It is 1972 when Noora Fendil is born into a wealthy Middle Eastern family. As she grows up blessed with beautiful eyes and a lean body, Noora's intelligent yet plain younger sister, Zaffeera, becomes increasingly jealous. But now that Noora is engaged to the only man she has ever wanted, Zaffeera's envy is about to spiral out of control. Just before her wedding, Noora is framed by Zaffeera, who has developed a diabolical plan to destroy her sister's happiness. Believing she has shamed him and dishonored the family name, Noora's father follows a secret ancient practice and attempts to drown her. As her lifeless body floats away from him, Noora's father has no idea she has survived. Now on a journey to escape her nightmare, Noora's dangerous path takes her from Jordan to Egypt and France, and eventually California. Along the way, she hides her true identity in the hope that one day she can return to prove her innocence, even as she is stalked by a fundamentalist determined to seek justice. Light of the Desert shares the moving tale of a Middle Eastern woman's remarkable journey of survival, courage, and the ultimate act of humanity. “. . . A truly inspiring and engrossing novel. . .”

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