A modern-day Romeo and Juliet--set against the backdrop of deadly weapons smuggling When ten-year-old Elizabeth West's father dies in a tragic plane crash over the Persian Gulf, her family uproots their life in Washington, D.C., and moves to London. Her mother marries a knighted British businessman who has two children, and Elizabeth (Lizzy) and her two sisters move in with their new family. At age sixteen, while attending the American School of London, Lizzy meets and falls in love with Adil Hasan--but when Adil's ...
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A modern-day Romeo and Juliet--set against the backdrop of deadly weapons smuggling When ten-year-old Elizabeth West's father dies in a tragic plane crash over the Persian Gulf, her family uproots their life in Washington, D.C., and moves to London. Her mother marries a knighted British businessman who has two children, and Elizabeth (Lizzy) and her two sisters move in with their new family. At age sixteen, while attending the American School of London, Lizzy meets and falls in love with Adil Hasan--but when Adil's father, a noted arms middleman, is deported, Lizzy and Adil are separated. Lizzy's family has also become involved with French-German industrialist Gerald Rene Wagner. Little does she know that Adil's family has ties to the man, as well. When a member of her family is murdered in Berlin under mysterious circumstances, questions surface about Wagner's dealings, and Lizzy reexamines what really may have happened to her father. All the while, she endeavors to reunite with her lost love, Adil, and reclaim the connection that was ripped away. Set in the years before and after the first Gulf War, Burning Distance is a journey through family secrets and competing loyalties, contemporary history, and the dark world of arms trafficking. Jane Austen meets John le Carr� in this cross-cultural love story and political thriller
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Fine. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 400 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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New. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 400 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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Good. The book may have minor cosmetic wear (i.e. creased spine/cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, minor sunburn, minor water damage, minor bent). The book may have some highlights/notes/underlined pages-Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included-Safe and Secure Mailer-No Hassle Return.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
A tragedy she barely remembers â�" the death of her father sculpted Lizzy Westâ��s life. This event sets her on a path from Washington, D.C. to London, where her motherâ��s new marriage merges two families. Her school life in London brings Adil into her world, starting as a friendship and blossoming into romance. Meanwhile, Lizzy finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that not only link her family to global events but also to enigmatic pasts and players.
ââ?¬Å"Burning Distanceââ?¬Â? by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman is a heart-pounding journey, blending the raw emotions of loss, grief, and the complexities of a blended family with the pulse-pounding tension of global politics during the first Persian Gulf War. Itââ?¬â?¢s a tale rich with young love, shrouded secrets, and the shadowy realm of espionage and arms smuggling. Reader beware ââ?¬" this book is an engrossing experience. It will captivate you and hold your attention well into the night, or whenever you find your own world quiets down.
Leedom-Ackermanââ?¬â?¢s writing prowess is a standout feature in ââ?¬Å"Burning Distance.ââ?¬Â? One of her many talents lies in constructing a heartfelt emotional narrative within historical and political contexts. This ability to intertwine deeply personal stories with broader global events shows an adept storytelling skill. I found Leedom-Ackermanââ?¬â?¢s commitment to historical accuracy and detail commendable. I havenââ?¬â?¢t read many books set in this era and I thoroughly enjoyed the way the authorââ?¬â?¢s meticulous research unfolds discreetly through a solid, enticing narrative.
Adding to the charm of the story are the flawed, relatable characters that come to life as readers journey through this harrowing adventure right alongside them. Not everyone is who they seem to be and the development of the cast of characters, primary and secondary, is astounding. I love the way Leedom -Ackerman ties all the characters together â�" itâ��s an amazing cast. The author could probably write an entire book on some of them, from Lilyâ��s stepbrother who falls in with the wrong business associates, the secret life of Dr. Gerald Wagner, the business associate of Lilyâ��s stepfather, Adilâ��s mysterious father, and even the tragedy surrounding Lilyâ��s own father.
My favorites of course are Lizzy and Adil. Some connections are beyond anyone�s control as evidenced by their complicated relationship. From their first conversation at school to the progression of their relationship, fate reminds us of the power of destiny, and I found myself actually talking to these two frequently, disagreeing with their choices and wanting to steer them down the right path. But that would be a predictable story, wouldn�t it? Best I leave these things to the pros, but kudos for evoking such strong emotions.
Another element of my fascination with Lizzy and Adil is the vivid contrast between their worlds, with a mix of traditions and cultural backgrounds. Lizzy, with her roots in D.C., and London, embodies Western norms and values. Adil, despite his schooling in London, carries many of the rich traditions and customs of his heritage. This blend of backgrounds adds color to their story as they are challenged to find harmony within their distinct cultural identities.
Overall, Joanne Leedom-Ackermanââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Å"Burning Distanceââ?¬Â? is a book I highly recommend to anyone looking for a story that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling. Fans of historical fiction and political thrillers should consider this a must-read ââ?¬" itââ?¬â?¢s a standout in both genres.
