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

"Too much, too soon," Azuki murmured after Uncle had returned to his study. Uncle's school was barely established. She didn't want it to change. Azuki liked school. She put her rake in its place under the gallery. "I do wonder what the capital is like, though."


"That would be the place to get Western boots like Anko-san's," Renko commented as she slid hers in beside it.


Lady Anko, the daughter of their liege lord, the Sheriff Lord Eitaro, had spent many weeks of the summer at her family's local residence in the village down the hill. She and Azuki had first met when Azuki and Shota returned home after Azuki's desperate flight north with Shota hard on her tail. She and Shota had revealed themselves to Anko because she was their best hope of securing their human status and Shota's inheritance. Anyway, she'd guessed.


Chapter 79