Lost in Thyme

by Lilas Taha

When Sami Amara’s father suddenly dies, he is confronted with a past that he never knew existed: a mysterious girl, now woman, and promises unfulfilled.
Single mother Petra Haddad has grown accustomed to a life of routine, predictability and…loneliness. When a lawyer calls her up to discuss the will of a man she never even knew, her world is turned upside down.
Thrust together by fate, as their lives and histories entangle and intertwine, will they be able to forge a shared future together or will fate once again intervene?

512 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

Lilas Taha is a writer at heart, an electrical engineer by training, and a domestic abuse victim’s advocate by choice. She was born in Kuwait to a Syrian mother and a Palestinian father, and immigrated to the U.S. as a result of the Gulf war in 1990. She earned a master’s degree in Human Factors Engineering from the University of Wisconsin- Madison.
Pursuing her true passion for creative writing, Lilas brings her professional interest and her Middle Eastern background together in her novels.

Reviews

[Sana · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the success of a book is measured by the number of times the reader finds it hard to put the book down (at the risk of burning dinner at times!), then Lost in Thyme made its success well-noted. The fact that the characters stay with you, in your own house 😳, after you finish reading the novel, is the ultimate measure of enjoyment.

Sami and Petra may reflect the lives of descendants of Palestinian parents whose lives were shattered after the loss of their land, homes, beloved ones, and the lack of a ‘normal’ continuity others take for granted. But, their humility shines through unlimited kindness and a burning need to provide stability and offer endless love to the people who mean most to them. It does not come without paying a price to be burdened by the pain of the past; it is even irritating at times to hear their voices in your head so concerned about every little detail that crosses their minds. Their mental and emotional struggle to weave their present for a fulfillment in the future is what we have to wait for as we receive the sequel.

Thyme is an element of certainty in Palestinian life. It grounds you. Thank you Lilas for adding another flavour to it.

[gary edmondson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that knocked my socks off with joy, tears, hope and compassion. Lilas Taha's characters touched my heart and their stories tore at my humanity. I walked the path of her displaced and broken heroes as they struggled and found a place to call home. I can't wait for the sequel.


I recommend this book to everyone who wants to open eyes to history and present times., to heartfelt emotions, to beautiful writing and to a book that you won't be able to put down.

[Trey Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent page-turner from a talented writer! Definitely check this one out.

[Pamela Hutchins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilas Taha expertly writes about the search for love, cultural identity, and answers to a multigenerational mystery in this entertaining novel that will touch your heart.

[Dana · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was not for me. DNF.

[Aralia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too fast paced and got preachy about Palestine out of the blue. Tried to cover too much plot and the prose was pretty cliché. I liked the Arabic in it, though

[Siham Kubba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading about heartfelt emotions, compassion, love, hope and cultural identity. I can’t wait to read Lilas Taha’s next book “Found in Thyme”

[Zina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breath taking novel, enjoyed the political and love triangle. Brilliant author.