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DROMEDARIS BOOKS
MARIE WARDER— An Unsung Public Relations Officer for South Africa, the Country of Her Birth
North Americans are now learning things about South Africa and Southern Africa that they never knew before. For example, when Marie Warder overheard a clerk at Veteran Affairs Canada, state that South Africa was 'never in the war!' loyalty to her husband's South African squadron immediately triggered the writing of 'With no remorse....' set in Malta, and complete with a photo of the South African Air Force band 'The Venturians'. Marie sets another novel in a Johannesburg newspaper office during World War 2, so that she can make mention, among others, of Jan Smuts, Dan Pienaar and South Africans in POW camps. Saddened by widespread ignorance of South African history, she tells the story of Van Riebeeck, the Dromedaris, Paul Roux, the Huguenots—and the avaricious, unscrupulous governor, Adriaan van der Stel.
It is not surprising therefore, that reviews on Amazon.com and Chapters/Indigo.ca, as well as references on Google and other search engines, reveal how many of Marie Warder's readers, falling in love with South Africa, now want to go there for themselves. She promotes South African Airways, Castle Beer and such uniquely South African delicacies as biltong, koeksusters, braaivleis, vetkoek and beskuit; weaving them so skilfully into her tales, that is not unusual for readers to write for more information, ask for recipes and express surprise upon learning that the blooms they love in North America are called Barberton daisies in South Africa, for good reason. Her obvious love—for the Orange Free State, the Basotho people of her youth, as well as her affection for Kempton Park, (where she founded a private school), Parys (where everyone now wants to go fishing)—shines through in every chapter of every novel she pens.
In 'When you know that you know, that you know!' (2005)—her most successful novel to date—Nelspruit is her choice for the setting. From there her readers are transported to the other end of the African content, in the swashbuckling adventure: Dominic Verwey—SAMARITAN OF THE SAHARA.
Marie Warder's book 'The Yardstick'—volume three of the much-loved Beauclaire series—takes us to a unique part of South Africa, the Kalahari Desert, in the country's largest province, which is also the one with the smallest population density. The book is set in three different places. To begin with there is the remote farm, 'Blouspruit' which, to quote the book's narrator, was 'invariably referred to as 'Verlate Vlakte' (which means something like 'forsaken', or 'deserted plain') rather than by its real name, which one could translate as 'Blue Stream.' However, after the tragedy, Mark, my husband, used to refer to it as 'Rooi Verdriet' (Red Sorrow), which I considered more appropriate, on account of the sorrow inside, and the red sand outside of it; and, in any case the word, 'vlakte' was hardly appropriate, because 'Blouspruit' lies among the dunes. Those red, red dunes....'
From there we are taken to an upscale suburb of Johannesburg. However readers may also look forward to being re-united with Benjamin Ashton and his family on 'Beauclaire', the now familiar citrus farm near Nelspruit.
South Africans who have long had to resort to online purchase of our books, or flock to book stores while on visits to Canada, will be pleased to learn that all the novels in the Dromedaris 'Stories from South Africa' series, as well as the non-fiction book, 'The Bronze Killer', are now obtainable in South Africa. (Details on our 'Buy a Book' Page.)
It is not surprising therefore, that reviews on Amazon.com and Chapters/Indigo.ca, as well as references on Google and other search engines, reveal how many of Marie Warder's readers, falling in love with South Africa, now want to go there for themselves. She promotes South African Airways, Castle Beer and such uniquely South African delicacies as biltong, koeksusters, braaivleis, vetkoek and beskuit; weaving them so skilfully into her tales, that is not unusual for readers to write for more information, ask for recipes and express surprise upon learning that the blooms they love in North America are called Barberton daisies in South Africa, for good reason. Her obvious love—for the Orange Free State, the Basotho people of her youth, as well as her affection for Kempton Park, (where she founded a private school), Parys (where everyone now wants to go fishing)—shines through in every chapter of every novel she pens.
In 'When you know that you know, that you know!' (2005)—her most successful novel to date—Nelspruit is her choice for the setting. From there her readers are transported to the other end of the African content, in the swashbuckling adventure: Dominic Verwey—SAMARITAN OF THE SAHARA.
