The Tenth Gift

A Novel

By: Jane Johnson

Narrated by: John Lee, Susan Duerden

Length: 14 hrs

Publisher's summary

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 stories

In an expensive London restaurant, Julia Lovat receives a gift that changes her life. At first glance it is a book of exquisite 17th century 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)

©2008 Jane Johnson (P)2008 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"A remarkable view of Barbary pirates and their times, and an engrossing romance of clashing cultures and wonderful characters." (Diana Gabaldon, number one New York Times best-selling author)

“This is such a lush book! It transported me to another time and other places, enticing me into an exotic, turbulent world in which past and present are seamlessly woven into a mesmerizing story.” (India Edghill, author of Wisdom’s Daughter)

“What a tangled web Jane Johnson weaves with the opening of a book of old embroidery patterns! Two heroines cross paths across centuries. Unworthy lovers, treachery, ghosts, and pirates march through the streets and seas of modern day England, 17th century Cornwall, and Morocco as each woman tries to find what is most important to her. Discovering one’s authenticity is a story in which time doesn’t matter, and Johnson stitches the threads of both stories into a lovely, enticing whole.” (Karleen Koen, New York Times best-selling author of Dark Angels)

Wonderful, as it opens a whole world that we never really knew about!

It opens your eyes & mind to a whole world that we were never taught or knew about.

Makes you think - and appreciate

I stumbled on this book. Had it “on the shelf” for months, before I listened to it - and now that I have, I can’t stop thinking about it. Two stories - one 400 years in the past, one contemporary - ultimately converging. But the part that really makes you think is the geopolitical cast, given today’s Western view of Islam. Candidly, I hadn’t given it a lot of thought. But after reading this, I did ... because I could also see the beauty in Islam, shared through the character’s eyes, right alongside familiar Western institutions. A great read (or listen ;-)

very well done

story and performers were excellent- highly recommend- will look for others by this same author

People aren't perfect--even in fiction

This was a wonderful story---a modern day love affair (no angels there), 17th century pirates, women's changing place in the world, clashes of cultures, and embroidery. The narrators are perfect (thank you again, John Lee), and besides, any story that gets me up out of bed and walking in 90 degree heat has got to be engrossing.

Haunting & Beautiful

This is a beautifully haunting book. I love Johnson’s books. This tale is not for the faint of heart. For some reason it struck me deeply.

Probably geared more to women, but...

A romance novel but not overly reliant on that angle to carry your interest. You could say that things are a little too convenient when all is said and done but I still enjoyed it.

A must read for every embroiderer!

This was such an enjoyable book. I really enjoy books that flash between the past and the present. This book switched between the 1600s and present day. It was a romance of sorts.

The narration was done by a man and a woman was expertly done. The story was well-crafted and moved quickly.

It is unusual to read stories about embroiderers. Being a hand embroiderer by trade I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to others.

Best I’ve listened to in awhile

Loved the story, the readers, everything about it. Really didn’t want it to end. Now what should I read???

What a great book !

Two captivating story lines. I cared about what happened to the main characters. I will read this author again.

Abusive relationships

One of the reviewers was very hard on the female characters, (ie being in an adulterous relationship with best friends husband) 1-The relationship started before her friend married him. 2-For what ever reason, she was a weak person who was manipulated by Michael, and always took him back. (just like battered wife syndrome) The other is a girl in 17th century England, hoping for a better life, and dreaming for more than her guardians want for her. Is that wrong for a 19 year old girl? There are parallels and as the story progresses, much more is revealed. (maybe even a ghost or two). Yes it did bother me in the beginning that the female lead character was abused, emotionally by this man for over 7 years. However if you give the story a chance, it does have twists and turns that I wouldn't have thought when I first started listening. John Lee and Susan Duerden are wonderful narrators, (one of the main reasons I chose this book) You are taken from 21st Century to 17th Century, to get the connection in the story. I thought it was well done and worth a listen. .