ChickSpeak

Praised by Kirkus as “a witty page-turner” and lauded by Publishers Weekly for its “captivating energy and momentum,” THE TENTH GIFT is an enchanting, addictive novel.

The real-life story behind its creation, however, makes it all the more fascinating as the novel is based on Johnson’s own family history, as well as her experiences in Morocco while researching the novel.Growing up, Johnson had always heard stories about an ancestor who was kidnapped from Cornwall by Barbary pirates and taken to Morocco as a slave.

Though it seemed far-fetched, the tale had always intrigued her. She took time off from her job as publishing director at HarperCollins UK to make the trip to the North African country and research the story. Her first night in the village of Tafraout, Johnson met Abdel, a local restaurant owner whom she immediately decided had the perfect face for that of a Barbary pirate. She cast him in her novel and then set out about her trip.

A rock climber for years, Johnson decided to take advantage of Morocco’s incredible cliffs in addition to her research. High in the mountains, a rainstorm caused dangerous mudslides, leaving her stranded for the night in freezing temperatures. Armed with only a cell phone, Johnson called the one local she knew—Abdel. Though he was determined to climb the mountain and rescue her, Jane knew that her location on the mountain would make it impossible. She survived the night, making an epic descent down an unclimbed gully at dawn. When she reached the foot of the mountain, Abdel was there waiting. He drew her aside and gave her an antique ring which he promised would keep her safe from harm and bring her back to Morocco. Now—three years later, they are married and live together in a remote Berber village. Jane continues to work as Fiction Publishing Director for HarperCollins, moonlighting in Abdel’s restaurant.

With real life history, infused with creative story-telling, Jane Johnson weaves a true page turner… perfect for up-coming summer reading.