Marie Warder's book 'The Yardstick'—volume three of the much-loved Beauclaire series—takes us to a unique part of South Africa, the Kalahari Desert, in the country's largest province, which is also the one with the smallest population density. The book is set in three different places. To begin with there is the remote farm, 'Blouspruit' which, to quote the book's narrator, was 'invariably referred to as 'Verlate Vlakte' (which means something like 'forsaken', or 'deserted plain') rather than by its real name, which one could translate as 'Blue Stream.' However, after the tragedy, Mark, my husband, used to refer to it as 'Rooi Verdriet' (Red Sorrow), which I considered more appropriate, on account of the sorrow inside, and the red sand outside of it; and, in any case the word, 'vlakte' was hardly appropriate, because 'Blouspruit' lies among the dunes. Those red, red dunes....'
From there we are taken to an upscale suburb of Johannesburg. However readers may also look forward to being re-united with Benjamin Ashton and his family on 'Beauclaire', the now familiar citrus farm near Nelspruit.
South Africans who have long had to resort to online purchase of our books, or flock to book stores while on visits to Canada, will be pleased to learn that all the novels in the Dromedaris 'Stories from South Africa' series, as well as the non-fiction book, 'The Bronze Killer', are now obtainable in South Africa. (Details on our 'Buy a Book' Page.)
APRIL IN PORTUGAL—COIMBRA
ISBN-10: 0973362545
ISBN-13: 978-0973362541
In order to claim their share of the estate left by their grandmother, a Portuguese marquise, Julieta and Carlos have to be able to prove that they are capable, and worthy of taking their places within in the strict, conservative family circle. For this reason the young Carlos, a student in England, and Julieta, who is in her late teens and happens to be living in South Africa at the time, are summoned to Portugal by the Marquis Ricardo de Monsaraz. At the insistence of Julieta's friends, Erin March, who is the secretary to Julieta's lawyer, Richard Monroe, accompanies the recently bereaved and complex Portuguese girl to Portugal, to keep an eye on her. There, amid the luxurious surroundings of Ricardo da Monsaraz' estate, where one electrifying incident follows another, even the cool, sedate Ellen begins to thaw! Whether it is the unusual setting for this story, the manner in which Marie Warder succeeds in creating suspenseful situations, or whether both elements contribute, there is that touch of difference in this book that elevates it above the level of ordinary recreational reading material.
Editor
Editor
THE YARDSTICK
ISBN: 978-0-9733625-1-0
Another novel in the Stories from South Africa series by the author of 'When you know that you know, that you know: or the redemption of Benjamin Ashton' and 'Dominic Verwey—Samaritan of the Sahara'
The Kalahari provides the setting for 'The Yardstick'—Marie Warder's 21st book.
A great part of the story is played out among the dunes of the Kalahari Desert in 'The Yardstick', volume three of the enthralling Beauclaire Saga, in the Stories from South Africa series, but we also briefly revisit New York, Louisiana, Nelspruit, Johannesburg and Bethlehem, as the history of the Ashton family and their Nelspruit citrus farm continues. Now we find a disillusioned Benjamin Ashton—about to become a grandfather—forced to consider relocating the South African members of his family, which could well bring to an end what has been for them a blessedly happy era on their Lowveld citrus farm.
At the same time, the integrity of Ben's altruistic son, a physician, is severely tested as Jordan is unwillingly drawn into the sordid affairs of Tristan Connaught, the womanizing partner in their upscale practice near Johannesburg. Unfortunately Tristan is none other than the son of Father Clifford Connaught of Bethlehem in the Free State, who played such a important role in the lives of both Ben Ashton and his brother, Jamie; and, together with them, we are re-introduced to many of the well-loved characters from 'When you know that you know, that you know! or The redemption of Benjamin Ashton'.
The Kalahari provides the setting for 'The Yardstick'—Marie Warder's 21st book.
