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The Girl From Colombia
n 19th-century New Jersey, a cold, cruel beast of a man plots an arranged marriage for his son, but the boy’s relationship with a mysterious foreign girl threatens everything.
Sea Girt, New Jersey. 1890: Joseph Johnson arrives from London to see the property that his wealthy industrialist father, Samuel, has developed on the American coast. Riding through the dunes, the young man comes across a two-room cabin that houses his father’s 18-year-old adopted daughter, Isabel. Before this visit, Joseph knew nothing about the young woman, whom his father apparently saved from drowning off the coast of Colombia when she was small. To be fair, Joseph knows almost nothing about Samuel, either, as the man left him back in England to be raised by a nurse; his mother “disappeared.” Samuel now expects Joseph to marry Elizabeth Edwards, the beautiful daughter of a local doctor. Joseph likes the girl, but he can’t get his mind off the mysterious Isabel, who everyone claims has a fatal disease. Nor does he know that Isabel almost succeeded in poisoning Samuel to death when she was younger. Isabel is anything but welcoming, but as she and Joseph get to know each other, long-held secrets threaten to come to light.
This novel is for mature readers, due to sexual content, some violence, and a-small amount of profanity.
Sea Girt, New Jersey. 1890: Joseph Johnson arrives from London to see the property that his wealthy industrialist father, Samuel, has developed on the American coast. Riding through the dunes, the young man comes across a two-room cabin that houses his father’s 18-year-old adopted daughter, Isabel. Before this visit, Joseph knew nothing about the young woman, whom his father apparently saved from drowning off the coast of Colombia when she was small. To be fair, Joseph knows almost nothing about Samuel, either, as the man left him back in England to be raised by a nurse; his mother “disappeared.” Samuel now expects Joseph to marry Elizabeth Edwards, the beautiful daughter of a local doctor. Joseph likes the girl, but he can’t get his mind off the mysterious Isabel, who everyone claims has a fatal disease. Nor does he know that Isabel almost succeeded in poisoning Samuel to death when she was younger. Isabel is anything but welcoming, but as she and Joseph get to know each other, long-held secrets threaten to come to light.
This novel is for mature readers, due to sexual content, some violence, and a-small amount of profanity.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2020
106 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Julián Rodríguez
40 books7 followersJulián Rodríguez (Ceclavín, Cáceres, 1968) Editó y dirigió la revista de arte y estética Sub rosa a principios de los años 90. Actualmente es director artístico de la galería de arte Casa sin fin y director literario de la editorial Periférica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 9, 2024
✨B O O K • T O U R✨
The Girl From Colombia
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book / many thanks to the author #partner
Oh guys this book was so good you seriously have to read it. Also good news. It’s available on KU so you can read it for free. Or you can find it on Amazon. Either way I highly recommend this one!
The story captures you from the start and once you begin it’s hard to put down. I loved the story between Joseph and Isabel. The storyline is fast paced and the writing is just as good as the story itself. You’ll be drawn to both.
The characters are also well-built, at times I had to remind myself that I was reading a book with fictional characters. You know the books you’ve read that are like that; they end up staying with you forever and this is exactly that kind of book.
I loved the darkness that surrounded Isabel. Her mysterious past adds another layer of intrigue to this book.
Rating: ★★★★★
The Girl From Colombia
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book / many thanks to the author #partner
Oh guys this book was so good you seriously have to read it. Also good news. It’s available on KU so you can read it for free. Or you can find it on Amazon. Either way I highly recommend this one!
The story captures you from the start and once you begin it’s hard to put down. I loved the story between Joseph and Isabel. The storyline is fast paced and the writing is just as good as the story itself. You’ll be drawn to both.
The characters are also well-built, at times I had to remind myself that I was reading a book with fictional characters. You know the books you’ve read that are like that; they end up staying with you forever and this is exactly that kind of book.
I loved the darkness that surrounded Isabel. Her mysterious past adds another layer of intrigue to this book.
Rating: ★★★★★
May 8, 2024
This book starts with an 8 year old girl attempting to murder her adoptive father. But why she feels that way is still a secret, keeping you hooked and eager to find out more. This first chapter itself made me finish the book in one sitting. ( it has less than 200 pages )
The narrative traces Isabel's journey from Colombia to New York in the 1880s, where she is taken by a wealthy foreigner. As the main story unfolds, we see Isabel as an adult living a solitary existence. However, things take a dramatic turn when the real son of her ruthless adoptive father falls in love with her, despite being engaged to her best friend.
The entire story was twisted yet filled with mystery, angst, and forbidden love. It moved at a brisk pace and had dual timeline narration.
Read this if you like ;
🌊 Historical fiction
🌊 Forbidden love
🌊 Twisted stories
🌊 Long term avenge
The narrative traces Isabel's journey from Colombia to New York in the 1880s, where she is taken by a wealthy foreigner. As the main story unfolds, we see Isabel as an adult living a solitary existence. However, things take a dramatic turn when the real son of her ruthless adoptive father falls in love with her, despite being engaged to her best friend.
The entire story was twisted yet filled with mystery, angst, and forbidden love. It moved at a brisk pace and had dual timeline narration.
Read this if you like ;
🌊 Historical fiction
🌊 Forbidden love
🌊 Twisted stories
🌊 Long term avenge
March 25, 2022
Without a doubt a thrilling story.
I started the book with an idea and ended up finding something completely different. Of course not in a bad way, I thought I would read more about revenge, yet the book was simply perfect.
The story follows three characters, Isabel, Joseph, and Samuel. each of them carrying their personal demons. Joseph has never been to America before, he stayed in London after his mother died while his father, Samuel, went back to take care of his business. There he meets Isabel, an intriguing beautiful girl in the care of his father who allegedly saved her from drowning and being raised in his house. He never knew of her existence and now the mystery calls to him. While he is to marry Elizabeth, the girl his father chose for him to marry he gets drowned in his cold father's mysterious past. Least of all we have Samuel, a cold man who is proud of his violent ways and the power he has gained. An alliance is formed. The past more come out again.
