The Tenth Gift

Description

'An unashamedly escapist page-turner' Daily Mail In an exclusive London restaurant, Julia Lovat is given a gift that will change her life. The antique book of Jacobean embroidery delights her, but when she looks more closely, she discovers within its faded pages the extraordinary diary of a young Cornish girl, calling to her from across the centuries. On a Sunday morning in July 1625, Barbary pirates sail into a quiet Cornish bay and storm the church. Their loot: sixty men, women and children, bound for northern Morocco where they will be sold as slaves. Amongst them is Cat Tregenna, a talented young embroiderer. But as her diary reveals, Cat is anything but the compliant slave her captors were expecting... Praise for The Tenth Gift: 'An engrossing romance of clashing cultures and wonderful characters' Diana Gabaldon 'Beautifully written, first-class escapism' Mail on Sunday 'Revivifies the guilty pleasure of historical romance' Independent

Jane Johnson is a British novelist and publisher. Her novels include The Sea Gate, Court of Lions, The Salt Road and The Sultan's Wife. She is the UK editor for George R.R. Martin, Robin Hobb and Dean Koontz and was for many years publisher of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Married to a Berber chef she met while researching The Tenth Gift, she lives in Cornwall and Morocco.

An unashamedly escapist page-turner that will be enjoyed by fans of Kate Mosse and Philippa Gregory * Daily Mail * I really couldn't put it down. Exciting and romantic (oh so romantic!) and there is so much suspense. The descriptions are fabulous -- Barbara Erskine An atmospheric and hugely romantic adventure story -- Marie Claire Beautifully written, first-class escapism... A meticulously researched epic story' * Mail on Sunday * A remarkable view of Barbary pirates and their times, and an engrossing romance of clashing cultures and wonderful characters -- Diana Gabaldon