A great part of the story is played out among the dunes of the Kalahari Desert in 'The Yardstick', volume three of the enthralling Beauclaire Saga, in the Stories from South Africa series, but we also briefly revisit New York, Louisiana, Nelspruit, Johannesburg and Bethlehem, as the history of the Ashton family and their Nelspruit citrus farm continues. Now we find a disillusioned Benjamin Ashton—about to become a grandfather—forced to consider relocating the South African members of his family, which could well bring to an end what has been for them a blessedly happy era on their Lowveld citrus farm.
At the same time, the integrity of Ben's altruistic son, a physician, is severely tested as Jordan is unwillingly drawn into the sordid affairs of Tristan Connaught, the womanizing partner in their upscale practice near Johannesburg. Unfortunately Tristan is none other than the son of Father Clifford Connaught of Bethlehem in the Free State, who played such a important role in the lives of both Ben Ashton and his brother, Jamie; and, together with them, we are re-introduced to many of the well-loved characters from 'When you know that you know, that you know! or The redemption of Benjamin Ashton'.
Handsome, brilliant and charming, young Doctor Connaught is much sought after, chiefly by bored, hypochondriac, society women! Having grown up in Louisiana—among homeless children, in a shelter financed by Amy-Lee Ashton, and of which his parents are the directors—Tristan is proud, upon his return to the country of his birth, to count the rich and famous among his patients. When, during a visit to his great-uncle, Doctor Hugo Connaught, in a remote and arid village situated in the Kalahari Desert, he persuades Doctor Hugo to allow him to respond to a call from an eccentric, hermit professor who has chosen to live in isolation with his two, reputedly beautiful young daughters, he soon finds himself in a unique situation which is both intriguing and challenging.
Publisher's review
Publisher's review
The Yardstick certainly promises to provide absorbing insights into human behaviour, in addition to a riveting plot of the calibre that her readers have learned to expect from this writer. The fact that Tristan's kind-hearted partner turns out to be none other than Jordan Ashton, the younger son of Benjamin and Amy-Lee Ashton, affectionately remembered as the main players in the 'Beauclaire saga', can only be a further enticement to read this book.
Editor
I thank God for this book! Until I read it, I had no idea that 'Inner Healing Prayer Ministry' was available to men, too!
Ritchie Edwards (Publisher's office)
Wow! What a roller coaster ride! This writer is known for plots and situations that seem impossible to resolve—but somehow she always does! I was hooked from beginning to end, and I would implore all who read 'The Yardstick' to keep the conclusion to themselves!
Reader's review
Now I know that is possible for a romantic novel to fall into the 'Suspense' category—I could not put it down! Highly recommended!
Reader's review
The Yardstick is another fascinating book by Marie Warder and I hate to think that this may be the last in the Ashton Saga, as I feel it is her best yet. As always, one really does not know until close to the end of the book, how on earth she is going to sort out all the characters and their predicaments. What comes to me so strongly though, is the author's great love for, and desire to help, the Bushmen; also, her continuing desire to have the world at large understand what it was like for boys of 16 to be conscripted from school to go off to the Angolan War, and the resultant Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which many suffer from even now. It seemed such a futile war. There is also sadness that there is very little future for many young people, who are leaving South Africa for countries where their talents are appreciated. Her passion for the Kalahari is shared by those who spend any time there. It all makes for a very good read.
Mary Otto
The author has yet again produced a remarkable story, continuing the saga of the Ashton family. This time, the dilemma of the white man in South Africa is evident as the family makes the transition towards accepting that their beloved country is changing. Their deep faith continues to carry them through changing times, and family difficulties. This is a story about love, acceptance, doing the right thing, and above all, God's grace.
Reader's review
Editor
I thank God for this book! Until I read it, I had no idea that 'Inner Healing Prayer Ministry' was available to men, too!
Ritchie Edwards (Publisher's office)
Wow! What a roller coaster ride! This writer is known for plots and situations that seem impossible to resolve—but somehow she always does! I was hooked from beginning to end, and I would implore all who read 'The Yardstick' to keep the conclusion to themselves!
Reader's review
Now I know that is possible for a romantic novel to fall into the 'Suspense' category—I could not put it down! Highly recommended!
