I wrote this historical fiction/romance and dedicated it to my grandmother (Avoa – Portuguese for grandmother) who died at the age of 100.5 on Mother’s Day several years ago. Although I never told her that I would write a story and dedicate it to her memory when she passed, she did share many of her stories in hopes that I would.

Lubelia Alycea leaves her native country of Madeira, Portugal to travel to her new home – America.

This is the story of how a strong, resilient young girl grows into a formidable woman. She must survive many tragedies in her lifetime, separation from family, sickness, death, betrayal, and a lost love. Will she find happiness and a new love in her life?

Will she be strong enough to face the storms ahead and still keep her family together? Will the secrets in her life destroy her and all that she holds dear?

She was a fascinating person as you will see if you read this book, and I do hope that you will. Most of it is embellished and purely fiction but the character traits are all her. I did put a lot of family into the story using fictional names and giving them a part. I thought my family who do read this book would get a chuckle out of being in the story even though their parts were also fictional. A couple of family members did share that they loved the book and enjoyed guessing who the characters were.

Avoa was a cantankerous person, always right and not one to lose an argument. I loved her dearly and always got a laugh out of her and shared many of my own over our conversations. She loved me and always told me that I was her favorite. I wonder how many others heard this same thing. I don’t think so though since I was the only one who visited her and brought her favorite food – lobster rolls. (So she told me time and time again so I would come back). Haha! I miss her so much but know that it was her time to go. She had a full and rich life, tough at times, but that was what made her so strong.

Here is a book trailer I created using Animoto.

Read what readers are saying.

If you have someone in your life that would love this book, someone who came to America to find the American dream or someone who wants to come here, this is the book for them. With a strong will, a determination to live a life free, a willingness to work hard to be a good citizen and live a good life, this is all possible. My grandmother did all that and she left us a legacy that no one can take away. She paved the way with many heartships and tragedies but somehow survived. We are thankful for her determination to do this and provide so much for us in our lives.

One day I will read this book again and cry many more tears of joy and heartache for her. I don’t like to read past books I have written since I always want to change things. My writing has changed and improved (a little) and hope it will continue to improve as I hone my craft. There is always room for improvement.

I hope you will check this book out soon and shed your own tears and feel her pain, sorrow and joy. If you do, then I have been successful in creating a story to be proud of and one that Avoa would have loved.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. I would love to hear your thoughts about this book and welcome and appreciate reviews wherever you purchase my books.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

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