The Winds of Sonoma

Positives: 1. No kissing scenes that make you squirm or worry one of the characters is really a vampire. There were some kisses toward the end but all the author says is they kissed I prefer this because I think it is a more respectful way of handling kissing. 2. Makes a case that everyone, no matter what their immigration status, no matter what nationality they are, are humans and we as Christian should treat them as such. Negatives: 3. It making point 2, the author went overboard. Even I, who agree with many of her statements, felt like I was being slammed over the head with it. She had a story that would have effectively conveyed her message. She should have trusted her story to carry her message instead of repeating her message over and over again. 4. Because she was busy trying to make a point, the story got sidetracked several times.

This is a beautifully written love story based on the real life romance of the author. Angelica Amante discovers happiness and peace by being faithful to God. Raised in the Sonoma Mountains of Northern California, Angelica was the only daughter of a successful surgeon. When her parents were away from home, she was cared for by her beloved Poppy. From his care, Angelica grew-up to know God. After graduating valedictorian of her Law School, Angelica easily landed a coveted position in a prestigious New York Law Firm. She was well on her way to being one of the youngest junior partners in the law firms history, when one of her court cases collides with her moral judgment. Suddenly, her life is turned upside down. She is fired and has no hope of finding another position in New York, so she moves back home to regroup. The choices she makes in her career and later in love are neither easy nor popular. Her employer, friends and parents are all against her decisions, but in her heart she knows she is making the right moral decisions. Through the prayers of Poppy, Angelica finds the path God is leading her to. She finds improbable love from Antonio, the hardworking and handsome illegal immigrant who is working on her familys ranch. This book was captivating from the first few pages; I actually stopped reading another book to finish this one. (Look for the symbolism in the wind blowing to see when God is working on the characters lives.) I cant wait to read the next book in the Regalo Grande series coming Spring 2006 In the Shade of Jacaranda!!!

When Bill OConnell dies, attorney Angelica Amante picks up his caseload. One particular case involving an American produce company using illegal immigrants bothers Angelica as it reminds her of plight in her hometown of Sonoma. She tells her boss Constantine Cvervenka how she feels about this case. Constantine warns her she not only will derail off the fast track to partnership, but she will lose much more. Still Angelica quits choosing principals over advancement, but soon learns no other New York law firm will touch her. She returns to Sonoma seeking a new start. At home she meets kindhearted but quiet and hard working Antonio Perez, whos proud of what he has done with his life though he is a migrant worker. Her patents believe he is beneath her, but she finds solace with this gentle person who is at peace with himself. Angelica hopes to one day feel in harmony like he is. WINDS OF SONOMA is a fabulous inspirational tale that focuses on to thine own self be true if a person seeks inner serenity. The story line is character driven with Angelica learning from Antonio to accept who she is. Though there is little action and some might question the chances of this relationship getting off the ground as she is the daughter of wealth, readers will appreciate this fine uplifting novel that leaves the message that it is okay to be yourself. Harriet Klausner

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.

After reading the authors latest novel, The Next Target (which I loved!) I began reading more of Nikki Aranas books although I am not usually a reader of romance. I began with Winds of Sonoma since the story looked intriguing and was based on the authors own courtship and marriage. The contemporary setting and career choices of an upper class young woman was a great backdrop for the budding relationship between the main character and Antonio, an immigrant who works at her fathers stables. The tug and pull of family expectations, socio-economic class, values and a busy life are all part of the story. I found the language realistic, including most of the Spanish words and backstory of Antonios experiences. I would have liked to see more action with one of the subplots, but thats just because Nikki Arana did such a fantastic job on her thriller, The Next Target, and that is one of my favorite genres. I recently download the sequel, In the Shade of the Jacaranda, because I enjoyed this novel so much.

I love, love, love the Regalo Grande series!!! I do NOT - repeat - do NOT - do romances! They are too predictable and too formula for my taste. When Nikki invited me to read I just gritted my teeth. WOW!!! This series set my perspective on end! There is NOTHING - repeat - NOTHING that is formula or predictable in this series! I was so surprised, so delighted, so relieved. It was a pleasure and an honor to literally burn through these books. I could not wait for the next in line. Again, WOW! If you ARE a romance novel-a-holic, you will adore this series. If you are NOT into romance, you will adore this series! There is soooo much spiritual reality here you will NOT - repeat - NOT go away wanting... Thank you, Nikki Arana for your obedience...

Angelica knows she must return to the vision of helping the poor and needy that set her on the path toward becoming an attorney in the first place. But telling her parents that shes leaving big city life and a lucrative job with a prestigious law firm might just be her biggest obstacle yet. She hopes that spending time with them on their ranch will open the door to a discussion not easily carried on by phone. Antonio desperately needs a job that pays enough to send money back to his mother and siblings in Mexico. Entering the U.S. without papers creates more trouble and danger than hed imagined. His skill with horses lands him a job with apparently wealthy horse owners. Hes grateful, despite the cruel and overbearing ranch manager, the only one who speaks Spanish--until Angelica shows up. As Angelicas Spanish improves and as she teaches Antonio English, they gradually merge information and learn that their ranch manager has his fingers in more pies than anyone imagined--none of them humane or legal. Despite her parents objections, Angelica and Antonio grow closer and a love is born that embraces far more than themselves. I learned a great deal about the plight of Mexican laborers entering this country as I read Nikki Aranas book. Importantly, I found a writer, new to me, who tells a compassionate but heart wrenching story laced with combinations of historical and current events--the harsh, the sad, the ugly truth as well as the joyous possibilities of hope--all transforming my thinking and opening the door for new possibilities. Im looking forward to more of Ms. Aranas books.

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.

This book is a page turner! I did not want to put it down. It is a tale of sacrificing your career for what is noble and finding the love that God has hand picked. It is truly heart warming and thought provoking. Angelica was an up and coming attorney. She worked for a prestigious law firm in New York. She realizes that her firm is taking advantage of the less fortunate. As they are about to offer her a promotion she is left with a life altering decision. Should she do what is right or further her career? Soon she meets Antonio who works on her parents ranch in California. Antonio is handsome, hardworking and self sacrificing. He is the oldest child in his family. He left their poverty stricken home in Mexico to provide for his family. When these two lives collide it is a magical story.

The Winds of Sonoma is an encouraging story of Gods faithfulness and love. This is an inspired story by the author, Nikki Aranas life. This book has challenged me to stop judging people based on the clothes they wear or how much worldly goods they have or dont have. I want to allow the Lord to show me the beauty He sees inside people. Winds of Sonoma is the 1st book in the Regalo Grande series and I look forward to reading the other books. ~Shelly of Chadron MOPS