J R Tompkins

The Gardens of Marguerite J R Tompkins

Upon Marguerita's return to her childhood "off-the-tourist-and-trade-route" island home after the death of her mother, her guitar-plucking contractor Savio helps with her fallen tree problem, invades her home with a pile of new neighbors, and sends her a rose, nearly killing homeless young flower vendor Antoníto. But as antagonistic Padre Francisco of the old Mission of San Carlos complicates her plans to mentor the budding entrepreneur, can she uncover the mysteries her new friends and boisterous neighbors all seem determined to hide from her? Music-filled feasts with local villagers, garden lessons with her summer students, coffee with friends, pre-dawn swims with Antoníto to barrier islands, and skinny-dipping in effervescent lagoons with Savio all reconcile Marguerita to the beauty and romance of her island's enchanted places. Can she brave the tropical storm headed their way, uncover the secrets that threaten them, and secure the healing she so desperately seeks?