"A Race to Splendor is a penetrating look at what it takes to survive and what it means to succeed in a city that has literally crumbled. Greed and envy, anger and rage, love and lust all make an appearance in this fascinating exploration of human nature. The intriguing, dedicated personalities in Ware’s latest release provide an excellent source of information about the San Francisco tragedy as well as captivating entertainment." — ForeWord
"Vividly evocative of the time and place, Ware’s first novel in ten years deftly blends history and romance in a page-turning story. From her gripping descriptions of the earthquake and its aftermath to the interplay between the protagonists, this is another winner from an excellent wordsmith." — Library Journal
"Her writing is pleasant and it’s clearly evident that she’s done her homework. " — The Calico Critic
"I could barely put A Race to Splendor down once I would pick it up to start reading. The story moved effortlessly with amazing detail. No doubt explicitly researched, A Race to Splendor was a top notch novel that showed the aftermath of the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 through the eyes of a determined woman." — Readin and Dreamin
"I really enjoyed "A Race to Splendor." Ciji Ware is an incredible writer, and her research is flawless. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy this one. " — Mrs. Q Book Addict
"I found the writing to be very believable that I could relate to the damage that this earthquake had done to property and people in San Francisco. " — CelticLady’s Reviews
"A Race to Splendor is fast paced, meticulously detailed, events come to life as do the characters, and Ware sweeps the reader away with her ability to transform readers into the past. I highly recommend A Race to Splendor to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is new to the genre." — Rundpinne
"My first Ciji Ware novel but definitely not my last; the pages literally turn themselves!" — Queen of Happy Endings
"Ware's research is impeccable and she brings these situations and circumstances to life for readers. She gives a face to a tragedy that many don't know much about and I thought she did a wonderful job of it." — Debbie’s Book Bag
"A Race to Splendor is pitch perfect! While it is a hefty book, at no time does the storyline drag or feel forced. I immensely enjoyed watching Amelia and J.D.’s relationship shift and grow and to see how my opinions of each of the characters, both prominent and secondary, changed as more information was revealed.
A Race to Splendor brings to light many social issues, such as women’s rights and the rights of the Chinese immigrants forced into servitude at the turn of the 20th century, while also promoting how everyone has the chance to change, even those most likely not to. If you enjoy historical fiction, you won’t be disappointed with this gem." — Luxury Reading
"This is a book that I would recommend to fans of historical fiction, and to the rest of you too. It has romance, suspense, and backstabbing." — Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
"I loved A Race to Splendor. Ciji Ware’s storytelling was fantastic. Just when you think things are going well, a new wrench gets thrown into the mix. I read this book pretty quickly as I was always wondering what would happen next. The earthquake and fire description were riveting. It reminded me of one of my favorite movies, San Francisco starring Clark Gable." — Laura’s Reviews
"For me, the story itself was a winner. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading the author's note and her acknowledgements as they were filled with expressions of her inspiration for this story and the historical research she did that brought about A Race to Splendor, which I think is an ode to courageous and extraordinary women who have contributed greatly to history but have largely been ignored. " — Library of Clean Reads
"Ciji Ware’s A Race to Splendor can not be missed! What an epic novel full of heart thumping action, suspense, drama and romance! It contains perfect elements of history to awaken our dormant interest into past events long forgotten. Ware succeeds in grabbing our attention from the moment we learn of her inspiration in the Author’s Note to the prologue with Amelia’s beseechingly sad letter to Julia Morgan. Chapter One explodes with Amelia’s own determination to vex the men of their claim to the Bay View Hotel." — Aisle B
"Ciji Ware is acknowledged as one of the best historical fiction authors, and she does not disappoint in A Race to Splendor. Meticulously researched, she transports the reader to turn of the century San Francisco and makes them feel the devastation and the pioneering spirit that rebuilt the city." — Booksie’s Blog
"Another big thumbs up to Ms. Ware for writing well-rounded baddies and showing us why they’re bad instead of telling us with snarling lips, stinking breath and feral smiles. " — At Home with a Good Book and the Cat
"Ware's trailblazing woman is a feisty host for an affecting story of the struggle to rise above the wreckage of mankind." — Publishers Weekly
"A Race to Splendor is an entertaining summer read." — Booklist
"Meticulously researched, this richly detailed novel, whose earthquake scenes are so real that readers will believe they are witnessing the event, will enthrall... an unforgettable story. 4 1/2 Stars " — RT Book Reviews
"Ciji Ware continues to shine a spotlight on women’s accomplishments in history. Highly recommended, this novel glows with a careful blend of history and romance" — Historical Novels Review
