At a time when terrorists are perverting the tenets of Islam to pursue their sick agenda, it was welcome and interesting to read the life-affirming aspects of Islam in this story.
Eliza MacKay is a Canadian paramedic joining an American Habitat for Humanity mission to the Middle East. As she tries to calm down in a strange land, she tells herself,
"This is 2047. Women don't wear the burqa now. They even hold government positions."
I like this future! There has been a civil war and a realignment into the Republic of Islamic Provinces and Territories (RIPT).
When the Americans get ambushed and murdered, Eliza survives. Under orders to cover up the massacre, police captain Hashim Sharif wonders who this lovely blonde really is. Sharif grows to care for her, and he protects Eliza from those who want her dead.
Eliza has endured the pain of losing her family in a car accident--a trauma she can't fathom. She thinks the black-haired captain is gruff and untrustworthy at first, but she does admire his deep faith.
"She listened as the ancient city of Samarra woke up. The haunting musical sound of the Muezzin called the devoted. With each of the four daily prayers, the city's ambiance shifted. An air of tranquility was palpable.
Even Eliza, who had no religious convictions, sat in quiet contemplation, deeply moved. She stilled her mind's chatter and waited.
Waited for a thread of wisdom to be shared by The One Most High. Waited for merciful revelation of why she had survived and her little boys had suffered and died.
She eavesdropped on Sharif's prayers. The change in his demeanor struck her. He became like a child singing songs of praise to an adoring father. His devotion to Islam and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad appeared to be based on genuine love, rather than fear of Allah's punishment."
Sharif is troubled himself. His ex-wife left him, and his children are with his father in order to keep them safe. He doesn't know which of his superiors to trust.
The slow burn of romance between Eliza and Sharif is just what each needs to heal and strengthen. I loved how Sharif incites Eliza's anger to help her confront her fear of driving again.
"Women shouldn't be allowed to drive anyway."
Eliza stared venomously into his face. "What did you say?"
"You heard me. Women shouldn't be allowed in the driver's seat. Haven't got the brains or the skill."
She glared at him. "You'll pay for this, I swear."
Sharif sneered. "And you call yourself a paramedic. A paramedic that can't drive! Do all your patients die waiting to get to the hospital?"
Hehe. But my favorite part of the story is the last third when the action kicks up. I thought the long buildup to the exciting action could have been tightened a bit.
I also enjoyed Feather Stone's debut novel, The Guardian's Wildchild, and I'm intrigued by similarities in characterization between these two novels: a feisty heroine who tests the patience of a stern, uniformed man (who is fighting for his children).
It's obvious that the author poured a great deal of love and research into this story. Bravo!
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