After witnessing a stranger murder her father and brother, twenty-two-year-old Joaquina Souza struggles to trust an old hobo, Noah Gabriel, and his young companion, Michael McCallister, who come to the Souza farm looking for work on the heels of the tragedy. Joaquina’s mother is mourning her loss in an unconscious state, while Joaquina and her younger brother Manny battle for power over family and farm. Even Michael, Noah’s handsome apprentice, brings additional concerns to the Souza’s door: a manhunt—for him. When a random vagrant named Scout arrives at the most inconvenient time, the family balance reels further out of control, threatening to destroy the last of their faith, hope, and trust.
The law provides little help in bringing justice to the murders. Joaquina’s brother Manny lacks experience and understanding when the Souzas’ troubles escalate at home and during the community’s annual Portuguese Festa bullfight. Unless Joaquina can find solutions to face the enemy head-on through mistrust, family discord, and new love, the unexpected will force her to throw everything she holds dear into the ring.
But answers are within reach. Even Joaquina’s worst fears might be miracles in the making.
Available on Amazon.
