She Named Me Wolf
Wolf is a loner, living in constant fear of his unpredictable, alcoholic father. The only love he feels comes from his best friend Polly, who happens to be the ghost of a Japanese girl.
As Wolf grows, the ghost helps him cope until ultimately Wolf must make the most significant decision of his life. Only his unique friends, powerful imagination, and recollections of his past life as a samurai warrior will help him choose the right path.
She Named Me Wolf is book one in the series The Many Lives of Wolf.
His Name is Junsaku
Amidst the grandeur and tradition of feudal Japan, where samurai warriors clash in deadly battles and the shogunate reigns supreme, one man stands out. Junsaku Aoyama, driven by an unshakeable belief in his destiny, is determined to become Japan's greatest samurai. But as Junsaku pursues his dreams, he is faced with a difficult choice when he meets a Lithuanian woman who disembarks a Dutch merchant ship. Caught between his loyalty to his country and his growing love for her, Junsaku must navigate the treacherous waters of honour and duty, even as a mysterious ghost draped in black warns him of impending danger.
His Name is Junsaku is book two in the series The Many Lives of Wolf.
She Named Me Wolf Reviews
“This book was wonderful! Tenkara has created a phenomenal coming of age story filled with imagination and a healthy dose of spiritualism and inner-strength.”
— Author Ian Conrey
“For those of you who like surprising, and uplifting endings...be prepared. Smart knocks it out of the proverbial park in the final two paragraphs.”
— Author Claudia Piepenberg
“I loved this book. It was thought provoking, and the end completely stunned me. I felt connected to Wolf and was proud to see him progress over the course of the novel.”
— Retro Girl Reads
“Tenkara Smart deals with the heartbreaking subject of child abuse at the hands of an alcoholic parent amazingly. How “Wolf” deals with it is equally amazing. Reincarnation and ghosts as a coping mechanism is BRILLIANT.”
— Author Isabella Steel
His Name is Junsaku Reviews
“Every so often a book reminds me why literature is so important to me…Tenkara Smart has seamlessly combined the traditions, mysticism, and supernatural forces of Japanese 17th-century society into a thrilling adventure with an understanding of the period and a glimpse into the Japanese culture and psyche. There is plenty of action and battles to keep the most adrenaline-hooked reader satisfied but those moments are interspersed with wonderful descriptions of a loving father, a dedicated husband, and a conventional happy family life…The overarching message of Junsaku’s life is just as relevant and important to note as it was some 400 years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful story and highly recommend.”
— Grant Leishman
“Brilliant is the word that comes in mind after reading this book. Having read the author’s first book in the series named “She Named Me Wolf”, I was eagerly waiting for the second book and I must say, it didn’t disappoint. The story begins from where the first book ends. It perfectly delves into the Japanese culture and the legends of the samurais. It has a healthy dose of romance, action, suspense and a blend of mysticism.
Each and every scene is written with finesse and has many twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. The characters are well developed too, showcasing the different conflicts that take place between them. The main character Junsaku’s predicament is highlighted skillfully.
The book is an absolute treat. I congratulate the author for writing a gem and I look forward to book number three in the series.”— Amazon Review
“Tenkara Smart brings feudal Japan to life in this tale of honor, battle, and love with His Name is Junsaku. Junsaku Aoyama is working towards becoming the greatest samurai to serve the shogunate. This is all derailed when he meets a Lithuanian woman who steps off a Dutch trading vessel. Smart masterfully brings together so many great elements all under one roof from political intrigue, historical fiction, action packed battles, and a heartfelt love story! I loved the characters and the deep struggle Junsaku was put through, but I also especially loved how Smart really brought feudal Japan to life making the setting feel lived in and accurate. I have a degree in history and studied this particular era, so I was quite impressed with the level of research Smart must have done to accurately portray the shogunate and life at the time (my hat’s off to Smart here!). If you love samurai culture, history, battles, or love stories with a splash of supernatural sprinkled in, definitely grab your katana and come slash through His Name is Junsaku!”
— Joshua Grant, Diabolical Shrimp
“Tenkara Smart's His Name is Junsaku reminds me of old legends. This bittersweet tale encourages us to determine our priorities in life and be wise while making important choices…Tenkara sets the novel in seventeenth-century Japan when women couldn't express themselves or follow their path freely. The author sympathetic explores the role of women and young girls in society and touches on other significant topics, such as acceptance of different cultures, and the meaning of freedom and belonging. Junsaku's inner vision turns him into a beguiling main character. Tenkara masterfully describes the battle and fight scenes and adds intriguing plot twists and turns that make readers' hearts race in anticipation of the outcome. I highly recommend this absorbing novel to those who believe in true love and soulmates.”
— Nino Lobiladze
“His name is Junsaku is a fascinating read! Tenkara writes extremely well, and with it's mythical and historical elements, readers will be kept enthralled and entertained throughout. Filled with emotional conflicts and battle-scene turmoils, the protagonist's journey is a profound one. The storyline takes place in what seems like the distant past, yet aspects of Junsaku's humanity remain constant. Themes described in Feudal Japan are just as relevant today, and to any culture, as they were in years gone by. Combining the cultural with mystic and supernatural traditions of Japanese 17th-century society, Junsaku's journey toward the virtue of righteousness IS 'the way of the warrior'- encapsulating samurai attitudes and behaviour - Bushidō. Evolving significantly throughout history, Junsaku's journey is somewhat aligned with the European notion of chivalry... and that is what Tenkara's character represents.”
— Amazon Review
“Author Tenkara Smart shows incredible skill in bringing old Japan to life in a way that feels both historically accurate and emotionally real. I was completely drawn into 1600s Japanese society - everything from the sound of silk clothing to the rules of samurai fighting feels genuine and important to the story. The author adds ghost stories and supernatural elements in a way that makes the historical story more interesting. The writing shows how Japanese and Dutch people interacted during this time, giving a new understanding of how Japan started to change because of foreign influence. The main character, Junsaku, feels very real as he struggles between doing his duty and following his heart, showing us what it is like to be caught between traditional Japanese ways and new foreign ideas. Smart describes the political plots and social rules of the time so clearly that readers can easily understand this complex historical period. The author is especially good at showing how the arrival of Dutch traders started to change Japanese society and the realistic relationships between characters help readers understand what life was really like in this fascinating time. Overall, I highly recommend His Name is Junsaku to anyone who enjoys historical novels that combine careful research with exciting storytelling and help readers understand how different cultures affect each other..”
— K.C. Finn
About Me
I am the wife of an Aussie whom I adore and who makes me happy to be alive.
Born in Mystic, Connecticut, I spent most of my life in sunny San Diego, California, studying, working, and travelling for pleasure. Then, when I met my husband, Mark, a true adventurer and world traveler, I moved from Los Angeles to Doha, Qatar before coming to Brisbane, Australia where I currently live and write.
I studied English Literature and Creative Writing at San Diego State University and graphic design at the Advertising Arts College, and I enjoy playing piano and outdoor activities, including kayaking, tennis, squash, surfing, and skiing. I love to eat, drink, and travel, and according to TripAdvisor, I have been to 40% of the globe which I hope to get to at least 50% before moving on to the next life.