The Zanzibar Moon

Author: Donna Denise Munro
Publisher: Warm Witty Publishing
Category: Fiction, Romance
Book Format: Paperback

The Zanzibar Moon is a mix of chick lit, adventure, romance and a tear jerker.

Alkina's Jarvis thinks the best way to deal with the end of her marriage is to give her life a jungle twist.

Ali travels from Australia to Africa to volunteer, and is then sent to exotic Zanzibar. She helps abandoned mothers set up a self-sustainable refuge at a ramshackle beach resort.

There's; a brawny exotic man walking a cheetah, a wizened woman with an ancient lamp, an old journal with secret pages, giant tortoises in caves and the wonderful eccentric characters of The Peace Resort.

Kendwa Ely is a wild and sexy adventurer. Sparks fly between him and Ali, and though he may be the Tarzan of her dreams, he comes with complications; a three-year-old son and a mysterious job.

Don Cloutier the island's doctor struggles with his own demons; drink, women and temptation. Will he ever take his medical calling seriously and stop comparing himself to Kendwa, and perhaps win Ali's heart?

Shaun Flannery is Ali's handsome neighbour and friend. Can he make her see sense, or is he just wasting his time?

And Ali's husband can't make up his mind.

Ali can't resist appealing Kendwa, and will his past come back to haunt them both?

When a medical emergency sends her racing home, she renews her family bond, uncovers a new betrayal and finds an inner strength from her time with Kendwa in exotic Zanzibar and the wilds of Africa.

But on her return to the island will the grief of what she finds overwhelm her?

You actually have a lot of content in the book and the story line is an interesting Chick Lit and reminded me of Janet Evanovich series a lot. The mix of dialogue and locations made the book move and the way that the character travelled allowed you to explore lots of options for material. I could tell you had written it - it really came from your soul and your experiences/loves. There is a real mix of chick lit, travel, suspense and tear jerking. - Angela Spzjoda (owner of 360 Degree Wellness)

I loved it. I really felt like I was walking the narrow lanes of Zanzibar and that I was taken on an African safari. It was a unique and beautifully written story. I haven't read anything like it. - Valerie Ibbotson (retired)

I finished reading The Zanzibar Moon and absolutely loved it, Donna. I didn't predict the ending either. It's exotic, funny and full of adventure. It's also inspired me to go to Zanzibar one day. - Leesa Bennett (volunteer teacher abroad)

I thoroughly enjoyed being in Africa. I think women will love reading this, as it is most women's fantasy at some point. - Tracy Wilkinson (target reader)

I am really impressed by the book, you have really done your homework and if I did not l know any better I would have sworn that you have lived in Africa for a period of time. You have captured life here so well with the chaos, the beauty, the nature, even down to the sometimes not so pleasant aromas (haha). The story line is great and the characters are interesting. I also like how you have put the relevant chapters in the first tense for Alkina and Dr Don. It lets you get closer to the character I think. I showed some of the Swahili to my colleague and as far as she could tell you were spot on. - Kerry Zillner (UN in Africa)

Donna Munro's debut novel has a unique writer's voice that is engaging and witty. This is a well-researched story, blended with magical undertones in a contemporary setting. It's a well-written easy read. It will stay with you long after the moon sets.

Donna Munro author of chick lit/romance The Zanzibar Moon. She is a freelance writer, most recently published in collaborative book 'Having it all at Fifty Plus Innovation Edition', but also published in national magazines such as The Australian Women's Weekly, Woman's Day and Take 5. She is a blogger, graphic artist, book marketer and office administrator for a pet accessories company (she loves animals), plus part-time helper in the family business Mirror Pool Cleaning. If she assists in clean pools she's not all that helpful (dropped a full bag of salt on coping once) but can take great photos for social media. Selfies are not her strong point because her arms are too short.

Also known as Little Donna, she founded Umoja Writing Competition in 2014 to raise funds for Umoja Orphanage Kenya. She also adopted Tundani the baby elephant with The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust because elephants are the most majestic, thoughtful, adorable animals (other than dogs). She encourages others to do the same (and never buy ivory).

Though she is heading to the hump-side of fifty she keeps fit with Muay Thai fitness training which incorporates kick fit, boxing, boot camp and weight training. She believes eating well and training at least three days a week, not only preserves your health, but keeps you moving (yes even with arthritis) keeps you thinking clearly.

Donna lives on the beautiful Queensland coast in Australia with her husband of 28 years, youngest son and the neurotic and adorable dog Mahli. She's a mum to three sons, and nana to two adorable grandchildren. She's been a regular volunteer (mainly touch football and Rugby League). She's a Tarzan and elephant tragic, cares about health, fitness, happiness, motivation, writing, reading, family and the environment. One day she will get to Africa. You'll often find her on a beach with her toes in the sand and a book in her hand.