Of Marriageable Age

A magical story of forbidden love, spanning three continents and three decades. Set against the Independence struggles of two British colonies, Of Marriageable Age is ultimately a story of personal triumph against a brutal fate, brought to life by a colorful cast of characters, in particular: Savitri, intuitive, charismatic, and utterly guileless, grows up among the servants of a pre-war English household in Madras. But the traditional customs of her Brahmin family clash against British upper-class prejudice, threatening her love for the privileged son of the house. And anyway, her family has other plans for her… Nataraj, raised as the son of an idealistic doctor in rural South India, finds life in London heady, with girls and grass easily available… until he is summoned home to face raw reality. Saroj comes of age in Guyana, South America. When her strict, orthodox Hindu father goes one step too far she finally rebels against him... and even against her gentle, apparently docile Ma. But Ma harbours a deep secret, one that binds these three so disparate lives and holds them captives of the past; the consequences of forbidden love can reach far into the future, as Saroj and Nat must painfully discover.

Literature & Fiction

Maas, Sharon

Contemporary

Harper Collins Pb

A spellbinding story of forbidden love. Three continents, three decades, three very disparate lives: Savitri, intuitive and charismatic, grows up among the servants of a pre-war English household in Madras. But the traditional customs of her Brahmin family clash against English upper-class prejudice, threatening her love for the privileged son of the house. Nataraj, raised as the son of an idealistic doctor in rural South India, finds life in London heady, with girls and grass easily available . . . until he is summoned back home to face raw reality. Saroj, her fire hidden by outward reserve, comes of age in Guyana, South America. When her strict, orthodox Hindu father goes one step too far, she finally rebels against him and even against her gentle, apparently docile Ma. But Ma harbors a deep secret, one that binds these three disparate lives and hurtles them toward a truth that could destroy their world.

Harpercollins

Flamingo

An enthralling story of a woman in search of the truth, the man she falls in love with and the devastation of the Second World War. 1934, Guyana. All her life, Mary Grace has wanted to know the truth about who her parents really are. As the mixed-race daughter of two white plantation owners, her childhood has been clouded by whispered rumours, and the circumstances of her birth have been kept a closely guarded secret. Aunt Winnie is the only person Mary Grace can confide in. Feeling lost and lonely, her place in society uncertain, Mary Grace decides to forge her own path in the world. And she finds herself unexpectedly falling for charming and affluent Jock Campbell, a planter with revolutionary ideas. But with the onset of the Second World War, their lives will be changed forever. And Mary Grace and Jock will be faced with the hardest decision of all - to fight for freedom or to follow their hearts.... An utterly compelling and evocative story about the heart-breaking choices men and women had to make during a time of unimaginable change. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Dinah Jefferies and Kate Furnivall.

The Girl from the Sugar Plantation

Genre Fiction

Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio

A breathtaking and unforgettable story of a woman torn between her family and the man she loves. 1912, British Guiana, South America: Winnie Cox is about to marry George Quint, the love of her life. Born into a life of luxury and privilege on her father’s sugar plantation, Winnie has turned against her family by choosing to be with George – a poor black postman from the slums. Winnie may be living in poverty, but she’s got what sister Johanna doesn’t have: a loving husband and a beautiful family. And despite Johanna running her family’s sugar plantation, Winnie will always be their mother’s favourite daughter, a bitter pill for Johanna to swallow. Then Winnie’s son falls ill and she must travel to Venezuela desperate for a cure. With her sister away, Johanna finds herself increasingly drawn to George. But he only has eyes for Winnie. Johanna, stung by the rejection and the fragile state of her own marriage, is out for revenge – no matter how devastating the consequences. A compelling and evocative story of betrayal, temptation and buried secrets that will captivate fans of Dinah Jefferies and Kate Furnivall.
What readers are saying about Sharon Maas: 'Exceptional ... evokes a whole range of emotions' Batty About Books 'A beautifully written story of love against all the odds.' Portobello Book Blog 'A wonderful and heartrending book' Sean's Book Reviews 'A beautiful mesmerising work ... I was completely transported' Krafti Reader 'A terrific writer' Barbara Erskine 'A page-turning story, full of humanity, crossing cultures and continents, reminiscent of Andrea Levy.’ Katie Fforde 'A beautiful story about tragic love and ultimately about forgiveness… with powerful messages about love, life and learning to let things go in order to be happy.’ Life With Joy ‘Rich in detail and emotion and has the most beautiful and real description of loss I have ever read.’ Shaz’s Book Blog

The Sugar Planter's Daughter: A beautiful heartbreaking novel of love, loss and hidden tragedy