Reader's review
The Yardstick is another fascinating book by Marie Warder and I hate to think that this may be the last in the Ashton Saga, as I feel it is her best yet. As always, one really does not know until close to the end of the book, how on earth she is going to sort out all the characters and their predicaments. What comes to me so strongly though, is the author's great love for, and desire to help, the Bushmen; also, her continuing desire to have the world at large understand what it was like for boys of 16 to be conscripted from school to go off to the Angolan War, and the resultant Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which many suffer from even now. It seemed such a futile war. There is also sadness that there is very little future for many young people, who are leaving South Africa for countries where their talents are appreciated. Her passion for the Kalahari is shared by those who spend any time there. It all makes for a very good read.
Mary Otto
The author has yet again produced a remarkable story, continuing the saga of the Ashton family. This time, the dilemma of the white man in South Africa is evident as the family makes the transition towards accepting that their beloved country is changing. Their deep faith continues to carry them through changing times, and family difficulties. This is a story about love, acceptance, doing the right thing, and above all, God's grace.
Reader's review
DOMINIC VERWEY—SAMARITAN OF THE SAHARA
ISBN 0-9733625-0-2
The Beauclaire saga continues.......
In the stockade of an outlaw band in the Sahara desert, Doctor Dominic Verwey is introduced to the Bedouin chief as 'Sahbena el-Hakim'—my friend, the doctor. But he would very shortly thereafter earn a second name: that of 'Hamid Pasha'—protector and leader of his people, 'refuge of the refugee and sanctuary of the oppressed'. His main purpose is to settle a score with the unprincipled Arab, Abdel Sharia, who incarcerates innocent men in his labour camps and enslaves beautiful women in his harem....
In the foreword to this book, readers who loved the people whose stories they followed in When you know that you know that you know! or The redemption of Benjamin Ashton, will readily recognize such characters as Ash (Benjamin Ashton), and a few of his friends from the years he spent, in the 1970s, establishing the citrus farm, Beauclaire, near Nelspruit, South Africa. We catch up with Fallah (Father Peter Crawford, the priest) both Richard and Trudy Evans (the doctor, and his wife) as well as Stella and her biologist husband, Paul Verwey, as Antoinette Spencer Crawford takes up the cudgels on behalf of 'Uncle Dominic' (El-Hakim), the notorious 'Samaritan of the Sahara' (whose grandson, Stephen, she wishes to marry.)
Even those who meet the very convincingly real characters from the previous book, for the first time, will find this absorbing novel well worth reading. The unusual theme concerns the desert adventures, of a doctor, who, besides being skilled with the scalpel, is also a dashing figure of the Robin Hood type. Enthralling!
Publisher's review
Marie Warder is an amazingly detail-oriented historian, and a wonderful teacher! Her book of fiction is so good, that she has actually been asked if it was based on a real situation. Dominic Verwey—Samaritan of the Sahara is a labour of love, written about love, and is permeated by the unwavering truth of God's love. This continuing story, begun with Ben Ashton's struggles in When You Know That You Know That You Know, moves some 20 years ahead, weaving memories, a tale of selfless caring, and the victory of good over evil, into an swashbuckling read that was hard to put down. I look forward to Marie Warder's next blockbuster!
Susan Rivers
My favourite elements, when choosing a novel to curl up with, are adventure, romance, and spirituality. To find all three so admirably worked into one book, as is the case in this, Marie Warder's latest release, is rare and rewarding. An added bonus was to be able to renew the acquaintance of endearing people who became so real to me in 'When you know....' that I hated to take leave of them when I reached the last page. I felt equally bereft as the story of El-Hakim came to an end. I hope that the 'Beauclaire saga' will go on, and on, and on....
Editor
In the stockade of an outlaw band in the Sahara desert, Doctor Dominic Verwey is introduced to the Bedouin chief as 'Sahbena el-Hakim'—my friend, the doctor. But he would very shortly thereafter earn a second name: that of 'Hamid Pasha'—protector and leader of his people, 'refuge of the refugee and sanctuary of the oppressed'. His main purpose is to settle a score with the unprincipled Arab, Abdel Sharia, who incarcerates innocent men in his labour camps and enslaves beautiful women in his harem....
