Song of the Boricua
by Olivia Castillo
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GENRE: Fiction
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BLURB:
Puerto Rico an island of contradiction, serves as an enchanting backdrop following three generations of women.
Elena: Resilient and ambitious, but trapped by duty to her children.
Maria: Passionate and headstrong, but married to a man she does not love. Josephina: Optimistic and romantic, but in love with an alcoholic.
Isabella: Clairvoyant and spiritual, but denies her heritage and roots.
Like the land these women are held hostage, unfulfilled and unable to find their happiness. Each generation like the land is cursed. Can they defy the powerful bond of the curse and free themselves to find love everlasting?
New Author, Olivia Castillo, like the jibaros of the past weaves a tale of sorrow and joy. Castillos' fiction is timely, offering a glimpse into the islands rich history and offering insight into the story that has plagued women for all of time, the search for true love and acceptance of self.
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Excerpt Three:
Josephina
Yauco, Puerto Rico, February 1932
A young man Josephina had never seen was toiling alongside the workers. He had black hair and was very tan. She watched him work and felt an unfamiliar feeling come over her.
It was something she had never experienced before. She heard Marie chuckle beside her. “Il est beau,” Marie said with a knowing little smile.
Josephina’s cheeks turned as bright as a Poinciana flower. “Mon enfant, he’s like you, an orphan. Le petre asked if we could hire him. How could I deny him, fille?” Marie asked, shaking her head wearily.
“We have nothing, but when our priest speaks, how can we refuse direction from up high?”
Marie kissed the rosary she had around her neck and made the sign of the cross. She closed her eyes, fanning herself.
Josephina peeked at him, trying not to be obvious. The young man stood up, wiping the sweat from his brow, and took off his hat. He looked toward the house and spotted Josephina staring at him.
She quickly turned away, embarrassed. Again, with telepathic clarity, Marie spoke gently beside her. “His name is Alejandro. He is such a nice boy. I will introduce you aprés mon somme—after my nap.”
A flushed Josephina quickly protested “Mère, no, you must not.” Marie chuckled louder, the wrinkles around her eyes deepening. “Listen to your old mère.
You need to be with people your own age, not us vieux gens, old people.”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Olivia Castillo is a New York native. After going to the prestigious Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, she went on to study graphic design at Otis Parson's College in Los Angeles. Along with being an entrepreneur, she is the mother of three children, and grandmother of two. When not writing or spending time with her family, she travels the world and paints. Song of the Boricua is her first novel.
Author website and blog: www.oliviacastillo.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviacauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviacauthor/
Buy on Amazon now: https://amzn.to/2P63Wh9
The book will be on sale for $0.99.
Interview with Olivia Castillo
Interview with Olivia Castillo
1. What is your favorite part of this book and why?
My favorite part is the romance between Josephina and Alejandro. I loved their innocence and the setting.
2. If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
I would spend it with Josephina and we would explore the Valley of Yauco and the coffee plantations.
3. If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
I would have loved to be Emily Bronte who wrote, Wuthering Heights.
4. Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
My characters are based on real people and also people I had heard stories about.
5. What made you want to become a writer?
My mother taught me to read and to appreciate books. She encouraged me to journal and to write. Being exposed to many amazing books at a young age inspired me.
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Olivia Castillo will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the tour and comment; the more they comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