A story about strength, of a battle of wills in which each character must decide what is what they hold most dear. An incredible tale that hooked me from the very beginning. With fun, lovable characters who are not scared to go beyond the pages to call upon you to follow them. A book I without a doubt recommend.
I started the book with an idea and ended up finding something completely different. Of course not in a bad way, I thought I would read more about revenge, yet the book was simply perfect.
The story follows three characters, Isabel, Joseph, and Samuel. each of them carrying their personal demons. Joseph has never been to America before, he stayed in London after his mother died while his father, Samuel, went back to take care of his business. There he meets Isabel, an intriguing beautiful girl in the care of his father who allegedly saved her from drowning and being raised in his house. He never knew of her existence and now the mystery calls to him. While he is to marry Elizabeth, the girl his father chose for him to marry he gets drowned in his cold father's mysterious past. Least of all we have Samuel, a cold man who is proud of his violent ways and the power he has gained. An alliance is formed. The past more come out again.
A story about strength, of a battle of wills in which each character must decide what is what they hold most dear. An incredible tale that hooked me from the very beginning. With fun, lovable characters who are not scared to go beyond the pages to call upon you to follow them. A book I without a doubt recommend.
March 31, 2022
I decided to give this book a chance off the premise it could be interesting and it fell flat. Labeled as mystery/thriller in addition to the historical fiction tag, I felt this could have done with better research.
The start was jumbled and suddenly we have our protagonist landing in New Jersey visiting an estranged father. On the estate he glimpses at a woman and becomes suddenly enamored. A story advertised as a thriller, it felt painstakingly clear what the central tension was while the story is desperately trying to make itself appear mysterious. The threads of this story did not connect well and felt shallow. The attention paid to violence against women and treating women solely as objects was heavy handed and distasteful. If there are any details to be had, many of them happened off page and left a reader disoriented.
My biggest gripe with this story has to be a one-off sentence by an ex-pat in the 1880s portion referring to what was happening in Panama as a 'coup' related to the Canal, whereas much of the resistance and eventual independence of Panama happened much later at the turn of the century. As an avid fan of historical fiction, it is frustrating to see a detail incorrect because it pulls a reader out of the story entirely.
The start was jumbled and suddenly we have our protagonist landing in New Jersey visiting an estranged father. On the estate he glimpses at a woman and becomes suddenly enamored. A story advertised as a thriller, it felt painstakingly clear what the central tension was while the story is desperately trying to make itself appear mysterious. The threads of this story did not connect well and felt shallow. The attention paid to violence against women and treating women solely as objects was heavy handed and distasteful. If there are any details to be had, many of them happened off page and left a reader disoriented.
My biggest gripe with this story has to be a one-off sentence by an ex-pat in the 1880s portion referring to what was happening in Panama as a 'coup' related to the Canal, whereas much of the resistance and eventual independence of Panama happened much later at the turn of the century. As an avid fan of historical fiction, it is frustrating to see a detail incorrect because it pulls a reader out of the story entirely.
May 12, 2024
I thought this was going to be a cute little historical romance, but I was way off. This book is intense! It was filled with heartbreak, murder, and evil men who never have to deal with the consequences of their actions. There was also a romance, but there was so much more involved.
The writing was really well done and I was curious to see how everything would turn out. There was really no way to know what the ending would be like because the book as a whole was quite dark. I thought the author did a good job with the
The book is short (under 200 pages), but I still took awhile to get through it. There were some moments where I was really invested, and other moments where I felt a disconnect to the characters and needed a break from reading.
I did struggle with certain character portrayals as well. All of the men were labeled as monsters, and all of the women as victims. Joseph and Isabel were supposed to be seen differently (I think), but many of Joseph’s interactions with Isabel were unsettling and almost a foreshadowing of how he would treat her in the future. So I didn’t know how to feel about that.
All that to say, although I had some mixed feelings about this one, I still liked it!
Thank you to the author and Book Influencers for my gifted copy!
The writing was really well done and I was curious to see how everything would turn out. There was really no way to know what the ending would be like because the book as a whole was quite dark. I thought the author did a good job with the
The book is short (under 200 pages), but I still took awhile to get through it. There were some moments where I was really invested, and other moments where I felt a disconnect to the characters and needed a break from reading.
I did struggle with certain character portrayals as well. All of the men were labeled as monsters, and all of the women as victims. Joseph and Isabel were supposed to be seen differently (I think), but many of Joseph’s interactions with Isabel were unsettling and almost a foreshadowing of how he would treat her in the future. So I didn’t know how to feel about that.
All that to say, although I had some mixed feelings about this one, I still liked it!
Thank you to the author and Book Influencers for my gifted copy!
December 19, 2025
This dual-timeline literary thriller, which chronicles different periods in the life of the cruel and wealthy Samuel Johnson, takes place in 1880 Colombia and 1890s New Jersey. After marrying into a rich family and fathering an heir, Samuel promptly murders his wife and takes a trip to Latin America. When he violates a local woman and has her killed to silence her, he is tasked with adopting her young daughter, Isabel. Later on, readers follow along with Samuel’s son, Joseph, as he accidentally discovers Isabel’s secret home on the Johnson estate. The young man becomes increasingly infatuated with the mysterious and beautiful girl as he pieces together her identity and the hidden danger she poses to his already violent and volatile father.
I found this book positively unputdownable. It was full of twists and turns which quite literally kept me on the edge of my seat. Though I previously classified it as a literary thriller, this work is too unique to fit neatly into the bounds of any genre. I was surprised to learn that this is Julian Rodriguez’s debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store.
I found this book positively unputdownable. It was full of twists and turns which quite literally kept me on the edge of my seat. Though I previously classified it as a literary thriller, this work is too unique to fit neatly into the bounds of any genre. I was surprised to learn that this is Julian Rodriguez’s debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store.
August 9, 2024
Amazing!
When people talk about Colombia on an international level, they usually talk about issues that are offensive to its citizens, however, this book deals with Isabel's life story without diminishing the country to which she belongs and I think that's great.