Bookouture

One woman. One impossible choice. Her daughter or her happiness … When Caroline meets Kamal the attraction is instant. He’s enchanting, charismatic and she can’t wait to set up a new life with him in India. Both their families are against the union but Caroline is convinced they’ll come round, especially when she gives birth to a beautiful daughter, Asha. Asha is an adorable child but Caroline, homesick and beginning to hate the remote Indian village they live in, struggles with motherhood. Kamal is hardly ever there and she feels more and more isolated. In the grips of severe depression Caroline flees back to America, leaving Asha behind. Ten years later … Caroline recovered from her illness, is consumed by thoughts of the daughter she abandoned. Desperate to find Asha, she reunites with Kamal, intent on tracking her down. Will they ever be able to find their lost daughter? If they have any chance, they must confront the painful truths of the past and a terrible secret that has been kept for many years, until now. A heart-breaking and beautifully written story of loss, secrets and the strength of a mother’s love against all odds. If you enjoyed Diane Chamberlain and Lucinda Riley then this book will find its way into your heart and stay there. What everyone is saying about Sharon Maas: 'I have read and loved all of Sharon Maas's books but this one! Wow! I think this is her most emotional and beautiful book yet! Such a powerful story, so brilliantly narrated, in such a way that you feel part of it all and are left bereft when it is finished. Five Stars!' Renita D'Silva 'This book has everything. Great characters, interesting perspective and strong settings. Put all these together with a fantastic writing style and this easily makes my top 10 books of 2016 list' Lexi Reads 'Heartbreaking, poignant and intriguing ...This truly is a powerful story that will fascinate and engross you from the very beginning until the very end.' What’s Better than Books 'The writing is stunningly evocative and sensual ...I just felt immersed in the story and setting from the start.' The Book Trail 'Exceptional ... evokes a whole range of emotions.' Batty About Books 'A beautifully written story of love against all the odds.' Portobello Book Blog 'A wonderful and heartrending book.' Sean's Book Reviews 'A beautiful mesmerising work ... I was completely transported.' Krafti Reader 'A terrific writer.' Barbara Erskine 'A page-turning story, full of humanity, crossing cultures and continents, reminiscent of Andrea Levy.’ Katie Fforde 'A beautiful story about tragic love and ultimately about forgiveness… with powerful messages about love, life and learning to let things go in order to be happy.’ Life With Joy ‘Rich in detail and emotion and has the most beautiful and real description of loss I have ever read.’ Shaz’s Book Blog

The Lost Daughter of India: A heartbreaking novel of tragedy and secrets that will have you hooked

An unputdownable story about a woman in search of the truth, the man she falls in love with, and the devastation of the Second World War. 1934, Georgetown. All her life, Mary Grace has wanted to know the truth about who her parents really are. As the mixed-race daughter of two white plantation owners, her childhood has been clouded by whispered rumours, and the circumstances of her birth have been kept a closely guarded secret… Aunt Winnie is the only person Mary Grace can confide in. Feeling lost and lonely, her place in society uncertain, Mary Grace decides to forge her own path in the world. And she finds herself unexpectedly falling for charming and affluent Jock Campbell, a planter with revolutionary ideas. But, with the onset of the Second World War, their lives will be changed forever. And Mary Grace and Jock will be faced with the hardest decision of all – to fight for freedom or to follow their hearts… An utterly compelling and evocative story about the heart-breaking choices men and women had to make during a time of unimaginable change. Perfect for fans of The Secret Wife and Island of Secrets. What readers are saying about Sharon Maas ‘Sharon Maas has become my ‘go-to’ author… another wonderful book by Maas that has all the trademark thought and care that resonates throughout her work. A heart-rending, epic tale of loss and identity that gets into your heart.’ Bloomin’ Brilliant Books ‘Sharon Maas is one of my favourite authors… evocative and vivid… Highly recommended.’ Renita D’Silva 'A terrific writer.' Barbara Erskine 'A page-turning story, full of humanity, crossing cultures and continents, reminiscent of Andrea Levy.’ Katie Fforde 'This book has everything. Great characters, interesting perspective and strong settings.' Lexi Reads 'Heart-breaking, poignant and intriguing... This truly is a powerful story that will fascinate and engross you from the very beginning until the very end.' What’s Better than Books 'The writing is stunningly evocative and sensual... I just felt immersed in the story and setting from the start.' The Book Trail 'Exceptional... evokes a whole range of emotions.' Batty About Books 'A beautifully written story of love against all the odds.' Portobello Book Blog 'A wonderful and heartrending book.' Sean's Book Reviews 'A beautiful mesmerising work... I was completely transported.' Krafti Reader 'A beautiful story about tragic love and ultimately about forgiveness… with powerful messages about love, life and learning to let things go in order to be happy.’ Life With Joy