In the foreword to this book, readers who loved the people whose stories they followed in When you know that you know that you know! or The redemption of Benjamin Ashton, will readily recognize such characters as Ash (Benjamin Ashton), and a few of his friends from the years he spent, in the 1970s, establishing the citrus farm, Beauclaire, near Nelspruit, South Africa. We catch up with Fallah (Father Peter Crawford, the priest) both Richard and Trudy Evans (the doctor, and his wife) as well as Stella and her biologist husband, Paul Verwey, as Antoinette Spencer Crawford takes up the cudgels on behalf of 'Uncle Dominic' (El-Hakim), the notorious 'Samaritan of the Sahara' (whose grandson, Stephen, she wishes to marry.)
Even those who meet the very convincingly real characters from the previous book, for the first time, will find this absorbing novel well worth reading. The unusual theme concerns the desert adventures, of a doctor, who, besides being skilled with the scalpel, is also a dashing figure of the Robin Hood type. Enthralling!
Publisher's review
Marie Warder is an amazingly detail-oriented historian, and a wonderful teacher! Her book of fiction is so good, that she has actually been asked if it was based on a real situation. Dominic Verwey—Samaritan of the Sahara is a labour of love, written about love, and is permeated by the unwavering truth of God's love. This continuing story, begun with Ben Ashton's struggles in When You Know That You Know That You Know, moves some 20 years ahead, weaving memories, a tale of selfless caring, and the victory of good over evil, into an swashbuckling read that was hard to put down. I look forward to Marie Warder's next blockbuster!
Susan Rivers
My favourite elements, when choosing a novel to curl up with, are adventure, romance, and spirituality. To find all three so admirably worked into one book, as is the case in this, Marie Warder's latest release, is rare and rewarding. An added bonus was to be able to renew the acquaintance of endearing people who became so real to me in 'When you know....' that I hated to take leave of them when I reached the last page. I felt equally bereft as the story of El-Hakim came to an end. I hope that the 'Beauclaire saga' will go on, and on, and on....
Editor
WHEN YOU KNOW THAT YOU KNOW THAT YOU KNOW!
or
THE REDEMPTION OF BENJAMIN ASHTON
ISBN: 0-921966-09-1
Marie Warder delivers an amazing book!
From Marie Warder, writer of such bestsellers as Storm Water and With no Remorse.... one can always expect the extraordinary. In this regard, When you know that you know that you know!—an enthralling and very different romance, (if it can so be described)—is no exception. Set amid orange groves in the lovely town of Nelspruit, South Africa—among 'Bougainvilleas, Flame trees, Jacarandas and Poinsettias; Scarlet Flamboyant and Bottle Brush, yellow Bird of Paradise, crimson Erythrina, salmon, rose pink and white Oleander, interspersed by a riot of the sky blue, Duranta'— the air is heavy with the perfume of orange blossom in this well-written novel with an unusual plot, unusual complications and an unusual conclusion. It is the story of a successful young American, one of the wealthiest men in the world, who travels to South Africa where, going in search of his brother, he finds God—and, so doing, finds himself! To say more would be to spoil for our readers what should prove to be a captivating read which will hold their attention from start to finish. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger!
Publisher's Review
You have never read a book quite like this! It packs such a punch that at times it will leave you breathless!
Book Club Reviewer
There are no half measures! Readers will either love this book - or hate it! None will forget it!
Editor
Marie Warder has done it again!
This spellbinding romantic novel fraught with misplaced understandings, unrequited love, and great sacrifice, is set in the first half of the turbulent seventies in South Africa. She quickly draws you into a story so compelling you won't want to put it down. Mrs. Warder writes of the power of God's wonderful healing grace at work in the lives of the characters as they open up in faith to the truth of His word. Her obvious love for South Africa, and her wonderfully detailed and descriptive language, make you want to go there and see it all for yourself. The characters are so endearing, I hope there is a sequel.
