“Blue Desert is a sweeping epic of family, adventure, love and the people and places that leave indelible marks on our hearts. Told in vivid, lyrical prose, and spanning decades, cultures, and continents, Blue Desert is a fierce, unflinching tale that is both deeply historical and uncannily relevant to our era. Beautifully written and deeply felt, Alice’s story of life in the Sahara desert among the Tuareg—and all that comes after—opens a window between two vastly different cultures that will enchant and transport readers.”

— Joy Baglio, Founder of Pioneer Valley Writers Workshop

“An exquisite story about a woman finding her place, in the outer landscape of her surroundings as well as the inner landscape of her heart.”

— Jennifer Rosner, author of The Yellow Bird Sings

“Though I have never  been to Africa, thanks to Celia Jeffries, I have now crossed the Sahara on a “dun-colored camel” and slept beneath the desert’s “sequined sky.” This novel is, in a word, gorgeous. Just like Alice, who loses herself in the beauty of the desert, I lost myself in the beauty of this story of love, loss, loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness. This book will astound you.”

— Leslea Newman, activist and author of I Wish My Father