The Winds of Sonoma

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 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.

I download a lot of books to my Kindle Fire, but since I work full time I dont get to read as much as I would like to. Therefore I have not read this book as of yet, but am looking forward to doing so. I would not have purchased this book without reading the description of the book, so feel this will be a good one when I get around to reading it.

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.

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 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.

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 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

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.