IN THE SHADE OF THE JACARANDA
by Nikki Arana
In Nikki Arana’s previous book, The Winds of Sonoma, we bit our
nails hoping that Antonio and Angelica would beat the odds, fall in
love, and show the world that two disparate individuals can find
love and happiness. And so they did. And now, in this masterfully
written sequel, Angelica and Antonio Perez fight the odds again.
The first years of marriage are difficult enough under the best of
circumstances, and for Angelica and Antonio, the challenges
abound. Angelica’s parents disapprove of her marriage. While
they can appreciate Antonio’s work ethic, they still believe him to
be beneath their family stature and unworthy of Angelica’s love.
Antonio struggles to study English and support his wife through a
fledgling landscaping business, while Angelica must deal with a
troublesome boss in trying to re-establish her legal career. Like
most newlyweds, the adjustment to the merger of two different
upbringings creates roadblocks in and of itself. When that conflict
is broadened by cultural and economic variances, the stage is
ripe for bitter dispute. Can this marriage survive?
When Angelica discovers she is pregnant, the news is at first
greeted with great joy. Hope arises that a grandchild will help
unite the Amantes with their son-in-law. At the same time, Antonio’
s grandmother makes a fortuitous visit. Although uneducated, her
wisdom is steeped in a faith that transcends logic. The young
couple will need her prayers and steadfast faith as the hardest
challenges are yet to come. Angelica learns that her baby may
have developmental problems.
Within this backdrop, Arana weaves an engaging story of simple
faith, expertly showing the difference between knowing of God
and believing in Him for all things in our lives. Through
emotionally gripping scenes and sympathetic portrayal, the reader
identifies with all the main characters, feeling their struggles and
pain.
Review by Linda Rondeau
by Nikki Arana
In Nikki Arana’s previous book, The Winds of Sonoma, we bit our
nails hoping that Antonio and Angelica would beat the odds, fall in
love, and show the world that two disparate individuals can find
love and happiness. And so they did. And now, in this masterfully
written sequel, Angelica and Antonio Perez fight the odds again.
The first years of marriage are difficult enough under the best of
circumstances, and for Angelica and Antonio, the challenges
abound. Angelica’s parents disapprove of her marriage. While
they can appreciate Antonio’s work ethic, they still believe him to
be beneath their family stature and unworthy of Angelica’s love.
Antonio struggles to study English and support his wife through a
fledgling landscaping business, while Angelica must deal with a
troublesome boss in trying to re-establish her legal career. Like
most newlyweds, the adjustment to the merger of two different
upbringings creates roadblocks in and of itself. When that conflict
is broadened by cultural and economic variances, the stage is
ripe for bitter dispute. Can this marriage survive?
When Angelica discovers she is pregnant, the news is at first
greeted with great joy. Hope arises that a grandchild will help
unite the Amantes with their son-in-law. At the same time, Antonio’
s grandmother makes a fortuitous visit. Although uneducated, her
wisdom is steeped in a faith that transcends logic. The young
couple will need her prayers and steadfast faith as the hardest
challenges are yet to come. Angelica learns that her baby may
have developmental problems.
Within this backdrop, Arana weaves an engaging story of simple
faith, expertly showing the difference between knowing of God
and believing in Him for all things in our lives. Through
emotionally gripping scenes and sympathetic portrayal, the reader
identifies with all the main characters, feeling their struggles and
pain.
Review by Linda Rondeau
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| IN THE SHADE OF THE JACARANDA A Review by LINDA RONDEAU |