The Phoenix Crown is set in the early 1900’s, before, during, and after the Great Earthquake in San Francisco. The main characters are aspiring opera singer Gemma, botanist Alice, Chinese Embroiderers Suling, and artist Reggie. Their lives are touched forever by Henry Thornton, multi-millionaire and cultural enthusiast who lives in the exclusive Nob Hill district. Henry acquires a rare and exquisite treasure, The Phoenix Crown, reputed to have been a possession of a powerful emperor. The earthquake hits during the night of one of Henry’s famous parties, during which Gemma will model the priceless headdress as she sings opera for the guests.
All, of course, is not as it seems, and soon the women must try to save themselves during the horror of the earthquake and the fires that follow. They eventually scatter, but after 5 years they reunite in Paris to see that justice prevails in a mystery that only they have the answer to solving.
This book was a little hard for me to get into, but it’s worth the slow start, so keep reading. I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.
Easy Egg Rolls:
Ingredients:
- 1 package egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg
- 1 package cole slaw mix
- 2 tblsp. Soy sauce
- Chopped pork, chicken, or sausage as desired (I like mine meatless)
- Oil for frying
Put the cracked egg in a small bowl; scramble with a fork
Line a cookie sheet with paper towels
Put a little olive oil in a fry pan and fry the cabbage mix with the soy sauce; let it cool
Open the egg rolls and lay out; one at a time, put about 2 tablespoons of cabbage filling in the center of the egg roll wrapper; bring two corners together; brush with egg; bring the other two corners together; coat with egg; (the egg serves as glue so be sure you get it on each corner)
Deep fry in oil in the frypan; lay on the cookie sheet
Serve with dipping sauce, like sweet chili thai or sweet and sour sauce;
Eat them right away, or freeze for a later treat!
Did you like the book? The recipe? I’d love to know! Please leave a comment.
Thank you.
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