameron.

Another excellent book! Be sure to read this when it comes out on September 1. Pre-order here!

I think this book was the best book I have read recently. The story makes me want to continue. How she saved so many young women from abuse. I would follow this author.