Ann Whelan Devaux

Behind the Golden Gate Ann Whelan Devaux

Irish artist Richal Ryan travels to the tropical island of San Sebastian in the West Indies to meet her pen pal Daniel San Laurant. She thinks she has finally found the man of her dreams, and sparks indeed fly as soon as they meet face-to-face. The two hit it off after only a brief holiday in the sun. Daniel asks her to return to him, and love-struck Richal is happy to oblige. She gives up her job in Dublin and begins a new life with the handsome Daniel. Together, they live in a magnificent oceanfront home, travel the world, and lead a charmed life many would envy. They eventually start a family, but soon after, the cracks in their whirlwind marriage begin to show. Richal realizes too late that she has lost her identity and independence by mistaking Daniels extreme control over her for love. Their relationship becomes so estranged that they are now total strangers with four young children. As Daniel battles to keep his fortune, he uses the kids as pawns to ensure his wealth. From this point on, Richals nightmare battle is only beginning as she struggles to hold on to her beloved children and leave her abusive marriage behind.