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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Having lived in Morocco for a few years, i loved reading about places I’ve been and could picture in my mind. I also loved the Moroccan Arabic names for objects and other phrases and words that I knew.
The book started off good and I purchased it based on the sample, but it did not live up to expectations. It takes place in 2 ti.e frames and the transitions are often unclear leaving the reader confused about which story line they are reading about at times. There is often TOO much (pages) of scene description before the story goes on. The heroine does some things that are unbelievable that makes it hard to feel sorry for her. I ended up giving up and not finishing it.
I learned a lot about the slave trade. I always thought that it was only the Africans that were captured and sold but this book told a story of a much bigger picture of slavery in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was very educational. I recommend this book
different twist in historical fiction
There is so much to love about this book with its unique plot lines and rich character development. The intensity of the storyline is well balanced with the ease of the authors transition between past and present. If you enjoy historical fiction this book will give you all the feels!
Was looking for more from this author as soon as I finished. Great vacation book
I was impressed, I’ve read 2 more books by Ms. Johnson. the story was interesting because as an American we always think the worst of Muslims and the countries in that region. I really enjoyed the book and learned from it.
I loved this book. I learned a lot about English history and pirates that I didn’t know before. The book was both entertaining and informative. I loved the way the novel seamlessly switched between the present and the past. I couldn’t put the book down. I highly recommend The Tenth Gift.
I wish I could have enjoyed this book to the extent that many others did. The description was the highlight and the most entertaining part of the book. One surprising aspect – that I had no previous knowledge of – was that around the 1600s, many Europeans were being captured and sold as slaves in Morocco.
I loved this book, especially the historical background about the Barbary coast and the way it moved back and forth between different characters in different centuries. The characters were well developed and the story line complex.
Great read. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition and unique connections of the historical fiction story in the 1600’s and the story in our time zone.
I enjoyed the book. I hated to put it down. Iwantes to know the conclusion.
Some aspects of the character of Cat seemed a bit far-fetched but I was willing to suspend disbelief as the general plot-line and weaving of the present and past were done well. It seemed unlikely that Cat would would grow to love the person who enslaved her people and did so in such a sadistic manner.
Very good read.
Different but cute!
This is a very well written book about a culture and area that is rarely found in books. The historical information is eye opening and very entertaining.
Wonderful historically based story, beautifully written. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
“Such cruel times; such barbarous people.” For me this quote says it all!
A fun historical fiction romp through Cornwall and Morocco. Easy to read, not so easy to put down.
Very enjoyable from start to finish