08 June 2022

The Heart Warrior’s Mother, the latest novel by Marilyn Cohen de Villiers

Submitted by: Cheryl Uys
The Heart Warrior’s Mother, the latest novel by Marilyn Cohen de Villiers

"The Heart Warrior’s Mother" is the latest novel by Marilyn Cohen de Villiers and is inspired by the true story of a real-life heart warrior – a child born with a congenital heart defect.

Kerry-Anne Aarons had it all - an adored and adoring husband (Imran Patel), a delightful little boy (Leo), a great job with a fabulous boss (Jason Brown), and a perfect, newborn daughter (Lily - nicknamed Tiger Lily). But things start to unravel when baby Lily’s heart condition is diagnosed and Kerry’s battle to save her daughter commences.

It’s a battle that takes her from the operating theatres and Intensive Care Units of local hospitals to the High Court of South Africa. It’s a battle that strains her relationships with her friends, her parents, and – ultimately – her husband.  It’s a battle she is determined to win.

How much will Kerry have to sacrifice to give Lily the future she deserves? 

“A true, cross-generational story of the eternal link between love and pain… the greater the love, the more inevitable the pain. Marilyn Cohen de Villiers once again – with amazing skill – depicts the common humanity that transcends differing cultures” ~ James Mitchell – former Book Editor, The Star

“The description of all medical aspects is amazingly accurate… (this) sad but well-written and enjoyable book should be read by every trainee (and trained) paediatric cardiac surgeon, cardiologist, paediatrician and others (to) give them a better understanding of the 'complete' picture, rather than simply 'the patient'. It would make them better, more holistic medical providers” ~ Professor Rob Kinsley – South African doyen of paediatric cardiac surgery and founder member of the World Society of Paediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery

 A percentage of the proceeds of this novel will be donated to:

The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa (TCCFA) After more than 50 years in paediatric cardiac surgery in South Africa, Professor Robin Kinsley established TCCFA (https://tccfa.org) in 2019 to “save the lives and improve the health of children born with congenital heart disease in Africa by raising funds for heart surgeries and by training specialists and support staff in the field of paediatric cardiac care”. One in 100 children is born with a congenital heart defect.  Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is approximately 60 times more prevalent than childhood cancer and about 25 times more common than cystic fibrosis.

About the Author:

Marilyn Cohen de Villiers is a Johannesburg-based freelance journalist and author. Her three acclaimed previous novels – A Beautiful Family, When Time Fails, and Deceive and Defend – were recently re-released as The Silverman Saga trilogy. 

Marilyn Cohen de Villiers is available for interviews.

 9780620997133     Paperback   276 pages    R330            Available in Bookstores

To request a review copy, interview, or more information please contact

Cheryl Uys on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 010 109 8850

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