Description

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When she and he were only babies, they were pledged in marriage. Now Atiyah has been sent away -- a political pawn in a war between the Beduin tribes in the year 1302. He vows to return to her as soon as he can.

But while Atiyah is studying at the great university in Fez, Halima is lost in a sandstorm. Rescued by an enemy tribe, she is told that she must marry their powerful sheikh and live in his harem -- never to see her people again. Halima does what she can to resist, but she has no choice. In three moons' time she will become the youngest wife of the cruel and greedy Raisulu -- unless Atiyah can find her. But where in the vast sea of desert can he begin his search for his beloved?The last novel from award-winning author Frances Temple, this companion to The Ramsay Scallop is a romantic tale of intrigue, adventure, and true love, set against the backdrop of medieval Arabia.

‘Temple’s evocation of the Beduin—a grand, generous nation of poets and storytellers shaped by their religion and their hostile, sometimes beautiful, environment—is easily as vivid as the
storyline. . . . This book glitters with the intelligence and skill of a gifted storyteller, and will sweep readers along on an exotic, satisfying adventure.’ —Pointer/Kirkus Reviews

An American Bookseller Association Pick of the Lists, 1996
A Book Links Editors' Choice of 1996The last novel from award-winning author Frances Temple, this companion to The Ramsay Scallop is a romantic tale of intrigue, adventure, and true love, set against the backdrop of medieval Arabia.

‘Temple’s evocation of the Beduin—a grand, generous nation of poets and storytellers shaped by their religion and their hostile, sometimes beautiful, environment—is easily as vivid as the
storyline. . . . This book glitters with the intelligence and skill of a gifted storyteller, and will sweep readers along on an exotic, satisfying adventure.’ —Pointer/Kirkus Reviews

An American Bookseller Association Pick of the Lists, 1996
A Book Links Editors' Choice of 1996

About the Author

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Frances Temple grew up in Virginia, France, and Vietnam. About her third book she wrote, "The Ramsay Scallop is about our need for adventure and motion, for throwing in with strangers, trusting and listening. The story began to take form in northern Spain along pilgrim trails; was fed by histories, stories, letters, by the testimony of a fourteenthcentury shepherd, by the thoughts of today's pilgrims. Concerns echo across years-clean water, good talk, risks welcomed, the search for a peaceful heart. Traveling in Elenor's shoes, I found out how strongly the tradition of pilgrimage continues."Ms. Temple received many honors during her distinguished career. Her other critically acclaimed books for young people include: FranceTaste of Salt A Story of Modern Haiti, winner of the 1993 Jane Addams Children's Book Award; Grab hands and Run, cited by SchoolLibrary journal as one of the Best Books of 1993; and Tonight, by Sea another novel set in Haiti.