The Winds of Sonoma - Arana, Nikki. Revell (an imprint of Baker), c2005. 367p. $12.99, Paperback. ISBN-10: 0-8007-3048-8. Suitable reading for teens through adults Fiction Women lawyers—Fiction. Horse breeders—Fiction. Sonoma (Calf.)—Fiction. Rich people—Fiction.

In The Winds of Sonoma, the first in the Regalo Grande series (followed by this year’s In the Shade of the Jacaranda and The Fragrance of Roses), Nikki Arana has created a believable contemporary love story. A successful young New York lawyer, Angelica Amante seems to have everything a woman could want. Then a promotion conflicts with her ethics—she cannot allow herself to be responsible for the deportation of illegal aliens who have not received months of wages. Angelica’s request to be taken off the case results in her dismissal and return home to California.

The return home does not go smoothly. The only thing that seems normal is her relationship with “Poppy,” who has been with the family since before her birth. She welcomes the attention of an old flame but is strangely attracted to an illegal alien ranch hand. The ranch shows neglect, and her mother is ill. Angelica’s surgeon father has invested everything in the development of a new drug, but an unexpected delay in FDA approval creates financial chaos. Things go from bad to worse when she tells her parents she plans to apply for a position as public defender. And that’s not all.

The Winds of Sonoma is exceptionally well written. The fact that some of the story line comes from the author’s life makes it even more interesting. More information is available at www.nikkiarana.com

Lois M. Cone
St. Ignatius Alliance Church
St. Ignatius, Montana