The book is a Victorian Gothic thriller and the plot revolves around a wealthy family and a young heir, Joseph, who is sent from England to meet his father's estate in America. There he meets Isabel, a mysterious young woman adopted by his father with a dark past.
The story promises intrigue, family secrets, a possible forbidden relationship and a dark, oppressive atmosphere typical of the Victorian era. Overall, it is a novel full of tension and unexpected twists and turns. I loved this book and I think you should read it right now!
When people talk about Colombia on an international level, they usually talk about issues that are offensive to its citizens, however, this book deals with Isabel's life story without diminishing the country to which she belongs and I think that's great.
The book is a Victorian Gothic thriller and the plot revolves around a wealthy family and a young heir, Joseph, who is sent from England to meet his father's estate in America. There he meets Isabel, a mysterious young woman adopted by his father with a dark past.
The story promises intrigue, family secrets, a possible forbidden relationship and a dark, oppressive atmosphere typical of the Victorian era. Overall, it is a novel full of tension and unexpected twists and turns. I loved this book and I think you should read it right now!
August 17, 2020
Entralling historical fiction! Joseph Johnson travels from London to New Jersey to meet his bride. His father Samuel, a wealthy businessman has arranged this marriage. Joseph's arrival introduces him to a mysterious adopted sister Isabel, the sinister presence of his father, and life in a house of dangerous secrets.
"Joseph knew nothing about his father, save for what he would write in letters" (kindle p. 12).
Set in the Victorian era (1800s) this novel has suspense, drama, and romance. An enthralling read from beginning to end.
*Content warning (author-issued): "This novel is for mature readers, due to sexual content, some violence, and a small amount of profanity."
"Joseph knew nothing about his father, save for what he would write in letters" (kindle p. 12).
Set in the Victorian era (1800s) this novel has suspense, drama, and romance. An enthralling read from beginning to end.
*Content warning (author-issued): "This novel is for mature readers, due to sexual content, some violence, and a small amount of profanity."
April 15, 2022
The Girl from Colombia is a dark twisted, thrilling story. The first couple of chapters start off a bit slow but it is understandable to develop the characters over time. It was definitely mysterious once you get past those chapters, and it definitely had me at breezing through the rest of the chapters. Definitely not what I thought would happen but some of the best books keep you in suspense until the end.
June 30, 2020
Just an good book not great. Romantic but missed the heart. It was free on Amazon.
May 16, 2024
Well written and incredibly interesting
This was really well written and packed a big punch. I knew there was something very ominous happening from the beginning, but dude did it get dark. Yet, amongst all of that there was a really sweet romance and a glimpse of hope. And man did I love the way this book ended.
Characters 💙💙💙💙💙
Historical Fiction: suspenseful, mysterious, thriller romance, Victorian period, arranged marriage, forbidden love📕
Third Person, Past Tense, Multi POV
This was really well written and packed a big punch. I knew there was something very ominous happening from the beginning, but dude did it get dark. Yet, amongst all of that there was a really sweet romance and a glimpse of hope. And man did I love the way this book ended.
Characters 💙💙💙💙💙
Historical Fiction: suspenseful, mysterious, thriller romance, Victorian period, arranged marriage, forbidden love📕
Third Person, Past Tense, Multi POV
Read
May 30, 2020I love this book!
I am obsessed with book like this! Period pieces that are described so vividly that I can totally imagine it all like a movie in my head. I did not put it down once. I just needed more and more as I started reading the first chapter. I realized I had a gem in my hands as soon as I started reading. Joseph is a confused son who comes back I to the life of his father after being sent away, not knowing the darkness that has happened and what exactly happened to his mother and why he was sent away. He’s having to deal with being engaged to a girl he hardly knows. Elizabeth, the fiancée, is a nice girl who is trying to figure out what type of mystery is happening behind the scenes. Isabel, this girl who is living in the shadows is a subject of curiosity for most. The story is so good and there are so many different twists and turns throughout the book. I need to talk about this to everyone I know! It’s amazing! Read the book! You will not regret it.
I am obsessed with book like this! Period pieces that are described so vividly that I can totally imagine it all like a movie in my head. I did not put it down once. I just needed more and more as I started reading the first chapter. I realized I had a gem in my hands as soon as I started reading. Joseph is a confused son who comes back I to the life of his father after being sent away, not knowing the darkness that has happened and what exactly happened to his mother and why he was sent away. He’s having to deal with being engaged to a girl he hardly knows. Elizabeth, the fiancée, is a nice girl who is trying to figure out what type of mystery is happening behind the scenes. Isabel, this girl who is living in the shadows is a subject of curiosity for most. The story is so good and there are so many different twists and turns throughout the book. I need to talk about this to everyone I know! It’s amazing! Read the book! You will not regret it.
June 30, 2021
Julian Rodriguez's historical fiction novel, The Girl from Colombia is that rare book that writes a love triangle right by giving the Reader three compelling characters so that the emotional investment is on all parties.
In the late 19th century, Joseph Johnson's wealth cruel father, Samuel is ill. Joseph is set to inherit and marry Elizabeth, an heiress. However, a young mysterious woman from Colombia by named Isabel lives in a cottage by the beach. Joseph's curiosity gets the better of him when he finally meets this bewitching beauty. The two fall in love leading to potential scandal and estrangement should they be discovered.
The three characters are very well written. Joseph is someone who has had to suffer under the thumb of a dictatorial father and is torn between his duty to his family legacy which is largely built on exploitation and deceit and his responsibilities to himself and the people around him. Wuthb Isabel he becomes very protective and recognizes a better nature in seeing someone who suffered under the decisions that his father made. His struggles raise the questions in whether a legacy should be preserved when it's built by someone else's cruelty and living off of the backs of others.
Isabel is a very passionate emotional vibrant woman, the most interesting character in the book. She is kept hidden from the Johnsons for a long time as if to deny what Samuel did to her and her mother. However, as Isabel grows she makes her presence known. Her first chapter shows her attempting to enter the Johnson house, knife in hand. When she indulges in her affair with Joseph, she sees who is also wounded by Samuel's behavior and is kept hidden in his own way.
