'A wonderful blend of the past and the present day making an unputdownable, beautifully written novel' Katie Fforde.

'Johnson's research is evident here ? the twists and turns of Momo's attempts to hang on to his sultanate are compelling. Blessings' tormented love is beautifully written, as is the atmosphere of 15th-century Spain ... Page-turning stuff' The Times.

'Loyalty and treachery are examined mercilessly as the twin stories unfold. There is history here, examined from a fresh perspective, and humanity injected into a tale that perhaps the reader only knew as names and dates and places. An excellent reminder that weighty events can pivot on the actions of a few determined souls. Highly recommended' Robin Hobb.

'To so perfectly capture the complex, heady exoticism of the end of an empire, and weave it with such gripping love stories past and present is an astonishing storytelling feat. Beware. You'll read this in one sitting' Muriel Gray.

'Johnson follows two parallel threads ? a double helix if you will, not so much intertwined as touching gently on each other ? with points of connection as light yet poignant as a lover's kiss' T.O. Munro.

'The descriptions are lush and detailed ... A great personal, book group and definite holiday read!' Nudge Book.

'One of my favourite books of the year' The Secret World of a Book Blogger.

'An enthralling and evocative tale of redemption, renewal and romance from an outstanding storyteller ... Having discovered [Jane Johnson's] wonderful books, I shall not only devour her entire backlist, but also wait eagerly for the next magical tale from her talented pen!' Bookish Jottings.

'A sensual and emotional delight from beginning to end' Darcie Boleyn.

'A mesmerizing book, skillfully weaving together two stories seven centuries apart ... A tour de force of writing skill, with the two disparate stories intertwining in a complex tapestry' My Merri Way.

Kate Fordham fled to Spain to start a new life. Amid the sunlit streets of Granada and the earthly paradise of the Alhambra's gardens, towers and courtyards, she's left her past far behind. But fate is about to bring her face-to-face with her greatest fear.

Five centuries ago, a message was hidden in the Alhambra's walls. There it has lain, undisturbed by the tides of history ? the fall of Granada, the expulsion of its last Sultan ? until Kate discovers it.

Born of love in a time of desperation and danger, Kate's discovery will be the catalyst that changes her life.