This is a wonderful debut about two men who are crossing the sea to marry women they have never met, to help them escape war-torn Europe for the Jewish homeland.

One is a lover of many women but wants to return home, to a girl whose skin smells of oranges.

For Yaacov Markovitch,  his fake marriage is the beginning of a lifelong obsession. As he vows to make his beautiful bride, Bella, love him while she is determined to break free – their changing fortunes take them through war, upheaval, terrible secrets, tragedy, joy and loss.

It took me about 50 pages to get into this novel but I was then hooked into their lives and simply loved it! Most certainly recommended!!