Elizabeth is a nice surprise. Usually, love triangles are skewered in one person's favor by making the other as horrible or as boring as possible. Rodriguez is smarter than that. Elizabeth not only is a nice person but she actually befriends Isabel on her own. In fact, she comes up with an idea that could benefit all three parties. If not for plot circumstances, it may have even worked.
The Girl from Colombia not only provides a well written live triangle but shows how sins from past generations can ruin the lives of subsequent generations.
In the late 19th century, Joseph Johnson's wealth cruel father, Samuel is ill. Joseph is set to inherit and marry Elizabeth, an heiress. However, a young mysterious woman from Colombia by named Isabel lives in a cottage by the beach. Joseph's curiosity gets the better of him when he finally meets this bewitching beauty. The two fall in love leading to potential scandal and estrangement should they be discovered.
The three characters are very well written. Joseph is someone who has had to suffer under the thumb of a dictatorial father and is torn between his duty to his family legacy which is largely built on exploitation and deceit and his responsibilities to himself and the people around him. Wuthb Isabel he becomes very protective and recognizes a better nature in seeing someone who suffered under the decisions that his father made. His struggles raise the questions in whether a legacy should be preserved when it's built by someone else's cruelty and living off of the backs of others.
Isabel is a very passionate emotional vibrant woman, the most interesting character in the book. She is kept hidden from the Johnsons for a long time as if to deny what Samuel did to her and her mother. However, as Isabel grows she makes her presence known. Her first chapter shows her attempting to enter the Johnson house, knife in hand. When she indulges in her affair with Joseph, she sees who is also wounded by Samuel's behavior and is kept hidden in his own way.
Elizabeth is a nice surprise. Usually, love triangles are skewered in one person's favor by making the other as horrible or as boring as possible. Rodriguez is smarter than that. Elizabeth not only is a nice person but she actually befriends Isabel on her own. In fact, she comes up with an idea that could benefit all three parties. If not for plot circumstances, it may have even worked.
The Girl from Colombia not only provides a well written live triangle but shows how sins from past generations can ruin the lives of subsequent generations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2022
THE GIRL FROM COLOMBIA
by Julian Rodriguez
Pub Date 12 Mar 2020 | Archive Date 15 Apr 2022
BooksGoSocial
Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
I am reviewing a copy of The Girl From Colombia through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:
This book takes us back to the 19th Century, New Jersey where a cold, cruel beast of a man plots an arranged marriage for his son, but the boy’s relationship with a mysterious foreign girl threatens everything.
It’s 1890 in New Jersey Joseph Johnson arrives from London to see the property that his wealthy industrialist father, Samuel, has developed on the American coast. Riding through the dunes, the 19-year-old comes across a two-room cabin that houses his father’s 18-year-old adopted daughter, Isabel. Before this visit, Joseph knew nothing about the young woman, whom his father apparently saved from drowning off the coast of Colombia when she was small. Joseph knows almost nothing about Samuel, either, as the man left him back in England to be raised by a nurse; his mother “disappeared.”
Samuel now expects Joseph to marry Elizabeth Edwards, the beautiful daughter of a local doctor. Joseph likes Elizabeth, but he can’t get his mind off the mysterious Isabel, who everyone claims has a fatal disease. Nor does he know that Isabel almost succeeded in poisoning Samuel to death when she was younger. Isabel is anything but welcoming, but as she and Joseph get to know each other, long-held secrets threaten to come to light.
The Girl From Colombia is a dark, foreboding Victorian tale, with an arranged marriage, a mysterious character in Isabel, and enough intrigue to keep this a fast paced read while conveying the tenor and culture of the times.
I give The Girl From Colombia five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Julian Rodriguez
Pub Date 12 Mar 2020 | Archive Date 15 Apr 2022
BooksGoSocial
Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
I am reviewing a copy of The Girl From Colombia through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:
This book takes us back to the 19th Century, New Jersey where a cold, cruel beast of a man plots an arranged marriage for his son, but the boy’s relationship with a mysterious foreign girl threatens everything.
It’s 1890 in New Jersey Joseph Johnson arrives from London to see the property that his wealthy industrialist father, Samuel, has developed on the American coast. Riding through the dunes, the 19-year-old comes across a two-room cabin that houses his father’s 18-year-old adopted daughter, Isabel. Before this visit, Joseph knew nothing about the young woman, whom his father apparently saved from drowning off the coast of Colombia when she was small. Joseph knows almost nothing about Samuel, either, as the man left him back in England to be raised by a nurse; his mother “disappeared.”
Samuel now expects Joseph to marry Elizabeth Edwards, the beautiful daughter of a local doctor. Joseph likes Elizabeth, but he can’t get his mind off the mysterious Isabel, who everyone claims has a fatal disease. Nor does he know that Isabel almost succeeded in poisoning Samuel to death when she was younger. Isabel is anything but welcoming, but as she and Joseph get to know each other, long-held secrets threaten to come to light.
The Girl From Colombia is a dark, foreboding Victorian tale, with an arranged marriage, a mysterious character in Isabel, and enough intrigue to keep this a fast paced read while conveying the tenor and culture of the times.
I give The Girl From Colombia five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
May 3, 2024
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📖 quick reads
🇨🇴 if you enjoy reading historical fiction
😨 like suspenseful stories
🔍 love a good mystery
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
In 19th century New Jersey, a cold, cruel beast of a man plots an arranged marriage for his son... but the boy’s relationship with a mysterious foreign girl threatens everything.