Enjoy!
Susan Rivers
Marie Warder's best fiction book to date.
('The Bronze Killer' is in a class of its own!)
It is hard to put down and one can't help wondering how on earth she is going to sort out all the complications in the story. Marie Warder is a very talented lady and is an excellent spinner of tales. Quite apart from the fascinating characters and story, I loved learning about South Africa, in all its beauty, the difficult times they have had, and are still going through. The writer is meticulous in checking out all the details, whether it be historically, geographically, theologically, medically or even botanically. Many of the characters in the book are based on people she knows, or events she has been involved in.
I hope she does a sequel to this book. I have enjoyed it so much.
Mary Otto
From Marie Warder, writer of such bestsellers as Storm Water and With no Remorse.... one can always expect the extraordinary. In this regard, When you know that you know that you know!—an enthralling and very different romance, (if it can so be described)—is no exception. Set amid orange groves in the lovely town of Nelspruit, South Africa—among 'Bougainvilleas, Flame trees, Jacarandas and Poinsettias; Scarlet Flamboyant and Bottle Brush, yellow Bird of Paradise, crimson Erythrina, salmon, rose pink and white Oleander, interspersed by a riot of the sky blue, Duranta'— the air is heavy with the perfume of orange blossom in this well-written novel with an unusual plot, unusual complications and an unusual conclusion. It is the story of a successful young American, one of the wealthiest men in the world, who travels to South Africa where, going in search of his brother, he finds God—and, so doing, finds himself! To say more would be to spoil for our readers what should prove to be a captivating read which will hold their attention from start to finish. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger!
Publisher's Review
You have never read a book quite like this! It packs such a punch that at times it will leave you breathless!
Book Club Reviewer
There are no half measures! Readers will either love this book - or hate it! None will forget it!
Editor
Marie Warder has done it again!
This spellbinding romantic novel fraught with misplaced understandings, unrequited love, and great sacrifice, is set in the first half of the turbulent seventies in South Africa. She quickly draws you into a story so compelling you won't want to put it down. Mrs. Warder writes of the power of God's wonderful healing grace at work in the lives of the characters as they open up in faith to the truth of His word. Her obvious love for South Africa, and her wonderfully detailed and descriptive language, make you want to go there and see it all for yourself. The characters are so endearing, I hope there is a sequel.
Enjoy!
Susan Rivers
Marie Warder's best fiction book to date.
('The Bronze Killer' is in a class of its own!)
It is hard to put down and one can't help wondering how on earth she is going to sort out all the complications in the story. Marie Warder is a very talented lady and is an excellent spinner of tales. Quite apart from the fascinating characters and story, I loved learning about South Africa, in all its beauty, the difficult times they have had, and are still going through. The writer is meticulous in checking out all the details, whether it be historically, geographically, theologically, medically or even botanically. Many of the characters in the book are based on people she knows, or events she has been involved in.
I hope she does a sequel to this book. I have enjoyed it so much.
Mary Otto
TARNISHED IDOLS
ISBN: 0-921966-07-5
'No mortal is perfect enough to be idolized.' Around this proven adage, Marie Warder has woven a gripping tale—a story in which pure love and flaming passion are interchanged with venomous envy and bitter hatred.
In convincing manner, the writer relates the story from the point of view of Paul Jansen, the man who sincerely loved the beautiful Jeanne, but could never be more than a brother to her. The reason? Jeanne already worships another man— an idol with 'feet of clay'. Her initial adoration and later struggle against this 'idol' make for an intensely moving story, sensitively recorded.
Marie Warder has a deep knowledge of mankind with all its urges and weaknesses, and her characters are always convincingly portrayed. Here we meet people as we all know them—we see constant misunderstandings that undermine marital happiness, and jealousy that estranges friends. In short: You have in your hand a book you will find difficult to put down.
Publisher's review
In convincing manner, the writer relates the story from the point of view of Paul Jansen, the man who sincerely loved the beautiful Jeanne, but could never be more than a brother to her. The reason? Jeanne already worships another man— an idol with 'feet of clay'. Her initial adoration and later struggle against this 'idol' make for an intensely moving story, sensitively recorded.
