Ginny I think you will enjoy Snow Flower-let me know what you think.
As for the “Chinese Theme” I will add WOMEN OF THE SILK by Gail Tsukiyama (I just saw it is on the AAUW list-great choice). Another wonderful book of hers is THE SAMURAI’S GARDEN. As you might guess, this is in Japan, not China. I agree with Vixmom regarding SPRING MOON.
DakotaCelt, my book group read THE TIME TRAVELERS WIFE, interesting.