New Jersey. 1890. Joseph Johnson arrives from London to see the property that his wealthy industrialist father, Samuel, has developed on the American coast. Riding through the dunes, the 19-year-old comes across a two-room cabin that houses his father’s 18-year-old adopted daughter, Isabel. Before this visit, Joseph knew nothing about the young woman, whom his father apparently saved from drowning off the coast of Colombia when she was small. To be fair, Joseph knows almost nothing about Samuel, either, as the man left him back in England to be raised by a nurse; his mother “disappeared.” Samuel now expects Joseph to marry Elizabeth Edwards, the beautiful daughter of a local doctor. Joseph likes Elizabeth, but he can’t get his mind off the mysterious Isabel, who everyone claims has a fatal disease. Nor does he know that Isabel almost succeeded in poisoning Samuel to death when she was younger. Isabel is anything but welcoming, but as she and Joseph get to know each other, long-held secrets threaten to come to light.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a good read at a whopping 159 pages! The chapters were short and easy to read. I really enjoyed Isabel’s character a lot and the mystery surrounding her. While definitely dark and twisted, the story is well told and descriptive enough to make me feel like I was right there experiencing everything alongside our three main characters. If you love drama, action and mystery, pick up a copy of The Girl from Colombia today!
📖 quick reads
🇨🇴 if you enjoy reading historical fiction
😨 like suspenseful stories
🔍 love a good mystery
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
In 19th century New Jersey, a cold, cruel beast of a man plots an arranged marriage for his son... but the boy’s relationship with a mysterious foreign girl threatens everything.
New Jersey. 1890. Joseph Johnson arrives from London to see the property that his wealthy industrialist father, Samuel, has developed on the American coast. Riding through the dunes, the 19-year-old comes across a two-room cabin that houses his father’s 18-year-old adopted daughter, Isabel. Before this visit, Joseph knew nothing about the young woman, whom his father apparently saved from drowning off the coast of Colombia when she was small. To be fair, Joseph knows almost nothing about Samuel, either, as the man left him back in England to be raised by a nurse; his mother “disappeared.” Samuel now expects Joseph to marry Elizabeth Edwards, the beautiful daughter of a local doctor. Joseph likes Elizabeth, but he can’t get his mind off the mysterious Isabel, who everyone claims has a fatal disease. Nor does he know that Isabel almost succeeded in poisoning Samuel to death when she was younger. Isabel is anything but welcoming, but as she and Joseph get to know each other, long-held secrets threaten to come to light.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a good read at a whopping 159 pages! The chapters were short and easy to read. I really enjoyed Isabel’s character a lot and the mystery surrounding her. While definitely dark and twisted, the story is well told and descriptive enough to make me feel like I was right there experiencing everything alongside our three main characters. If you love drama, action and mystery, pick up a copy of The Girl from Colombia today!
December 13, 2025
The book begins with a dark mystique that slowly grows on you. Readers are dropped right into the center of an intensely critical situation, one marked by an unmitigated gall that almost forces a double take. That moment serves as our entry into the story. It is a strong opening—one that demands commitment. You have to stay with the narrative to get the full picture, to have questions answered, and to understand the dynamics that led to that opening moment.
I felt as though I met the characters in pieces, with a little more revealed in each chapter. Over time, their motivations became clearer and more connected to the larger narrative. For me, they only grew more interesting as the story progressed. The true strength of this work lies in its character arcs; the evolution of each character is unmistakable. As the pages turn, they become more defined and more powerful in their symbolism.
There were characters who were easy to dislike and others who drew immediate sympathy. The juxtaposition between the father and son, in particular, creates a compelling and effective conflict. Elizabeth pulled at my deepest sympathies. And it would be remiss not to mention Isabella—the subject of the work—who comes across as a strong, impactful figure. She is no pushover.
For readers who enjoy a slow burn with an edge, layered with romance that occasionally tips into the erotic—though handled tastefully—this book will appeal. That said, it does not shy away from difficult material. Themes of misogyny, abuse, and violence are present, and there are moments that can be graphic. This is not a story that tiptoes.
This is not my typical read, but I committed to it. And it is fair to say, I was not dissatisfied.
I felt as though I met the characters in pieces, with a little more revealed in each chapter. Over time, their motivations became clearer and more connected to the larger narrative. For me, they only grew more interesting as the story progressed. The true strength of this work lies in its character arcs; the evolution of each character is unmistakable. As the pages turn, they become more defined and more powerful in their symbolism.
There were characters who were easy to dislike and others who drew immediate sympathy. The juxtaposition between the father and son, in particular, creates a compelling and effective conflict. Elizabeth pulled at my deepest sympathies. And it would be remiss not to mention Isabella—the subject of the work—who comes across as a strong, impactful figure. She is no pushover.
For readers who enjoy a slow burn with an edge, layered with romance that occasionally tips into the erotic—though handled tastefully—this book will appeal. That said, it does not shy away from difficult material. Themes of misogyny, abuse, and violence are present, and there are moments that can be graphic. This is not a story that tiptoes.
This is not my typical read, but I committed to it. And it is fair to say, I was not dissatisfied.
May 15, 2024
The Girl from Colombia by Julian Rodriguez📚
In "The Girl from Colombia," author Julian Rodriguez delivers a dark and foreboding Victorian tale filled with intrigue, mystery, and forbidden romance. Set in 1890s New Jersey, the story follows 19-year-old Joseph Johnson as he arrives from London to visit his father, Samuel, a wealthy industrialist. Joseph's world is turned upside down when he meets Isabel, his father's adopted daughter, living in a secluded cabin on the property.
Caught between his father's expectations of an arranged marriage to Elizabeth Edwards and his growing fascination with Isabel, Joseph finds himself drawn to the mysterious young woman. But as he delves deeper into Isabel's past, he uncovers dark secrets that threaten to unravel everything he thought he knew about his family.
"The Girl from Colombia" is a gripping and atmospheric tale that captures the tenor and culture of the Victorian era. Julian Rodriguez expertly weaves a story of forbidden love, betrayal, and redemption, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its richly drawn characters and suspenseful plot, this novel is sure to captivate fans of historical fiction and Gothic romance alike.
Overall, "The Girl from Colombia" is a brilliantly crafted novel that transports readers to another time and place, while delivering a compelling and unforgettable story. Julian Rodriguez proves herself to be a master storyteller, and this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they've turned the final page.