The Girl from the Sugar Plantation: A gripping and emotional family saga of love and secrets (The Quint Chronicles)

France 1944 and the streets are filled with swastikas. The story of a brave English girl behind enemy lines, a German soldier, and a terrible sacrifice… 
When young English nurse Sibyl Lake is recruited as a spy to support the French resistance, she doesn’t realise the ultimate price she will end up paying. She arrives in Colmar, a French town surrounded by vineyards and swarming with German soldiers, but her fear is dampened by the joy of being reunited with her childhood sweetheart Jacques. 
Sibyl’s arrival has not gone unnoticed by Commander Wolfgang von Haagan and she realises that letting him get closer is her best chance of learning enemy secrets. Yet despite her best intentions, Sibyl soon finds that betrayal does not come easy to her.
When Jacques finds that Sibyl is involved with the enemy, he is determined to prove himself to her with one last act of heroism. An act that will put all of their lives into terrible danger…
A beautifully written, heart-wrenching and unforgettable tale of love and loss in a time of war. Perfect for fans of The Letter by Kathryn Hughes and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
What readers are saying about The Soldier’s Girl:
 ‘The Soldier's Girl is a gripping and heart wrenching read that I couldn't tear myself away from… A moving and at times touching read that will stay with me for some time.’ By the Letter Book Reviews
‘This book brought tears to my eyes and every chapter was a new twist to the story… I could not stop reading this book and I know everyone is sure to love it.’ The Lovely Library
‘The Soldier’s Girl is a captivating, historical fiction novel… I was wholly engrossed until the very end.’ Write Escape
‘Really enjoyed this book. Great characters, very well written and it was fascinating and informative with the Resistance theme. Highly recommend!’ Netgalley Reviewer, 5 stars 
What readers are saying about Sharon Maas: 
‘Wow! … Such a powerful story, so brilliantly narrated, in such a way that you feel part of it all and are left bereft when it is finished … I LOVED this story so much. So poignant and touching and heartbreaking … All the descriptions are so visceral and beautiful. I loved this book. I lived it.’ 5 stars – Renita D’Silva
‘A powerful and emotional story … truly heartbreaking. The writing was so beautifully descriptive and at times I felt as though I was right there in India. Wonderful … truly stunning … I can highly recommend this book.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘This has everything … great characters … strong settings … serious issues. Put all these together with a fantastic writing style and this easily makes my top 10 books of 2016 list.’ 5 stars – Lexi Reads
‘Simply perfect! … from the first few pages I was drawn in and hooked! … I was blown away by how much I was affected by the story … a fantastic, emotional, evocative read … I urge you to pick up this book, you won't be disappointed!!!’ Dash Fan Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘I absolutely loved everything about this book … beautifully and evocatively written ... , this is a definite 'can't put it down' read.' 5 stars – Goodreads Review
‘A beautiful, mesmerising work of fiction ... I was completely transported.' Krafti Reader
‘A powerful story with so much depth your ears might pop, I absolutely loved this book. I was completely absorbed by this stunning story, I was there in India, living everything ... Another exceptional read from Sharon Maas, 5*.’ Purple Book Stand
‘WOW I think Winnie is the biggest hero ever ... This truly was a masterpiece.' Reading Renee

