Betrothed
The Gambia Story
by Valeriana Bandeh

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Betrothed- The Gambia Story captures the life of a young woman who flees her country to avoid an arranged marriage. Set amidst a backdrop of the Harmattan winds of Banjul, the silver skyline of Baltimore and the scintillating waters of the Caribbean, Serrah Jallow seeks a new life- a culture, a career, a love. By chance or perhaps by fate, she discovers Sonny Felipe, a man shrouded in mystery, but willing to unveil her every defense erected from past guilt, disappointment and divorce. Secret after secret is revealed as Serrah Jallow struggles to make her way back finally- to love.

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Valeriana Bandeh was born on the island of St. Lucia. Inspired by the exotic nature of the island she spends time writing stories set from the hot volcanic springs of the Caribbean to the cool landscapes of North America and Asia. As an educator and business major, she works in an urban school district in New Jersey. Her current writing projects include an anthology of short stories and poems as well as a textbook which encapsulates many of the rich cultures of her students.

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Valeriana Bandeh