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Afreen Khalil
In "The Girl from Colombia," author Julian Rodriguez delivers a dark and foreboding Victorian tale filled with intrigue, mystery, and forbidden romance. Set in 1890s New Jersey, the story follows 19-year-old Joseph Johnson as he arrives from London to visit his father, Samuel, a wealthy industrialist. Joseph's world is turned upside down when he meets Isabel, his father's adopted daughter, living in a secluded cabin on the property.
Caught between his father's expectations of an arranged marriage to Elizabeth Edwards and his growing fascination with Isabel, Joseph finds himself drawn to the mysterious young woman. But as he delves deeper into Isabel's past, he uncovers dark secrets that threaten to unravel everything he thought he knew about his family.
"The Girl from Colombia" is a gripping and atmospheric tale that captures the tenor and culture of the Victorian era. Julian Rodriguez expertly weaves a story of forbidden love, betrayal, and redemption, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its richly drawn characters and suspenseful plot, this novel is sure to captivate fans of historical fiction and Gothic romance alike.
Overall, "The Girl from Colombia" is a brilliantly crafted novel that transports readers to another time and place, while delivering a compelling and unforgettable story. Julian Rodriguez proves herself to be a master storyteller, and this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they've turned the final page.
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Afreen Khalil
June 16, 2021
The story starts with the Johnson family. Joseph, the son, is aware of a cottage at one end of the property where his father has forbidden him to go. The occupant is a young woman who is dying from tuberculosis. Needless to say, Joseph disobeys his father, and as you might guess, the young woman came from Colombia, specifically Cartagena. The very limited plot that follows cannot be outlined without spoiling, but it is dark. Joseph's father is anything but a model citizen.
The story is all about relationships, and the one between Joseph and his father is anything but friendly. The setting is quite limited, mainly to this property towards the end of the 19th century. The characters are well-drawn, but I found them perhaps a little one-dimensional. They tended to do things because the story needed them to do them, rather from character choice. It is not a tragedy, from that point of view. The author came from Colombia so English is presumably not his first language. Allowing for that it is very well-written but there were examples of very occasional sentences where the word order was unexpected and I had to reread them to be sure I understood them. Some of what happens is grim, but by and large the story does not have the intensity of something like, say, Wuthering Heights. It is more than light reading, but I found it less than what it might have been, given the story.
The story is all about relationships, and the one between Joseph and his father is anything but friendly. The setting is quite limited, mainly to this property towards the end of the 19th century. The characters are well-drawn, but I found them perhaps a little one-dimensional. They tended to do things because the story needed them to do them, rather from character choice. It is not a tragedy, from that point of view. The author came from Colombia so English is presumably not his first language. Allowing for that it is very well-written but there were examples of very occasional sentences where the word order was unexpected and I had to reread them to be sure I understood them. Some of what happens is grim, but by and large the story does not have the intensity of something like, say, Wuthering Heights. It is more than light reading, but I found it less than what it might have been, given the story.
May 6, 2024
I'm just going to say it this book wasn't terrible but it also wasn't phenomenal or even anything I would read a second time. I spent a lot of the time confused about the direction this book was going. It's really short... so I was like okay awesome a short quick read! However, I think it's too short for the amount of plot points it tries to tie into this story. I have to admit that I didn't feel any connection at all to any of the characters. They were all very surface level for the most part. I spent more time confused about what was actually supposed to be happening than anything. We have Isabel who has been adopted by Samuel, Joseph's estranged father, who has suddenly requested he join him in America to marry Elizabeth.
Joseph soon learns that his father might not be the man he expected... he also finds himself drawn to Isabel, who it turns out has one friend.... Elizabeth. Everything was so interconnected and rushed in this story that I feel like I can't really give it a decent review because I'm still unsure what was supposed to happen. The author splits the timeline between the past and present as it surrounds Isabel meeting Samuel. At times this change is abrupt and mostly just shows us that Samuel is a terrible person who likes to abuse his power... which we kind of already gathered. I think the book hints at a lot of elements that the length just can't truly follow through on which makes it feel rushed. It didn't really feel much like a romance more like a revenge story.
Joseph soon learns that his father might not be the man he expected... he also finds himself drawn to Isabel, who it turns out has one friend.... Elizabeth. Everything was so interconnected and rushed in this story that I feel like I can't really give it a decent review because I'm still unsure what was supposed to happen. The author splits the timeline between the past and present as it surrounds Isabel meeting Samuel. At times this change is abrupt and mostly just shows us that Samuel is a terrible person who likes to abuse his power... which we kind of already gathered. I think the book hints at a lot of elements that the length just can't truly follow through on which makes it feel rushed. It didn't really feel much like a romance more like a revenge story.
August 3, 2024
loved it!
Interesting, engaging, well developed, and authentic are some of the many worlds that I would use to describe this amazing novel. Julian Rodriguez really did a great job when writing this book full of potential and outstanding themes such as resilience, identity, impact of socio political problematics on various individuals, through a long trajectory full of challenges.
This book was full of outstanding strengths. First of all I want to highlight the vivid and authentic description of the setting, full of culture, and bringing to our imagination the country’s beautiful landscapes. Also, The characters created by the author were well developed and were richly described, which made the character development really engaging to the readers. Throughout this novel we can notice how the author gets to capture the emotional depth of the characters, creating a connection between character and reader. Last but not least, I loved how the book provided deep commentary into socio political issues affecting Colombia which made the book a lot more interesting. In overview this really well developed book is perfect for anyone looking for an understanding of the human side of Colombia's socio political problems and how people face them.
Interesting, engaging, well developed, and authentic are some of the many worlds that I would use to describe this amazing novel. Julian Rodriguez really did a great job when writing this book full of potential and outstanding themes such as resilience, identity, impact of socio political problematics on various individuals, through a long trajectory full of challenges.
This book was full of outstanding strengths. First of all I want to highlight the vivid and authentic description of the setting, full of culture, and bringing to our imagination the country’s beautiful landscapes. Also, The characters created by the author were well developed and were richly described, which made the character development really engaging to the readers. Throughout this novel we can notice how the author gets to capture the emotional depth of the characters, creating a connection between character and reader. Last but not least, I loved how the book provided deep commentary into socio political issues affecting Colombia which made the book a lot more interesting. In overview this really well developed book is perfect for anyone looking for an understanding of the human side of Colombia's socio political problems and how people face them.
