The Winds of Sonoma

My husband bought this book for me for Christmas and once I started reading it, I couldnt set it down! This book is powerfully written - a true love story. I am looking forward to this gifted new authors next book!

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 really like this author. It is my first time to read a book by her but will definitely look for more. Thank you

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

I borrowed this ebook from someone and I loved it so much. The story gripped me from the beginning and the characters were so believable. I fell in love with the older gentleman named Poppy. He was my favorite. I laughed and cried. Such a wonderful story. Im so glad I had the opportunity to read this. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

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.

This heartwarming and inspiring story is romance at its finest because it shows how two people who seem an unlikely match are destined by God to be life partners and will struggle against all obstacles to be together. I noted that other reviewers have suggested this story is unlikely. However, it clearly states in the Authors Note at the end of the novel that this IS a true story, based on her own love for her husband Antonio Perez and her faith that God has a plan and purpose for every life.

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

Ill be honest; Ive never read a romance novel in my entire life. But I heard some good things about a new novel,The Winds of Sonoma, by author Nikki Arana, and thought Id check it out. And I have to say, I wasnt disappointed in the least. The detailed characterizations and the smooth writing style were quite impressive for a first novel. Angelica Amante, a privileged young lawyer on the rise, finds her match in Antonio Perez, a dirt-poor Mexican immigrant working at her parents ranch. Its a class-act story about class differences, and how true love can overcome any barrier - even prejudice. A spark of romance runs through a satisfying and very substantial story. Nikki Arana makes the unconventional possible, and the impossible, attainable. I truly look forward to reading the next novel by this talented new author.