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Regalo Grande #1
The Winds of Sonoma
Angelica Amante is the only daughter of a wealthy horse-ranching family and a rising legal star of a prominent New York law firm. But when she's offered a promotion, she finds herself facing one of the toughest decisions of her life. Should she continue to work for a company that profits by taking advantage of the poor, or take a stand against injustice and risk her career? Then Angelica meets Antonio Perez, the oldest son of a poverty-stricken family in Guadalajara, Mexico, and her compassion for the poor is reawakened. When Angelica and Antonio's worlds collide, they find themselves at a crossroad of faith, love, and selfless commitment that will forever alter their lives. The Winds of Sonoma, book 1 in the Regalo Grande series, is a must-read for anyone whose heart is captivated by selfless love, compassion, and truth.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2005
About the author
Nikki Arana
8 books43 followersAuthor and speaker Nikki Arana has received numerous awards for her writing, including the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year award and Christianbook.com Top 20 Novel of the Year for The Winds of Sonoma. Through her ministry, A Voice for the Persecuted, she inspires hearts toward evangelizing the Muslim community.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 17, 2019
As someone who grew up with Hispanic friends, I enjoyed this romance/drama that featured interaction between two people of different cultures and languages. Fans of Christian fiction will definitely enjoy this.
July 3, 2018
Read for July 2, of my book a day in July challenge.
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.
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.
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May 12, 2012For a more contemporary look at Hispanic American culture, try the inspirational fiction series Regalo Grande. The first book, Winds of Sonoma , is a romantic story about an educated young lawyer making some big decisions about the direction of her life.
January 29, 2009
This was a nice, cozy inspirational romance. The protagonist, Angelica, is fired from a lucrative law firm after refusing to compromise her morals. She returns home to Regalo Grande, her parent's ranch in California. While there she decides to become a public defender, despite her parent's protests, and falls in love with an illegal Mexican worker.
I enjoyed the book though it was predictable at times. I like how the author presented Mexican culture as being warm and full of life. I thought that it was a good book to enlighten people about the plight of illegal immigrants the importance of not judging others.
I enjoyed the book though it was predictable at times. I like how the author presented Mexican culture as being warm and full of life. I thought that it was a good book to enlighten people about the plight of illegal immigrants the importance of not judging others.
August 3, 2015
The Winds Of Sonoma by Nikki Arana is the first book in the Regalo Grande series, and was an absolutely fabulous read. I had not heard of Nikki Arana and stumbled upon this novel. I will definitely be reading more by her.
The Winds Of Sonoma has God very much at the heart of the novel. Poppy trusts God with his life, in spite of the fact that his wife and baby daughter died years ago (before the novel begins). Poppy puts God first, and honours the instructions to 'pray about everything.'
Angelica grew up under Poppy's care whilst her parents were working. Now she works in a successful New York company, but when their business ethics contradict her beliefs in helping the immigrants, Angelica has to decide what to do.
The novel presents the two contradicting worlds of today. Angelica's parents have worked hard to give her everything that money can buy, and they want her to live their idea of success. Poppy, on the other hand, has covered her with time, love and prayer. He wants her to know God and to trust His plans for her life. Angelica feels torn. She is in the middle. She must decide which route her life will take.
The Winds Of Sonoma also deals with the themes of immigration (particularly illegal), racism and poverty. Angelica sees everyone as equal and it has always been her dream to help the poor. Somewhere in living her parents dream, she lost sight of this goal, and now Angelica wants to reclaim her dream. How much opposition will she meet along the way?
Romance lurks beneath the surface of the novel. Angelica's parents want her to 'marry well.' Poppy wants Angelica to marry the man whom God chooses for her. Again Angelica is torn - head or heart? Please or disappoint her parents?
I absolutely loved The Winds Of Sonoma, completely devouring the book. It's a great faith filled story. Poppy is delightful, full of God's spirit and godly wisdom. Angelica is very likeable, and it is easy to empathise with her position.
The Winds Of Sonoma is a fabulous read.
The Winds Of Sonoma has God very much at the heart of the novel. Poppy trusts God with his life, in spite of the fact that his wife and baby daughter died years ago (before the novel begins). Poppy puts God first, and honours the instructions to 'pray about everything.'
