Winds of Sonoma
Regalo Grande Book 1
by Nikki Arana

List Price: $12.99
Pages: 368
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 0800730488
Publisher: Revell Books

This decision could change her life forever. But how can Angelica choose between her career and her heart?

As the rising star of a prominent law firm and the only daughter of a wealthy horse-ranching family, Angelica Amante has everything money could buy. Things can only get better for her. Or so she thought. When she's offered a promotion, Angelica is suddenly confronted with a life-changing decision. Should she continue to work for a company that profits by taking advantage of the poor, or take a stand against injustice and put her career in jeopardy?

Then Angelica meets Antonio, a handsome and determined worker on her father's ranch. As she gets to know him, Angelica discovers that Antonio has left his poverty-stricken home in Guadalajara, Mexico, and illegally crossed the U.S. border to find work. Immediately Angelica's compassion is reawakened. Soon coinciding circumstances and conflicting lifestyles cause their worlds to collide, and Angelica and Antonio find themselves at a crossroad of faith, love, and selfless commitment that will forever alter both their lives.

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1. The wind in the book is a metaphor. When did you first notice a reference to the wind? List the various references to the wind and decide if a pattern emerges. Discuss the significance of these references and their link to the book's title. What does the wind symbolize?

2. The hero, Antonio Perez, grew up living under a tree somewhere near Guadalajara. Discuss how these humble beginnings helped shape his character.

3. Angelica's intention when she went to speak with her boss at the law firm in New York was to be reassigned within the firm. Was this the right thing to do when she knew the company was engaged in exploiting Mexican laborers? Should she have distanced herself from the company? Should she have reported them?

4. Regalo Grande means "big gift." Gifts are a theme of the book. Starting with the ranch, and following through to salvation, discuss what "gifts" are woven into the story, both tangibly and symbolically. How are they used as subtext to the story?

5. Antonio has no money, no power, and no worldly possessions. He has only his God-given gifts with which to win Angelica. Discuss what they are, and how he uses them.

6. Angelica is initially attracted to Antonio because she saw his beautiful spirit. Discuss why she was so moved by his humble act of cleaning the water trough.

7. When Angelica asks what Antonio's name is, Chick says, "It doesn't matter what you call him. He's just a Mexican." What did Chick mean by that? Did you feel outraged when you read it, or did you just think it was rude? Do you feel more strongly about it now that you've read the book? If so, why?

8. When Antonio is offered a chance to use his guitar to find fame and solve his financial problems, he makes an unusual decision. Discuss why he did this. What was there in his character, his culture, and his worldview that formed his decision? What would you do if presented with a similar opportunity?

9. When Antonio plays the guitar, it speaks to Angelica's heart. Why?

10. Angelica's parents couldn't accept Antonio. It was not just because of his race. Which of their reasons were legitimate concerns?

11. Antonio carried the customs of his culture with him. What cultural differences did you find appealing? Were there any you would like to adopt?

12. Ron Kay helped Antonio when he knew that Antonio had crossed the border illegally. Using Biblical principles, discuss what he should have done.

13. Discuss the moral dilemma presented by the man who needed cancer medicine for his wife and broke the law to get it. What would Jesus have done?

14. What Christlike qualities did Antonio exemplify in the way he lived his life?

15. Antonio was not the traditional alpha male hero of romances; he was a man of gentleness and honor. He acted heroically when confronted with moral dilemmas. What were these dilemmas? Name specific moral dilemmas you are confronted with daily. What scriptural principles do you apply?

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"The Winds of Sonoma is a breath of fresh air blowing through the Christian fiction world. This first book in Nikki Arana's Regalo Grande series is so moving, her characters so real, and her love-relationship with Jesus so obvious that I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fast-paced read. I, for one, am anxiously awaiting the sequel!"

—Kathie Mills-Macias, author, the Matthews & Matthews detective series

"Strong but simple faith and a story of love that overcomes prejudice combine to make The Winds of Sonoma a fine debut novel. I look forward to the next book in Ms. Arana's Regalo Grande series."

—Robin Lee Hatcher, best selling author, The Harts Crossing series

"I was so excited after reading this that I forced myself to wait a week and see if I still have the same reaction. ‘Wow' is still my only response to The Winds of Sonoma. I truly believe Nikki Arana is a rising star among Christian writers."

—Diana Pederson, BellaOnline

"Nikki Arana has been blessed with a God-given talent for writing powerful Inspirational fiction that touches the heart and soothes the soul. It is truly a gift."

—The Editing Gallery