Claire Youmans first went to Japan in 1992 and was immediately captivated.  After years of travel and study, she continues to be charmed and amazed by a fascinating history and a culture that's both endearingly quirky and entirely unique. She is a retired lawyer who now lives in Tokyo. Her family, including her daughter and two grandsons, live in Seattle, USA.

In 2014, she started Tales of the Meiji Era with The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy's unparalleled blend of historical fantasy in the first book of the series, Coming Home.  She continues exploring the combination of history and folklore to share her love and fascination with a very different country and culture. 

Exciting adventures continue to unfold in this delightful fantastical yet historical world as social and political changes expand, technology explodes, and two very unusual children grow up.  



The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy

Someone knocked softly at the door of their room while they were at breakfast. The door slid open, and the innkeeper herself scooted in on her knees, bowing and holding a missive in front of her.


"For you, Revered Sir, for you," she said, showing excitement in her tone, extending it to Yuta. "From the Abbot!"


'Thank you," he said as he took it, opening it immediately. On this the children's future might depend. He sighed in relief.


"Lady Satsuki will see us in the Hour of the Snake." He looked from one small scared face to the other. "This is good news," he reminded them. He turned to the innkeeper.


Chapter 41