When the Apricots Bloom : The evocative and emotionally powerful story of secrets, family and betrayal . . . Paperback / softback

At night, in Huda's fragrant garden of apricot trees, a breeze sweeps in from the desert, carrying warning of visitors at her gate . . . Huda, a secretary at the Australian embassy, has been ordered by the mukhabarat - the secret police - to befriend Ally Wilson, the deputy ambassador's wife.

Huda has no wish to be an informant, but she fears for her teenage son, who may be forced to join a deadly militia.

Little does she know, Ally has dangerous secrets of her own. Meanwhile, Huda's former friend, Rania, enjoyed a privileged upbringing as the daughter of a sheikh.

Now her family's wealth is gone, and Rania, too, is battling to keep her child safe and a roof over their heads. As the women's lives intersect, their hidden pasts spill into the present.

Facing possible betrayal at every turn, all three must trust in a fragile, newfound loyalty, even as they discover how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect their families. BOOKSELLERS CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK!'Riveting from beginning to end . . . A great read!''Atmospheric and suspenseful . . . I read this novel with my heart in my throat''The stories of these three women are each compelling on their own, but when intertwined they become formidable . . . Stunning''I felt the warmth of the sun and tasted the sweetness of the lime tea . . . Beautiful' 'All I can say is "WOW - read it. You won't be disappointed." '