When the Heart Is Right — Parris Afton Bonds

When Washington D.C. socialite Allessandra O'Quinn is diagnosed with tuberculosis, she must face certain death at home, or leave everything she knows to seek a cure in the dry desert air of New Mexico.

Arriving at her new home, Alessandra is introduced to the local Taos Indians. Most importantly, she is introduced to shaman Manuel Mondragon. Renowned among his people as a leader and a healer, Man is handsome, intriguing...and promised to a young Taos Indian girl.

Man informs Alessandra her sickness is caused by her spirit. As she learns how to heal her body, Alessandra finds herself fighting to save her true self, as well as her heart.

In 1920s New Mexico, these aren't the only battles she will fight. With Alessandra's connections and knowledge of politics, she joins the local people in the fight against the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the rights to Blue Lake, where the tribe believes their ancient culture was created out of the sacred waters. As a place of ritual worship, the lake is essential to their religion and everyday life.

Set against the rich cultural background of the Taos Indians, this story of politics, male domination, racism, and love against all odds will capture your attention from the very first page until the unanticipated ending.

Previously published under the title Indian Affairs