An American-born traveler to one of Istanbul’s oldest communities receives an unexpected welcome in this heart-warming and romantic debut
Fanis, a charming widower with an eye for the ladies, is at the center of a dwindling yet stubbornly proud community of Rum, Greek Orthodox Christians, who have lived in Istanbul for centuries.

Daphne, the American-born niece of an old friend, arrives in the city in search of her roots. She is met with a hearty welcome and, as a beautiful yet aloof outsider, she turns many heads.

Kosmas, a master pastry chef on the lookout for a good Rum wife, falls instantly in love with Daphne. Fanis is smitten too, but finds himself disturbed by memories of the 1955 pogrom and the fiancée he lost.

Can Kosmas win Daphne’s affections? Or will a family secret, one deeply rooted in the painful history of the city itself, threaten their chances?

This story of love, hopeful new beginnings, and ancient traditions introduces a sparkling new literary voice sure to transport and entertain.