Marie Warder has a deep knowledge of mankind with all its urges and weaknesses, and her characters are always convincingly portrayed. Here we meet people as we all know them—we see constant misunderstandings that undermine marital happiness, and jealousy that estranges friends. In short: You have in your hand a book you will find difficult to put down.
Publisher's review
STORM WATER
ISBN: 0-921966-05-9
(Publisher's note: 'Storm Water', written in English, was originally part of a three-novelette book entitled 'Three Squares', based on Omar Khayam's lines: "Life is but a checkerboard of nights and days, where destiny with men for pieces plays." One reviewer was so taken with the stories, that he suggested they—and most especially this one—be expanded into full-length novels. 'Storm Water' was later selected as 'prescribed reading' for students in Transvaal schools. Category: Historical novel.)
In exchange for giving him a son, the proud and fascinating Count Louis de Maupassant offers wealth and an elevated position in society.
And was there a girl in the entire Cape Colony who would blame her for accepting this strange marriage proposal without a second thought, despite the fact that he has not said a word about love? For wasn't he the most attractive, most romantic figure of the day—the man possessed of fabulous riches, irresistible charm and aristocratic refinement?
But, in the midst of the luxury which surrounds the young countess in the opulent château, she is bitterly lonely, because, although the man is immaculately correct in his manner towards her, he remains an enigma....
This historical novel about South Africa, set in the very early days of the Cape of Good Hope, transports the reader to a distant, romantic past—to the adventurous days of the Dutch East India Company, when the Colony was young. We meet some of the outstanding people of the period: among them, the upright schoolmaster and 'comforter of the sick'—Paul Roux—and the avaricious and unscrupulous governor—Adriaan van der Stel. We become familiar with some of the problems facing the recently arrived French Huguenot refugees; not least among them Roux's initial struggle to continue the instruction of his pupils in their mother tongue.
In exchange for giving him a son, the proud and fascinating Count Louis de Maupassant offers wealth and an elevated position in society.
And was there a girl in the entire Cape Colony who would blame her for accepting this strange marriage proposal without a second thought, despite the fact that he has not said a word about love? For wasn't he the most attractive, most romantic figure of the day—the man possessed of fabulous riches, irresistible charm and aristocratic refinement?
But, in the midst of the luxury which surrounds the young countess in the opulent château, she is bitterly lonely, because, although the man is immaculately correct in his manner towards her, he remains an enigma....
This historical novel about South Africa, set in the very early days of the Cape of Good Hope, transports the reader to a distant, romantic past—to the adventurous days of the Dutch East India Company, when the Colony was young. We meet some of the outstanding people of the period: among them, the upright schoolmaster and 'comforter of the sick'—Paul Roux—and the avaricious and unscrupulous governor—Adriaan van der Stel. We become familiar with some of the problems facing the recently arrived French Huguenot refugees; not least among them Roux's initial struggle to continue the instruction of his pupils in their mother tongue.
WITH NO REMORSE ....
ISBN: 0-921966-03-2
This extraordinary narrative of daring and courage, of sacrificial love and rock-solid loyalty is, at the same time, a tale of suspicion and jealousy; of devilish cunning and despicable treachery.
During World War 11, Joshua Naude, a young South African agronomist, is sent on a clearly defined mission to the strategic island of Malta. His gentle, plucky but frail wife, Anna, accompanies him. Not long after their arrival on the island, they are joined by Joshua's devastatingly good-looking airman brother and, through him, they become acquainted with beautiful and captivating Stephanie Velez; a ruthless charmer of volatile temperament. From the moment Stephanie comes into their lives, a spirit of hatred and suspicion is released among them—and also among their friends.
Meanwhile, one after another, convoys bringing food and other essential supplies to the island, are torpedoed and sunk, and Joshua's strange behaviour eventually leads his wife to suspect that he is somehow involved in this. As suspicion erodes her peace of mind, tension among the group gradually mounts, until one shocking event follows another to a dramatic conclusion.
