The Queen of the Valley: A Spellbinding Historical Novel Based on True History

An engrossing, suspenseful family saga. Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana on The Spanish Daughter Against the backdrop of Colombias lush, yet wounded beauty in the wake of the 1925 Cali earthquake, this riveting novel by the award-winning Ecuadorian American author of The Spanish Daughter plunges three strangers a photographer, a young Spanish chocolatier in disguise, and a Palestinian-Colombian nun into a perilous search for the missing owner of a coveted hacienda amidst an emerging cholera epidemic. Engaging. For fans of historical fiction and works by Christina Baker Kline and Lisa Wingate. Booklist Driven and recklessly daring, Martin Sabater follows his lifelong dream of owning a cacao plantation in Valle del Cauca. But on the night of a spectacular gala, he disappearsand is never seen again. Now his hacienda is a budding Catholic hospital saving lives during an emerging epidemic. And novice nun Sor Puri is there to uncover the truth behind Martins disappearance. But her real identityand her past with the heartbreakingly charismatic Martinwill put far more than her perilous search at risk. A professional photographer, Lucas Ferreira is Martins best friend since boyhood. He has his own reasons for helping the determined, alluring nun. But what this reserved man wont reveal about his thwarted dreams and unrequited passion could prove key to the pastor a lethal trap. Martin was head nurse Sor Camila's only loveuntil an unfortunate mistake changed the course of her life forever. Now, Martin's home is an unexpected chance for her, Lucas, and Puri to set the past right. But with their secrets unearthing explosive memories and wrenching lies, can they survive the truth about Martinand the consequences that will forever alter their destinies? Vivid This book will appeal to readers who enjoy family conflict, historical details, and the exploration of lost love. Library Journal A tale as rich and complex as the finest chocolate. Marisel Vera, author of The Taste of Sugar