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www.thesandovalsisters.com
www.sramosobriant.com
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The Sandoval Sisters' Secret of Old Blood is a finalist in two categories with the International Latino Book Awards: Best Historical Fiction and Best First Book, Fiction.
"This story of love, mysticism and betrayal tests the ultimate boundaries of sisterhood. I loved this brave, lushly written tale of life in old Santa Fe." Jill Smolinski, author of Objects of My Affection.
When Alma flees with her young lover to Texas to escape an arranged marriage with a much older man, she sets in motion a drama that will put the sisters and their legacy at risk.
Pilar, a 14-year-old tomboy, is offered as a replacement bride, and what follows is a sensuous courtship and marriage clouded by the curses of her husband’s former lover, Consuelo. She will stop at nothing, even the use of black magic, in her effort to destroy the Sandoval family.
The Mexican-American war begins and the Americans invade Santa Fe. The sisters survive the hostilities from two important fronts-New Mexico and Texas. Their money and ancient knowledge offer some protection, but their lives are changed forever.
"An outstanding family saga." Historical Novel Review and History and Women
"A brilliantly told story of the Sandoval Sisters . . . The book is
written with great skill and talent." #5 in the Top 10 Latino Books,
2012. The Latino Author
. . . [The] three extraordinary Sandoval sisters . . . are both fascinating and disturbing.” Claire Carmichael, author of Leaving Simplicity, and twenty other novels.
Dr. Shaul's complete review here
Erotica in Old Santa Fe
We don't know what those Latinas of yore did, now do we?
Obeyed their husbands? Check.
Fathers and brothers? Check.
Priests? Mothers-in-law? The list just grows.
The Sandoval sisters did exactly what they wanted while living on a rough frontier at the juncture of three cultures.
Pilar:
“Are you worried about Texas becoming a state?”
“It’s sure to happen and Texas wants New Mexico. Will the Americans keep Texas from our doorstep, or will the Texans encourage the Americans to conquer us?” He was quiet, and then he said, “Either way, they will come and they will hammer at your door to marry you—”
I put two fingers over his lips. A flash of light cut through the darkening room, followed by a grumble of thunder. “I want you inside me during the storm,” I said. Geraldo ran his hand under my skirt. I stopped its progress up my thigh. “Remember when we spoke of me dressing as a man—”
“A boy!”
“I have a few things, a pair of knickerbockers—”
Geraldo laughed. “Knickerbockers! You want me to undress you in order to dress you as a boyish dandy? You learned more than I had imagined at the Maison Carondelet.”
“Perhaps I could teach you a few things,” I said, and stood. Geraldo followed me to our bedroom, ever the eager student.
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Sandra Ramos O’Briant
grew up in Santa Fe and spent summers in Texas. Her short stories and
creative nonfiction have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies.
A complete list is here. The Sandoval Sisters’ Secret of Old Blood will be available in September, 2012.
Scene Read at the Autry on September 15, 2012.
May 18 Tia Chucha's Celebrating Words Festival
The panel is slated to begin at 3:00 and will end at 3:45 on Saturday May 18, 2013 at Los Angeles Mission College, 13356 Eldridge Avenue, Sylmar, CA. 91342.
April 20 & 21: Los Angeles Festival of Books
Join me at Vromans Bookstore in Pasadena, Sunday October 7, at 4:00 p.m.
I'll be on two panels at the Latino Book and Family Festival Saturday October 13.
October 22, private bookclub signing
November 3, private bookclub signing
November 10, Historical Novel Society, Fairfax Branch of the L.A. Public Library.
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