The Pearl of Penang

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 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 man she met only once, years ago? The truth is, Douglas Barrington made an indelible impression on her, and Evie's adventurous spirit couldn't resist the chance to travel to this far-flung paradise to marry him. But 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? 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, she's shocked to discover the secrets her new husband is 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.