October 4, 2024
A Victorian Tale of Love and Mystery...
Julian Rodriguez's "The Girl from Colombia" is a gripping tale set in 19th-century New Jersey. It is Victoriana in its charm and mystique. Joseph Johnson, the main character of the story, is traveling from London to see his estranged father, Samuel, when he meets Isabel, a mystery young woman who is saved off the coast of Colombia. The story explores the complexities of their bond and the unspoken knowledge that binds them together as Joseph struggles with a planned marriage and his growing attraction to Isabel.
Rodriguez creates a tense and theatrical atmosphere by skillfully fusing gothic themes with a historically accurate backdrop. The story moves at a captivating pace, revealing long-kept secrets that could upend the characters' way of life. With its richly nuanced characters and vivid prose, "The Girl from Colombia" will mesmerize readers and immerse them in a world of hidden realities and extramarital affairs. Readers who enjoy romantic thrillers and historical fiction should not miss this captivating novella. Highly recommended.
Julian Rodriguez's "The Girl from Colombia" is a gripping tale set in 19th-century New Jersey. It is Victoriana in its charm and mystique. Joseph Johnson, the main character of the story, is traveling from London to see his estranged father, Samuel, when he meets Isabel, a mystery young woman who is saved off the coast of Colombia. The story explores the complexities of their bond and the unspoken knowledge that binds them together as Joseph struggles with a planned marriage and his growing attraction to Isabel.
Rodriguez creates a tense and theatrical atmosphere by skillfully fusing gothic themes with a historically accurate backdrop. The story moves at a captivating pace, revealing long-kept secrets that could upend the characters' way of life. With its richly nuanced characters and vivid prose, "The Girl from Colombia" will mesmerize readers and immerse them in a world of hidden realities and extramarital affairs. Readers who enjoy romantic thrillers and historical fiction should not miss this captivating novella. Highly recommended.
September 5, 2020
What a book! “THE GIRL FROM COLOMBIA” is an amazing book written by Julian Rodriguez. This story is gripping. Part action and part drama this novel hooked me after reading the first pages. In fact, I read it at the edge of my seat because it was full of twists and turns. It was like a rollercoaster.
The story is narrated in the third person and it is about Joseph Johnson who goes to London to check his father’s property. Joseph falls in love with Isabel, a girl from Colombia who was adopted by his father. But some things are not like they seem…
This novel contains 138 pages. It is beautifully written and has a good story line. All the chapters are full of secrets and you keep on reading wanting to know what will happen next.
All in all, this novel would make a really good film, because it is such an a very exciting story. It is well worth Reading it. I thoroughly recommend it!
The story is narrated in the third person and it is about Joseph Johnson who goes to London to check his father’s property. Joseph falls in love with Isabel, a girl from Colombia who was adopted by his father. But some things are not like they seem…
This novel contains 138 pages. It is beautifully written and has a good story line. All the chapters are full of secrets and you keep on reading wanting to know what will happen next.
All in all, this novel would make a really good film, because it is such an a very exciting story. It is well worth Reading it. I thoroughly recommend it!
September 5, 2020
“The Girl From Colombia” is a compelling Victorian Romance Mystery story, written by Julian Rodriguez, which tells the story of Isabel.
The author takes us back to the 1800 in New Jersey, where Joseph Johnson, Samuel´s son, arrives from the United Kingdom to see the property he inherited from his father. Samuel has already arranged a marriage for his son. Once in Sea Girt, he meets a foreign girl, Isabel, and he instantly becomes lovesick. What will he do? Is he going to marry Elizabeth or is he going to follow his heart?
What an amazing story! Julian Rodriguez´s prose is exquisite. The plot of the story is very good and there are certain twists and turns that make the tale even more interesting and difficult to put it down. This story has it all: romance, mystery and sexual content.
I think this book is aimed at adults and mature readers due to its content. The Girl From Colombia will grab and hold your attention. Yes, this book has it all.
The author takes us back to the 1800 in New Jersey, where Joseph Johnson, Samuel´s son, arrives from the United Kingdom to see the property he inherited from his father. Samuel has already arranged a marriage for his son. Once in Sea Girt, he meets a foreign girl, Isabel, and he instantly becomes lovesick. What will he do? Is he going to marry Elizabeth or is he going to follow his heart?
What an amazing story! Julian Rodriguez´s prose is exquisite. The plot of the story is very good and there are certain twists and turns that make the tale even more interesting and difficult to put it down. This story has it all: romance, mystery and sexual content.
I think this book is aimed at adults and mature readers due to its content. The Girl From Colombia will grab and hold your attention. Yes, this book has it all.
September 3, 2020
A quick read that will make you want more!
The Girl from Colombia is a Victorian fictional novel written by the Colombian writer Julian Rodriguez.
This story is set in New Jersey in the year 1890. Back then, a young man named Joseph Johnson travels from England to America to look around his father’s industry. What Johnson didn’t know is that he was about to reveal deep secrets and really get to know his father in depth.
This story is great because it reveals the costumes and traditions of the Victorian era. The language used is simple, the plot is compelling, and the characters are well-developed. While reading, we have to uncover a mystery, which makes this book hard to put down.
There are around 140 pages in this book, which make this novel a perfect read for a weekend. I believe that both teenagers and adults might find the reading enjoyable.
The Girl from Colombia is a Victorian fictional novel written by the Colombian writer Julian Rodriguez.
This story is set in New Jersey in the year 1890. Back then, a young man named Joseph Johnson travels from England to America to look around his father’s industry. What Johnson didn’t know is that he was about to reveal deep secrets and really get to know his father in depth.
This story is great because it reveals the costumes and traditions of the Victorian era. The language used is simple, the plot is compelling, and the characters are well-developed. While reading, we have to uncover a mystery, which makes this book hard to put down.
There are around 140 pages in this book, which make this novel a perfect read for a weekend. I believe that both teenagers and adults might find the reading enjoyable.
