Desires and Deceptions — Catherine Burr

Desires and Deceptions is the compelling story of a young girl's journey into womanhood and business venture that brings her to grips with her romantic ambition and conflicting values. Marisa is enthralled as a young girl by the beautiful estates where her father works as a gardener. At age 13, she determines she will enjoy that lofty lifestyle but, she is not prepared for the barriers designed by those who don't think she should be allowed to rise out of her humble background.

Marisa struggles with sheer determination to win acceptance into a society she envies. Along the road she finds love, heartache and disillusion. She is bewildered by the snobbery and veneer of those she seeks to emulate.

Desires and Deceptions is a fascinating journey with the backdrop of the gold rush growth of the Silicon Valley, where dreams, schemes and genius abound.