Time for a love story, the Book Circle has decided, choosing Weina Dai Randel’s The Last Rose of Shanghai: A Novel, a National Jewish Book Awards finalist. Here, readers are introduced to a vibrant portrait of a little-known slice of World War II history.

Described as a powerful story of the relationship between a Shanghai heiress and a Jewish refugee, this sweeping novel — from the jazz clubs of Japanese-occupied Shanghai to the impoverished streets of a city under siege — sets in motion a chain of events that will change both their lives forever.

The Book Circle explores stories by Jewish writers and those focused on Jewish themes. For more information, email ctigreenport@gmail.com with a message for Susan Rosenstreich, coordinator of the group.