Angelica grew up under Poppy's care whilst her parents were working. Now she works in a successful New York company, but when their business ethics contradict her beliefs in helping the immigrants, Angelica has to decide what to do.
The novel presents the two contradicting worlds of today. Angelica's parents have worked hard to give her everything that money can buy, and they want her to live their idea of success. Poppy, on the other hand, has covered her with time, love and prayer. He wants her to know God and to trust His plans for her life. Angelica feels torn. She is in the middle. She must decide which route her life will take.
The Winds Of Sonoma also deals with the themes of immigration (particularly illegal), racism and poverty. Angelica sees everyone as equal and it has always been her dream to help the poor. Somewhere in living her parents dream, she lost sight of this goal, and now Angelica wants to reclaim her dream. How much opposition will she meet along the way?
Romance lurks beneath the surface of the novel. Angelica's parents want her to 'marry well.' Poppy wants Angelica to marry the man whom God chooses for her. Again Angelica is torn - head or heart? Please or disappoint her parents?
I absolutely loved The Winds Of Sonoma, completely devouring the book. It's a great faith filled story. Poppy is delightful, full of God's spirit and godly wisdom. Angelica is very likeable, and it is easy to empathise with her position.
The Winds Of Sonoma is a fabulous read.
December 21, 2012
Winds of Sonoma was an interesting book. I enjoyed learning that this story was based on the author's life, it's always nice when a book is based on a true story!
I felt at times the story took the side of illegals too much and made it sound like people who support deportation were immoral or unchristian, which I don't believe at all.
It was hard at times to understand parts of the book, because phrases were in Spanish. Which at first help me to see how the main character, Angelica, had a hard time understanding Antonio. However, once she started to understand him more easily I think it should have been translated - not everyone knows Spanish! Even though I think I got the gist of it, I found it annoying to not know for sure.
The ending was good, but SO predictable! While I overall I enjoyed this book, I'm not sure whether or not I will be reading the next book in this series.
I felt at times the story took the side of illegals too much and made it sound like people who support deportation were immoral or unchristian, which I don't believe at all.
It was hard at times to understand parts of the book, because phrases were in Spanish. Which at first help me to see how the main character, Angelica, had a hard time understanding Antonio. However, once she started to understand him more easily I think it should have been translated - not everyone knows Spanish! Even though I think I got the gist of it, I found it annoying to not know for sure.
The ending was good, but SO predictable! While I overall I enjoyed this book, I'm not sure whether or not I will be reading the next book in this series.
January 9, 2008
This is a Christian fiction book about an attorney who has makes a life altering decision to act on behalf of her clients when they "legally" refuse to pay illegal aliens after services are rendered. After she gets fired and returns home, the book utilizes her faith to link her to an illegal alien employeee.
I felt that this book really gave a superficial look to the illegal alien issue and almost made it seem that we should all provide amnesty to illegals if you are "Christian."
There are two more books in this series...I probably won't be checking them out from the library.
I felt that this book really gave a superficial look to the illegal alien issue and almost made it seem that we should all provide amnesty to illegals if you are "Christian."
There are two more books in this series...I probably won't be checking them out from the library.
September 15, 2008
An enjoyable read with a refreshing diversity that can be hard to find in Christian Fiction. More than that, the main character's realistic emotional and spiritual growth as well as the sensitive treatment of issues involving immigration and class make this a notable contemporary romance. An author to pay attention to in the future.
August 4, 2018
An excellent portrayal of a few of the moral issues involving migrant laborers
January 29, 2016
I liked this book, similar to 'A Crooked Path' by Annette Smith
October 28, 2012
I liked this book and thought it gave some good perspective about immigration even if it was showing mostly one side of immigration.
July 12, 2015
never read this author before.. picked this book up at a library for .25 cents and I was really impressed!!
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July 8, 2010Life is colourful ^^
January 31, 2013
One of my absolute favorite books of all time!
March 2, 2021
I liked this book even though there were some hard-to-believe parts.
March 5, 2021
In this Christian romance, Nikki's series explores the true meaning of love against all odds. A very memorable read.
March 6, 2023
A good little love story
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April 5, 2016 To be honest, I didn't read this book. What I did do was try to hit the, "not interested" option below it in my Recommendations and accidentally give it 4 stars. I've cleared the rating now, but if anyone knows how to remove a book from the "read" shelf that would be super helpful, thanks.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews