Cover

"Abracadabra! There's a new Scheherazade in town and her name is Soheir Khashoggi. Now that she's woven one tale let's hope she has a thousand more. Mirage is arresting, breathtaking, up to date, sophisticated, erotic, fascinating, heart rending, and suspenseful. This timely saga certainly puts a whole new spin on Sleeping with the Enemy, and lifts the veil of secrecy from Moslem traditions, relationships, and, above all, family ties. Stunning. I couldn't put it down!"

—Judith Gould, author of Sins

"Breathless, larger than life. Khashoggi paints in glamorous and startling colors. Her depiction of the rarefied, claustrophobic lives of many privileged Arab women, as well as of the jet set world of their families, adds depth and sparkle."

—Publishers Weekly

"A bright comet from the East. A commanding novel every woman will want to read and every man should read."

—Cape Coral, Daily Breeze

"A stunning first novel that pushes contemporary buttons while offering the more traditional consolations of exotic settings, glamorous characters, and a fast moving plot. Khashoggi spins an irresistible tale of romance and heart pounding drama in that rarest of fictions. An intelligent page turner."

—Kirkus (starred review)

"A spellbinding story of one woman's struggle to escape the gilded cage of the Middle Eastern aristocracy. I inhaled it!"

—Cindy Adams, syndicated columnist

"A bright comet from the east … A commanding novel every woman will want to read and every man should read."

—Cape Coral Daily Breeze

"The drama and glamour of her story carries the reader along."

—Herald Sunday (New Hampshire)

"Compelling!"

—Connecticut Post

"One of those rare books on Middle Eastern women that is lively, provocative and thought-provoking"

—Jean Sasson, author of Princess

"Mirage is a captivating tale painted with finesse against a glittering international canvas"

—Ronald Kessler, author of Inside the CIA.

"Soheir Khashoggi is a born storyteller! Mirage is rich in emotion and human drama, a story I wish would never end, First-rate entertainment!"

—Lucian Goldberg, bestselling author of Madam Cleo's Girls and People will talk

"Khashoggi, is a natural-born storyteller who quickly engages her reader in a role that is stylish, suspenseful, and entertaining."

—Booklist (starred review)

Title

Dedication

Dedication

This book is dedicated in memory of my dear brother Adnan, whose love and guidance have helped me become a stronger and better woman. The bond between us will remain forever in my heart. I miss you dearly, my dear brother.

To my darling daughters Samiha, Naela, Farida and Hana. I couldn't have written this book without you. Thank you for being wonderful and loving, and most of all, for waiting so patiently … I would also like to dedicate it to the memories of my mother, Samiha, and my sister, Samira, who inspired me to write about the special bonds that exist between women in other places and other times, and about the kind of love that endures for a lifetime and beyond.

Time's Up

Time's Up