An enthralling story of secrets and discovering love where you least expect it, in The Tenth Gift the art of embroidery uncannily links two fascinating women of different eras and their equally passionate love storiesIn an expensive London restaurant, Julia Lovat receives a gift that changes her life. At first glance it is a book of exquisite seventeenth-century embroidery patterns belonging to a … embroidery patterns belonging to a woman named Catherine Ann Tregenna. Yet in its margins are the faintest diary entries; they reveal that “Cat” and others were stolen from their Cornish church in 1625 by Muslim pirates and taken on a brutal voyage to Morocco to be auctioned off as slaves. Captivated by this dramatic discovery, Julia sets off to North Africa to determine the authenticity of the book and to uncover more of Cat’s mesmerizing story. There, in the company of a charismatic Moroccan guide, amid the sultry heat, the spice markets, and exotic ruins, Julia will discover secrets long buried. And in Morocco—just as Cat did before her—she will lose her heart.
Though they live almost 400 years apart, the stories of these two women converge in an extraordinary and haunting manner that begs the question, is history fated to repeat itself?
“The Tenth Gift is wildly yet convincingly romantic—a rare combo . . . both a sensitive portrayal of Muslim culture and a delectable adventure of the heart.”—USA Today
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A thoroughly good read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Good historical fiction…a different look at human traficking in the 17th century. Exotic, enjoyable, with beautiful descriptions of the craft of embroidery.
Different from many others read.Liked characters and settings
Very well written and informative!
Nice read and strong characters.
If you love historical novels with a twist, this one’s for you. The characters are compelling and the history little known to the average reader. I was sorry to see this one end.
The gypsy was very clear in her telling of Catherine. She would love a long, loving, happy life. Rob chose not to see what has been all along a close cousin relationship. Instead, he was the sender, not receiver. Setting out to rescue Catherine from heathens, Rob gets a first-hand taste of Catherine’s strong will to survive as he too experiences the result of greed and torture. He chose life.
Insightful glimpse of dark history of human trafficking
A stunning, compelling book that was so hard to put down!
Wish there was more characters development. Loved it wanted more – like 200 pages more.
I LOVED this book! It really makes you think of the world from a new perspective and the story is captivating. Would love to read more by this author.
It was a nice escape –and interesting to learn about pirate history.
I really enjoyed this book. The history it was based upon was so interesting, but the story she wove into that history was wonderful. I have already ordered another book by this author.
Interesting book of two unrelated women whose lives intertwine in two very different eras. Insightful read!
The lives of two women four centuries apart converge when 21st century Julia receives a needlepoint book once belonging to 17th century Cat who was kidnapped by Barbary pirates one Sunday morning along with several others from a Cornish church. Jane Johnson follows both women from Cornwall to Morocco. While both women are prisoners of men and circumstance, surprisingly they both find freedom through needlepoint in Morocco.
Nice read. The very end didn’t tie up as neatly as I would have liked as it left me a tiny bit confused as to the provenance of the garment and the relationship of the couple, but I enjoyed it overall.
I enjoyed this book very much! Loved the history woven into the story.
The Tenth Gift is one of the first books that I have read in a long time that was completely unpredictable. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, boom, something else happened. Very original plot, with intriguing details.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of two women linked through time by a shared gift/interest in fine needlework. Details made the life & times of each woman believable & interesting. Nice glimpse into a world no longer with us.
Was so wonderful!! I’m recommending to my friends! Loved new to me historical fact and the characters in the story. Top ten on my list of favorites!