Amazon Book Depository Angus and Robertson Category:  Action/Thriller Publisher: Mala Naidoo ISBN-10:  0648137740 Type: Fiction Pages: 200 Copyright: February 2018 ISBN-13: 9780648137740 Price: $2.99 (eBook) Meryl and Marcia, from different cultural backgrounds, face challenges that reveal their inner strength.The men in their lives gradually come to terms with their unquenchable thirst for life. Meryl chooses her way, Marcia is a victim of circumstances she did not envision. Two indomitable women search for new meaning while endeavouring to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Unexpected encounters bring changes to the direction of their life paths shedding light on how we are inextricably linked to our pasts, pasts that might come haunting when we are vulnerable. The capacity of the human spirit to endure and renew is evocatively rendered through changing landscapes and diverse attitudes leading to either greater loss or  new found love. Human desire to transcend mundanity, to break free, invites risks and unimaginable challenges that test the capacity for renewal.         Excerpt Would you risk your long-held dreams for a secluded estate beside an olive grove, a creative paradise, and a mysterious, irresistible newcomer? Set in London and Florence with a third location being ‘any place’ Meryl, a budding writer, and Michael a human rights lawyer, become entangled in the world of international crime. Life will never be quite the same. Will they pick up from where they left, despite the various characters who managed to enter their lives, or will they let go of the safety they once found in each other’s arms? A contemporary story of fractured pasts, intriguing encounters, insularity, professional harassment and tea capacity to live for others.

Beautifully Written Work
“This is a beautifully written work about loving relationships, good times, travel and how naivety can lead into dark places. The principle characters Michael and Meryl are likeable and well drawn. The end has its violent twists and turns which hold the reader in suspense until the drama is played out.

David Crawford, author “The Golden Man”, “The Threads of Time”, “Corner

Be careful what you wish for...
Be careful what you wish for...

Meryl inhabits the world of literature, and harbours a burning desire to discover if her dormant talent can be unleashed to create literature instead of publishing the work of others. Her partner Michael is a passionate human rights lawyer, determined to eliminate injustice and alleviate suffering using the slow moving but effective machinery of law. Drifting through life together for 14 years, the creative, impulsive extrovert and the cautious, cool-headed legal-eagle have somehow not yet found the right time to discuss the important topic of commitment.

Meryl decides to change the dynamics in her life and heads to London for a 3 month writing sojourn. She is welcomed by her elderly Uncle Ben, who shares her love of literature and understands her need to search for her writing muse. Although distressed at her determination to initiate this 'break', Michael accepts Meryl's decision to quest for her own holy grail. He concedes that with a complex and lengthy human rights case looming he will be buried in his own work for the coming months. By either skyping or telephoning they will speak to each other almost every day anyway, so what could go wrong?

At opposite ends of the globe, Meryl and Michael find unexpected opportunities to examine what is important to them and ultimately test the strength of their relationship. Each has to make a decision which will determine the direction this crossroads will take them- will it be together or alone?

Meryl taps into what seems on the surface to be a well of carefree creativity in Florence while back home Michael discovers how an indomitable spirit can triumph over adversity. Add in a mysterious Russian, a captivating and beautiful client, an isolated country villa and loss of phone contact and the pace picks up to breakneck speed.

Mala Naidoo has spun a web of intrigue where the past entangles the present and her characters face a dangerous and uncertain future. It's easy to be swept away by this tale of romance, adventure and mystery and a sequel is eagerly awaited!

Reviewed by Chris McGuigan, January 2017
Kensington Review

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Pick of The Week
‘Passion, danger, love, friendship and mystery all meet in this gripping and unusual novel. International crime rings, racism and human rights issues add more spice to an already intriguing and well-researched read.’

John Morrow, Pick of the Week