The Winds of Sonoma

The book was a slow read for me. To be honest if I knew that I might not have downloaded this book. The main characters are from two different worlds. Her family is mostly Poppy the man that pretty much raised her as her parents where not there for her. I actully wanted to slap her parents for the stupid things they said to her especially her mother. Maybe it was because they were from money that made them so irritating. For him, he is a Mexican who is poor that needs to help his family to keep them fed and housed. You keep trying to figure out how everything is going to end until the very end. I was disappointed in the ending but overall it was a decent book. If you are not spirtual in anyway then I would not suggest this book to you. The book is spirtual and uplifing.

This whole series was well written with a Christian world view. Books that I would not be ashamed to have my children or grandchildren read.

The story line was different from your typical novel which was great. The characters clearly lived by their faith which is sometimes not evident of some of the christian romance novels. I would definitely recommend.

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 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.

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

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

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.

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.

Awesome book from beginning to end. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Hope you enjoy this book!