Sharon Maas crafts narratives that delve into profound human experiences, deeply informed by her own adventurous global journey. Her prose is marked by a lyrical quality and an insightful exploration of the human psyche. Maas invites readers into worlds rich with emotion and contemplation, often drawing inspiration from her extensive travels through South America and India. Her works stand as a testament to the power of storytelling and its capacity to bridge diverse cultures and perspectives.
A heart-wrenching and unforgettable World War 2 historical novel
392 pages
14 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of a distant island, the story unfolds a clandestine romance amidst the tension of impending war. As Japanese spies lurk in the waters, the characters navigate their secret relationship while grappling with the looming threat of conflict. The narrative intertwines love and danger, highlighting the complexities of human emotions in times of crisis.
A desperate plea for help leads the protagonist to unravel a mystery involving a woman in distress. The urgency of the note, marked by a simple yet chilling message, hints at a deeper story of familial ties and potential danger. As the protagonist delves into the meaning behind the message and the significance of the number, they are drawn into a tense narrative filled with suspense and emotional stakes.
A heartbreaking and gripping novel of tragedy and secrets
418 pages
15 hours of reading
Set against a backdrop of hope and transformation, the story follows a protagonist yearning for a fresh start. As she embarks on a journey to discover her true self, she encounters challenges and new relationships that test her resilience. Themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of happiness weave through her experiences, ultimately leading her to unexpected revelations about love, loss, and the meaning of home. The narrative captures the essence of reinvention and the courage it takes to embrace change.
A spellbinding story of forbidden love, spanning three continents and three decades. Set against the Independence struggles of two British colonies, Of Marriageable Age is ultimately a story of personal triumph against a brutal fate, brought to life by a multicultural cast of characters:Savitri, intuitive and charismatic, grows up among the servants of a pre-war English household in the Raj. But the traditional customs of her Brahmin family clash against English upper-class prejudice, threatening her love for the privileged son of the house. Nataraj, raised as the son of an idealistic doctor in rural South India, finds life in London heady, with girls and grass easily available… until he is summoned back home to face raw reality.Saroj, her fire hidden by outward reserve, comes of age in Guyana, South America, the daughter of a strictly orthodox and very racist Hindu father. Her life changes forever on the day she finally rebels against him. ... and even against her gentle, apparently docile Ma.But Ma harbours a deep secret… one that binds these three so disparate lives and hurtles them towards a truth that could destroy their world.
Beautiful and heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction
384 pages
14 hours of reading
The story emphasizes the bond between two sisters who face external threats that challenge their unity. As they confront a common enemy, the narrative explores themes of sisterhood, loyalty, and the importance of standing together against adversity. The tension between personal conflicts and the need for solidarity adds depth to their relationship, highlighting the struggle to prioritize familial ties over rivalries.
A gripping and emotional family saga of love and secrets
336 pages
12 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, this gripping narrative follows a woman's quest for truth intertwined with her passionate love for a man. As she navigates the chaos of war, the story explores themes of love, loss, and the impact of conflict on personal lives, creating a powerful emotional journey.
Another magical saga by the author of 'Of Marriageable Age'. How many of us think as adults we've lost the vitality of childhood? And how many manage to find it again? This is Rita Maraj's dilemma. Living in a ramshackle house in Georgetown, leader of the local neighbourhood gang, Rita collects people like she does dogs, cats, ants, and even an unwanted police horse. But then her father her stepmother is determined to tidy up house, husband and stepdaughter, and move into respectable society. Rita's charm and liveliness become compressed by the pressure to conform, and the duty to find a suitable husband. But then a messenger arrives, searching for a possible heir to the distant family estates. Suddenly liberated, and determined to search for her roots, Rita's sense of adventure is reawakened first by the formidable personage of her distant relative, but even more by the tragedies of her long lost, romantic cousin. Her early life -- saving half the wildlife of her neighbourhood -- is only preparation for the destiny that awaits her. Dramatic and vivid, moving and exotic, 'Peacocks Dancing' is a captivating story, a joy to read.
Set in 1912 British Guiana, the story follows Winnie Cox as she prepares to marry George Quint, her true love. Defying her privileged upbringing on her father's sugar plantation, Winnie rejects her family's expectations by choosing to be with George, a poor black postman from the slums. This choice highlights themes of love, class struggle, and societal norms, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of personal sacrifice and the complexities of racial and social dynamics.
Berlin, 1933. Leah and Magda have been inseparable for as long as they can remember, and one beautiful summer’s day in their courtyard, they vow nothing will ever come between their friendship. But Leah could never have predicted the darkness looming just around the corner…As Hitler comes to power and the Nazi Party gain even more influence, Magda proudly tells Leah she has decided to join the Hitler Youth. Leah’s blood runs cold before she begs Magda to change her mind—because Leah is Jewish. Magda refuses, and heartbroken Leah knows this will not only destroy their friendship but also put her life in mortal danger. Suddenly, the only light in her life is Magda’s brother Markus, who is furious at his sister and vows to do everything he can to keep Leah safe.As Magda becomes more entrenched in the Nazi Party, Leah’s life starts to shatter as the Gestapo raid her home, sending her beloved brother Aaron to a concentration camp. Devastated, Leah and her parents are forced to flee and hide. Desperate to save Leah, Markus decides the only way he can help stop the Nazis and his sister is to infiltrate the party as an undercover resistance fighter. But will Magda see through his lie, and how far will she go to prove her loyalty to her Führer? This powerful and heartbreaking novel about love, family, betrayal, and sacrifice perfect for fans of The Alice Network, The White Rose Network, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and The Nightingale.