In the Shade of the Jacaranda

In the Shade of the Jacaranda is a continuation of the story, which began in The Winds of Sonoma. It mirrors the same God-inspired romance and desire to follow His paths. Angelica and Antonio have settled into their first home and are now expecting a baby. Complications which arise during the pregnancy shake Angelica's foundation and faith while causing tension with the in-laws. But it is through these low times that the Lord's love and passion for them is revealed. I was nervous before reading this book because of the concern of pregnancy problems, but it was truly a story that could be read by anyone at any time (pregnant or not) because it beautifully expressed God's love for all people including HIS precious babies. What a superbly written love story that displays triumph in the midst of trepidation! It's an absolute page-turner and will challenge even the strong spirited to rediscover the hidden blessings found in the unnecessarily fears of the world. Be looking for our next review from this series! ~Shaye of Chadron MOPS

In Nikki Arana's previous book, The Winds of Sonoma, we bit our nails hoping that Antonio and Angelica would beat the odds, fall in love, and show the world that two disparate individuals can find love and happiness. And so they did. And now, in this masterfully written sequel, Angelica and Antonio Perez fight the odds again. The first years of marriage are difficult enough under the best of circumstances, and for Angelica and Antonio, the challenges abound. Angelica's parents disapprove of her marriage. While they can appreciate Antonio's work ethic, they still believe him to be beneath their family stature and unworthy of Angelica's love. Antonio struggles to study English and support his wife through a fledgling landscaping business, while Angelica must deal with a troublesome boss in trying to re-establish her legal career. Like most newlyweds, the merger of two different upbringings creates roadblocks in and of itself. When that conflict is broadened by cultural and economic variances, the stage is ripe for bitter dispute. Can this marriage survive? When Angelica discovers she is pregnant, the news is at first greeted with great joy. Hope arises that a grandchild will help unite the Amantes with their son-in-law. At the same time, Antonio's grandmother makes a fortuitous visit. Although uneducated, her wisdom is steeped in a faith that transcends logic. The young couple will need her prayers and steadfast faith as the the hardest challenges are yet to come. Angelica learns that her baby may have developmental problems. Within this backdrop, Arana weaves an engaging story of simple faith, expertly showing the difference between knowing of God and believing Him for all things in our lives. Through emotionally gripping scenes and sympathetic portrayal, the reader identifies with all the main characters, feeling their struggles and pain.

In the Shade of the Jacaranda is a romantic love story written by Nikki Arana that teaches people to trust in God, even when life gets challenging. Angelica, a rich, upper-class woman, falls in love with Antonio, the man her parents hired to clean out their stables. The young couple is truly in love, but Angelica's parents refuse to accept Antonio into the family due to his Mexican background. Angelica's mother and father wonder at Angelica's choice to marry Antonio, when, they think, she could have married any wealthy American she wanted. Angelica can't understand why her parents will not accept Antonio, the man she cares for with all of her heart. Antonio, for his part, loves Angelica's parents, but as much as he tries to please them, they will not accept him. When they become pregnant with their first child, Angelica and Antonio are thrilled. Her parents, on the other hand, are quite appalled by the news. Angelica and Antonio do their best to try to make her parents happy about the news, but it is a constant struggle. Angelica is a kind, hard-working lady, despite having grown up with everything handed to her. However, when she marries Antonio, a mere servant of the family, her world changes drastically. Antonio is a loving man who does his best to provide for her, yet he has no money and a very hard time getting work. He knows very little English, making Angelica's parents even more upset about the vast barriers between the two young people. It is a constant battle for Angelica and Antonio to try to please each other, her parents, and God. This book is so full of emotions and tests, yet has a solid plot that carries you forward, and in fact, had my attention from cover to cover. There are continuous problems, struggles, and challenges that need to be faced, just as in real life. In the Shade of the Jacaranda will inspire readers when they face problems in their own lives, encouraging patience and waiting on the Lord, for He is always with us. -- Jami Peck, Christian Book Previews.com

The second in the Regalo Grande series, In the Shade of the Jacaranda is more powerful, more potent, and even more compelling than the first novel (The Winds of Sonoma). Author Nikki Arana continues the story of Angelica Amante and her husband Antonio Perez, newly married and struggling to make a place for themselves in the world. It seems as if they are assaulted on all sides with one crisis following another. In the midst of the most trying of times, Angelica tries to make sense of the nonsensical by exploring her faith to a deeper and more profound level. Coming from a background of wealth and privilege, Angelica is blinded to the truth that her Mexican husband, though illiterate and unlearned in many ways, yet exceeds her in understanding about the ways in which the Lord chooses to work. With Antonio's unwavering love and the gentle guidance of his precious grandmother, Angelica learns that her faith is not dependant on her circumstances. She learns that the secret of truly seeking the heart of God is in worship and surrender. The novel is another brilliant work by Nikki Arana and I eagerly look forward to the final installment in this series.

Her family, especially her parents, and her friends still wonder why Angelica Amante, daughter of a renowned wealthy heart surgeon, would marry an illiterate poor Mexican stable laborer (see THE WINDS OF SONOMA). In spite of the whisperers that he is fortunate to have her, she feels lucky to have an honest caring partner as her spouse as Antonio is that and more to her. However, this is not a fairy tale in which the Perez duo lives happily ever after. Life is filled with setbacks. As defense attorney Angelica becomes pregnant, Antonio's landscaping business looks doomed to failure. When her doctor tells her she needs to rest more and work less or jeopardize the health of her unborn, her boss demands more of her. Even her parents have doubts about having a grandchild that could serve as the anchor to a marriage they oppose while Antonio worries how he will feed his two charges with his business on the brink of bankruptcy. Love no longer seems enough, but their belief in God might give Angelica and Antonio the inner strength to get through a marital crisis. As with THE WINDS OF SONOMA, IN THE SHADE OF THE JACARANDA is inspirational the way it should be told. The insightful story line contains a fabulous cast struggling with bringing a baby into the world at a time when finances are low and loving relationships are falling apart under pressure. Nikki Arana provides a fascinating character-driven tale of multifaceted faith in oneself, loved ones, and God that enable light to shine when everything seems darkest at a time that should be filled with euphoria. Harriet Klausner