Adriana’s Secret, book 2 in the Secrets
of the Montebellis series
c. Nov 2014
Inspired Reading publishers
Historical inspirational fiction
ebook $.99
print $13.99
ISBN 978-0989237154
Buy on Amazon
From
the publisher:
Tragedy strikes the mountain town of
Mont Castello, the home of Adriana Montebelli. Orphaned in 1888, Adriana's life
is swept along at the whim of forceful men who decide where she will live and
who she will marry. Instead of breaking her, their cruel deceptions toughen her
resolve to take control. Though she rises to manage the vast Van Buren estate,
she wonders if her broken heart will have the strength to love again. Follow
Adriana in this historical novel as she navigates the challenges of woman's
suffrage, union violence, and the tragic hardships of love and loss, while
struggling to cling to her faith.
My
review:
My heart is still racing!
I'll sheepishly admit I didn't read
book 1, but I plan on remedying that shortly.
This installment does stand alone.
Taking us back a hundred years in California, Colwell sets the stage for
betrayal, family dysfunction, greed, suffrage, unions, and above all else,
second chances and love. And a pesky bear, as the cover alludes.
Two orphaned sisters handle their
parents' deaths in very different ways. Older sister Adriana, at seven, is a
gentle and innocent soul, while little sister Ladonna, is a hellion. Who knows
what she would have been like if their parents had lived. In this small traditional
village with many Italian descendants, life if hard, and the family who took in
the girls end up having to give Ladonna away, while second born son to
Adriana's ward harbors life-long hatred on many levels.
The story takes the reader along the
path of the girl's journey of loss and triumph through their personalities and
choices, and the events manipulated by others.
Nicely wrapped from the opening
through the flashback around Adriana’s life story, to the ending; told from
multiple viewpoints, Colwell has devised a well-crafted tale in the vein of
Steinbeck and the Grapes of Wrath. Those who enjoy American history and
especially Steinbeck, will enjoy Adriana's Secret.
About the Author:
Cheryl Colwell began writing fiction
in 2007. True to her tagline, "Stunning Suspense," her characters
visit stunning locations while they pursue adventurous quests peppered with
mystery, suspense, and romance. Passionate about all things creative, Cheryl finds
inspiration in the countryside of Ashland, Oregon - the perfect venue for her
interests in writing, gardening, and art. John, her husband, best friend, and
chiropractor, keeps her in shape for gardening and writing long into the night.
They are delighted to have four unique and talented children and three
grandchildren. A smart and playful English Shepherd makes their empty nest a
happy place. Books: Adriana's Secrets,
Book Two in The Secrets of the Montebellis Series, published 2014 by Inspired
Fiction Books, The Proof, published 2014
by Inspired Fiction Books, The Secrets of
the Montebellis, Book One, published 2013 by Inspired Fiction Books. I Believe in Healing by Cecil Murphey,
published 2013 by Regal, includes a story she wrote about the healing of a
family member. Visit her website.
Sounds exciting, and the cover grabs immediately. Best wishes for much success. Thank you for the great review.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragements, Susan.
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