The Winds of Sonoma

The writing style of this book was very appealing. It also had some positive Christian influences and ideas in it. Unfortunately, it also had some very negative ones: 1. The romance seemed to be largely physically based. It was initially all about how he/she made him/her FEEEL. There were some other factors that were more positive, but this raw, emotional, practically teenager-type drive, makes this belong more in a high school romance. It would have been a much more Christian message, in my opinion, if the author didnt keep describing (the way she felt when she was around him) so much. Too many butterflies in the tummy, obscuring some otherwise positive factors. 2. Similar to above, there was way too much of a (human)love conquers all aspect of this. it would be interesting if it worked out this way in real life for the author, but this is the exception, not the rule. A good Christian book should focus more on setting positive and practical examples. In contrast, this book mostly sets bad examples in that area. So I cannot give it more than 3 stars.

This is one of the best books Ive ever read. It is truly an eye opening story that left me constantly wondering what was going to happen next. It is a great book for people who love romantic, true stories. It has opened my eyes to needs that exist in our community and has stirred in my heart a desire to reach out to those in need. I cannot wait for the next book in this series to be published.

Heartfelt reminder that there is a greater purpose to our life even when we cannot see it! You do not want to miss it.

Angelica is a up and coming attorney working for a big firm in New York City. When she is fired and cannot find a new job due to her refusal to compromise her beliefs she heads home to California. While at home she faces the situation of illegal Mexican immigrants in the area. Her family ranch has hired a new immigrant worker, Antonio. Angelica decides to take him under her wing and try to help him out in every way she can. She also wants to try to get a job as a public defender because she wants give help to those who really are in need of it. As Angelica works with Antonio, she discovers that there may be more than just a charitable feeling shared between the two of them. The two have an uphill climb as they try to figure out their relationship. I liked this book. It was easy to read and one could relate to the timeliness of the story. Illegal immigration is a hot topic in our country. Many politicians are debating constantly about how the nation should treat the situation. There are lots of people who are prejudiced against Mexican immigrants such as the foreman of the ranch or the people in the church who thought they were helping but really werent. Angelica is a compassionate character who wants to help out Antonio. She also makes the difficult choice of choosing a harder life instead of one that would be easily handed to her. I admire people who can do that. I could also relate to Angelicas issue with not wanting to tell her parents what really happened to her in New York. Its hard to have to tell your parents that youve let them down after they think youve done so well. My parents were immigrants so the story is familiar about being alone and uncertain in a new country. They too were grateful for the people who took the time out to help them get settled in their new life. Im looking forward to picking up the next two books in the series.

Angelica Amante has it all--beauty, a great job, loving parents, and a healthy trust fund. Not to mention the fatherly support of an old family employee; Poppy. So when Angelica leaves her job with a prestigious law firm to return to her familys ranch, its no wonder things turn upside down. Now questioning her own beliefs about the plight of immigrants and the poor, she must look deep into her heart and trust God more than ever before. When Angelica meets Antonio (a Mexican worker on her fathers ranch)her feelings for him only complicate matters. How can two people from such different worlds ever come together? I loved the novel. Aranas treatment of immigration issues is certainly no dry evening news approach to discussing the subject. Antonio and Angelica come alive on the page. I found myself reading quickly, turning pages as fast as I could to find out what happened next. A satisfying romance that WILL make you cry, The Winds of Sonoma is a definite winner.

When attorney Angelica refuses to accept the assignment of her big New York City firm, she is fired. Not only fired, but blackballed in the entire area. Dejected and yet feeling so right about her decision, she moves back to her California home. Her wealthy parents are mortified that she would trade such an important job for the simplistic and ridiculous job of public defender for illegals and the poor. Antonio, an illiterate Mexican young man, comes to work at their horse ranch just as she arrives home, and she decides to make a difference in his life. This opening book lays the foundation for a very possible, though highly unlikely love story of the decade. Readers will hate the crooked ranch foreman, love Poppy, and wonder just what makes the Amantes tick. There is so much intrigue, so much feeling, so much love and hate in this story, I am recommending this series of 3 to all my Christian fiction reader friends.

The Winds of Sonoma, swept me off my feet and kept me captivated the whole time I was reading it. As most know, I have reviewed alot of books on Amazon; however, this one is truly the gem in the haystack. I would easily put it in my Top Ten Books that Teresa Have Ever Read. The plot was excellent as well as the rich characters and vivid scenes. The heroine has landed a very successful job with a prominent law firm. All is looking on the upside for her until a case regarding migrant workers is tossed in front of her eyes. Being a strong Christian, she must chose to openly take the case or stand her ground. She stands... then she is fired. Standing at a crossroad, she realizes that the only way to leap is back... to Sonoma- her home, where things beat at a different pace. It is through this different pace that she encounters her hero who, much to her surprise, is an migrant worker on her fathers farm. Her faith and honesty has led her back to the farm for a reason- only God knows why. Buy the book and find out why! Sicily Yoder aka Teresa Phillips Author of, Leaving Lancaster County, Amish Cooking with Sicily Yoder and The Amish Garden.

Such a love.y story of hope, kindness and faith. I love that its a story of a illegal immigrant who came to help his family and has such faith.

Excellent. A good book advocating for for poor as well as a good story. Recommended for all ages. Interesting to read.

I began reading the book The Winds of Sonoma over the Holidays to offer a review. As I began reading the Epic tale of The Winds of Sonoma, I began to fall under its hypnotic spell. Nikki Arana tells a powerful story that is disguised with its easy readability and flowing rivers of words. Words that wash over you carrying with their tide waves of hope inspiration and love. As you follow the struggles of the young woman, Angelica, you are faced with a mirror that confronts you with the reflections and flaws of humanity that we all share. In The Winds of Sonoma, we also find an invitation to remember and become what on the outset of adulthood we envisioned our future to be. To stop and look at where we lost hold of our true selves that got lost in the shuffle of life becoming what we swore in youthful innocents to stand up against. This simple tale in inspiring and compelling in its comparisons of religious participation as opposed to true faith. In reading The Winds of Sonoma you find a cause to stop and examine your faith, your way of life and everything about you as you begin to understand how wonderful your life is and how much better you can make your life and the life of those around you. The tale speaks of love between and man and a woman in a way that takes you back to sweeter times. It lulls you with the way true relationships play out instead of following the overplayed version that is sold to us under the billing of reality. Supported by a stellar group of impeccably developed characters in the background, The Winds of Sonoma adds in simple layers the complex web which once woven by the master hands of Nikki Arana become complex and convicting to anyone who believes in love and God. I have seldom had a book that I have had to defend from other readers, but this book has such a sweet way of pulling you in with just a glance that I have a list of people lined up to read it. This is a book to share with your mother, your sister and your very best friends. I highly recommend The Winds of Sonoma written by Nikki Arana. The Winds of Sonoma has been a source of inspiration to me and a gift that I will be giving to my daughter, my mother, mother in law, my best friend and especially my daughter this Valentines Day. Including a box of Chocolates with this tale of true love on many levels and you will have given a gift that transcends the paper on which it is delivered. Nikki Arana, Bravo!