But discovering her own formidable strength may be the one move that costs her everything: the crown, Varenia and Zadie. In order to save her people, Nor must learn to negotiate the treacherous protocols of a court where lies reign and obsession rules. Varenia's culture revolves around the once-in-a generation selection of the most beautiful girl to be sent to Ilara to be the crown prince's bride. Varenia is unable to feed its population, and oppressive Ilara has ruled over it for centuries. And as she grows closer to Ceren’s brother, the charming Prince Talin, Nor uncovers startling truths about a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen… and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave. CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL begins in tiny, tropical Varenia, a country built on stilts in the sea. To Nor’s dismay, her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home-a castle carved into a mountain and devoid of sunlight. Then Zadie is gravely injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. But when a childhood accident left her with a permanent scar, it became clear that her identical twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the Crown Prince-while Nor remained behind, unable to ever set foot on land. Nor once dreamed of seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty of Ilara, the kingdom that’s ruled her village for as long as anyone can remember. But though every girl longs to be chosen as the next princess, the cost of becoming royalty is higher than any of them could ever imagine. I loved the home aspect that Mara captures and by the end of the book, Varenia feels like your home too. Dive in, get it The tropical water world of Varenia is so inspiring you’ll want to pack your bags to the Bahamas.

But though every girl longs to be chosen as the next princess, the cost of becoming royalty is higher than any of them could ever imagine… Crown of Coral and Pearl Publishers Summary For generations, the princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia. Mara Rutherford’s debut novel, Crown of Coral and Pearl, features a unique and intriguing world. For generations, the princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia.

Crown coral and pearl