September 19, 2020
This book by Julian Rodriguez takes readers back to 1890 New Jersey. In it, you’ll read of Joseph Johnson who is currently traveling to the state from London to check out his father’s property. While venturing to it, he comes across Isabel, a young woman who his father adopted from Colombia many years ago. Over time, he becomes intrigued by the mysterious Isabel, despite being pledged to marry a local doctor’s daughter. However, Johnson finds that Isabel isn’t as innocent as she might appear.
Rodriguez writes with a captivating style that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The book is packed with unique characters and a variety of plot twists that are sure to surprise you. However, there is mature content and language in it that some readers might not like. If you’re looking for an absorbing mystery or historical thriller to enjoy, definitely consider this one.
Rodriguez writes with a captivating style that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The book is packed with unique characters and a variety of plot twists that are sure to surprise you. However, there is mature content and language in it that some readers might not like. If you’re looking for an absorbing mystery or historical thriller to enjoy, definitely consider this one.
May 15, 2024
The Girl From Columbia
Julian Rodriguez
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5 stars
Intense! This book is small but mighty, it’s jam packed. It may only be 159 pages, but each one was full of heartbreak, romance, murder, and strength. It was written out so vividly truly suspenseful, dark and twisted.
This one was set in the late 1800s. It’s a wild ride so buckle up… The story follows Isabel. (the girl from Columbia), Joseph(technically Isabel’s stepbrother, she was adopted), and Samuel, Joseph’s father. Samuel is not a good guy, we’ll just leave it at that. Each character intertwine and one compelling cast.
This book was short, sweet( only used as a figure of speech here) and to the point. It’s one you can and probably will read in a day. If you like dark, Victorian era tales, this one is for you.
#Thegirlfromcolombia
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Julian Rodriguez
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5 stars
Intense! This book is small but mighty, it’s jam packed. It may only be 159 pages, but each one was full of heartbreak, romance, murder, and strength. It was written out so vividly truly suspenseful, dark and twisted.
This one was set in the late 1800s. It’s a wild ride so buckle up… The story follows Isabel. (the girl from Columbia), Joseph(technically Isabel’s stepbrother, she was adopted), and Samuel, Joseph’s father. Samuel is not a good guy, we’ll just leave it at that. Each character intertwine and one compelling cast.
This book was short, sweet( only used as a figure of speech here) and to the point. It’s one you can and probably will read in a day. If you like dark, Victorian era tales, this one is for you.
#Thegirlfromcolombia
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
August 3, 2024
It’s New Jersey, 1890. Here, a calculating brute lurks in human form. He has a son, and he has big plans for the boy. An arranged marriage between the youngster and the daughter of a local doctor will position them nicely in the upper echelons of society. But then, the young man meets Isabel, his father’s adopted Columbian daughter. Though everyone claims she has a mysterious disease, Joseph sees past all that. What he sees, instead, is a fascinating young woman who seemingly has entranced him with no effort whatsoever.
Now, as Isabel and Joseph start getting to know each other, Joseph’s father, Samuel, realizes that all of his plans are threatened. The series of events and revelations that come next will keep the reader guessing, as this story spirals ever closer to a jaw-dropping conclusion that no one, including the characters involved, ever saw coming.
Now, as Isabel and Joseph start getting to know each other, Joseph’s father, Samuel, realizes that all of his plans are threatened. The series of events and revelations that come next will keep the reader guessing, as this story spirals ever closer to a jaw-dropping conclusion that no one, including the characters involved, ever saw coming.
August 8, 2024
The Girl from Colombia offers a thrilling historical mystery. The novel explores the unique perspective of identity and belonging of a Colombian girl adopted by an American family in 19th century New Jersey. Joseph, the main character, is called home by his father, Samuel, to discuss an arranged marriage. However, Joseph is attracted by Isabel, Samuel's mysterious Colombian adopted daughter. While the story continues, Joseph becomes increasingly interested into Isabel's mystery. The author writes, "Isabel was a riddle wrapped in an enigma, a beautiful enigma, but an enigma nonetheless." Driven by curiosity, Joseph explores deeper into his family's history, uncovering a world of lies, betrayal, and danger. Readers will be immersed in a world of unexpected realities covered in darkness and hidden truths.
February 2, 2021
“The girl from Colombia” by Julian Rodriguez can be described as a completely appealing book. Not only its romance plot is full of intrigue and suspense, but it also has a completely engaging storyline.
Taking place in a Victorian era, the characters in this historical novel are very well described and developed. The author took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions that ensues from feeling anger towards villains, to feel empathy with the main characters. Moreover, Rodriguez writes stunningly with vivid imagery and creates details that led me on a fantastic visual journey.
All in all, the writing is amazing, the pace is blinding, the twists are magnificent, and the ending is just surprisingly unexpected!
Taking place in a Victorian era, the characters in this historical novel are very well described and developed. The author took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions that ensues from feeling anger towards villains, to feel empathy with the main characters. Moreover, Rodriguez writes stunningly with vivid imagery and creates details that led me on a fantastic visual journey.
All in all, the writing is amazing, the pace is blinding, the twists are magnificent, and the ending is just surprisingly unexpected!
February 2, 2021
In my opinion, “The Girl from Colombia” is a lovely story. It is set in the nineteen century in America and it tells the story of a young couple. This novel is full of romances, mystery, and suspense. It stars with an arranged marriage and turns to murder scene, so it definitely contains a lot of twists and turns.
What I like the most is the way every chapter introduces the next one and also character development. While reading it I felt the intrigue growing inside, because of the captivating story and the charming personality that Isabel has, who is the girl from Colombia. The setting of the dialogues is quite entertained too. I would recommend it to adults because there are some sexual scenes throughout the story.
What I like the most is the way every chapter introduces the next one and also character development. While reading it I felt the intrigue growing inside, because of the captivating story and the charming personality that Isabel has, who is the girl from Colombia. The setting of the dialogues is quite entertained too. I would recommend it to adults because there are some sexual scenes throughout the story.
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