In With no Remorse.... the reader is taken to Malta during the period between the historic siege and the end of the war, after which—because of the phenomenal courage of the people—the whole island was rewarded with the George Cross by the King of England, George V1. We fly with the men of Coastal Command and their Ventura aircraft, meet some of the civilians who are caught up in the turmoil and, finally, The Venturians—the band of 27 Squadron SAAF who, even in the midst of war, make music wherever they go.
Just as in Samaritan of the Sahara, Marie Warder proves in With no Remorse.... that she is one of the best writers of suspense fiction, to come from South Africa.
Publisher's review
During World War 11, Joshua Naude, a young South African agronomist, is sent on a clearly defined mission to the strategic island of Malta. His gentle, plucky but frail wife, Anna, accompanies him. Not long after their arrival on the island, they are joined by Joshua's devastatingly good-looking airman brother and, through him, they become acquainted with beautiful and captivating Stephanie Velez; a ruthless charmer of volatile temperament. From the moment Stephanie comes into their lives, a spirit of hatred and suspicion is released among them—and also among their friends.
Meanwhile, one after another, convoys bringing food and other essential supplies to the island, are torpedoed and sunk, and Joshua's strange behaviour eventually leads his wife to suspect that he is somehow involved in this. As suspicion erodes her peace of mind, tension among the group gradually mounts, until one shocking event follows another to a dramatic conclusion.
In With no Remorse.... the reader is taken to Malta during the period between the historic siege and the end of the war, after which—because of the phenomenal courage of the people—the whole island was rewarded with the George Cross by the King of England, George V1. We fly with the men of Coastal Command and their Ventura aircraft, meet some of the civilians who are caught up in the turmoil and, finally, The Venturians—the band of 27 Squadron SAAF who, even in the midst of war, make music wherever they go.
Just as in Samaritan of the Sahara, Marie Warder proves in With no Remorse.... that she is one of the best writers of suspense fiction, to come from South Africa.
Publisher's review
PENNY OF THE MORNING STAR
ISBN: 978-0-9733625-3-4
The story of a girl reporter in the nineteen forties—Marie Warder
In both paperback and e-Book versions!
The heart-warming story of a girl reporter, set in a small town in what used to be known as the 'Orange Free State' of South Africa, in the days long before computers; before word processors; before electric typewriters.
A long-cherished ambition is realized, and a dream comes true for sixteen-year old Penny Brand, when she is accepted for training as a journalist on the staff of Summerfield's local newspaper; thus involving her family, her friends—in fact the whole town—in a series of electrifying events.
A charming tale, as absorbing for adults as it is for teenagers, it is well worth reading.
Editor
Delightful! Refreshing! Highly Recommended!
Editor
Recommended reading age: Unlimited!
Reader's review
Having followed this writer's career for many years before she embarked on the successful Domedaris "Stories from South Africa" series, I can truthfully say that I have never been disappointed. I have found that even a story like this, clearly written for people much younger than I am now, still held my attention from start to finish. I am pleased to award it five stars!
Reader's review
In both paperback and e-Book versions!
The heart-warming story of a girl reporter, set in a small town in what used to be known as the 'Orange Free State' of South Africa, in the days long before computers; before word processors; before electric typewriters.
A long-cherished ambition is realized, and a dream comes true for sixteen-year old Penny Brand, when she is accepted for training as a journalist on the staff of Summerfield's local newspaper; thus involving her family, her friends—in fact the whole town—in a series of electrifying events.
A charming tale, as absorbing for adults as it is for teenagers, it is well worth reading.
Editor
Delightful! Refreshing! Highly Recommended!
Editor
Recommended reading age: Unlimited!
Reader's review
Having followed this writer's career for many years before she embarked on the successful Domedaris "Stories from South Africa" series, I can truthfully say that I have never been disappointed. I have found that even a story like this, clearly written for people much younger than I am now, still held my attention from start to finish. I am pleased to award it five stars!
Reader's review
LITTLE KINDLE TALES FOR LITTLE PEOPLE
Marie Warder's new series of E-books is here! All titles in this series are now available on AMAZON.COM