Publication Date: June 2, 2014
Booktrope Editions
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: The Castillo Family, Book Two
History, love, and faith combine in a gripping novel set in early 1700’s Mexico. In this second passionate and thrilling story of the Castillo family, the daughter of a secret Jew is caught between love and the burdens of a despised and threatened religion. The Enlightenment is making slow in-roads, but Consuelo’s world is still under the dark cloud of the Inquisition. Forced to choose between protecting her ailing mother and the love of dashing Juan Carlos Castillo, Consuelo’s personal dilemma reflects the conflicts of history as they unfold in 1711 Mexico.
A rich, romantic story illuminating the timeless complexities of family, faith, and love.
Praise for Novels of Claudia H. Long
The Duel for Consuelo: “A fascinating, terrifying window into early 18th–century Mexico and the final throes of the Inquisition. Courage and daring fill every page. The conclusion of The Duel for Consuelo is as heart rending as it is pulse pounding.” -David Perlstein, author of Slick! and The Boy Walker
Josefina’s Sin: “Superb debut. A moving tale of women seeking to balance competing passions of the heart, body, and mind in the lavish setting of a seventeenth-century Mexican court.” -Publishers Weekly
The Harlot’s Pen: “I was in awe of Claudia’s skill with threading such a compelling and captivating story through such a troubled time. She is beyond talented. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this inspiring book. You won’t regret it!” -Kristen @ Pretty Little Pages
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About the Author
Claudia Long is a highly caffeinated, terminally optimistic married lady living in Northern California. She writes about early 1700’s Mexico and modern day and roaring 20′s California. Claudia practices law as a mediator for employment disputes and business collapses, has two formerly rambunctious–now grown kids, and owns four dogs and a cat. Her first mainstream novel was Josefina’s Sin, published by Simon & Schuster in 2011. Her second one, The Harlot’s Pen, was published with Devine Destinies in February 2014. Claudia grew up in Mexico City and New York, and she now lives in California.
Other Titles by Claudia H. Long
Josefina’s Sin
The Harlot’s Pen
The Duel for Consuelo Blog Tour Schedule
My Thoughts
The Duel for Consuelo takes place in Mexico, referred to as New Spain, in the 1700's. The Spanish Inquisition had long reaching talons and that is what this book is primarily about, the persecution of Judaism and the people who practiced it. Consuelo is the daughter of Isidro Argenta, Alcade or mayor of Tulancingo who's task it is to take care and protect her mother, Leila. Leila is in the stages of dementia but is also a Jewess who has to practice her faith in secret as Spain persecutes anyone not of the Catholic faith. Consuelo and her father are concerned for Leila's safety.
Consuelo attends the wedding of Joaquin Castillo, a very rich family, mainly so she can see the younger brother Juan Carlos. Of course her father would love to see an advantageous marriage in the Castillo family. Isidro has overextended himself with money lenders and a marriage into this family would help him tremendously. Consuelo is conflicted, duty to her parents or her love for Juan Carlos, which does she choose? She is sent to the Castle of the Carques of Condera to study apothecary with the nuns. While there she not only studies what she loves, but comes under the spell of Leandro de Almidon, in my opinion, a man who is way too arrogant and self serving for his own good. Juan Carlos comes to the castle and Consuelo is conflicted, who does she love? A duel insues, thus the title, A Duel for Consuelo.
I had not read much in the way of historical fiction that takes place in Mexico and was surprised that the Inquisition and the cruelty of Spain against the Jewish faith was an issue at the time and was not abolished until 1820's. This is a story that is well researched, with political machinations and religious beliefs being the main part of the story, along with duty, honor and love. This is a relatively short book and quite easy to read. I did enjoy it a lot and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of the book for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
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