304 pages | Paperback

Set against the lush backdrop of early twentieth century Ecuador and inspired by the real-life history of the coastal town known as the birthplace of cacao, this captivating novel from the award-winning author ofThe Sisters of Alameda Streettells the story of a resourceful young chocolatier who must impersonate a man in order to claim her birthright

An engrossing, suspenseful family saga filled with unpredictable twists and turns. Chanel Cleeton,New York Timesbestselling author ofNext Year in Havana

With an equal mix of historical fiction, dramatic family conflict, and mystery, this tale should please fans of Christina Baker Kline, Lisa Wingate, and Kate Quinn. Booklist

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Perfect for fans of Julia Alvarez and Silvia Moreno-Garcia, this exhilarating novel transports you to the lush tropical landscape of 1920s Ecuador, blending family drama, dangerous mystery, and the real-life history of the coastal town known as the birthplace of cacao.

As a child in Spain, Puri always knew her passion for chocolate was inherited from her father. But its not until his death that she learns of something else shes inheriteda cocoa estate in Vinces, Ecuador, a town nicknamed Pars Chiquito. Eager to claim her birthright and filled with hope for a new life after the devastation of World War I, she and her husband Cristbal set out across the Atlantic Ocean. But it soon becomes clear someone is angered by Puris claim to the estate

When a mercenary sent to murder her aboard the ship accidentally kills Cristbal instead, Puri dons her husbands clothes and assumes his identity, hoping to stay safe while she searches for the truth of her fathers legacy in Ecuador. Though freed from the rules that women are expected to follow, Puri confronts other challenges at the estatenewfound siblings, hidden affairs, and her fathers dark secrets. Then there are the dangers awakened by her attraction to an enigmatic man as she tries to learn the identity of an enemy who is still at large, threatening the future she is determined to claim

A lush Ecuadoran cacao plantation is the setting for this imaginative historical drama filled with sibling rivalry and betrayals.Threaded throughout this dramatic family saga are descriptions of cocoa-making that will leave your mouth watering for chocolate. The Washington Post

A lushly written story of bittersweet family secrets and betrayals. Andrea Penrose, author ofMurder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Passionate and suspenseful,The Spanish Daughteris a satisfying historical mystery set in a lush tropical land. Foreword ReviewsSTARRED REVIEW

EngrossingAs addictive as chocolate. Publishers Weekly