Secret of the Sands

Description

She was a slave. He was her master. Both of them long to be free... 1833 - The British Navy are conducting a survey of the Arabian Peninsula where slavery is as rife as ever despite being abolition. Zena, a headstrong and determined young Abyssinian beauty has been torn from her remote village, subjected to a tortuous journey and is now being offered for sale in the market of Muscat. Lieutenant James Wellstead is determined that his time aboard HMS Palinurus will be the conduit to fame and fortune. However, all his plans are thrown into disarray when two of his fellow officers go missing while gathering intelligence in the desert. By an unexpected twist of fate - Zena finds herself the property of Wellstead, now on a daring rescue mission into forbidding territory. Master and slave are drawn ever closer, but as danger faces them at every turn, they must endure heartache and uncertainty - neither of them knowing what fortune awaits them as they make their hazardous way through the shifting sands. A rich and epic novel that will appeal to fans of The Pirate's Daughter and East of the Sun.

Sara Sheridan was born in Edinburgh and studied English Literature at Trinity College Dublin. Fascinated by different media she has written a wide range of stories including contemporary novels, short films, teen and children's books as well as historical fiction. In 2000 her first novel, Truth or Dare won a place in the 100 Best Scottish Books, as part of the Scottish Library Award. She was also included in Company magazine's Top Ten Young Writers Under Thirty and was nominated for a Saltire Award in 2003. Sara has one daughter and lives in Edinburgh. For more information on Sara, visit www.sarasheridan.com.

Praise for Secrets of the Sands: "Sheridan uses historical figures interacting with fictional ones to create an exciting and often thought-provoking read" Historical Novels Review 'Sheridan's last novel, The Secret Mandarin, was our top historical romance of 2009. Meticulously researched, and rich in period detail, Secret of the Sands is on course to be the favourite of 2011.' Daily Record '...distinguished from similar genre offerings by the care paid to historical detail. It's extraordinary to discover, in the author's note, how much of this improbable tale is drawn from the archives of John Murray and the Royal Geographical Society.' Financial Times 'This well-paced story brings the perfumes and landscape of Arabia shimmeringly to life.' The Daily Mail 'A thoroughly enjoyable read. Recommended.' bookbag.co.uk Praise for The Secret Mandarin: 'A truly sumptuous, action-packed Oriental adventure that might just be our favourite historical romance of the year.' Daily Record 'An enchanting story that draws you in... perfect for whiling away the hours on a rainy day.' Closer 'If you like mystery, history, love and adventure then this book is for you!' Scottish Home & Country 'A very enjoyable voyage to the Far East.' Weekly News