The Pearl of Penang

"The emotions I went through were numerous... This book hit me in the gut... magical to read and will stay with me... Wonderful." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

As World War Two looms closer, a young woman travels to a far-off tropical paradise on the promise of a new life, in this powerful and emotionally gripping love story.

Penang, 1939: As Evie steps off the boat, the tang of exotic scents in the air almost overwhelms her. Her heart beating wildly, she looks out over the lush tropical landscape she will now call home, and prays she hasn't made a terrible mistake.

What was she thinking, accepting a proposal of marriage from a widower she met only once, back in England years ago? The truth is, Douglas Barrington made an indelible impression on Evie, and her adventurous spirit couldn't resist the chance to travel to this far-flung paradise to marry him.

But when they meet again, Douglas's cold and surly treatment leaves her humiliated and confused. From the way he looks at her when they're alone together, she knows that there's something there - a spark that could blaze into real love if only he would let it.

As Evie adjusts to the sultry heat and explores the island, swimming in its cooling waters and learning who she can trust among the gossiping ex-pat crowd at the tennis club, she wonders why Douglas invited her here only to desert her, leaving her to dine alone every night? And why won't he let her visit the plantation where he spends all his time?

Brushing away tears of frustration, Evie vows to find out the truth. But as she delves deeper into her new husband's life, she's shocked to discover the secrets he's keeping from her. With war looming on the horizon, can Evie find the courage she so desperately needs to confront him? And will she ever be able to call Malaya her true home?

Fans of The Venice Sketchbook, The Last Rose of Shanghai and The Storyteller of Casablanca will adore this sweeping, heart-wrenching tale of love and deception, sacrifice and courage.

Readers are utterly captivated by The Pearl of Penang:

"PHENOMENAL! Loved reading it and didn't want to put it down. It was quite an experience." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Wow - where to begin... I am still thinking about this book! What an amazing story!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Incredible... A real page-turner." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"It's midnight and I've just finished... It was amazing. What a journey." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Magnificent... Had me hooked from beginning to end." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I lived and breathed this book... A story of love, hope, betrayal and friendship." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Absolutely breath-taking! I felt like I needed a fan to relieve the heat... the description was so vivid. I could see the vibrant colours of the flowers and smell the heady aroma. I could hear the cacophony of sound... Terrific love story." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Loved this! I didn't want this book to end!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Gripping. A novel to lose yourself in." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