My novel, The Gravity of San Miguel, is 80,0o0 words and set in Central Mexico. Here’s a quick overview!
You’d think Isabelle Martin has the perfect life. A privileged childhood, her dream job as a reporter in Seattle, and a catch of a boyfriend who wants to make it official. But when Isabelle sees a child shot to death at a police standoff, dark secrets hidden inside her come back to life. Now, all Isabelle can think about are whips, spurs and the glancing blows inflicted by her horse trainer father. She quits her job, deflects her boyfriend’s attempt at a proposal, and runs away from her tattered past and ruined relationship to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
But while Isabelle tries to escape behind her new magazine job, popsicle-colored buildings and the blue bowl of the sky, she can’t help but notice Arturo Soto Rivera, an eclectic mix of cowboy and Juilliard-trained singer. She desperately wants to push him away, but is romanced by poetry, photographs and a Day of the Dead adventure in Querétaro. Arturo gently breaks through her tough emotional shell, and helps her overcome her fear of horses – animals that give her post-traumatic flashbacks.
Despite Arturo’s efforts, Isabelle still can’t let herself fall in love. It doesn’t help that she can’t quite get rid of her ex-boyfriend, or a prying mother who talks badly about Mexico. Isabelle is riddled with fear, and must come to terms with her past in order to heal completely – with or without Arturo by her side.
