The Cocoa Series. Begins in 1917 Trinidad, with The Wedding Drums.

Set in 1917 Trinidad, twelve year old Amina becomes very ill with typhoid fever and close to death. Miraculously, she begins to recover, but is horrified to discover that her parents have broken their promise to her, and a marriage is arranged. She hoped to remain in education to become a teacher. But she is prepared to fight, and together with her friend Sumati, they make a pact. But Sumati's falls in love, and takes a path which endangers both of them.