A magical South African marula tree sheltered forbidden love a century ago and then continued to influence the fate of two families from their origins in the savage Anglo-Boer War through the decades that followed. Beneath the marula's spreading boughs Grace Riding and David Glenn are the latest members to unravel and extend this story of passion, hatred and death in the beautiful African country-side, through the Boer-British conflict, Apartheid and into the Rainbow State of Nelson Mandela. The marula tree by the old farm on the Spekboom River holds the key to the love and deceit that now affects the life of modern day Grace Riding, who has to plot many an adventure to survive its curse. Gabriella is a healer with visionary powers who helps Grace unravel mysteries from the past including the trauma of a recurring dream and the death of a friend. Gabriella tells Grace of hidden dangers and threats that could be catastrophic, but will Grace listen to her wisdom? and with the magnificent diaries written by Grace's great-grandmother we have a glimpse into the history of a Boer-War concentration camp that brings disease and death together with the 'scorched earth' policy of the British Army. We feel the heartache, the strength and the love of the two families throughout the ages, non of which is as dramatic as the modern day Grace, her beloved David Glenn and their family members. . English author Jacqueline Chevalier weaves a complex tapestry from her dedicated study of the country and local people that she has grown to love; creating a masterly, magical story that reveals her spiritual and human qualities of this mysterious South Africa as never before.