In the second book in this widely discussed trilogy, main character Legia, staggers from her disastrous first marriage into hard times. She struggles with very little money to support her two children while gaining a toehold in the banking sector. Her career goes well, and she meets a man who desperately wants the stability of marriage after harrowing experiences and perilous escape from war-torn Angola.

She agrees and for a while she finds happiness. But it is short-lived. When her mother-in-law travels from Portugal to live with them, the marriage quickly deteriorates. Her illusions of happiness are shattered. She fights for her children in the law courts.

A trip to Portugal reveals surprising family secrets. Legia grows wiser and finally, when she is at her wits end, the sort of happiness that eluded her miraculously arrives.

About the Author

In the opinion of most, Paula Fernandes has lives a horrendous life. The second book in her trilogy is as much proof of that as her fist. Yet she remains positive.

She says: ‘Despite  the difficulties of my life, I have raised two wonderful daughters, now aged 36 and 30, who blessed me with four grandchildren - two boys and two girls. I still live in Johannesburg in South Africa, where I have built a good life and found peace, love, companionship and harmony. I found this only after my fist two unhappy marriages.

But rather late than never, and I have no regrets. On the contrary, my life is filled with joy. Even though I am currently recovering from breast cancer I want to continue living with hope for a future surrounded by the people I love. I would like to tell my readers to avoid the shallow standards and temptations and illusions of worldly love and look for someone who makes you smile, because it only takes a smile to a dark day brighter.’

The Illusion is published by Porcupine Press