The Soldier's Girl: A gripping, heart-breaking World War 2 historical novel

When the Nazis march onto the cobbled streets of Colmar on November 1st 1940, Josef, a Jewish violin maker, gathers his wife and daughters closely to him and tells them everything will be all right. 
But one year later, three sharp knocks on the door at midnight turn his seventeen year old daughter Sarah’s world upside down. As the oldest child, Sarah must be the first to leave her family, to make her escape in a perilous journey across France via Paris to Poitiers. And she must hide who she is and take a new name for her own safety. For now, bilingual Sarah is no longer a French Jew but a German girl. 
As she bids farewell to her beloved father and family, Sarah has hope, against all odds, that she will see them again when the war is over. But, travelling through the mountains she finds herself in terrible danger and meets Ralf, a German deserter, who risks his own life to save her. 
Ralf and Sarah continue their journey together, keeping their identities secret at all cost. But when Ralf is captured, will Sarah pay the ultimate price for sharing who she really is?
A gripping and heart-breaking account of love, bravery and sacrifice during the terror of war. A story of standing up for what you believe in; even if it’s going to break your heart. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Ragged Edge of Night. 
Readers have fallen in love with The Violin Maker’s Daughter :
‘From the minute I opened this book I was completely enthralled. I couldn’t put it down. It was well thought out and expertly written… Really a great read and I can’t wait to look into other books by this author!’ Being Perry, 5 stars
‘Sharon Maas never disappoints! She is one of my favourite authors and with this wonderful, harrowing, heart breaking tale of courage and love in the face of unimaginable danger, she has cemented her place as one of the best historical fiction writes of today, right up there with Antony Doerr and Kristin Hannah. I SO loved this beautiful story… so stunningly realised. For me, it made the war come alive, the suffering and angst of ordinary people, both Jews and Germans, their bravery in the face of adversity so vividly brought to life thanks to the author's magical writing. I would very highly recommend this book and give it ten stars if I could. If you're going to read one war book this year which marks the 75th anniversary of D-day, make it this one!’ Renita D’Silva, 5 stars
‘A gripping, heartbreaking, but yet heartwarming historical fiction (that is based on real facts concerning Colmar, Alsace and Lorraine as well as French and German Resistance)... It is raw and emotional, yet a necessary story to tell. Sarah is only 17-18 and is so strong for her age. I enjoyed all the characters of individuals that helped her and Ralf along the way… it still had plenty of positivity and hope, that I felt it ended appropriately and honestly. A great read. 5/5 stars’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘I loved it! Once I started reading, I could not stop... I was on the edge of my seat… This is the first book I have read by this writer, I am eager for more!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘A heart wrenching story of bravery, love and sacrifice.’ For the Love of Books
‘The Violin Maker's Daughter is a good emotional story. The characters are well-developed and the storyline is interesting. Well written.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

The Violin Maker's Daughter: Absolutely heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction

Literary

She dreamed of finding a new life…Georgetown, Guyana 1970. Seven-year-old Rita is running wild in her ramshackle white wooden house by the sea, under the indulgent eye of her absent-minded father. Surrounded by her army of stray pets, free to play where she likes and climb the oleander trees, she couldn’t feel more alive.But then her new stepmother Chandra arrives and the house empties of love and laughter. Rita’s pets are removed, her freedom curtailed, and before long, there’s a new baby sister on the way. There’s no room for Rita anymore.With her father distracted by his new family, Rita spends more time alone in her bedroom. Desperate to fill up the hollow inside her, she begins to talk to the only photo she has of her mother Cassie, a woman she cannot remember.Rita has never known what happened to Cassie, a poor farmer’s daughter from the remote Guyanese rainforest. Determined to find the truth, Rita travels to find her mother’s family in an unfamiliar land of shimmering creeks and towering vines. She finds comfort in the loving arms of her grandmother among the flowering shrubs and trees groaning with fruit. But when she discovers the terrible bruising secret that her father kept hidden from her, will she ever be able to feel happiness again?A beautiful and inspiring story that will steal your heart and open your eyes. Fans of The Secret Life of Bees, The Vanishing Half and The Other Half of Augusta Hope will be captivated by The Far Away Girl.Praise for Sharon Maas:‘Heartbreaking… This truly is a powerful story that will fascinate and engross you from the very beginning until the very end.’ What’s Better than Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow, what a stunning book it is!… breathtakingly beautiful and I was completely absorbed… a heartbreaking story, I went through a whole realm of emotions… I was totally enthralled.’ Blooming Brilliant Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I absolutely loved this tale and felt quite bereft when it ended. I can't wait for the next instalment… What a fabulous author and a superb book. 5 stars from me.’ Met Line Reader, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow!… Such a powerful story, so brilliantly narrated, in such a way that you feel part of it all and are left bereft when it is finished… I LOVED this story so much. So poignant and touching and heartbreaking… All the descriptions are so visceral and beautiful. I loved this book. I lived it.’ Renita D’Silva, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A powerful story with so much depth your ears might pop, I absolutely loved this book. I was completely absorbed by this stunning story… Another exceptional read from Sharon Maas, 5*.’ Purple Book Stand, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Why on earth haven't I read anything by Sharon Maas before? I loved this – beautifully written, touched my heart, and quite enthralling.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Far Away Girl: A heartbreaking and gripping novel of tragedy and secrets

United States

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Maas, Sharon. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Maas, Sharon

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Maas, Sharon. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Of Marriageable Age

Of Marriageable Age

Of Marriageable Age

The Girl from the Sugar Plantation

The Sugar Planter's Daughter: A beautiful heartbreaking novel of love, loss and hidden tragedy

The Lost Daughter of India: A heartbreaking novel of tragedy and secrets that will have you hooked

The Girl from the Sugar Plantation: A gripping and emotional family saga of love and secrets (The Quint Chronicles)

The Soldier's Girl: A gripping, heart-breaking World War 2 historical novel

The Violin Maker's Daughter: Absolutely heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction

The Far Away Girl: A heartbreaking and gripping novel of tragedy and secrets