The Maghreb Amulet

Vera Beaumont
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595451593
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/09)


When Chantal’s lover is accused of raping and murdering his ex-girlfriend, she is desperate to help him.  After being approached by a man claiming to be with the French Legion, she accepts his offer for help in exchange for her assistance in Algeria.  Her aid is being enlisted to help support France’s continuing occupation of the country.  Desperate to help her lover, Chantal readily leaves Paris and takes off to Algeria.  Once she arrives, she quickly discovers that her situation is very serious.  As she engages in the espionage, she is sickened at the way the native people are being treated.  She begins to have grave doubts about her activities.

As time passes, Chantal also begins to realize that the man who is supposed to be helping her is very evil.  His cohorts and he have nothing redeeming in their characters. She finds her family and her lover’s lives in danger if she refuses to cooperate.  As Chantal begins losing hope in having her life back, she is introduced to a very special person who gives her the Maghreb Amulet.  This amulet begins restoring her faith and gives her hope.  Saving her life at least once, Chantal begins getting stronger and smarter about her situation.

“The Maghreb Amulet” by Vera Beaumont is a beautifully written story.  Taking place in an exotic country such as Algeria made the story richer. The descriptions of the places and the people really engaged my interest.  The underlying theme of hope and redemption really made it compelling to read.  I also enjoyed watching Chantal as she molded herself from a beautiful Parisian to a strong woman of character.  I believe that readers who enjoy, action and adventure, suspense and romance will find this book to be a gem.

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