Where the Sea Heals

A sun-drenched summer romance about new beginnings, self-discovery, and unexpected love.



Recently laid off, newly single, and approaching her forties, Doro’s life is at a crossroads. She shares a lively, sometimes chaotic apartment with her teenage daughter Ronja, who is on the brink of leaving home. The father has long been absent—he walked away before Ronja was born—and the old wounds never fully healed. Romance has taken a back seat as Doro pours all her energy into her career. But when she suddenly loses her job, her carefully balanced world begins to unravel.

Needing a fresh start, Doro does what always helps her breathe again: she goes diving. She heads to Egypt, where her best friend Isy runs a small dive school by the Red Sea. Surrounded by turquoise water, vibrant coral reefs, and schools of colorful fish, Doro hopes to regain her balance and rediscover herself beneath the surface.

But the sea has other plans. Just when she least expects it, love finds her—sweeping her into an emotional, sun-soaked adventure filled with passion, humor, and a touch of One Thousand and One Nights magic.



Monika Hanshans was born in 1972 and grew up in Lower Franconia, Germany. After studying German language and literature, she changed careers and moved to Munich, where she worked as a dramaturge on popular TV series. Her love of Egypt and diving inspired this novel, blending romantic escapism with heartfelt storytelling.